When finding that perfect foundation, the options can feel like a maze.
But there’s a trend that’s making waves – water-based foundations. And trust me, there’s a good reason these bad boys are stealing the spotlight.
So, what’s the deal? Water-based foundations are all about keeping it light and breezy. They’re mostly made up of water and pigment, giving you that airy feel and a cool burst of hydration on your skin.
Now, get this – from drugstores to fancy high-end counters, brands are jumping on the water-based foundation train. Some of these are even making waves on TikTok – that’s how big they’re getting.
So today, I’m here to spill all the beans on water-based foundations – what they’re all about, whether they’re a match for your skin type, how to find the perfect fit, and what to keep in mind when you’re ready to make that purchase.
What is a water-based foundation?
Water-based foundations are a makeup base where water is the main ingredient. Usually, they use water instead of oils, but some still have a bit of oil, just not as the main thing.
If your skin is oily, no worries – there are water-based foundations without oils.
These foundations feel light on your skin because they’re mostly water. They give your skin a drink of water and leave a smooth, shiny finish that looks nice.
So, a water-based foundation is a good choice if you want a light, hydrating foundation that makes your skin look shiny and smooth.
Who should use a water-based foundation?
Water-based foundations are a fantastic choice for everyone, and they bring along some extra skincare perks – who wouldn’t love that?
If your skin tends to be dry or lacking hydration, water-based formulas work like magic, giving your skin a fresh and moisturized glow.
On the flip side, if your skin is oily, these friendly formulas gently tackle oiliness and that unwanted shine, keeping your makeup on point.
These foundations do not clog your pores. If you’re someone who battles with acne, this is your go-to option. They let your skin breathe, unlike their oil-based counterparts.
That means extra care and love for your skin.
Now, it’s no surprise these foundations are creating a buzz. They’ve become a hit, especially for those who crave a flawlessly radiant look. You won’t feel weighed down like with heavy coverage options – instead, your skin will feel light, and you’ll look like a million bucks.
So, which are the best ones to buy?
Best water-based foundations for all skin types
Now that you know what a water-based foundation is, I’m sharing the best water-based foundations suitable for all skin types. I’ve highlighted the pros and cons of each, so you can choose whether to include them in your shopping list and daily beauty routine.
Best For Oily Skin: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Longwear Foundation
| Pros | Cons |
| Reduces unwanted shine and wrinkles | Limited tones |
| Sweat and water-resistant | |
| Hydrating ingredients |
Does your skin tend to lean towards the oily side? Well, the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Longwear Foundation is your MVP.
Why? Because this bad boy knows how to stick around.
It’s like a matte magic spell – long-lasting, full coverage, and it’s not going anywhere, even if you’re sweating, braving humidity, water, or, yes, even shedding a tear.
But wait, there’s more – it’s not just about the no-budge factor. This foundation’s got your hydration game covered, plus a secret weapon: peptides. They’re trying to smooth out those wrinkles, ensuring you look and feel your best.
And that touch of radiance? It’s like a little sunshine in the right spots, giving you that glowy finish minus the worries of looking like a greaseball as the day goes on.
Best For Dry Skin: Too Faced Born This Way Foundation
| Pros | Cons |
| Feels lightweight | Looks patchy if skin is not moisturized |
| Extra hydrating | |
| Oil-free and easy to blend |
Applying foundation on dry skin can be tricky. If your skin isn’t well-hydrated, the foundation might sit awkwardly on top, giving you an uneven and noticeable finish.
That’s where Too Faced Born This Way Foundation comes to the rescue for those with dry skin. Thanks to its magical ingredients, it’s like a remedy.
The Alpine rose extract brings out your skin’s radiance, while coconut water gives it a good dose of hydration. And hyaluronic acid locks moisture, keeping your skin looking young and fresh.
Want a bonus point? This water-based foundation gives you medium to full coverage, making it a superstar at concealing acne scars, freckles, and all those little imperfections.
Best For Combination Skin: L’Oreal True Match Super Blendable Liquid Foundation
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable | Bottle doesn’t come with a pump |
| Comes in 33 shades with SPF | |
| Super blendable |
Are you finding the perfect foundation for combination skin?
L’Oreal True Match Liquid Foundation is for you. This foundation is like a magical solution that hydrates your skin while keeping it matte.
When you apply it, the foundation becomes one with your skin, creating a seamless blend that’s as natural as possible.
Plus, it’s versatile – you can start light and build up coverage if needed. Packed with Vitamins A and C, grapefruit extract, and wheat germ, it nourishes your skin.
The best part? Courtesy of its Precise Match Technology, it adjusts to your skin tone, giving you a true-to-you finish that enhances your natural beauty.
Best For Normal Skin: MAC Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15
| Pros | Cons |
| Won’t clog your pores | Feels heavy on skin |
| Suitable for all skin types | |
| Sweat and humidity resistant |
Guess what’s a big hit among makeup lovers and even those TikTok influencers?
It’s MAC’s Studio Fix Fluid Foundation – and for good reason.
This foundation’s secret sauce is its water-based formula for coverage. From medium to full, it’s got you covered – literally.
But here’s the kicker: it’s not playing favorites. All skin types are welcome to the party. Whether you’re rocking oily skin, dry skin, or something in between, this foundation’s got your back.
And its matte finish isn’t just a one-hit wonder – it’s a marathon runner. It’ll stick around for a whole day – a full 24 hours – without budging, fading, or turning into a makeup mess.
Best For Sensitive Skin: ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Foundation
| Pros | Cons |
| Makeup + Skincare in one product | Not a typical foundation |
| Silky texture | |
| Great for no-makeup look |
Are you looking to achieve that radiant, dewy makeup while also saving yourself from sun rays?
This serum is the perfect pick for you. It is a triple threat, blending makeup, skincare, and sunscreen into one powerful product.
What’s inside?
It’s packed with hyaluronic acid (god of moisture) to keep your skin hydrated, SPF 40 to guard against the sun’s rays, plant-based squalane to strengthen your skin barrier, and niacinamide to help balance oil production.
Perfect for minimal makeup days.
Best For Mature Skin: Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation
| Pros | Cons |
| Best drugstore option | Matte formula dries on skin too quickly making it difficult to blend |
| Feels light on skin | |
| Offers matte and dewy finish |
I bet you’ve heard the buzz about this well-known and budget-friendly water-based foundation.
It’s like a breath of fresh air for your skin – super breathable, comes in a whole bunch of shades, and the best part? It’s kind to your wallet.
But wait, there’s more – when you put it on, it’s like a magic wand that gives you a naturally flawless finish.
And here’s the kicker: you’ve got choices. Whether you’re all about that matte look or chasing that dewy glow, they have both options waiting for you.
And for my friends with mature skin, consider this your best option, as it hides wrinkles perfectly.
Best For Acne-Prone Skin: NARS Light Reflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation
| Pros | Cons |
| Photo-ready look | Expensive as compared to other options |
| Non-acnegenic and breathable formula | |
| No parabens and fragrance |
Still worried about using makeup on skin that’s prone to acne?
No need to stress – there are makeup options designed for sensitive skin that won’t cause breakouts. Just look for a label that says “non-acnegenic” when choosing a water-based foundation.
And speaking of options, this NARS foundation is a gem for sensitive skin. It’s got all the good stuff without the worries.
Plus, NARS is known for its makeup magic, so you’ll be ready to rock those photos.
Give it a whirl, especially if you’re after that medium coverage that’s totally buildable – just in case you want a little extra glam.
Best For Full Coverage: Dermablend CC Continuous Correction Cream
| Pros | Cons |
| Offers radiant finish | Feels slightly sticky |
| Comes with SPF | |
| Non-comedogenic |
Do you want a water-based foundation that gives you a full-coverage look?
The Dermablend CC Continuous Correction Cream is for you. This CC cream stays put for a whopping 24 hours and is perfect for evening out uneven skin tones.
Like ILIA Super Serum, it also cares for your skin with SPF 50+ protection and brightening ingredients.
Team Dermablend says it’s been tested by experts and can make your skin look more radiant in just four weeks.
Best For Daily Wear: La Mer Soft Fluid Long Wear Foundation SPF 20
| Pros | Cons |
| Feels lightweight | Very expensive |
| Sweat and humidity resistant | |
| Comes with SPF 15 |
Remember that article I wrote about “Why is La Mer so expensive?” Well, today, I’ll delve into its ultra-luxurious water-based foundation.
The La Mer Soft Fluid Long Wear Foundation offers a weightless sensation and coverage you can build up when your skin needs a little boost.
It lasts long, resists humidity, and even packs SPF – a fantastic choice for your daily routine, no matter the weather.
While I’m placing this in the daily wear category, let’s address the elephant in the room – the price tag of $145. It might make daily use a tough call.
However, if your budget allows, this foundation is the best choice for everyday wear.
Its feather-light texture is ideal for achieving a natural, no-makeup look that’s simply unparalleled.
Best For No-Makeup Look: Givenchy Prisme Libre Skin-Caring Glow Foundation
| Pros | Cons |
| Blends easily | Doesn’t sit completely and remains somewhat tacky |
| Feels soft and hydrating | |
| Natural and flawless finish |
The no-makeup look has taken social media by storm, focusing on enhancing your inner beauty minus the heavy makeup.
Water-based foundations, known for their light and silky feel, are the go-to for those opposed to heavy, full-coverage makeup.
Try the Givenchy Prisme Libre Skin-Caring Glow Foundation if you’re after that barely-there vibe.
It offers an impressive range of shades and a radiant, luminous glow. With medium coverage that’s also buildable, you get a flawless finish.
The best part? It blends like a dream and sits feather-light on your skin.
What to look for when buying a water-based foundation?
So, now that you know the best water-based foundations, you might be asking yourself, “How can I choose the perfect one?” or “What factors should I consider when buying a water-based foundation?”
These are the main points to follow while finding your ideal match:
#1. Skin Type
Your skin type plays a significant role. Do you battle oiliness? Is your skin drier than a desert? Perhaps you’re a mix, with dry patches on your cheeks and oiliness elsewhere (hello, combo skin).
If your skin is sensitive, pinpoint products that trigger flare-ups, helping you steer clear when selecting makeup.
#2. Price
Not every pricey foundation is a game-changer, and don’t underestimate budget finds – your holy grail might just be waiting on a drugstore shelf.
While splurge-worthy brands often boast premium ingredients, remember that “premium” means little if it doesn’t agree with your skin.
#3. Brand
Kick off your quest with brands you trust and have experience with. They’re likely to tackle your skin concerns effectively, given their consistent formulations (with slight tweaks).
Still, don’t shy away from exploring new players in the field.
The above water-based foundation options include drugstore to luxury labels – perfect whether you’re assembling your makeup collection or treating yourself.
These suggestions save you from endless trial and error in the hunt for your ultimate water-based foundation.
How do I know if my foundation is water based?
Ready to play detective with foundation labels?
Here’s a trick: check out the ingredient list and zoom in on the first thing – Aqua or Water. And then, peek at the following four or five ingredients.
If they steer clear of silicones or oils, you might be looking at a water-based formula.
Remember, it’s not a no-no for water-based foundations to have a sprinkle of silicones or oils, but water should be the big boss in the lineup.
And if you’re really curious, here’s a fun test: Squeeze a teensy bit of that foundation into a glass of water.
If it decides to dissolve and disappear, well, hello water-based wonder! Unlike its oil-based buddies, water-based foundations are all about blending right in.
What’s the difference between water vs. oil vs. silicone Foundation?
Now that you’re a pro at spotting water-based foundations, let’s peek into silicone and oil-based ones. Trust me, they’re not all the same. Ready for a crash course?
Silicone-based foundations are like the key to a silky-smooth canvas.
Have you got acne marks, scars, or pesky blemishes? This formula’s for you. It’s like a secret “filler” that blurs out pores and evens things, giving you a flawless surface.
Oh, and it’s a multitasker too – helping keep oil in check.
But here’s the thing: Some folks find silicone-based stuff a tad less comfy. To spot these, glance at the ingredient list. You’re in silicone territory if you see names ending with -cone or -siloxane near the top.
Now, let’s flip the script.
Oil-based foundations bring a bit of heft to the party – but don’t worry, they’re not all greasy business. When applied right, they’re a dream for thirsty, dry skin. Imagine a radiant glow that says, “Hello, I’m fabulous.”
If you’re scouting an oil-based gem, look for plant oils or mineral oil at the top of the ingredient list. So, your foundation game got much stronger, whether you’re team silicone, team oil, or team water.
Wrapping Up
Water-based foundations enhance your skin’s moisture levels and offer a fresh, light look that might be harder to attain with other foundation types.
The above water-based foundations, suitable for all skin types, often include beneficial skincare ingredients that nurture your skin and provide the desired coverage and finish.
When purchasing a foundation, remember three key factors: your skin type, budget, and brand preference.
While exploring new brands can be exciting, sticking to familiar ones is advisable to reduce the chances of adverse reactions.
Do you also use a water-based foundation? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section.
FAQs
What are the benefits of water-based foundations?
Water-based foundations are an excellent choice for sensitive or acne-prone skin. They provide hydration without blocking pores; some even include ingredients that can help with acne and soothe skin. These foundations also work well for different skin types, like dry, combination, and normal skin, giving you a natural and enhanced appearance.
How to apply a water-based foundation?
To use a water-based foundation, prepare your skin with a water-based primer or moisturizer. Make sure the foundation’s pigments and formula are mixed well before applying. Finish by using a setting powder to make the foundation last longer.
Can I use oil-based products with my water-based foundation?
No. Mixing oil-based products with water-based foundations can lead to undesirable results. Oil and water do not blend, and these products will repel each other, affecting your desired look.
