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 achieve Soft Natural Makeup Look: Step-By-Step Tutorial

Are you tired of heavy makeup looks that take hours to apply and leave your skin feeling weighed down? Perhaps it’s time to embrace the beauty of a soft natural makeup look. With the right techniques and products, you can enhance your natural features while still feeling confident and put-together. 

To assist you in achieving makeup that strikes the perfect balance between looking natural and providing ample coverage, we’re excited to share a step-by-step natural makeup tutorial for achieving a pretty, understated makeup look. Scroll down to discover all the tips and tricks you’ll need!

What is a Soft Natural Makeup Look?

A soft natural makeup look is a makeup look that enhances your natural features and gives you a radiant, healthy glow. This means using sheer foundations, light blushes, and subtle eyeshadows to create a fresh-faced glow. The goal is to look like yourself, only better.

A soft natural makeup look is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re running errands, attending a job interview, or going on a date, this look will make you feel confident and put-together without being too over-the-top.

how to prepare your skin for a natural makeup look 

Getting your skin ready for a natural makeup look is all about giving it some love and care. Start by washing your face with a gentle cleanser to get rid of any dirt and impurities. Then, give your skin a refreshing boost with a toner. Hydration is crucial, so don’t forget to slather on a moisturizer to keep your skin happy and hydrated. To create that smooth canvas, use a lightweight primer that will help your makeup stay put and look flawless all day. 

Exfoliate once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells, ensuring a smooth application. Don’t forget sunscreen to protect your skin from UV damage, which can prematurely age your complexion and interfere with that fresh, natural look you’re aiming for. Proper skincare sets the foundation for a flawless natural makeup look.

How to Achieve a Soft Natural Makeup Look

Step 1: Prep Your Skin

Begin with a fresh, clean face by cleansing with a gentle face wash. Next, try the “Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer” for a hydrating and smoothing base – it’s like a refreshing drink for your skin!

Step 2: Foundation and Concealer

  • Go for a light, breathable foundation like “NARS Sheer Glow Foundation” that matches your complexion. Apply it with a damp Beauty Blender sponge for a seamless finish. Apply a small amount of foundation evenly across your face using a makeup sponge, brush, or your fingertips. Blend it well, especially around the jawline and hairline to avoid harsh lines.
  • Cover up any spots or under-eye circles with “Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Concealer” – it’s a drugstore gem.

Step 3: Set with Translucent Powder

  • Set your makeup with “Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder.”. Focus on the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) and areas prone to shine.
  • Use a fluffy brush and apply a minimal amount to avoid a heavy, cakey finish.

Step 4: Eyebrows

  • Groom your eyebrows using a spoolie brush to brush them into shape. Fill them in softly using “Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz
  • Set your brows in place with a clear brow gel if needed.

Step 5: Soft Eye Makeup

  • Apply a neutral eyeshadow primer to ensure your eyeshadow lasts.
  • Try the “Urban Decay Naked3 Eyeshadow Palette.” Start with a light shade on your lids, a slightly deeper one in the crease, and maybe a touch of shimmer from the palette’s “Dust” shade. 
  • Finish with a coat of “L’Oréal Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara” for fluttery lashes.

Step 6: Blush

  • Apply a subtle blush like “Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush” to the apples of your cheeks
  • Smile to find the apples of your cheeks and apply blush there.
  • Blend the blush gently upward and outward toward your temples for a youthful flush.

Step 7: Natural Lips

  • Opt for a lip color that closely matches your natural lip shade, such as “MAC Cosmetics Velvet Teddy” for a nude look.
  • Optionally, outline your lips with “NYX Slim Lip Pencil” for some definition, focusing on the natural shape.
  • Apply lipstick or tinted lip balm for a soft, moisturized look.

Step 8: Highlight (Optional)

If you’re feeling fancy, a bit of highlighter can go a long way. Dab a touch of “Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector” onto your cheekbones, nose bridge, and cupid’s bow for that subtle glow. 

Step 9: Set Your Makeup

Finish your soft natural look with a makeup setting spray. This helps lock your makeup in place and gives it a natural, dewy finish.

Tips for Achieving a Flawless Makeup Look

  • Use a light hand when applying your makeup to avoid looking too heavy.
  • Choose sheer products that allow your skin to breathe.
  • Make sure you blend your makeup well to avoid any harsh lines.
  • Opt for neutral eyeshadow shades to create a subtle yet polished look.
  • Invest in good quality brushes and sponges to ensure your makeup goes on smoothly.

FAQs

  1. Can I still wear mascara with a soft natural makeup look? Yes! Mascara is a great way to enhance your lashes and make your eyes stand out.
  2. What type of blush should I use for a soft natural makeup look? For a soft natural makeup look, it’s best to use a light pink or peach blush. These shades mimic a natural flush and can be applied lightly for a subtle effect.
  3. Do I need to use primer for a soft natural makeup look? While not necessary, using a primer can help your makeup last longer and go on more smoothly. Look for a lightweight, sheer formula that won’t feel heavy on your skin.
  4. Can I wear a bold lip color with a soft natural makeup look? Absolutely! A soft natural makeup look pairs well with a bold lip, as it allows the lips to be the center of attention while still highlighting your natural beauty.
  5. How do I make sure my makeup stays put all day? To ensure your makeup lasts all day, try setting it with a lightweight powder or spray. This will help keep your makeup in place without weighing it down.
  6. Is a soft natural makeup look suitable for all skin types? Yes! A soft natural makeup look is perfect for all skin types, as it enhances your natural features without feeling heavy or cakey on the skin.

Final Takeaway

Achieving a soft natural makeup look is easy and can be done by anyone. By following these simple steps and tips, you can enhance your natural beauty and feel confident and put-together without spending hours applying layers of makeup. Whether you’re running errands, attending a job interview, or going on a date, a soft natural makeup look is the perfect way to look and feel your best.