The full review

MakeSense Silk Primer review: my honest take

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*As stated by SeneGence.

MakeSense Silk Primer & Pore Minimizer is the step before foundation for skin that gets shiny or shows its pores. SeneGence says it minimizes the look of pores, absorbs oil and blurs lines, and it describes it as anti-aging too. It’s SeneGence’s most expensive color cosmetic, and it also sits in the skincare lineup, which tells you it’s meant to do more than just grip makeup.

If your nose is shiny by ten, start here, then use half the foundation you used to.

In practice, a thin layer smooths the canvas so foundation goes on more evenly and needs less product. The formula lists Miniporyl from red clover, ChroNOline and Nangai oil. The trade-off is price and a narrow job: if your skin is dry and your pores aren’t a worry, you won’t get much from it. It suits normal to oily and combination skin, especially around the nose and T-zone.

At $70 for 0.5 fl oz, it’s a real splurge. It’s worth it if shine and pores are the first thing you notice in photos. If your skin is on the dry side and you’d rather glow than blur, the $50 Glowify Microbiome Serum Primer is the better fit.

Silk Primer vs Microbiome Serum Primer: which one should you get?

	MakeSense Silk Primer My pick	Glowify Microbiome Serum Primer
Main job	Minimizes the look of pores, absorbs oil (SeneGence)	Hydrates, supports the skin barrier (SeneGence)
Finish	Blurred, less shine	Lit-from-within glow (SeneGence)
Key ingredients	Miniporyl, ChroNOline, Nangai oil	Microbiome-supporting formula
Suits	Oily and combination skin	Dry, dull or thirsty skin
Price	$70	$50
Pick it if	Pores and shine bother you most	You want dewy, hydrated-looking skin

Where it fits in your morning routine

13 in 1 Cleanser, Normal to Oilycleanse2DayTime Moisturizer, Normal to Oilymoisturize3Silk Primeryou are here4Original Foundationbase

Follow SeneGence’s AM order: cleanse, exfoliate, any serums, then moisturizer. Primer goes on after skincare and before any makeup. Let it settle for a minute, then apply MakeSense Foundation in thin layers. Finish with loose powder on the T-zone if you’re very oily.

What’s in it, in plain words

• Miniporyl (red clover): a red clover-based ingredient SeneGence includes for the look of pores.
• ChroNOline: a peptide. SeneGence describes peptides as supporting collagen production.
• Nangai oil: a Vanuatu nut oil SeneGence describes as deeply hydrating and soothing.
• Oil-absorbing, blurring finish: SeneGence says it absorbs oil and blurs lines, so makeup sits smoother on top.

My tips

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MakeSense Silk Primer FAQs

Does MakeSense Silk Primer minimize pores?

SeneGence says it minimizes the look of pores, absorbs oil and blurs lines. It changes how pores look under makeup; it doesn’t change your skin’s structure.

Is the Silk Primer good for oily skin?

Yes, oily and combination skin are who it’s made for. Pair it with the Normal to Oily versions of the SeneGence cleanser and moisturizer.

Is it skincare or makeup?

Both, in a way. It’s a makeup primer, but SeneGence also lists it with its skincare and describes it as anti-aging, with ingredients like Nangai oil and ChroNOline.

How much Silk Primer should I use?

About a pea-size amount for the whole face, pressed in after moisturizer. The 0.5 fl oz bottle lasts longer when you use it thinly.

Silk Primer or Glowify Serum Primer?

Silk Primer for pores and shine. The Glowify Microbiome Serum Primer for hydration and glow. Oily skin usually prefers Silk; dry skin usually prefers Glowify.