15 Best Silicon-Free Face Primers To Buy This Summer: 2023

Want to look like a million bucks sans any spots, wrinkles or unevenness playing spoilsport? Check out our list of face primers to achieve glossy, youthful and glowing skin. 

Face primer is a magical skincare essential that illuminates your face with a burst of hydration and works to hide imperfections, scars and wrinkles. It acts as a sheer veil of silk that embraces the skin and leaves it looking plumped up, moisturized and smooth. 

Ideally used as a make-up base to achieve a naturally radiant look without making it look cakey, a face primer on its own works as a skin remedy that immediately fills up fine lines and pores for an even textured skin and brighter complexion and also prevents product build-up in skin pores. 

A winning trait of this no-fuss skin essential is its feather-light texture and satin smooth finish that lets you flaunt your skin’s natural radiance. Its quick absorbing nature regards it as an excellent summer skin saviour that forms a barrier between the skin and external irritants, yet keeps it nourished and hydrated. 

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CHECK OUT OUR TOP 15 RECOMMENDATIONS HERE!

15 Best Natural Face Primers For Luminous-Looking Skin

Here is a curated list of some natural silico- free make-up primers, illuminators, elixirs, serums and hydration you can put under your makeup to get a dazzling glow on your face.

2. RAS Luxury Oils 24K Radiance Face Gel Serum

This miracle gel formulation can single-handedly upturn the beauty of your face while establishing a healthy barrier between makeup and the outer layer of skin. It’s an all-in-one skin product that addresses nearly every type of skin concern minus any greasiness.

Key Highlights

• Manjishtha helps fight pigmentation and protects skin from sun damage 
• 24K Gold infuses a stunning glow and makes youthful
• Saffron extract cleanses the skin and helps repair skin cells
• Hyaluronic acid & Aloe gel offer intensive hydration to damaged skin

Why we recommend this product

• Makes skin glossy and hydrated
• Evenly coats skin
• Seals skin moisture
• Maintains skin hydration
• Smoothens skin texture
• Offers better colour correction with make-up
• Translucent formulation
• Can be used with or without make-up
• Works for all kinds of skin
• Best suited for dry skin
• Natural & Organic ingredients
• Non-greasy
• Chemical free
• Silicone free
• Cruelty-free

What’s not good

• Might exacerbate acne in oily skin

4. Earth Rhythm Glow Set Go Strobe Cream/ Primer

If you’re seeking greater coverage for acne marks, scars, spots or blemishes spoiling the beauty of your face, then here is a primer that is painstakingly curated with natural ingredients and tints to hide imperfections. 

Key Highlights

• Willow Bark Extract purifies skin and stimulates renewal
• Cocoa butter seals skin moisture and coats skin to create a flawless canvas for make-up
• Vitamin E makes skin soft and glowing
• Oleracea Fruit Extract assists in building collagen levels

Why we recommend this product

• Comes in 3 different shades – Pearly Glow, Golden Glow, and Bronze age
• Contains SPF 50
• Brightens & Illuminates skin
• Expertly hides facial flaws
• Corrects uneven skin tone
• Hydrating
• Coats skin to create a silky, uniform texture
• Can be used without make-up
• Formulated for patchy, blemished skin
• Suits all skin types
• Dermatologically tested
• Cruelty-free
• Vegan

What’s not good

• Does not suit dry skin
• Might need a serum to go under it for a hydration boost

6. Indulgeo Essentials Quench 100% Sugarcane Squalane Oil

This beauty oil from Indulgeo Essentials is the newest skin ingredient that boosts glow and locks age. Derived from sugarcane, this squalane oil immediately revamps skin texture with its skin-illuminating capabilities and makes for an ideal make-up base that seals skin moisture and creates a barrier to prevent make-up residues from settling inside skin pores.

Key Highlights

• Lubricates skin without any greasiness
• Treats dry, patchy skin for effortless makeup application
• Blurs wrinkles and creases with a boost in hydration
• Calms irritation and makes skin easy to work with

Why we recommend this product

• Restorative
• Quickens collagen synthesis
• Uplifts skin texture
• Makes skin soft & dewy
• Non-comedogenic
• Works for all skin types
• Best suited for dry, flaky skin
• Let’s make-up blend in easily 
• Fragrance-free
• Grease free
• Non-toxic
• No presence of chemicals
• Cruelty-free
• FDA Approved
• AYUSH ministry approved
• GMP & ISO Certified

What’s not good

• Not suited for oily or acne-prone skin 

8. St. Botanica Bulgarian Rose Otto Glow Mattifying Moisturizer

This serum is a perfect fix for skin that’s in need of urgent hydration and repair. When worn under makeup, it allows a hassle-free application and prevents make-up spills that might happen on a humid day. 

Key Highlights

• Jojoba oil illuminates and hydrates skin and makes it even-textured
• Bulgarian Rose Otto Essential oil channels blood flow to the skin surface and leaves skin dewy and fresh
• Oats brighten skin tone and help beat irritation
• Aloe gel softens skin and promotes collagen synthesis

Why we recommend this product

• Makes make-up smudge-proof
• Soaks excess oils
• Helps retain make-up for a longer
• Delicate rose fragrance
• Protects skin from sun damage 
• Clarifies skin
• Tightens pores
• Works for all types of skin
• Safe for sensitive, acne-prone skin
• Hydrates skin
• Nourishes skin
• Non-greasy
• Lightweight texture
• Gets instantly absorbed into the skin
• Paraben free
• Chemical free
• SLS free
• No Sulphates & Mineral oil
• Vegan

What’s not good

• Creates a very thin barrier between skin and makeup

9. Tasya Pre-Makeup Party Primer Oil With Vitamin E

This primer oil is a perfect skin saviour that protects your skin from the hazards associated with long-term makeup use. It delicately moisturizes skin and creates an invisible shield against harmful agents likely to clog pores.

Key Highlights

• Jojoba oil helps soothe, hydrate and repair skin to leave it silky smooth
• Rosehip oil softens skin and activates blood circulation for enhanced skin radiance
• Olive oil treats flaky skin for better amalgamation of makeup products 
• Vitamin E enhances skin elasticity and makes the skin vibrant

Why we recommend this product

• Heals damaged, flaky skin
• Hydrates and protects
• Calms irritation
• Builds a thin coating on the skin
• Helps make-up blend easily
• Imparts a luminous, non-cakey finish 
• Certified Natural ingredients
• Sulphate Free
• Paraben Free 
• SLS, Petroleum & Mineral Oil Free
• No presence of Artificial Dyes
• Cruelty-free
• Vegan

What’s not good

• Fails to control shine in oily skin
• Might lead to breakouts in acne-prone skin

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10. Lotus Botanicals Vitamin C Skin Brightening Serum

This serum from Lotus Botanicals is an expert skin saviour for dull, lacklustre skin. Loaded with 300X vitamin C, it immediately gets into your skin to restore elasticity, and lustre and leaves it glowing and radiant. It adheres well to makeup and allows it to stay put for hours. 

Key Highlights

• Vitamin C immediately revives skin and preps it for seamless makeup application
• Basil extract purifies skin pores for glowing skin
• Aloe gel hydrates skin and fills up pores
• Milk thistle extract adds a burst of youth with a rich supply of anti-oxidants

Why we recommend this product

• Instantly transforms skin texture
• Infuses a burst of youth
• Deeply hydrating
• Featherlight texture
• Let’s make-up blend in easily
• Works for all skin types
• Offers sun protection
• Targets wrinkles
• Curbs moisture loss
• Maintains lasting makeup hold
• Toxin-free
• Non-greasy
• Free from harsh chemicals
• Silicon free

What’s not good

• Might need a follow-up application of moisturiser for dry, flaky skin
• Contains alcohol, artificial colour and perfume

11. Aegte 3D Lumi Strobe Cream (Primer + Highlighter + Moisturizer)

This enchanting blend of natural derivatives that infuse vigour and vitality to skin that’s in desperate need of a make-over is perfect to go under your makeup on any given day to gain respite from face primers loaded with chemicals that take away your skin’s natural radiance and leave a sickly feeling on your face.

Key Highlights

• Probiotic Complex prevents pore clogging and inflammations 
• Vitamin C illuminates skin and strengthens the collagen framework
• Vitamin E improves skin hydration and makes it easy to work with make-up
• Hyaluronic acid offsets wrinkle appearance  and make skin plump, repaired and deeply hydrated

Why we recommend this product

• Tinted Primer-cum-highlighter
• Comes in three shades – Golden, Pink & White Pearl
• Illuminates & brightens skin
• Improves breathability
• Offers advanced colour correction
• Expertly camouflages creases & wrinkles
• Seals skin pores
• Suits all skin types
• Safe for acne-prone skin
• Maintains optimum hydration levels 
• Forms a smooth makeup base
• Lets makeup stay on for an entire day
• Prevents smudges
• Non- toxic
• Certified Natural, Organic ingredients
• Paraben-free
• Cruelty-free
• Vegan

12. Praush Beauty Say No Pore Mattifying & Skin Perfecting Gel Primer

This primer is perfect to achieve a super clear complexion that melds perfectly with foundation, concealer or setting powder without wreaking havoc on skin health as is the case with primers loaded with silicon. It gives just the right level of coverage for scar and blemish-ridden faces to give you flawless results with makeup minus any chances of product residues getting into the creases of the skin.

Key Highlights

• Mattifying nature for better shine control and reduced appearance of pores, wrinkles and scars
• Gel composition for better moisture retention and firm makeup hold that lasts all-day
• Silky texture lets foundation glide on easily

Why we recommend this product

• Illuminates skin
• Mattifying formulation
• Reduces pore size
• Blurs lines & wrinkles
• Delicately hydrates skin
• Soothing fragrance
• Blurs blemishes & scars
• Soaks up excess oil
• Creates a wrinkle-free, pore-less base for smooth make-up application
• Smudge-proof
• Suitable for all skin types
• No Harmful Chemicals
• Paraben Free
• Cruelty-Free
• Vegan 

What we don’t like

• Might clog pores in acne-prone skin
• Does not hydrate the skin effectively

13. Just Herbs Gotukola Beauty Elixir Rejuvenating Facial Serum

This facial elixir qualifies as a skin primer mainly due to its texture and consistency. It’s one of those rare skin products that come with the power of traditional Indian herbs along with modern ingredients with proven efficacy to nourish the skin from within. 

Key Highlights

• Indian Senna infuses youth with its cell regeneration qualities
• Gotukola extract works to rebuild damaged tissues and collagen to restore suppleness 
• Rosehip oil offers intensive nourishment to dried-out skin cells
• Moringa seed extract activates skin renewal and helps maintain proper hydration levels

Why we recommend this product

• Soothing and hydrating
• Regenerative and uplifting
• Clear, gel formulation
• Delays skin-ageing
• Ayurvedic formulation
• Prevents dullness
• Deeply nourishing
• Light texture
• Works for all types of skin
• Fragrance-free
• Non-toxic
• Cruelty- free
• Vegan

What’s not good

• Not a great product for acne-prone skin

14. Sandiva One and Done Protective Primer

This super-soothing skin primer acts as a shield against damaging components in make-up and allows it to easily merge with your skin without disrupting its natural moisture and protection capabilities. Formulated with a rare blend of herbal oils, long-term use of this primer can give you show-stopping results – making your skin younger, brighter and free from scars or unevenness.

Key Highlights 

• Sandalwood Dust checks oiliness and calms skin to create a flawless skin texture
• Black Cumin Oil purifies skin and naturally clears blemishes
• Moringa oil builds damaged tissues for even textured skin
• Sweet Almond Oil delivers essential nutrients to strengthen skin structure 

Why we recommend this product

• Shields skin from the damaging effects of make-up
• Smoothens skin texture
• Leaves a translucent, velvety  finish on the skin
• Lets makeup stay on for longer
• Merges perfectly with foundation, concealer or setting powder
• Weightless formulation
• Blurs wrinkles and pores
• Certified Natural Ingredients
• Ethically sourced
• Cruelty-free
• Vegan

What’s not good

• Fails to offer intensive hydration
• Only works on the outer surface of the skin

Price: Rs. 500.00

15. Anahata Make-up Setting Spray

A first-of-its-kind, this spray-on concentrate is perfect for summers to prime your skin with just the right levels of moisture and emollients to keep your face fresh and dewy, creating a flawless base to improve the staying power of makeup.

Just spritz it over your face before applying make-up for effortless makeup application or use it as a final make-up ritual to set make-up on your face with a dewy, non-cakey finish.

Key Highlights

• Coconut and Rose Aerosols work to uplift and rejuvenate skin with a healthy dose of moisture and skin nutrients
• Green Tea Extract helps rebuild damaged tissues for enhanced suppleness
• Witch-hazel maintains healthy circulation and hydration to keep skin youthful

Why we recommend this product

• Touchless application
• Convenient, spill-proof packaging
• Cooling & hydrating
• Soaks up excess oil
• Leaves skin energized
• Helps set foundation & concealer for better hold
• Soothes sunburn
• Formulated for all skin types
• Certified Natural ingredients
• No Sulphates, Parabens or Mineral oil
• Cruelty-free
• Vegan

What’s not good

• Not meant for winters
• You need to wait a little more for the spray to settle on the skin before applying makeup

(TIP: Cover your eyes, nose, mouth and ears when you use this spray)

Price: Rs. 385.00

Why do you need a Face Primer?

A face primer is a weightless formulation with a transparent or translucent finish that builds a thin shield over your skin, helping to seal in skin moisture and create an illusion of flawlessness.

In the past, a face primer was generally used as a make-up base to help set foundation and concealer to help make-up last longer. But in today’s age, these high-definition primers are being used on their own to hide facial flaws and flaunt skin’s original glow.

Applying a face primer as a follow-up to your daily skincare regime makes skin appear glossy and well taken care of.

Natural Face Primers vs Silicon-Based Primers

The flood of skin products in stores does make you want to examine the pros and cons of using natural and synthetic formulations. Most makeup primers or illuminators you’ll find are silicone based.

Though they are proven to possess expert camouflaging and skin-correcting abilities, their extended use may lead to breakouts and skin sagging owing to their impermeable nature.

Silicon can make you look old!

Silicon works like a plastic film on your skin. At first glance, it might appear to brighten up your skin within seconds, but it actually does quite the opposite to the health of your skin.

It seals skin pores which affect the breathability of the skin and leads to premature ageing and skin sagging. Any additional product such as a concealer, blush, foundation or compact applied on skin primed with silicone-based primer hampers skin’s own rejuvenation process. It also damages collagen and makes the skin look aged. 

Go silicon-free for youthful skin!

For prolonged youth, the use of natural and organic face primers or serums is the best course. If you tour the beauty stores, you’ll be thrilled to find several kinds of natural face primers, hydration and gel serums that work just like a primer sans the hazards that come from primers loaded with silicon. 

However, as a measure to stay safe and protected from the ill effects of silicone or chemical-based face primers, it is vital to read the product details and ingredient list while buying a face primer to know whether it can address your specific skin concerns or not, is non-comedogenic and can be worn under makeup. 

Despite the pool of hydrating and uplifting face primers claiming to give you a firm, crease-free and toned face in an instant, finding a face primer that’s natural, non-irritating and does not contain silicon is a mammoth task.

To make things easier, we’ll help you unearth formulations that can easily replace those attractive yet damaging skin-priming fluids. 

Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs):

1. Do natural face primers work?

Natural face primers rope in plant extracts, oils, butters, gels and other skin-purifying elements to uplift skin texture and seal in nutrients and moisture. 

They might not work the way a silicon-based primer works but do a far better job of repairing skin damage and protecting it from irritants in makeup when used on a long-term basis.

2.  Is it necessary to put on a face primer before makeup?

If you want your makeup to stay put for longer and don’t want any product residues building up inside pores, creases and wrinkles leading to cracks and cakey-ness, then a face primer is a must. 

It creates a flawless canvas for smooth make-up application and also allows a better make-up hold, thereby minimizing the need for frequent touch-ups. We suggest you always put on a face primer right before you apply foundation and concealer to obtain a naturally flawless finish.

3. What is the best way to use a face primer to achieve glass skin?

To achieve visibly brighter, illuminated and glossy skin, follow this routine before applying a face primer and makeup:

Face Cleanser + Face mask + Face wash + Moisturiser/Serum + Jade roller

After massaging your face well, preferably with a Jade roller, apply face primer gel in dots and gently spread it all over your face with your fingertips to form a thin barrier and evenly conceal damages or imperfections.

When done, tap your face with your fingertips to ensure your skin is sealed and hydrated for makeup application.

Start applying concealer or foundation in dots and spread it with a sponge for even distribution. 

If you want to use an eyeshadow, eyebrow pencil or blush, you can apply a natural face primer on your eyebrows, eyelids and cheeks as well for better blendability. 

4. Does a natural face primer hide blemishes, pigmentation marks or scars?

Yes, a natural face primer does an incredible job of correcting facial flaws. It makes skin ready to get the best colour correction benefits from a concealer or foundation to create a visibly clearer and scar-free look. 

Opt for a tinted natural face primer to obtain better results, especially if your skin is severely damaged, is prone to acne or is ridden with pigmentation marks. 

5. What type of natural face primers are best for my skin?

Natural face primers are generally designed to be safe on all types of skin but they respond differently to different skin types.

For oily skin, a mattifying face primer that hydrates skin and regulates sebum release is ideal.

For dry skin, it is best to use a face primer that contains natural oils, butters and/or Aloe vera for better moisture retention.

If you have aged skin, a green tea-based face primer or one that contains high levels of anti-oxidants is best suited. 

Face primers with hyaluronic acid work best on acne-prone skin.

It is recommended to always check the ingredient list to ensure the ingredients are safe to use and do not pose any kind of risk. 

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