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!

15 BEST HAIR OILS FOR CURLY HAIR YOU SHOULD KNOW

Taming those gorgeous curls can be a whole different ball game! Curly hair is undeniably beautiful, but it can also be susceptible to dryness, frizz, and breakage. In addition to using hair care products such as masks for curly hair, the good news is that hair conditioner is also a potential product. It provides intense hydration, definition and shine. Here is a list of 15 of the best hair oils specially formulated to help you achieve the best curls! We’ll explore a variety of options to meet different hair needs, from budget-friendly options to luxurious treatments. So get ready to ditch the frizz and embrace your gorgeous curls!

OUR TOP PICKS

GARNIER ULTIMATE BLENDS COCONUT HAIR OIL FOR FRIZZY HAIR

Garnier’s Coconut Hair Oil for Frizzy Hair is great for people with dry, damaged, or frizzy curls. It’s made with plant-based ingredients, so it’s good for the environment. Many tests show it makes hair smoother and defines curls well. Most people who tried it liked how soft it made the ends of their hair. Plus, it keeps hair hydrated and healthy. The bottle is a good size at 150ml, and it doesn’t have any harmful chemicals. If you have dry, damaged, or frizzy hair, this oil could be a good choice for you.

KÉRASTASE L’HUILE ELIXIR ULTIME HYDRATING HAIR OIL SERUM

Can’t be left out of the conversation of luxurious hair oils is Kérastase’s L’Huile Elixir Ultime Hydrating Hair Oil Serum. This multi-tasking oil is designed to be suitable for all hair types, but it truly shines for those with fine or limp curls. The lightweight formula absorbs quickly to deliver rich hydration without weighing down your strands. This oil is packed with a blend of botanical oils like marula, argan, and camellia, which work together to tame frizz, boost shine, and strengthen your curls for a healthy, bouncy look.

CHARLOTTE MENSAH MANKETTI HAIR OIL

Formulated specifically as an oil for curly hair, Charlotte Mensah Manketti Hair Oil has garnered multiple awards, making it a standout addition to your hair care routine. This luxurious blend features organic manketti nut and ximenia oils, renowned for their deeply nourishing properties. Serving as a savior for dry and dehydrated curls, it works wonders by imparting shine, taming frizz, and promoting scalp health. Whether you’re seeking a quick shine boost post-styling or opting for an overnight treatment for intensive conditioning, Charlotte Mensah Manketti Hair Oil ensures to elevate your curls, rendering them resilient, manageable, and beautifully defined.

AUSSIE MIRACLE CURLS CURL-DEFINING OIL 

Looking for a budget-friendly option that still delivers great results? Aussie Miracle Curls Curl-Defining Oil might be your new curl BFF. This drugstore favorite is infused with coconut and jojoba oil, offering a wave of hydration to quench thirsty curls. The lightweight formula absorbs quickly, sealing the hair cuticle to lock in moisture and reduce frizz. This translates to softer, shinier curls with enhanced definition, all without that dreaded weighed-down feeling. Plus, it’s paraben-free, making it a good choice for those with sensitive scalps.

LIVING PROOF CURL MOISTURISING SHINE OIL

If you’re seeking a curl-loving oil that prioritizes shine and healthy hydration, Living Proof Curl Moisturizing Shine Oil is a strong contender. This silicone-free formula stands out for its unique biomimetic properties. That essentially means the oil mimics your hair’s natural lipids, seamlessly integrating with your curl structure. This allows it to deliver deep moisture without feeling greasy or heavy. The result? Smooth, hydrated curls with a radiant, healthy shine. Living Proof Curl Moisturizing Shine Oil is versatile too, working wonders before shampooing to add a protective layer, during styling to enhance definition, or even as a post-styling treatment for a touch of extra polish.

OUIDAD MONGONGO CURL TREATMENT OIL

Ouidad’s Mongongo Curl Treatment Oil is a serious contender for the title of best oil for curly hair, especially for those seeking a natural, multi-tasking treatment. This lightweight formula is packed with Mongongo Oil, rich in omega-6 fatty acids, which  nourishes and strengthens curls. It also blends in Broccoli Seed Oil and American Palm Seed Oil to further soften and add shine. Ouidad’s Mongongo Oil goes beyond just surface benefits. It forms a protective barrier to lock in moisture and shield your curls from heat styling and UV damage. The result is defined, frizz-free curls with a healthy, radiant glow. Plus, it’s free of harsh sulfates, silicones, and parabens, making it a great choice for those with sensitive scalps or who prefer a more natural approach to hair care.

PANTENE GOLD SERIES INTENSE HYDRATING HAIR OIL

Designed specifically for all hair types, Pantene’s Gold Series Intense Hydrating Hair Oil offers a compelling option for curly hair on a budget. This paraben-free, sulfate-free, and dye-free formula is infused with the goodness of argan oil, known for its lightweight yet deeply moisturizing properties. The oil absorbs quickly into hair strands, helping to repair dryness and breakage, common woes for curly hair. This translates to stronger, healthier curls with a noticeable boost in shine. Whether you apply it to wet hair for enhanced manageability during styling or use it on dry hair for a touch of extra frizz control and shine, Pantene Gold Series Intense Hydrating Hair Oil promises to add a touch of luxury to your curl care routine at an affordable price.

SHEAMOISTURE 100% PURE ARGAN OIL

Known for its dedication to curly hair care, SheaMoisture offers a 100% Pure Argan Oil that’s a fantastic choice for a natural, multi-purpose treatment. This lightweight oil absorbs quickly to deliver a boost of hydration without weighing down your curls. Packed with Vitamin E and essential fatty acids, it helps to soften and smooth dry, frizzy hair.  This oil is a true multi-tasker – use it as a hair serum, hair oil treatment, or even an anti-frizz solution.  You can even apply it to your skin for an extra dose of moisture.  SheaMoisture’s 100% Pure Argan Oil is a budget-friendly option that allows you to experience the benefits of this “liquid gold” for both your hair and skin.

DEVACURL HIGH SHINE MULTI-BENEFIT CURL OIL

This oil proves to be an excellent choice for individuals with looser, wavier curl patterns, as confirmed by the positive feedback from nearly all our testers who found it effortless to apply evenly without weighing down their hair. Impressively, it excelled in our lab tests for smoothing, a sentiment echoed by the majority of our testers. While a few noted a slight heaviness, most agreed that it effectively avoided leaving greasiness on their ends, making it particularly appealing for those aiming for sleekness without unwanted oily residue. With a convenient size of 50ml and a paraben-free formulation, this oil emerges as a promising solution for managing frizzy hair, offering both easy application and effective smoothing properties.

PATTERN JOJOBA HAIR & SCALP OIL BLEND

Specifically designed for curlies, coilies, and tight textures, Pattern’s Jojoba Hair & Scalp Oil Blend is a lightweight, residue-free formula that offers a touch of heaven for your hair.  This blend combines the power of jojoba oil, known for its similarity to the hair’s natural sebum, with safflower oil, rosehip oil, olive oil, and lavender oil.  Together, these oils work in beautiful harmony to deliver deep moisture without feeling greasy. This is especially beneficial for low porosity hair, helping it retain moisture and prevent breakage. Pattern’s Jojoba Hair & Scalp Oil Blend goes beyond just strands, though. Massaging it into your scalp can help soothe itchiness and reduce flaking caused by dryness, promoting a healthy scalp environment for happy hair growth.

AVEDA NUTRIPLENISH BY AVEDA MULTI-USE HAIR OIL

Aveda’s Nutriplenish Multi-Use Hair Oil is a versatile option that caters to all hair types, including curly hair. This 100% naturally derived formula boasts a concentrated blend of 5 superfood power oils, including organic coconut, olive, and grape seed oil. These oils work together to deliver a powerful punch of hydration and shine, without leaving your curls greasy or weighed down. The key to its versatility lies in its multiple uses. Apply it pre-shampoo as a deep conditioning treatment for dry, thirsty curls. Use it on towel-dried hair for a leave-in treatment that boosts manageability and adds shine during styling.  Aveda’s Nutriplenish Multi-Use Hair Oil is a great choice for those looking for a natural, multi-tasking product that caters to the specific needs of curly hair.

OGX RENEWING + ARGAN OIL OF MOROCCO

If you’re searching for a budget-friendly yet effective hair oil for your curls, OGX Renewing + Argan Oil of Morocco is a strong contender. This lightweight oil is infused with argan oil, a popular choice for its moisturizing and nourishing properties. It absorbs quickly into hair strands, helping to tame frizz and boost shine without leaving a greasy residue. This oil is designed to renew and strengthen hair, promoting elasticity and manageability for your curls. OGX Renewing + Argan Oil of Morocco is also paraben and sulfate-free, making it a good option for those with sensitive scalps or who prefer a more gentle hair care routine.

IMBUE CURL WORSHIPPING SHINE OIL

Specifically designed for curly hair, Imbue Curl Worshipping Shine Oil promises to be a curl-loving hero in your hair care routine. This vegan and “Curly Girl Method”-friendly formula is free of ingredients that can weigh down curls, like sulfates, silicones, and drying alcohols. Instead, it boasts a lightweight cocktail of plant-powered oils like avocado, coconut, cupuaçu, and grapeseed oil. This nourishing blend works wonders on dry, frizzy curls, delivering deep hydration to quench thirst and smooth frizz. Imbue Curl Worshipping Shine Oil is a multi-tasker. Use it on damp hair to lock in moisture and enhance definition during styling, or apply it to dry hair for a touch of extra shine and frizz control. This oil is also gentle enough to be used as an overnight treatment for deep conditioning, leaving your curls soft, manageable, and beautifully defined.

PURA D’OR ORGANIC SWEET ALMOND OIL

For those seeking a natural and affordable option, Pura D’Or Organic Sweet Almond Oil is a great choice for curly hair. This lightweight oil is readily absorbed by hair strands, delivering a dose of hydration without feeling greasy or heavy.  Packed with vitamin E, sweet almond oil helps to strengthen and nourish curls, promoting elasticity and manageability. While it might not be as intensely moisturizing as some other options on this list, it’s a versatile choice for various hair care needs. Use it as a pre-poo treatment to add moisture and soften strands, or apply a small amount to dry hair for a touch of frizz control and shine. Plus, Pura D’Or’s Organic Sweet Almond Oil is a budget-friendly option, making it a great choice for those who are new to using hair oils or want a simple, natural solution for their curly hair routine.

AUSSIE WORK THAT CURL HAIR SERUM WITH JOJOBA SEED OIL

Looking for a budget-friendly curl definer that packs a punch? Aussie Work That Curl Hair Serum with Jojoba Seed Oil might be your new go-to. This drugstore favorite is formulated specifically for curly hair, and boasts a lightweight yet effective formula. The key ingredient here is jojoba seed oil, which is similar to the hair’s natural sebum. This allows it to absorb quickly and deliver targeted hydration without weighing down your curls.  Aussie Work That Curl Hair Serum promises to define your curls, tame frizz, and add a touch of shine, all at an affordable price point. Plus, it’s a vegan formula, making it a great choice for those with specific preferences.  Whether you use it as a finishing touch after styling or apply it to damp hair for enhanced definition, this Aussie serum is a convenient and wallet-friendly option to help you achieve your best curl life.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A HAIR OIL FOR CURLY HAIR

Let’s delve into some key factors to consider when choosing the perfect one for your unique curls:

  • Hair type and porosity: Curly hair comes in a spectrum of textures, from loose waves to tight coils. High porosity hair absorbs moisture quickly but can lose it just as fast, so it might benefit from thicker oils. Low porosity hair has a tighter cuticle and struggles to absorb moisture, so lightweight oils are ideal.
  • Desired benefits: Are you seeking deep hydration for dry curls? Frizz control? Definition and shine? Knowing your priorities will help narrow down your options.
  • Oil properties: Some popular oils for curly hair include argan oil (lightweight and moisturizing), jojoba oil (similar to hair’s natural sebum), coconut oil (deeply moisturizing but can weigh down fine hair), and avocado oil (rich in vitamins and promotes elasticity).
  • Ingredients: Curly hair can be prone to dryness, so be on the lookout for oils rich in fatty acids and vitamins. If you have a sensitive scalp, you might want to avoid products with sulfates, silicones, or drying alcohols.
  • Budget: Hair oils range in price from budget-friendly drugstore options to luxurious salon brands. There’s a great oil out there for everyone, so consider your budget and hair care needs.

By considering these factors, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect hair oil to nourish, define, and enhance your beautiful curls!

WHEN SHOULD YOU  APPLY OIL TO CURLY HAIR?

Hair oils serve as excellent aids in locking in moisture, primarily after conditioning, but they also prove beneficial when applied to dry ends between wash days or utilized as a deep conditioning treatment before shampooing.

CONCLUSION

With this arsenal of 15 of the best hair oils for curly hair at your fingertips, you’re well on your way to unlocking your hair’s full potential.  Remember, the “best” hair oil is the one that caters to your unique curl pattern, hair porosity, and desired results.  So, explore the options we’ve shared, consider the buying guide, and get ready to embrace your gorgeous, healthy curls!