cracks on face makeup

12 OF THE BEST WATER BASED PRIMERS, ACCORDING TO MAKEUP ARTISTS 

In the world of makeup, a good primer is the unsung hero. It creates a smooth canvas for your foundation, helps it last longer, and can even address specific skin concerns. But with so many primers on the market, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. If you’re looking for a lightweight and hydrating option, then a water-based primer might be the perfect fit. Here’s a look at some of the top picks according to makeup artists, designed to give your foundation a flawless finish and keep it looking fresh all day long.

WHAT IS A WATER BASED PRIMER?

A water-based primer is a makeup product formulated with water as the main ingredient, unlike silicone-based primers. This makes them:

Hydrating: The water content helps keep your skin from drying out, which can be especially beneficial for those with normal, dry, or combination skin. If your skin is too dry, pay attention to adding a moisturizing mask to your face, especially Korean face masks for hydrated and glowy skin.

Lightweight: Water-based primers feel lighter on the skin compared to silicone-based ones.

Less likely to clog pores: The lighter formula is generally less likely to clog pores, making them a good option for those with oily or acne-prone skin.

BEST WATER BASED PRIMERS

MILK MAKEUP HYDRO GRIP PRIMER

If you’re looking for a water-based primer that ticks all the boxes, the MILK MAKEUP Hydro Grip Primer is a popular choice among makeup artists. This award-winning gel primer is all about longwear hydration. Hyaluronic acid and niacinamide plump and hydrate the skin, while blue agave extract acts like a magnet to grip your makeup for up to 12 hours. It’s also vegan, cruelty-free, and free of common irritants like silicone, oil, fragrance, and gluten, making it suitable for most skin types.

ILIA, TRUE SKIN RADIANT PRIMING SERUM 

Focusing on more than just makeup application, ILIA’s True Skin Radiant Priming Serum bridges the gap between skincare and cosmetics. This silicone-free formula is a great option for those with sensitive skin or those who prefer a natural approach. It combines skincare benefits with a priming effect. Packed with nourishing ingredients, the serum helps to firm, moisturize, and soothe the skin while protecting it from environmental aggressors. It also boasts a subtle, radiant finish that creates a flawless base for your makeup. Like other water-based primers, it’s lightweight and absorbs quickly, leaving a soft, touchable feel.

PEACE OUT INSTANT PORE PERFECTOR

Peace Out’s Instant Pore Perfector goes beyond just a basic water-based primer. While it is lightweight and formulated without pore-clogging silicone, it offers more than just hydration. This multitasking product acts as a primer and a treatment in one. The key ingredient is a special hyaluronic acid blend that plumps and hydrates skin, instantly blurring the appearance of pores. It also tackles redness with its formula containing niacinamide. But Peace Out doesn’t stop there.  This product boasts long-term benefits too, with ingredients like mushroom extract that work to refine skin texture over time. So, if you’re looking for a water-based primer that minimizes pores, reduces redness, and offers lasting results, the Peace Out Instant Pore Perfector could be your new makeup must-have.

ELTAMD, UV DAILY TINTED BROAD-SPECTRUM SPF 40 

EltaMD UV Daily Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 falls into a different category compared to the other products mentioned so far. It’s not specifically a primer, but rather a tinted sunscreen. While it can provide some smoothing and evening of skin tone due to the tint, its primary function is sun protection.

This product is a good option if you’re looking to streamline your morning routine. It combines broad-spectrum SPF 40 protection with a hint of color, potentially eliminating the need for a separate sunscreen and primer.  However, it’s important to note that sunscreen should always be applied generously and evenly, which might not be ideal if you’re aiming for a lightweight priming effect.

If you have dry or combination skin and prioritize sun protection, the EltaMD UV Daily Tinted could be a good fit. However, for those seeking a dedicated primer with pore-minimizing or other targeted benefits, this product might not be the best choice.

ARMANI BEAUTY LUMINOUS SILK HYDRATING MAKEUP PRIMER

Armani Beauty’s Luminous Silk Hydrating Makeup Primer is a luxurious option for those seeking a radiant and hydrating base. This lightweight formula, suitable for all skin types, combines skincare and makeup benefits.  Like other water-based primers, it provides a surge of hydration with ingredients like shea butter and glycerin, leaving your skin feeling soft and supple.

However, where the Luminous Silk Hydrating Primer truly shines is in its ability to enhance radiance. It utilizes a unique technology to capture and reflect light, creating a subtle, natural glow that complements your foundation. This primer is perfect for achieving the signature “lit-from-within” look that Armani Beauty is known for. If you have dull or dry skin and want a primer that promotes a radiant and flawless canvas, the Luminous Silk Hydrating Makeup Primer is definitely worth considering.

MAYBELLINE, FACESTUDIO MASTER PRIMER 

Maybelline’s Facestudio Master Primer is a drugstore favorite that offers a budget-friendly option in the world of water-based primers. This color-correcting primer comes in a variety of targeted versions to address specific concerns.

Looking for a blurring effect to minimize pores and imperfections? They have a “Blur + Smooth” version. Want to combat redness? Try the “Blur + Redness Control.”  Each version utilizes lightweight, water-based formulas to create a smooth canvas for makeup application while addressing your unique skin concerns.

Given the variety of options and its affordable price point, the Maybelline Facestudio Master Primer is a great choice for those who want to experiment with water-based primers and find the perfect fit for their skin type and makeup goals.

TOO FACED HANGOVER REPLENISHING FACE PRIMER

Targeting those late nights and early mornings, Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer promises to be your beauty sleep in a bottle. This hydrating, water-based primer is formulated to combat the signs of fatigue and dehydration. Enriched with coconut water, electrolytes, and probiotics, it aims to revive and replenish your skin, leaving it looking bright and healthy.

Whether you’ve had a long day or a short night, the Hangover Primer aims to create a smooth and dewy canvas for your makeup. If you have dry skin or tend to experience dehydration, and want a hydrating primer with a touch of radiance, this Too Faced option could be worth a try.

SMASHBOX, PHOTO FINISH PRIMERIZER+ 

Smashbox’s Photo Finish Primerizer+ is a multi-tasking primer that combines the benefits of hydration with skincare-inspired ingredients. This water-based formula features a key ingredient: triple hyaluronic acid. This powerhouse hydrator plumps and hydrates the skin for up to 72 hours, ensuring a smooth and comfortable canvas for makeup application.

But the Photo Finish Primerizer+ goes beyond just hydration. It also boasts niacinamide, a vitamin B3 that helps strengthen the skin’s barrier and protect it from environmental aggressors like pollution and blue light.  This primer is suitable for all skin types, but those with dry or dehydrated skin might especially appreciate its long-lasting hydration benefits.

SHISEIDO SYNCHRO SKIN SOFT BLURRING PRIMER

Shiseido’s Synchro Skin Soft Blurring Primer is a water-based primer that promises a flawless, soft-focus finish. Designed to be lightweight and universally flattering, it tackles multiple concerns to create the perfect canvas for your makeup. Its Light Diffusion Technology utilizes light-diffusing powders to blur imperfections and create a smooth, airbrushed appearance.  

For those with oily skin, mattifying peptides and sebum-absorbing powder work together to keep shine in check throughout the day. But hydration isn’t forgotten –  the formula boasts ingredients that provide up to 8 hours of moisture, ensuring a comfortable wear. So, if you’re looking for a water-based primer that minimizes imperfections, controls shine, and keeps your makeup looking fresh all day long, the Shiseido Synchro Skin Soft Blurring Primer is definitely worth considering.

LAURA MERCIER, PURE CANVAS PRIMER 

Laura Mercier’s Pure Canvas Primer is another strong contender in the water-based primer category. This silicone-free formula caters to a variety of skin types, offering a breathable, hydrating base for your makeup. Like many water-based primers, it boasts long-lasting wear – up to 16 hours according to the brand –  helping your makeup stay fresh and vibrant throughout the day.

While Laura Mercier offers a few variations within the Pure Canvas line, the core benefit remains consistent:  hydration.  The Pure Canvas Primer aims to improve the look of bare skin over time with its skincare-infused formula. This makes it a great option for those who want a primer that goes beyond makeup application and offers a touch of skincare benefit.

HONEST BEAUTY EVERYTHING PRIMER, GLOW

Honest Beauty’s Everything Primer, Glow caters to those who want a radiant, all-in-one base. This water-based primer is infused with hyaluronic acid, a powerful hydrator that plumps and smooths the skin’s surface. But the glow doesn’t stop there. Mica, a light-reflecting mineral, gives your skin a subtle, luminous finish, perfect for achieving a dewy look. Honest Beauty doesn’t forget about nourishment – the primer also includes a blend of fruit extracts like watermelon, apple, and lentil, along with two types of hyaluronic acid to provide deep and lasting hydration.  This vegan and cruelty-free option is suitable for all skin types and aims to prep, brighten, and hydrate your skin for a fresh, healthy-looking complexion that’s primed for flawless makeup application.

MAKE UP FOR EVER, STEP 1 PRIMER SHINE CONTROL 

Designed for normal, combination, and oily skin types, Make Up For Ever’s Step 1 Primer Shine Control is a mattifying water-based primer. This lightweight formula minimizes shine and mattifies the complexion, creating a smooth canvas for makeup application. It’s formulated without oil or silicone, making it suitable for oily and acne-prone skin types. If you struggle with excess oil throughout the day and want a water-based primer that keeps shine in check, Make Up For Ever’s Step 1 Shine Control Primer could be a great choice.

BENEFITS OF USING A WATER-BASED PRIMER

Water-based primers offer a variety of advantages over their traditional, solvent-based counterparts. Here’s a breakdown of some key benefits:

Lightweight and Breathable: Water-based primers feel lighter on the skin compared to silicone-based ones. This is because they use water as the main solvent, resulting in a more comfortable and breathable wear, especially beneficial for normal, dry, or combination skin types.

Hydration Hero:  Many water-based primers are packed with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. This helps to keep your skin from drying out throughout the day, ensuring a smooth and plump canvas for makeup application.

Less Likely to Clog Pores: Due to their lighter, water-based formula, these primers are generally less likely to clog pores compared to silicone-based primers. This makes them a good option for those with oily or acne-prone skin.

Farewell to Fumes:  Water-based primers are known for their low odor or lack thereof. This is a major benefit for those who are sensitive to strong smells or have respiratory concerns.

Easy Cleanup:  Cleaning up after application is a breeze with water-based primers. Simply use soap and water to wash away any residue from your brushes or sponges. No harsh solvents or special cleansers are required.

WHEN NOT TO USE A WATER-BASED PRIMER?

While water-based primers offer many advantages, there are situations where they might not be the best choice. Here’s when you might want to consider a different primer option:

VERY OILY SKIN

If you have extremely oily skin, a water-based primer might not provide enough mattifying power to control shine throughout the day. In this case, a mattifying silicone-based primer could be a more effective option for shine control.

SEALING STAINS

Water-based primers aren’t the strongest when it comes to sealing stubborn stains like watermarks or tannins on wood. If you’re priming a surface with such stains, a solvent-based primer might be necessary to create a good barrier.

EXTREME WEATHER CONDITIONS

Water-based primers may not be the most durable option for very humid or cold environments. If you’ll be wearing makeup in extreme weather, a more heavy-duty, weatherproof primer might be a better choice.

CRACKED OR DAMAGED SURFACES

For surfaces with cracks or significant damage, a water-based primer might not fill in the gaps effectively. Opt for a thicker, filler primer in these cases to create a smooth and even base.

CONCLUSION

So, that concludes our look at 12 of the best water-based primers according to makeup artists.  With a variety of options to choose from, there’s a perfect primer out there for almost any skin type and makeup need. Whether you’re looking for long-lasting hydration, a radiant finish, or shine control, a water-based primer can provide a smooth, prepped canvas for flawless makeup application.  Consider your skin type, makeup goals, and budget when making your choice, and don’t be afraid to experiment to find the water-based primer that works best for you!

HOW TO DO MAKEUP FOR BRIDE: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO DIY WEDDING MAKEUP

A wedding day is a moment people daydream about and meticulously plan well in advance before meeting the person they will eventually marry. When the moment finally arrives, numerous aspects need careful consideration and execution, including selecting the ideal make up for bride. This process involves various steps, such as preparing the skin for a radiant appearance, deciding on the makeup artist, and scheduling time for a trial-run application (or two). It also entails mastering the art of applying makeup that complements the desired look for the bride on her wedding day.

DO A RESEARCH

The internet is brimming with beauty inspiration for your wedding day. If you’re uncertain about the kind of look you want, initiate some research. Explore your favorite celebrity’s latest red carpet appearances through a search engine or visit a professional makeup artist’s Instagram page to peruse photos of their clients.

You can also turn to TikTok or YouTube for comprehensive tutorials that you can recreate. Kim suggests identifying someone with similar facial features for a more personalized guide. Following makeup trends that don’t compliment your face may result in an awkward appearance. Don’t replicate a look just because it’s trending online. Instead, ensure that you genuinely like the chosen style.

CONSIDER YOUR THEME

Your final appearance will be significantly shaped by your overall aesthetic. Prior to applying your makeup, it’s crucial to decide whether a natural, sun-kissed glow, or a blend of both aligns better with you and your event. Taking into account your color scheme, floral decorations, venue, and ambiance. Aligning your makeup with the overarching theme enhances the harmonious and elegant atmosphere of your wedding day.

DETERMINE THE RIGHT SHADES

To achieve a smoother end result, it’s essential to determine which color will best complement your skin tone, whether it’s a warm bronze tone or a cool blue tone. Attention should be paid to the importance of finding the right shade for your skin, suggesting the possibility of mixing different shades to create the perfect combination. Instead of relying on guesswork, consider seeking advice from a professional who can determine the color that best suits your skin tone.

STAY OUT OF THE SUN

In the countdown to your wedding day, one crucial piece of beauty advice is to stay out of the sun. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can lead to skin damage, including sunburn, premature aging, and uneven skin tones, all of which might affect your desired wedding day look. To maintain a radiant and flawless complexion, it’s advisable to minimize sun exposure in the weeks leading up to the big day. Consider using sunscreen with a high SPF, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade whenever possible. By taking these precautions, you can help ensure that your skin looks its best and remains picture-perfect for your wedding, allowing you to confidently showcase your natural beauty on this special occasion.

PRACTICE MAKEUP FREQUENTLY

In the buildup to your wedding, one valuable beauty tip is to practice your makeup frequently. Regularly experimenting with different looks allows you to refine and perfect the ideal style that enhances your features and complements your wedding theme. Schedule trial runs to familiarize yourself with the application process, ensuring that your chosen makeup look not only suits your preferences but also stands up to the demands of the long-awaited day.

Frequent practice not only builds your confidence in achieving the desired outcome but also enables you to identify any potential challenges and address them well in advance. With each practice session, you’ll gain valuable insights into the products and techniques that work best for you, ensuring that you step into your wedding day with the expertise to create a stunning and long-lasting makeup look.

BOOK A VIRTUAL APPOINTMENT

In the modern landscape of wedding preparations, booking a virtual appointment has become an invaluable step, especially in the era of convenience and technology. Prior to your wedding, consider scheduling virtual appointments with key vendors, such as your wedding planner, photographer, or even beauty professionals. These virtual consultations provide a convenient and efficient way to discuss details, share ideas, and make crucial decisions without the need for in-person meetings. 

Whether it’s finalizing the event timeline, reviewing photography preferences, or discussing your desired bridal look, virtual appointments allow for seamless communication from the comfort of your own space. Embracing this digital approach not only streamlines the planning process but also accommodates busy schedules, ensuring that every detail is meticulously addressed, and your vision for the perfect wedding day is brought to life.

PREP YOUR SKIN

On your wedding day, stick with your tried-and-true skincare routine! A clean, familiar canvas is key to achieving natural, beautiful makeup. Skip experimenting with new products and simply cleanse, moisturize (lightly!), and gently exfoliate (if you normally do). Leave any blemishes alone unless you have a trusted spot treatment, and you’re all set for a picture-perfect complexion.

CHOOSE FAMILIAR PRODUCT

When it comes to your wedding day, selecting familiar makeup products is key. The familiarity of these products offers a sense of comfort and confidence since you already know how they perform on your skin. Opting for tried-and-true makeup items ensures that you avoid any potential surprises or adverse reactions that could occur from experimenting with new products. By sticking with the cosmetics you are familiar with, you can trust that they will provide the desired results and enhance your natural beauty. It’s essential to feel at ease and radiate confidence on your special day, and relying on familiar makeup products plays a significant role in achieving that peace of mind.

HOW TO DIY YOUR OWN BRIDAL MAKEUP

STEP 1: PREP YOUR SKIN

Whether you’re applying your makeup on your own or relying on a professional, on your wedding day, start by washing your face and applying a light moisturizer. Stick to your regular skincare routine; now is not the moment for drastic changes. If you usually exfoliate, choose a gentle exfoliating cleanser instead of a harsh scrub. Address any blemishes by lightly dabbing on an appropriate product like Visine, but avoid unnecessary interventions. The goal is to have a clean and soft canvas, providing the perfect base for achieving naturally beautiful skin with your makeup.

Consider your skin’s undertones, whether they lean towards cool or warm, when selecting colors that both match and complement. To identify your undertone, try a simple trick. Place a piece of silver and a piece of gold jewelry on the back of your hand. If the gold appears to blend seamlessly, you likely have warm undertones. Conversely, if the silver seems to harmonize better, you probably have cool undertones.

STEP 2: KNOW THAT PRIMER IS REQUIRED

From the moment you start applying your makeup until you bid farewell to your guests, a multitude of events will unfold. To make sure your makeup withstands the ceremony, dancing, tears, and toasts, consider incorporating a primer into your routine. While occasional touch-ups may still be necessary, they will be significantly reduced. Moreover, a primer serves to even out fine lines, and wrinkles, and conceal open pores. Apply a small amount after moisturizing, but before your foundation, ensuring even coverage across your face and eyelids. This sets the stage for a flawless base for all that follows.

STEP 3: APPLY FOUNDATION

For those with a cool undertone, seek out foundations with a rosier, redder, or blue base. If your undertone leans warm, opt for a foundation with a yellow or golden base. To verify if the shade is suitable, apply a small amount on the center of your lower jawline using a Q-tip. If it seamlessly blends in, you’ve found the right match.

Apply your foundation in thin layers, starting from the center of your face and blending outward with a foundation brush. Ensure a seamless finish, paying particular attention to blending beneath your jaw and along your neck to avoid visible lines. Avoid caking on the foundation, as it can give an overdone appearance and may lead to smearing or streaking.

STEP 4: ADD CONCEALER 

Applying concealer before the foundation can lead to much of it rubbing away during the foundation blending process. To address red areas or dark circles, use a concealer brush to apply a liquid concealer, matching your skin tone or going one shade lighter, to problematic areas. Dot the concealer and gently pat the brush against your skin to spread it. If needed, use a makeup sponge dampened with water to blend the concealer further.

For concealing blemishes, start by applying foundation, followed by concealer, and set it with powder. If the blemish is still visible, add more concealer and powder. Ensure you pat the concealer onto the blemish rather than rubbing to achieve a seamless finish.

STEP 5: APPLY HIGHLIGHTER

Highlighter might not be a staple in everyone’s makeup collection, but its purpose is to enhance specific facial features, making eyes appear larger and adding a radiant, youthful dewy look. However, using too much or a formulation with sparkle or glitter can lead to photo disasters, so apply it with a light touch. Highlighters are available in both liquid and powder forms.

When using a liquid highlighter, apply it with a brush after your foundation, forming a check mark shape. Begin near your inner eye, angle down toward your nostril, and then move up your cheekbone, blending toward your temple. Repeat the process above your brows, down the center of your nose, on the center of your forehead, and on your chin.

For powder highlighter, apply it after powdering and brush it under your brows, lightly in the corner of your eyes, and on the tops of your cheekbones. Avoid using powder highlighter under your eyes or over your mouth to prevent a sweaty appearance in photos.

STEP 6: SET YOUR BASE

Now, you face a decision. You can either opt for a cream blush instead of a powder blush or set your base with powder. If you choose the latter, begin by using a translucent powder to set your base and manage any shine. When it comes to powder, remember that less is more; aim for a luminous look rather than a heavy one. With a medium-sized brush, lightly dust over your forehead, the sides of your nose, and on your chin.

Following this, apply a powder bronzer that’s a shade or two darker than your foundation. Brush it in the shape of a 3 on both sides of your face. Begin at your hairline, move down the side of your face, then under your cheekbone, back to the side of your face, and finally below your jaw.

Keep pressed powder handy for those moments when certain areas shine and need a quick dab before a photo or while in the restroom.

STEP 7: BRING COLOR TO YOUR EYES

Wedding experts typically advise against a heavily dramatic eye, suggesting instead the use of eyeliners in shades other than black, along with paler or muted eye shadows that complement your eye color. Highlighters can also be applied to create the illusion of larger eyes. Experiment with brown, grey, and green eyeliners, applying them to both your upper and lower eyelids to enhance your eyes. For a longer-lasting effect, use a cream eye shadow on your eyelids, reserving powder for the crease of your eye. Apply a powder highlighter in the corners of your eyes and under your brow.

Consider the following color recommendations based on your eye color: bronze shades for green eyes, mocha for hazel eyes, navy and dark brown for blue eyes, and purples and grays for brown eyes. If you want to line your eyes with eye shadow, dampen an eyeliner brush with water and brush it into the eye shadow for a defined look.

STEP 8: ADD MASCARA

Given that tears are likely, it’s essential to use waterproof mascara for your wedding day. If you’re not accustomed to wearing false eyelashes regularly, your wedding day is not the ideal time to start. Instead, ensure you have a reliable eyelash curler, a volumizing mascara, and a lengthening mascara. Prior to applying mascara, curl your lashes for added lift. When applying mascara, begin at the root of your eyelashes and wiggle the wand from side to side as you move up to the top. Opt for black mascara, as it complements everyone.

Complete your eye makeup by framing your face with a brow powder slightly darker than your natural color. Brush it along the natural line of your eyebrows, working outward toward the end of your eyes. This final touch will enhance your overall look on your special day.

STEP 9: CREAT LIPS

Much like your facial skin, well-moisturized lips are crucial before applying makeup to prevent dryness or cracks that may emphasize lines once color is added. To achieve this, use a lip hydrator, allowing it to absorb for a couple of minutes before applying color. Select a shade that complements your blush and consider the following tips. While many lipsticks claim lasting hours, opting for a lip stain is a more reliable choice on your wedding day.

For fair skin with cool undertones, consider nude, light mocha, and light mauve. If you have warm undertones, explore sand, nude peach, or shell, steering clear of bright pinks, dark bronzes, and deep mochas. If your skin tone is medium with cool undertones, opt for rosy pink, pomegranate, or cranberry; for warm undertones, go with bronze, copper, and cinnamon, avoiding nudes. Deep skin with cool undertones can experiment with raisin, wine, or ruby red, while warm undertones may prefer honey, ginger, or a coppery bronze, avoiding shades close to orange.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, mastering the art of bridal makeup involves careful consideration and skill. These 8 tips provide valuable insights to help you become the most beautiful bride on your special day. Remember, when it comes to achieving a flawless finish, exploring techniques like air brush make up can elevate your bridal look to new heights. With attention to detail and a touch of creativity, you’re sure to radiate confidence and beauty as you walk down the aisle on your unforgettable day.