MAKE & UP

Polymer & Carrier Comparison Matrix

Foundation Film-Formers, Volatile Silicones & Mineral Primers

Compare how volatile siloxanes, MQ silicone resins, and crosspolymer elastomers govern dry-down speed, pore blurring, and transfer resistance across classic European and prestige complexion formulas.

Long-wear foundations achieve transfer resistance by pairing a volatile low-viscosity carrier (cyclopentasiloxane or isododecane) with an MQ resin film-former (trimethylsiloxysilicate). As the volatile phase evaporates within 8 to 12 minutes, the resin crosslinks around coated iron oxides to resist sebum breakdown.
Translucent silicone primer droplets beside sheer tinted emulsion ribbons on clear optical glass
Studio Plate 03: Volatile cyclomethicone primer droplets next to water-in-silicone tinted emulsions on borosilicate glass.

Filter Polymer Class (Zero Native Select)

INCI Ingredient Class Viscosity / MW Primary Optical / Mechanical Role EU Regulatory & Layering Note
Cyclopentasiloxane (D5) Volatile 4 cSt (371 Da) Weightless slip spread; flashes off cleanly EU 0.1% wash-off limit Leave-on still active
Isododecane Volatile 1.3 cSt (170 Da) Fast matte dry-down; dissolves MQ resins Can dehydrate compromised skin barriers
Isohexadecane Volatile 3.5 cSt (226 Da) Slower flash-off than isododecane; silky finish Common in sheer French fluid bases
Trimethylsiloxysilicate Resin MQ 3D Cage Transfer-proof pigment lock; water resistance Pairs poorly with un-cured acrylic SPFs
Acrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Resin Hybrid Copolymer Flexible breathability without rigid cracking High smudge resistance in humid climates
PVP / VP-Eicosene Copolymer Resin Hydrophilic / Lipophilic Film cohesion in water-based skin tints Higher washability; minimal pore occlusion
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer Elastomer 3D Gel Network Fills micro-relief texture; velvet primer slip Use < 0.3 g to avoid foundation rolling
Polymethylsilsesquioxane Elastomer 2-5 um Sphere Mie soft-focus scatter + sebum sorption Zero white cast in flash photography
CARRIER EVAPORATION WINDOW AT 32 C SKIN SURFACE (MINUTES TO 90% FLASH-OFF) Isododecane 3.5 min (Rapid matte) Cyclopentasiloxane (D5) 7.5 min (Balanced blend time) Isohexadecane 11.0 min (Satin fluid) Dimethicone (100 cSt) Non-volatile

Archived Foundation & Primer Monographs

Archive: /hourglass-veil-mineral-primer-review/ (Silicone + Mineral UV Primer)

Preserved archive from the Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer review: combines cyclopentasiloxane, dimethicone crosspolymers, and zinc/titanium dioxide (SPF 15) to bridge pore-filling slip with a water-repellent canvas for mineral and liquid foundations.

Archive: /estee-lauder-double-wear-light-stay-in-place-makeup-review/

Preserved formulation record of Estee Lauder Double Wear Light: a water-in-silicone emulsion stabilized with trimethylsiloxysilicate and polymethylsilsesquioxane spheres for controlled oil absorption without heavy opacity.

Archive: /cover-fx-power-play-foundation-review/

Preserved formulation record of Cover FX Power Play: talc-free matte coverage anchored by fermented rice bran wax, silica spheres, and volatile isohexadecane across 40 neutral/golden/pink shade coordinates.

Archive: /chanel-perfection-lumiere-velvet-foundation-review/

Preserved formulation record of Chanel Perfection Lumiere Velvet: classic French fluid architecture using alcohol denat and isohexadecane for ultra-thin film deposition (~8 um) with soft-focus cellulose powders.

Archive: /laura-mercier-translucent-loose-setting-powder-review/ & Hourglass Veil Powder

Preserved comparison between talc-based Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder (high sebum binding, slight matte cast on deep skin) and talc-free synthetic-mica Hourglass Veil Translucent Powder (translucent Mie scatter).