Primers seem like the Emperors new clothes to me

[ClareBaldingsHair]

I have tried Laura mercier, Clarins beauty flash balm, benefit porefessional and none of them seem to DO anything!!! Well the porefessional does for a few minutes but it's really not worth the effort

I thought they might make me look glowing or dewy or less pore-y or less wrinkly but I honestly can see no difference. I tried Clarins beauty flash balm on only half my face and can still see no difference! Am I doing something wrong or are these products just not for me? I'm loathed to try others and end up spending more on products that do no visible good.

(I am 40 with oily, acne prone, pitted pore skin, and use ELDW foundation applied by hand with some Clinique dramatically different gel to loosen it a little)

use clinique universal primer and feel it definately makes my makeup last longer and goes on more easiy

I use smash box primer about once a month and my make up lasts all day BUT my skin gets bumpy if I use it.

What's a good alternative without silicone?

I do like the Laura Geller spackle one on QVC.
I may have to get that one again.

Yes any non silicone recommendations would be great

Silicone seems to just slip out of my pores

I use the Laura Mercier one but motive little difference (just feels indulgent as I know its expensive) . Most days I use boots no. 7 mattifying base on my T Zone. Does an excellent job of avoiding the oily shines.

OK, here's a non-silicone one, I use it in preference to face powder and it's cornflour. I apply under foundation with a big brush I use for loose face powder. I can feel the foundation sticking as it goes on.

Certainly worth a try if you have some in the kitchen (or even if you have to buy it, it's very cheap)

I have visions of going out looking like I've been ghosted!
I have olive skin and imagine it might look a little chalky on me

Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch. It doesn't feel silicon-y at all and gives a lovely matte smooth velvety finish. I think it makes my pores look better too.