makeup brushes for sensitive skin

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!

12 best mascaras for sensitive eyes 2023: Get a Flawless Look Instantly!

Mascara is one of the most popular beauty products, and for a good reason — it can instantly transform your look by adding length, volume, and definition to your lashes. With so many options available on the market, it can be challenging to find the right one that meets your specific needs. Some lengthen, volumize, separate, and curl. Some of them are tear-proof and can even add an unknown depth of blackness to your lashes, while others claim to give you the featheriness of false eyelashes. The enormous selection of mascaras can be both exciting and overwhelming when it comes to choosing. To simplify this process, we’ve rounded up the 12 best mascaras for length and volume of 2023 that will help you achieve a flawless look instantly. Whether you are in search of a mascara that provides a natural look, a drugstore alternative to a luxury brand, or a formula that is gentle on sensitive eyes, we’ve got you covered. Regardless of what kind of lashes you have, there’s something here for you.

Best Overall Mascara: Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara

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The Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara has earned its reputation as an iconic product, delivering on its promises of intense black volume while lengthening, curling, and separating lashes. Many buyers found it easy to layer on clump-free volume and appreciated the hourglass-shaped brush for achieving separation. It provided thickness without looking overdone and was easy to remove. While some online reviews criticized the wet formula, we believe it is an excellent choice for daily use and for creating a glamorous makeup look. This mascara is perfect for those seeking bold and dramatic lashes, with its smudge-proof and long-lasting formula. Furthermore, it is cruelty-free and vegan, making it a guilt-free choice. Investing in the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara will give you stunning lashes that you will love. So why wait? Buy it now and fall in love with your lashes all over again!

Best Clean Mascara: COVERGIRL Lash Blast Clean Volume Mascara

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COVERGIRL Lash Blast mascara is a popular drugstore choice that delivers impressive results. It is vegan and free of harmful ingredients like parabens, sulfates, talc, and mineral oil, making it safe for those with sensitive eyes. Its fiber stretch pigments and jumbo brush with tiny bristles ensure every lash is coated for extensions-like length.

The COVERGIRL Lash Blast Clean Volume Mascara is an excellent option for those who desire long-lasting and smudge-proof lashes. This volumizing mascara adds both length and volume to your lashes without irritating your eyes. It’s waterproof and sweat-resistant, so your lashes stay perfect throughout the day. If you’re looking for a trustworthy and safe waterproof mascara without sacrificing quality, the COVERGIRL Lash Blast Clean Volume Mascara is an excellent choice.

Best Drugstore Mascara: L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara

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According to many reviewers we consulted, L’Oreal’s Voluminous Mascara is a perennial favorite. It’s suitable for even the most sensitive eyes and provides clump-free lashes that don’t run and are easy to manage. For a high-quality mascara that delivers remarkable volume and length to your lashes, look no further than L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara. The brush is designed to coat every lash with a smooth, creamy formula that dries quickly without clumping. Additionally, it’s smudge-proof and flake-resistant, ensuring your lashes stay in place all day. You can also choose from a variety of shades to match your style. The L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara is an excellent option for those looking for a great mascara.

Best Mascara for Length: COVERGIRL Exhibitionist Stretch & Strengthen Mascara

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The ideal choice for those with short lashes, this mascara is a lengthening powerhouse that received a perfect score in our tests for not irritating the eyes. Clients were impressed with its ability to lengthen lashes, and raved about the deep, inky pigment, calling it “one of the deepest blacks” they’ve tried. The brush was also highly praised for its abundant and well-spaced bristles, which made it easy to apply evenly. However, it scored average in curling and volumizing and some users found it difficult to remove.

Best Mascara for Sensitive Eyes: Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Washable Mascara

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Looking for long and voluminous lashes? Look no further than Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Washable Mascara. With a buildable formula, you can customize your lash look, whether you want natural or bold lashes. The brush design is perfect for coating each lash, providing a full and defined look. This mascara is also smudge-proof, long-lasting, and easy to remove with makeup remover. It’s an excellent option for those who want high-quality mascara that delivers impressive results.

For a gentle, non-irritating formula that won’t break the bank, try this ophthalmologist-tested drugstore mascara. Infused with bamboo extract, it promotes strong and long lashes, and it’s safe for contact lens wearers. It’s also super easy to remove, so your lashes stay intact.

Best Mascara for Volume: Benefit Bad Gal Bang Volumizing Mascara

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Bad gal bang mascara has been a top pick among many for years and can be found in drugstore makeup aisles. It promises to add thickness and definition to each lash without clumping or smudging. Despite newer formulations on the market, this mascara has remained a fan favorite.

Customers found that it gave their lashes a full and voluminous appearance while maintaining a natural look. The formula wasn’t too thick, making it great for defining the lower lashes. But, some reviewers did note that it is difficult to remove.

Best Natural-Looking Mascara: Maybelline New York Total Temptation Washable Mascara

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Maybelline’s Total Temptation Mascara has received high praise from customers for its ability to separate lashes and provide a natural, subtle look that’s perfect for daily wear. Although the large brush may take some getting used to, it allows for a smooth application that doesn’t clump, even with many coats.

Although it received low consumer scores for volumizing, one user noted that it provided thick and lush eyelashes and was highly buildable. With just one coat, you’ll have long and separated lashes, but with two to three coats, you can achieve dramatic results.

Best Waterproof Mascara: Maybelline The Falsies Lash Lift Waterproof Mascara

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The Maybelline The Falsies Lash Lift Waterproof Mascara is a fantastic option for those looking for a waterproof mascara that delivers long, full, and defined lashes. The brush design is unique, featuring ten layers of bristles that coat every lash, giving you a fan-like effect. The formula is waterproof, sweat-proof, and smudge-proof, ensuring that your lashes look great throughout the day. It’s easy to apply and doesn’t clump or flake, making it an ideal choice for people with sensitive eyes.

Best 2-in-1 Mascara: Honest Beauty 2-in-1 Extreme Length Clean Mascara

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The lengthening mascara we’re about to introduce is amazing. It’s enriched with hydrating jojoba oil, making it a clean, nourishing choice. But what sets it apart is the addition of the enhancing primer. This primer does double duty, preparing your lashes for maximum length and thickness while also protecting dry eyes by acting as a barrier between the mascara and eyelid. Applying the primer is simple: just brush it on and wait about 20 seconds before applying the mascara in a zigzag motion. You won’t believe the results. The unique brush design features bristles of different sizes that coat each lash individually, providing a natural, effortless look.

Most Popular Mascara: essence | Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara

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The Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara is a highly-rated and affordable mascara that promises to give you voluminous and long lashes. It has a large bristle brush that separates and coats each lash without clumping. Reviewers love how it adds length and volume without smudging or flaking throughout the day. However, some reviewers noted that the formula can be a bit wet and may take a few minutes to dry. Overall, it’s a great budget-friendly mascara option that delivers amazing results.

Best Non-Smudging Mascara: Mascara by Revlon, So Fierce Eye Makeup

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Break the rules with the new So Fierce Mascara, with unapologetic length and clump-free, smudge-proof volume. Get lashes that push the limit for hours.

The Revlon So Fierce Mascara in Blackest Black is a popular choice among customers who want a smudge-proof mascara that lasts all day. Many reviewers have found that the mascara lives up to its claim of being smudge-proof, even after a long day of wear. Additionally, the mascara is appreciated for its ability to provide volume and length without clumping. Yet, some users have found that the mascara can be difficult to remove, and may not be suitable for those with sensitive eyes.

Best Curling Mascara: Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash Super Curling & Lifting Mascara

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Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash Mascara received positive reviews from customers who praised its ability to curl, lift, and separate lashes. The curved wand was described as easy to use and provided natural-looking results without clumping or flaking. Designed with staggered bristles, this brush reaches the roots and boosts length and volume significantly. Bonus: it can curl even the tiniest of lashes. The glossy, jet-black formula promotes lush, silky lashes that are long-lasting and won’t clump, smudge, or fade. Some reviewers noted that it held up well throughout the day and was easy to remove

How to Choose the Best Mascara

Here’s what you should consider when choosing mascara:

Start by looking at the formula type

Decide what benefits you want from your mascara — volumizing, thickening, curling, or lengthening. While some products offer multiple benefits, most mascaras fall into one of these categories. The amount of pigment or wax in the formula is the main difference between them, but the most important factor in achieving the desired results is the brush. So, the next step is to consider the brush size and shape.

Pay attention to the brush size and shape

Even if a formula is excellent, a worthless brush will not give you the look you desire. The wand applicator is crucial in creating lengthened, curled, or voluminous lashes. Mascara brushes come in various sizes, shapes, bristle lengths, and materials, and each design helps you achieve a different result. The size of the brush will mirror the effect it has on your lashes. For example, a fat and fluffy applicator will give you voluminous, fat, and fluffy lashes, while a long, skinny, more precise wand will give you long, skinny, clump-free lashes.

Consider its wearability

The formula you choose will determine how long your mascara lasts and how well it wears throughout the day. If you know you’ll be sweating, swimming, or shedding tears, waterproof mascara is your best option. However, these formulas can be stubborn to remove. If you need budge-proof or smudge-proof mascara without the lasting power of a waterproof formula, opt for a tubing mascara. Tubing mascaras coat your lashes in polymers and come off like little tubes with your fingers and water. Lastly, regular mascara is the most flexible on your lashes, comfortable to wear, and easy to remove, but they are also the most likely to flake, run, and smear.

Find your ideal color

While black is a classic choice, don’t be afraid to experiment with colored mascara to amplify and enhance your eye makeup look. Trying midnight blue or deep plum mascara next time you do a smokey eye to elevate your look and make your eyes pop.