Silicon VS Water Based Makeup – Is your makeup pilling?

Do Your Products Also Pill? A Tried and Tested Guide to Layering and Making Your Makeup Look Flawless 

Achieving a flawless makeup look often involves layering various products to create a smooth, long-lasting finish. However, one common issue many makeup enthusiasts and artists encounter is pilling. Pilling occurs when products ball up on the skin, creating an uneven texture. This can happen when layering silicone-based products over water-based products or vice versa. Understanding the properties of these products and knowing how to layer them correctly can help you avoid pilling and achieve a flawless finish. Here’s a comprehensive guide to using silicone and water-based products. 

The Science Behind Pilling 

Pilling usually occurs when the products you apply don’t blend well together, often due to differing base ingredients. Silicone-based products and water-based products each have unique properties and benefits, but they can clash when layered improperly. Silicone-based products create a smooth, velvety layer on the skin, which can sometimes repel water-based products, leading to pilling. Conversely, water-based products can struggle to adhere properly to silicone layers, resulting in the same issue. 

How to Layer Products to Avoid Pilling 

1. Understand Your Products:

• Silicone-Based Products: These often include ingredients like dimethicone, cyclopentasiloxane, and trimethylsiloxysilicate. They create a barrier on the skin, providing a smooth, matte finish and can help to blur imperfections. 

• Water-Based Products: These typically list water as one of the first ingredients. They are lightweight, hydrating, and often suitable for oily or acne-prone skin. 

2. Layering 

Try to layer silicon products with silicon products and water-based products with water-based products as these two bases do not mix well. If necessary, add your water-based products first in your routine and allow them to absorb before you apply silicon products.  

Products from our catalogue  

Here are some options for you to see what products you should be looking at depending on if you prefer silicon or water-based products. However, how do you know what is better for you?  

Choosing the Right Base for Your Skin Type 

1. Oily Skin:

You are looking for something more water based because water-based products are lightweight and help to balance oil production without clogging pores. Look for mattifying and oil-free formulas. 

2. Dry Skin:

You are looking for something Silicone-Based because Silicone-based products provide a barrier that helps to lock in moisture and create a smooth surface for makeup application. Look for hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid combined with silicone bases. 

3. Sensitive Skin:

You are looking for something more Water-Based because Water-based products are generally less likely to cause irritation and are often more hydrating and soothing for sensitive skin types. 

Deep Dive: How to Choose Your Makeup 

Choosing the right makeup involves several steps: 

• Identify Your Skin Type: Understanding whether you have oily, dry, combination, or sensitive skin is the first step. 

• Read the Ingredients: Look for key ingredients that match your skin type and concerns. For example, oily skin benefits from oil-free and mattifying ingredients, while dry skin benefits from hydrating and moisturizing ingredients. 

• Test Products: If possible, test products on a small area of your skin to see how they interact. Pay attention to how they layer and whether they cause any pilling or irritation. This is called patch testing and is a great way to see how products react together and on your skin.  

• Consider the Climate: Your skin’s needs can change with the weather. In humid climates, water-based products might work better, while in dry climates, silicone-based products can help lock in moisture. For weather like Dubai, you might want to consider water based products for a more lightweight look so that it does not suffocate your skin! 

By understanding the properties of silicone and water-based products and knowing how to layer them correctly, you can avoid pilling and achieve a flawless, long-lasting makeup look. Remember, the key to perfect makeup is not just the products you use, but how you use them.