Last updated on January 31st, 2022 at 12:55 pm
Did you know that water-based primers have a mattifying effect? This comes in handy for people with oily skin types. It reduces the appearance of sebum, which can mess up your makeup in the day. As a result, water-based primers extend the duration your makeup keeps looking fresh without the need to touch it up.
Additionally, water-based primers do not clog pores, which makes it ideal for people with acne-prone skin. This, in turn, leads to reduced breakouts. There is also the additional benefit of extra hydration on account of the water-based primer being water-laden.
Sensitive skinned individuals can also benefit significantly from water-based primers. The reason being most of them tend to be free from other allergenic ingredients such as silicone, petrolatum, mineral oil, and much more. You still need to look at the ingredient list to confirm that they do not contain the listed allergens. Below are the best water-based primers.
Top 5 Water Based Face Primers Of 2022
| Name | Highlights | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Honest Beauty Everything Primer | - Hyluronic acid to keep skin hydrated - No oils, synthetic fragrance or parabens | |
| Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water | - Quick absorbing - Works well with any skin tone | |
| BECCA – Ever-Matte Poreless Priming Perfector | - Oil control primer for mattified skin - Can use through the day for touchup | |
| Revlon Photoready Rose Glow Face Makeup Primer | - Light and fast absorbing - Hydrating and illuminating |
Honest Beauty Everything Primer
This water-based primer contains hyaluronic acid that is naturally derived from peony roots. Hyaluronic acid attracts water for intense skin hydration. This, in turn, helps to keep your skin looking plump and reducing fine lines as well as wrinkle formation. The primer helps your skin look smoother and firmer over time. It also contains Mica, which makes your skin glow and reduces the appearance of skin pores.
Features
- Hyaluronic acid
- Mica
- Dermatologist Tested
- Hypoallergenic
Pros
- Does not contain Parabens, PEGs, Paraffins, Steareth-n, Petrolatum, Mineral Oil,
- Fragrances free
- Cruelty-Free
Cons
- It is not non-comedogenic
Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water
The Smashbox primer water was designed for maximum skin rejuvenation. It leaves skin instantly hydrated, is quickly absorbed by the skin, and it is ideal for all skin types. This moisturizing primer also softens the skin and revitalizes it.
Check this too: Different Types of Makeup and What they Do
If used consistently, it can improve the skin texture as caffeine is known to have skin firming effects. It also contains diamond powder that helps to exfoliate the skin and keep it looking soft all the time.
Features
- Caffeine
- Magnesium Chloride
- Diamond Powder
Pros
- It instantly hydrates your skin
- It absorbs quickly
- It worked well with any skin type
Cons
- It is too watery
BECCA – Ever-Matte Poreless Priming Perfector
BECCA ever matte poreless priming perfector is an oil-control primer that perfects and minimizes pores for mattified skin that lasts up to 12 hours. This primer has a lightweight formula that specifically targets oil-prone areas and acts as liquid blotting paper to leave your skin fresh and matte all day.
It can also be used as a mattifying moisturizer on makeup-free days.
The primer is silicone-free, and it controls sebum production while reducing shine at the same time. It also gives an instant skin tightening effect. It also visibly eliminates the appearance of pores and offers a smooth matte surface throughout the day. The primer is oil, alcohol, and fragrance-free. Not to mention that a little goes a long way making it pocket-friendly.
Features
- Oil-control
- Silicone-free
- Skin tightening and mattifying effect
- Lightweight formula
Pros
- Instant skin tightening
- Eliminates the appearance of pores
- Oil, alcohol, and fragrance-free
Cons
- A bit sticky
Revlon Photoready Rose Glow Face Makeup Primer
The Revlon water-based primer is infused with pearlescent, quartz, and hydrating oil beads. The ultra-light formula is fast-absorbing, and it preps your skin for a smooth foundation application. The primer can be worn alone or with a foundation.
Check this too: Best organic face primer
Its oil beads boost skin radiance. The enhanced hydration gives your skin a dewy look that can last up to 24 hours. It has a premium dropper packaging that helps to minimize product wastage as well as oxidation.
Features
- Hydrating oil beads
- Premium dropper packaging
- Botanical extracts
- Quartz
Pros
- Ultra-light formula
- Fast absorbing
- Hydrates and illuminates the skin
Cons
- The oil beads take a while to dissolve
How Do You Know If A Primer Is Water Based?
Usually, water is listed as the first ingredient in most water-based primers. But you still have to confirm if the product contains silicon or other oil-based ingredients. The FDA requires that manufacturers list ingredients in order of dominance, so if the water is not listed first, then it is not the key ingredient.
To note, any ingredient that ends in –cone or -loxane is a form of silicone. You should also be on the lookout for most natural extracts, as some of them are oil-based. A water-based primer will also be runnier than a silicone or oil-based primer. It will also be easier to spread and lighter. To avoid silicone, which tends to be somewhat oily, opt for a product labeled as silicone-free.
Conclusion
You should always remember that water-based primers tend to work best with other water-based makeup. It would be difficult to apply a silicone or oil-based foundation on a water-based primer.
It is not unheard of to use one with the other, but for best results, pair a water-based primer with a water-based foundation. Lastly, the best water-based primers should feel incredibly light on the skin. Almost airy.