water-based makeup Makeup formulas have changed dramatically in the beauty industry, providing a wide range of choices to accommodate various skin types and tastes. Water-based cosmetics are a popular option among makeup enthusiasts. Everything you need to know about water-based makeup, such as primers, concealers, and foundation, will be covered in this tutorial, along with the advantages of using water-based products over silicone-based ones.
What is water based makeup?
One kind of cosmetic product that uses water as its main solvent is water-based makeup. Compared to its silicone-based predecessors, this formulation is lighter and more breathable, which makes it a great option for people with sensitive skin or those looking for a natural look.
Benefits of Water-Based Makeup
- Lightweight Feel: Water-based makeup is perfect for daily wear because it feels softer on the skin.
- Hydration: Hydrating elements, found in many water-based treatments, can help dry skin.
- Easy to Blend: Water-based concealers and foundations usually give the skin a natural-looking finish by blending in well
Water-Based Makeup vs. Silicone-Based Makeup
It’s critical to comprehend the distinctions between silicone-based and water-based cosmetics while making your decision:
Water-Based Makeup: This type of makeup is lightweight and breathable because water is its main element. Because of its non-comedogenic qualities, it is frequently suggested for oily and acne-prone skin.
Silicone-Based Makeup: This type of makeup applies smoothly and lasts a long time by using silicone as a basis. It is less appropriate for people with oily or acne-prone skin, nevertheless, because it can occasionally block pores.
Popular Water-Based Makeup Products
The following is a collection of well-liked water-based cosmetics that you ought to think about:
Fenty Beauty water based makeup
Water-Based Foundation: Seek alternatives such as drugstore brands like Maybelline or L’Oréal that offer water-based foundation. Try Shiseido or Dior water-based foundations for more expensive options.
Water-Based Concealer: These are ideal for concealing imperfections without making them seem heavy.
Water-Based Primer: A high-quality primer prepares the surface for your base. Great water-based primers are available from companies like Smashbox.
Water-Based Blush: Use water-based liquid or gel blushes to get a natural flush.
Water-Based Setting Spray: Use a setting spray that won’t make your skin feel heavy to seal in your style.
Water-Based Foundation for Different Skin Types
For oily faces: Seek out water-based foundations with matte finishes for oily faces.
For Dry Skin: Select hydrating products that are marketed as dry skin water-based foundation.
For Combination Skin: Both dry and oily regions can be balanced with a multipurpose water-based foundation.
How to Use Water-Based Makeup
Begin with a Water-Based Primer: To produce a smooth canvas, apply a water-based primer.
Apply Water-Based Foundation: For a smooth application, use a moist beauty sponge or brush.
Use Water-Based Concealer: Blend the concealer into the foundation and apply it where necessary.
Complete with Water-Based Blush and Setting Spray: Use a water-based setting spray to set your makeup and add color to your cheeks.
Water-Based Makeup Brands to Try
the following respectable companies are well-known for producing high-quality water-based products:
NARS forwater based makeup
e.l.f. Cosmetics for water based makeup
Clinique, for water based makeup
Fenty Beauty for water based makeup
and BareMinerals for water based makeup
Conclusion for water based makeup
A lightweight and breathable substitute for conventional silicone-based makeup is water-based makeup. There is something for everyone with the wide variety of options offered, from primers and blushes to concealers and foundations. Adding water-based makeup to your regimen can give you a natural, fresh look while maintaining the health and happiness of your skin, regardless of whether you have oily, dry, or mixed
1. Core Concept: Water-Based vs. Silicone-Based :water based makeup:
This is the most critical concept to understand, as it determines product compatibility.
Water-Based Makeup: The main ingredients are water and glycerin. Silicones are either absent or very low on the ingredient list. They are typically lightweight, hydrating, and offer a natural or dewy finish.
Look for: Aqua/Water, Glycerin as the first ingredients. Avoid products with Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, or other -cone/-siloxane words at the top of the list.
Silicone-Based Makeup: The main ingredients are various types of silicones. They are known for creating a smooth, pore-blurring, and often long-wearing or waterproof finish.
Look for: Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, etc., as the first ingredients.
The Golden Rule: Like with Like.
For the best application and wear, pair water-based products with water-based products, and silicone-based with silicone-based. Mixing them can lead to pilling, patchiness, and separation.
2. Product Compatibility & Pairing
This section directly answers your specific pairing questions.
Water Based Makeup and Silicone: Not Recommended. The water base can repel the silicone, causing the makeup to slide off, separate, or ball up (pilling).
Water Based Makeup and Primer: Yes, but only if the primer is also water-based. A water-based primer creates a hydrated, even canvas for the foundation to adhere to.
Water Based Foundation and Primer: (Same as above) Crucial to match. Using a silicone-based primer will create a barrier that a water-based foundation cannot bond with.
Water Based Foundation and Silicone Primer: Avoid. This is the most common compatibility mistake. The foundation will not sit properly on top of the slippery silicone primer.
Water Based Foundation and Concealer: This is generally safe. Many concealers are versatile. However, for the most seamless blend, try to use a water-based concealer with your water-based foundation
3. Product Types & Recommendations
Water Based Airbrush Makeup: Many professional airbrush formulas are water-based, making them lightweight, buildable, and easy to clean from the airbrush gun. Brands like Temptu and Dinair have popular water-based lines.
Water Based Foundation Australia: Popular and accessible water-based foundations in Australia include:
NARS Sheer Glow (a cult classic)
MECCA COSMETICA Illuminating Foundation
Chi Chi Fabulous & Flawless Foundation (a great drugstore option)
Water Based Foundation at Ulta: You can find several options at Ulta:
Urban Decay Stay Naked Hydromaniac (a tinted moisturizer)
Tarte Sea Water Foundation (now called “Tarte SEA Power Flex™ Foundation”)
Milk Makeup Sunshine Skin Tint
Morphe Hint Hint Skin Tint
Water-Based Foundation Acne Safe: Look for non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) and oil-free formulas.
Clinique Even Better™ Clinical Serum Foundation (Serum foundations are often water-based)
bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream
Always check for ingredients that don’t irritate your skin.
4. Brands & Specific Products
Water Based Makeup Brands: Many brands offer water-based foundations, even if they also make silicone-based ones.
MAC Face and Body (a legendary water-based formula)
NARS (e.g., Sheer Glow)
Make Up For Ever Water Blend Foundation
Glossier Skin Tint
Milk Makeup
Water Based Foundation Brands: (See list above)
Water Based Foundation Boots: In the UK drugstore (Boots), look for:
The Ordinary Serum Foundation
L’Oréal Paris True Match Serum Foundation
Water Based Foundation Best:
Best Overall/Luxury: NARS Sheer Glow
Best Lightweight: MAC Face and Body
Best Drugstore: The Ordinary Serum Foundation or L’Oréal True Match Serum
Bobbi Brown: Many of Bobbi Brown’s foundations are silicone-based (e.g., Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation). However, their Skin Foundation Stick is often cited as having a more water-rich formula. Always check the ingredient list.
Bare Minerals: Their Original Loose Powder Foundation is, of course, powder-based. Their Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream is a popular water-based liquid/cream option.
5. Suitability for Skin Types
Is water based makeup better for dry skin? Yes, generally. Water-based formulas are typically more hydrating and provide a dewy finish that prevents dry skin from looking flaky or cakey.
Is water based makeup better for oily skin? It depends. Water-based formulas are often lighter and less likely to clog pores, which is good for oily skin. However, they may not control oil as well as a matte, silicone-based foundation. Many people with oily skin successfully use water-based foundations and then set them well with powder.
Is water based makeup better than silicone? Neither is inherently better. It comes down to your skin type and desired finish.
Choose Water-Based if you have dry or normal skin, want a natural/dewy finish, and prefer lightweight coverage.
Choose silicone-based if you want a smooth, poreless look, have oily skin, need longer wear, or want higher, full coverage.
Water Based Makeup for Oily Skin
This is a common question. Yes, people with oily skin can use water-based makeup, but with some considerations.
Pros:
Lightweight & Breathable: Won’t feel heavy or clog pores.
Less Pore-Clogging: Lacks the heavy silicones that can sometimes trap oil and debris.
Cons:
Less Oil Control: They won’t mattify or control shine as effectively as a silicone-based matte foundation.
Shorter Wear Time: May break down faster in oily areas.
How to Make it Work:
Use a Mattifying Primer: Yes, you can! Use a water-based, oil-controlling primer. Look for primers with niacinamide or clay.
Example: Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Oil & Shine Control Primer (check the latest ingredient list, but it’s designed to be compatible).
Set Thoroughly: After applying your water-based foundation, set it liberally with a translucent powder (like Laura Mercier or Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r) in your T-zone.
Use Setting Spray: A good setting spray (like Urban Decay All Nighter) can lock everything in place.
Summary Checklist
| Product Type | What to Look For | Key Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Primer | “Aqua” first, hydrating/grippy | Milk Hydro Grip, FAB Coconut Primer |
| Foundation | “Aqua” first, lightweight feel | MAC F&B, NARS Sheer Glow, MUFE Water Blend |
| Remover | Micellar Water, non-oily formulas | Bioderma Sensibio, Garnier Micellar Water |
| For Oily Skin | Pair with mattifying primer & powder | Smashbox Oil Control Primer, translucent powder |
Water Based Makeup Routine
A successful water-based routine is all about compatibility.
Cleanse & Moisturize: Start with a clean, hydrated face. Water-based makeup sits best on well-moisturized skin.
Primer: Crucial Step. Apply a water-based primer. This creates a unified, hydrated canvas.
Foundation: Apply your water-based foundation. Use a damp makeup sponge, stippling brush, or your fingers for the most natural blend.
Concealer & Other Products: Ideally, use a water-based concealer. For powder, blush, and highlight, compatibility is less strict, but cream products often blend best.
Setting: Use a setting spray to melt all layers together.