The Best Face Primer for Acne Prone and Sensitive Skin: Korres Vitamin E Silicone Free Mattifying Face Primer

For the longest time, I never used makeup primers because all the ones I tried would break me out.

I have VERY reactive skin.

My skin breaks out if I look at it the wrong way.

Seriously.

Anyway, so I have tried a LOT of makeup primers with such horrible results.

Sure, they looked great on, but within a day or even a few hours I was combating a bad breakout or at least one or two painful spots. Even the primers that claimed to be anti-acne or infused with some acne treatment formula still made my skin freak out.

Finally, after much facial pain and suffering, lots of lost cash, and 5 unused re-gifted primers later, I found the perfect face primer: Korres Vitamin E Silicone Free Mattifying Face Primer with Pomegranate.

Application Instructions from Korres: 

Apply a pearl-size amount to face before applying foundation.

Product Claims : 

If your symptoms are visible pores, unwanted shine, and an overall makeup meltdown, then Korres has the remedy for you. This clinically proven, universally nude Pomegranate Mattifying Primer blends to an invisible matte finish while minimizing the appearance of pores, balancing skintone and texture, and preparing skin for smooth makeup application and long-lasting wear. The 94% natural, non-comedogenic formula is water-based so it allows skin to breathe and never clogs pores.

My Experiences: 

I have had nothing but good experiences with this primer. I originally bought it from Sephora after the Cover FX Anti Acne Primer broke me out really horribly. What I initially loved about this primer is that it is silicone free so it is much less likely to clog your pores as other makeup primers might. Many makeup primers include silicone because it fills in your pores, but it also blocks them in turn, and can create a lot of skin issues for you if you are sensitive to ingredients as I am.

When I first applied this primer, I was surprised that it has such a nice finish. It really makes your skin look more even toned, vibrant and hydrated. Makeup goes on great over this primer as well and, even though it touts itself as a mattifying primer, it is not drying to the skin in the least. Another thing I love about this primer is that it is made with natural ingredients, some of which include great benefits to your skin while you wear it. I feel like it works much like skincare, but with makeup functionality.

The formula includes pomegranate extract which is rich in vitamins A, C & E so you get antioxidant protection from pollution and other free radicals as well as skin nourishment. It also includes 5% willow bark extract and 5% witch hazel flower water, both of which are known to help with breakouts, irritation and oiliness.

Who It’s For: 

In my honest opinion, this primer is for anyone, but those who will benefit the most are those with oily, acne prone, reactive, or sensitive skin types. This primer will NOT break you out or irritate your skin. One of the main reasons why is because it is silicone free, an ingredient often included in primers to “fill” pores (or block them, as I see it!) which can break a LOT of people out. If you have large pores, though, there is good news. According to Korres, you, too, should use this primer if you have enlarged pores!

Best Uses:

 I have experimented loads with this primer. I think it works really well as intended as a makeup base primer, but it also works well to seal in your nighttime skincare products, especially as it has beneficial ingredients in the formula and it won’t irritate your skin.

Noted Ingredients: 

• Pomegranate Extract – Rich in vitamins A, C & E. Provides antioxidant benefits and Korres says it will “tighten pores” as well
• 5% Willow Bark Extract – Balances the skin and treats breakouts
• Rice Starch – Absorbs excess oil and softens the skin
• 5% Witch Hazel Flower Hydrosol Water – “Mattifies and tightens the skin without stripping natural oils”

Ingredient List: 

Water Dicaprylyl Ether, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hamamelis Virginiana Flower Water, Cetiaryl Alcohol, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Palmitate, Nylon-12. Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Starch, Benzyl Alcohol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Phenoxyethanol, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Xanthan Gum, Fragrance, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Cellulose Gum, Lactic Acid, Tocopheral, Sodium Phytate, Maltodextrin, Punica Granatum Extract. May Contain: Iron Oxides, Mica.

Formulated WithOUT:

• Parabens
• Sulfates
• Synthetic Dyes
• Petrochemicals
• Phthalates
• GMOs
• Triclosan

Product Pros:

• Silicone Free – Will Not clog pores
• Ingredients are Beneficial to Skin as well, especially vitamins A, C & E
• Great Finish Mattifies Skin without being drying
• Smells like Grapefruit
• Has a Nice Finish
• Evens Skin Tone

Product Cons: 

• May be Considered Expensive for Some
• May Not be Mattifying Enough for Very Oily Types
• Some May not Like Scent of Product

Final Thoughts:

In summation, I am really glad a primer like this is available. That I know of, it is the only silicone free primer on the market, or at least the only one that advertises as such. I really love that I can still get a nice matte, yet hydrated and even finish from this primer without harmful, pore clogging ingredients. I love that it includes skin beneficial ingredients that will improve my skin in the long term. Although it does cost $33, which may seem like a lot for some, I have had mine for about 6 months and I am barely running out now so, for me, it is  good value for the money.

Where to Find:

You can find the Korres Vitamin E Silicone Free Primer on the Korres website if you are not in the USA or at Sephora (where I bought mine).

OVERALL RATING: 10/10

Have you ever tried any Korres products?

What are your favorites?

That’s All for Now!

Stay Beautiful

&

I’ll Talk to You Soon : ]

Disclaimer: I was NOT given compensation to write this blog post in any way. I purchased this of my own free will. My opinions, thoughts and experiences with this product are my own.