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7 Best Water-Based Primer Makeup in 2024

by  Mila M.Cosmetologist

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Struggling to keep your makeup intact the whole day? A water-based primer could be just what your beauty regimen is missing. Famed for their hydrating and skin-friendly formulas, these primers create a lasting base that helps your makeup stay put for longer.

Not only will this blog guide you in figuring out how to choose the right water-based primer but also shed light on some of the best ones available in the market today – read on!

Lancôme La Base Pro Makeup Primer For Face – Perfecting & Smoothing Makeup Base – Oil-Free


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  • Water-based makeup primers provide hydration, light weight coverage, and are suitable for all skin types.
  • Some popular water-based primers include NYX Professional Makeup Bare With Me Hydrating Jelly Primer, Glossier Priming Moisturizer, Honest Beauty Matte Everything Primer, E.L.F. Cosmetics Poreless Putty Face Primer, and Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Hydrating Makeup Primer.
  • The right water-based primer depends on your specific skin type – dry skin benefits from added moisture, oily skin benefits from oil control and mattifying properties, combination skin benefits from hydration without adding excess oil or shine.
IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream, Light (W) – Color Correcting Cream, Full-Coverage Foundation, Hydrating Serum & SPF 50+ Sunscreen – Natural Finish


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Best Water-Based Makeup Primers

NYX Professional Makeup Bare With Me Hydrating Jelly Primer

The NYX Professional Makeup Bare With Me Hydrating Jelly Primer is a must-have in your makeup routine. Made with a hydrating jelly formula, this water-based primer provides a boost of moisture to your skin before applying foundation.

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Bare With Me Hydrating Jelly Primer, Vegan Face Primer


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It leaves your skin feeling refreshed and revitalized, creating the perfect canvas for long-lasting makeup application. The lightweight texture makes it comfortable to wear throughout the day, without weighing down your skin.

Whether you have dry or dehydrated skin, this primer will help to hydrate and plump up your complexion, giving you a radiant and healthy-looking glow.

Glossier Priming Moisturizer

Glossier Priming Moisturizer is a popular water-based makeup primer that combines the benefits of hydration and priming in one product. It contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, which help to moisturize and nourish the skin, leaving it feeling soft and supple.

Glossier Serum Duo: Super Bounce + Super Glow


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This lightweight formula absorbs quickly into the skin, creating a smooth canvas for your foundation application. Glossier Priming Moisturizer is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, as it does not contain any harsh chemicals or fragrances.

Its hydrating properties make it especially beneficial for those with dry or dehydrated skin. Give your makeup routine an extra boost with Glossier Priming Moisturizer’s multitasking abilities!

Honest Beauty Matte Everything Primer

Honest Beauty Matte Everything Primer is a water-based makeup primer that is perfect for those looking for a matte finish. This primer helps to control shine and minimize the appearance of pores, giving your skin a smooth and even texture.

Honest Beauty Everything Primer, Glow with Hyaluronic Acid | Paraben Free, Dermatologist Tested, Cruelty Free


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With its lightweight formula, it feels comfortable on the skin and allows your makeup to stay in place all day long. Made with natural ingredients like mattifying kaolin clay and soothing chamomile extract, this primer not only creates a flawless canvas but also nourishes your skin.

Whether you have oily or combination skin, Honest Beauty Matte Everything Primer is an excellent choice to create a long-lasting and shine-free base for your makeup application.

E.L.F. Cosmetics Poreless Putty Face Primer

E.L.F. Cosmetics Poreless Putty Face Primer is a highly recommended water-based primer that provides a smooth, poreless finish. This lightweight formula helps to minimize the appearance of pores and fine lines, giving your skin a flawless base for makeup application.

e.l.f. Liquid Poreless Putty Primer, Lightweight Face Primer For Long-lasting Makeup Wear, Creates A Smooth Complexion, Vegan & Cruelty-free


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With ingredients like squalane and shea butter, it also keeps your skin moisturized throughout the day. Suitable for all skin types, this primer creates an even canvas for your foundation and helps it last longer.

So say goodbye to visible pores and hello to a picture-perfect complexion with E.L.F.’s Poreless Putty Face Primer!

Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Hydrating Makeup Primer

Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Hydrating Makeup Primer is a highly rated water-based primer that can provide the hydration your skin needs. It has a lightweight formula that feels comfortable on the skin and helps to create a smooth canvas for your makeup application.

e.l.f. Liquid Poreless Putty Primer, Lightweight Face Primer For Long-lasting Makeup Wear, Creates A Smooth Complexion, Vegan & Cruelty-free


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With key ingredients like cannabis sativa seed extract and blue agave extract, this primer not only hydrates but also helps to grip your makeup in place, ensuring long-lasting wear throughout the day.

Whether you have dry or dehydrated skin, Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Hydrating Makeup Primer can help plump and moisturize your complexion, giving you a fresh and dewy look.

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer is a top-notch water-based primer that deserves a spot in your makeup routine. This lightweight and silky formula glides smoothly onto the skin, creating a flawless canvas for your foundation.

Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Oil-Free Makeup Primer


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With its hydrating properties, this primer keeps your skin moisturized throughout the day without feeling heavy or greasy. It also helps to minimize the appearance of pores and fine lines, giving you a smoother and more even complexion.

Plus, Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer has been praised by beauty enthusiasts for its ability to make makeup last longer without smudging or fading. So if you want your foundation to stay put all day while keeping your skin hydrated and protected, give this water-based primer a try!

Is Water-Based Primer Makeup Considered Clean?

Water-based primer makeup is indeed considered a part of the clean makeup primer options. With its gentle formula and lack of harmful chemicals, it ensures a skin-friendly application. It creates a smooth canvas for flawless and long-lasting makeup, making it a preferred choice for those seeking clean and effective beauty products.

bareMinerals Mineral Veil Setting Powder, Weightless Talc-Free Finishing Powder Makeup, Extends Makeup Wear, Vegan


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Choosing the Right Water-Based Primer for Your Skin Type

Find the perfect water-based primer for your specific skin type and achieve a flawless makeup application that lasts all day.

Dry skin

Water-based primers are a great option for those with dry skin. These primers provide much-needed hydration, helping to combat the dryness and flakiness that can be common with this skin type.

They have lightweight formulas that won’t feel heavy or greasy on your skin, allowing it to breathe while still creating a smooth base for your makeup. Water-based primers can help to plump up your skin, giving it a healthier and more radiant appearance.

So if you’re dealing with dry skin, consider trying out a water-based primer to keep your complexion moisturized and glowing throughout the day.

Oily skin

Water-based primers are a great choice for those with oily skin. These primers have lightweight formulas that won’t add extra oil or shine to your skin. Instead, they work to control and minimize oil production, keeping your makeup in place throughout the day.

Look for water-based primers that are specifically designed for mattifying the skin and reducing the appearance of pores. They will help create a smooth canvas for your foundation while providing a long-lasting matte finish.

Some recommended options include Rare Beauty Always an Optimist Illuminating Primer and Tula Filter Primer. Don’t let oily skin be a problem when it comes to wearing makeup – choose a water-based primer tailored to your skin’s needs!

L’Oreal Paris True Match Nude Hyaluronic Tinted Serum Foundation with 1% Hyaluronic acid


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Combination skin

Combination skin can be a bit tricky to manage, but water-based makeup primers are an excellent choice for you. These primers provide hydration without adding excess oil to your T-zone.

They help balance out the different areas of your face by moisturizing dry patches while keeping oily areas shine-free. With a lightweight and breathable formula, water-based primers won’t clog your pores or feel heavy on your skin.

Look for options like NYX Professional Makeup Bare With Me Hydrating Jelly Primer or Honest Beauty Matte Everything Primer, which are specifically designed to cater to combination skin types.

By using these water-based primers, you can achieve a smooth and even base for seamless makeup application that lasts all day.

Combination skin – it may sound challenging, but there’s no need to worry! Water-based makeup primers are here to save the day. These hydrating formulas work wonders on combination skin by providing moisture where it’s needed without making oily areas worse.

2Pcs Pro Makeup Primer, Long Lasting Hydrating Smoothing Isolated Moisturizing Oil Free Effect Make Up Base Matte Face Foundation Primer


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Acne-prone skin

Water-based makeup primers are a great option for those with acne-prone skin. These primers help create a smooth and even surface for makeup application, without clogging pores or causing breakouts.

They are lightweight and breathable, allowing your skin to breathe throughout the day. Water-based primers also often contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, which can help hydrate the skin without adding extra oil.

Choosing a water-based primer specifically formulated for acne-prone skin can provide you with the perfect base for your makeup while keeping your skin healthy and blemish-free.

Sensitive skin

Water-based makeup primers are especially beneficial for individuals with sensitive skin. These primers have a gentle formula that helps prevent irritation and redness, making them suitable for those with easily aggravated skin.

By choosing a water-based primer, you can ensure that your skin is hydrated without the risk of clogging your pores or causing breakouts. Some popular options for sensitive skin include Rare Beauty Always an Optimist Illuminating Primer and Tula Filter Primer.

Remember to cleanse and moisturize your face before applying the primer to create a smooth canvas for your makeup application.

Tips for Applying Water-Based Primer Effectively

Ensure a clean and moisturized face, use a small amount of primer, blend evenly, let it absorb fully before makeup application, and follow with your regular routine for a flawless finish.

Discover the secrets to perfecting your makeup look!

Cleanse and moisturize your face before application

Cleanse and moisturize your face before applying water-based primer to ensure a smooth and flawless base for your makeup. Cleansing removes any dirt, oil, or impurities from the skin, allowing the primer to adhere better and prolong the wear of your makeup throughout the day.

Moisturizing is essential as it helps hydrate and nourish the skin, creating a plump and healthy canvas for your foundation. By starting with clean and moisturized skin, you’ll enhance the effectiveness of your water-based primer, leaving you with a radiant complexion that lasts all day.

Remember to choose a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type and follow it up with a lightweight moisturizer that absorbs quickly into the skin. This will prevent any heaviness or greasiness when layering on the water-based primer.

Innisfree Pore Clearing Facial Foam with Volcanic Clusters Face Cleanser, 5.07 Fl Oz


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Popular Alternative
Asterwood Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Face – Plumping, Anti-Aging & Hydrating – Fragrance-Free, Pairs Well with Vitamin C Face Serum & Hylunaric Acid Moisturizer, 237 ml/8 oz


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Use a small amount and blend evenly

Apply a small amount of water-based primer to your skin and blend it evenly. This will ensure that the product is distributed smoothly across your face, creating a seamless base for your makeup application.

Using too much primer can lead to a heavy and greasy feel on the skin, so starting with a small amount allows you to control the coverage. By blending the primer evenly, you’ll achieve an even texture and help it adhere better to your skin, maximizing its effectiveness in extending the wear of your makeup throughout the day.

Allow the primer to fully absorb before applying makeup

Once you’ve applied your water-based primer, it’s essential to give it time to fully absorb into your skin before moving on to the next step of your makeup routine. This allows the primer to work its magic by creating a smooth and hydrated canvas for your foundation.

By allowing the primer to absorb, you ensure that it sets properly and enhances the longevity of your makeup throughout the day. So take a moment after applying your primer to let it sink in and prep your skin for flawless makeup application.

Follow with your regular makeup routine

Once you have applied your water-based primer, it’s time to move on to your regular makeup routine. Apply your foundation, concealer, and any other products as usual. Take advantage of the long-lasting base created by the primer to ensure that your makeup stays in place all day.

Don’t forget to set everything with a setting spray for a flawless finish. Embrace the benefits of water-based primers and enjoy a hydrated, lightweight feel to your makeup throughout the day.

Benefits of Water-Based Makeup Primers

Water-based makeup primers offer multiple benefits for your skin. They provide hydration, thanks to ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, while also being lightweight and breathable on the skin.

Plus, they are suitable for all skin types, making them a versatile option for everyone.

Hydration for the skin

Keeping the skin well-hydrated is a crucial part of any skincare routine. Water-based makeup primers are designed to provide this essential hydration. The water in these primers helps to plump and smooth out the skin, providing a flawless base for makeup application.

At the same time, it minimizes dryness and flaking which could interfere with your perfect makeup look. A good example of a hydrating primer is Milk Makeup’s Hydro Grip Primer which has received high ratings for its water-based formula.

This type of primer works wonders on dry and dehydrated skin types as an additional moisture boost within their daily beauty regimen.

Lightweight and breathable formula

Water-based makeup primers are known for their lightweight and breathable formula. This means that when you apply a water-based primer, it won’t weigh down your skin or clog your pores.

Instead, it will provide a smooth and even base for your foundation to glide on effortlessly. The lightweight nature of these primers also ensures that they feel comfortable on your skin throughout the day without giving you that heavy or greasy feeling.

Plus, the breathable formula allows your skin to breathe while still keeping your makeup in place all day long. So if you’re looking for a primer that feels light, airy, and lets your skin breathe, definitely give a water-based option a try.

Suitable for all skin types

Water-based makeup primers are a versatile option that is suitable for all skin types. Whether you have dry, oily, combination, acne-prone, or sensitive skin, these primers can work well for you.

They provide hydration without overwhelming the skin or causing any irritation. With their lightweight formula, water-based primers create a smooth canvas for your makeup while keeping your skin looking fresh and natural throughout the day.

So, no matter what your skin type may be, you can confidently reach for a water-based primer to enhance the longevity of your makeup and achieve that flawless finish you desire.

Conclusion | Best Water Based Primer Makeup

Water-based makeup primers offer a range of benefits that make them a great addition to any beauty routine. With their hydrating properties and lightweight formulas, they provide the perfect base for long-lasting makeup application.

Whether you have dry, oily or sensitive skin, there is a water-based primer out there for you. So go ahead and try one today to achieve a flawless and radiant complexion!

FAQs

1. What are the benefits of using water based primer makeup?

Water based primers, such as hydrating primers and gel formula primers, provide a lightweight base for other makeup. They help make-up last longer and reduce the appearance of wrinkles in mature skin.

2. Can I use oil-free or silicone-free options in water based primer makeup?

Yes! Waterbased foundation often pairs well with oilfree or siliconefree pruners which can be more gentle on skin while still providing a smooth base for further application.

3. Are all water based makeup primers suitable for all types of skin?

No necessarily! Certain types like matte putty primers work best on oily skin to give a smoother look whilst dewy primer would better suit dry skins aiming at naturally radiant finish.

4. How does different type of water-based face primes work?

Lightweight primers like jelly ones give your face an initial layer without feeling heavy; meanwhile, pore-minimizing primer minimizes pores visibility and correctors deal with discoloration issues particularly well.

5. Can we use any other products besides these specialty items within our routine?

Absolutely! Priming moisturizers and hydrate primers can also be included in your routine to prepare your skin before applying make up by offering extra hydration.

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Mila, the veteran beauty cosmetics professional and author of this thisisbeautymart.com article, while cutting and styling the hair of her client

Hi! I’m Mila M. I share my 44 year-experience as a Cosmetologist & Beauty Professional in this blog. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Consult your trusted Beauty Professional for your personal beauty needs.

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