Make Up For Ever Step 1 Primer Pore Minimizer Versus NARS Cosmetics Soft Matte Primer
Updated on January 10, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both fungal acne (malassezia) safe face primers. They have a total of 7 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, oils or parabens
What's Inside
They both contain silicones
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Make Up For Ever Step 1 Primer Pore Minimizer 21 ingredients
NARS Cosmetics Soft Matte Primer 31 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Make Up For Ever Step 1 Primer Pore Minimizer 21 ingredients
NARS Cosmetics Soft Matte Primer 31 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Dimethicone
Emollient
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningTrimethylsiloxysilicate
Emollient
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Silica Silylate
EmollientParfum
Masking
CI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantLepidium Meyenii Root Extract
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Carbonate
AbsorbentMaltodextrin
AbsorbentPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientTocopherol
Antioxidant
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantHydrogen Dimethicone
CI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantWater
Skin ConditioningMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Titanium Dioxide, Phenoxyethanol, Silica Silylate, Parfum, CI 77492, Lepidium Meyenii Root Extract, Magnesium Carbonate, Maltodextrin, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Aluminum Hydroxide, Tocopherol, CI 77491, Hydrogen Dimethicone, CI 77499, Water
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
Emollient
C13-15 Alkane
SolventTalc
Abrasive
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningTrimethylsiloxysilicate
Emollient
Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract
Skin ProtectingOryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin Conditioning
Kappaphycus Alvarezii Extract
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Extract
EmollientRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialAlteromonas Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningTheobroma Cacao Seed Extract
Antioxidant
Isododecane
EmollientSodium Chloride
Masking
Magnesium Sulfate
Silica
Abrasive
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingC24-28 Alkyl Methicone
Emollient
Polyquaternium-51
Skin ConditioningPropylene Carbonate
SolventTocopherol
Antioxidant
Methicone
Emollient
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Water, Dimethicone, C13-15 Alkane, Talc, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Pentylene Glycol, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Kappaphycus Alvarezii Extract, Helianthus Annuus Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Alteromonas Ferment Extract, Theobroma Cacao Seed Extract, Isododecane, Sodium Chloride, Magnesium Sulfate, Silica, Butylene Glycol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, C24-28 Alkyl Methicone, Polyquaternium-51, Propylene Carbonate, Tocopherol, Methicone, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Titanium Dioxide
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Dimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeThis ingredient is a silicone used to improve the texture of products and absorb oil. It does not get absorbed into the skin.
Like other silicones, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer helps condition the skin by creating a barrier. In this sense, it can act as an emollient and trap moisture in.
This ingredient is a type of elastomer.
Learn more about Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone CrosspolymerThis silicone is an emollient. Emollients create a thin film on the skin to prevent moisture from escaping.
It is not soluble in water and helps increase water-resistance in products.
According to a manufacturer, it can blend seamlessly with silicone oils, such as Cyclopentasiloxane.
Learn more about TrimethylsiloxysilicateTitanium dioxide is known for its UVA and UVB protection properties. It is non-comedogenic and non-irritating. Titanium Dioxide is a physical sunscreen. Physical sunscreens reflect light and prevent it from reaching your skin.
Protecting your skin against UV radiation can prevent the signs of aging. Sun damage is associated with fine-lines, wrinkles, loss of firmness, and hyperpigmentation. Titanium dioxide can help prevent premature aging.
With modern production, nano-scale or fine-grade titanium dioxide can be easily produced for cosmetics. In sunscreen, titanium dioxide absorbs UV light. Our skin is not able to absorb Titanium dioxide, even nanoparticles.
Titanium itself is the 9th most common element in the Earth's crust. Titanium dioxide is formed when oxygen is introduced and can be found in ores, dust, sand, and soil.
Pure titanium dioxide is a white powder that is used in many products to add or change color.
Learn more about Titanium DioxidePhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Tocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolWater. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Make Up For Ever Step 1 Primer Pore Minimizer 21 ingredients
NARS Cosmetics Soft Matte Primer 31 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Make Up For Ever Step 1 Primer Pore Minimizer 21 ingredients
returned. didn't do anything bad, just didn't seem that effective at minimizing pores or making foundation work better.
