13 Best Water-Based Foundations, Makeup Artist-Recommended (2024)
Improve your appearance and prevent your skin from getting dull with nasty clogs.
Azesha is a versatile freelance makeup artist with over a decade of experience in creating stunning looks for both media productions and special events. Her background in visual arts and degree in filmmaking and photography have shaped her unique, artistic perspective toward her craft.
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Experience: 2 yearsSrijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in English and Literature from the University of Calcutta, she has honed her writing skills and developed an in-depth understanding of the beauty and fashion world.
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Experience: 3 yearsRajeshwari is a dedicated fitness and lifestyle enthusiast, deeply committed to enhancing our readers’ well-being and vitality. She has a master’s degree in Journalism & Mass Communication from the University of Calcutta.
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Experience: 3 yearsSrijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a certified style and image consultant.
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Summer makes your skin dry and dehydrated. Using a foundation in summers may make it appear cracky or dull. This is why you need the best water-based foundation that keeps your skin intensely hydrated and radiant. These foundations are formulated with no nasty silicones or minimal/no oils. They help your skin breathe. These foundations are ultra-light, blendable, and hydrating. They are light on the skin and do not clog pores. Additionally, they melt quickly on the skin. And, if you have acne-prone skin, water-based foundations are ideal for you. However, they are suitable for all skin types and offer good coverage.
If you feel puzzled about finding the right foundation that goes well in summer, we have got you covered! Check out our list of the 13 best water-based foundations that are ideal for dry summer skin. Read on below and pick the one you like the most!
In This Article
13 Best Water-Based Foundations Of 2024 With A Helpful Buying Guide
1. Best Allergy-Tested:MAYBELLINE Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation – Natural Beige
This almost-natural blemish-hiding foundation is all you need for your au naturale makeup look. Maybelline’s Fit Me Matte Liquid Foundation is oil-free and delivers a matte but not flat finish to reveal a flawless and natural glow. Available in 40 shades and with 97% women claiming to have found their true-to-color shade, the water-based formula also refines the appearance of pores with micro powders and conceals shine with its medium and buildable coverage. An ideal choice for those with acne-prone skin, this oil-free water-based foundation is also easy to blend and comfortable on the skin. To find out more about this matte foundation, check this video review featuring the reviewer’s experience for more insights.
Pros
- All-day wear
- Allergy-tested
- Non-comedogenic
- Pore-minimizer
- Dermatologist-tested
- Normal to oily skin
Cons
- Contains paraben
Quick Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received over 9,365 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.
2. Best Lightweight:COVERGIRL Clean Matte BB Cream – Fair
What do we like about this drugstore water-based foundation? The BB cream that doubles as a foundation leaves the skin shine-free all day long. So, if you are tired of all those midday T-zone touch-ups, now you know which foundation to use. Covergirl’s oil-free and natural-looking water-based foundation delivers a flawless matte look that evens out the skin tone and conceals blemishes with its second-skin-like finish. And the way it goes smoothly on the skin covering all the imperfections, you’d never want to go back to your regular foundation again. This is not tested on animals, which makes it a good fur-friendly option. If you are an absolute beginner, this tester’s experience in this video might be useful.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Non-comedogenic
- Breathable formula
- Natural matte coverage
- Suitable for oily skin
Cons
- Some may find the consistency slightly thick
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 1,186 customers have given the product positive reviews on Amazon.
3. Best Oil-Free:Neutrogena SkinClearing Oil-Free Makeup – 30/Buff
For acne-prone and sensitive skin, the Neutrogena SkinClearing Oil-Free Makeup – 30/Buff which is a long-lasting water-based foundation, would be a relief this summer. Formulated with microClear technology, it fights blemishes, prevents breakouts, and leaves a natural-looking coverage on the skin. The non-comedogenic formula contains salicylic acid to provide quick relief from acne and will not clog pores too. Besides this, it is also enriched with matricaria flower extract (German chamomile) and aloe leaf extract, as they both have healing and anti-inflammatory properties to soothe the blemishes and redness-prone areas. Just what you need to keep the acne at bay and look flawless all day, this lightweight and breathable water-based foundation is clinically tested and available in 14 shades. Check out this review for a detailed understanding of this expertly crafted formula.
Pros
- Oil-free
- Non-greasy
- Controls shine
- Hypoallergenic
- Breathable formula
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- Contains parabens
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 721 reviews claiming its efficacy.
| MAYBELLINE Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation - Natural Beige Best Allergy-Tested | COVERGIRL Clean Matte BB Cream - Fair Best Lightweight | Neutrogena SkinClearing Oil-Free Makeup - 30/Buff Best Oil-Free | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | Normal; OilyColor | - | Acne-ProneColor |
| Dimensions | 1.18 x 1.18 x 4.33 inches | 1.62 x 0.75 x 4.33 inches | 6 x 5 x 4 inches |
| Weight | 3.88 Ounces | 0.99 Ounces | 0.11 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 9,365 | 1,186 | 721 |
| Price | $6.2 | $6.89 | $7.09 |
4. Best Fragrance-Free:Art Of Air Airbrush Makeup – Golden Olive
The Art of Air Airbrush Makeup Foundation is a must-try if you are looking to correct skin concerns such as redness, blemishes, spots, dark circles, etc with skin-loving ingredients. Mineral-based and oil-free, it delivers flawless full coverage that, unlike heavy foundation, is weightless and suitable to wear daily. Sounds perfect for the summers, doesn’t it? The ideal glow-getter, this sheer coverage water-based foundation hides imperfections, lasts all day and evens out the skin tone effortlessly. Also, you can use this water-based airbrush makeup with a foundation brush or with a spray gun. This expert-recommended formula is highly praised by online reviewers for its good coverage.
Pros
- Sheer finish
- Fragrance-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Hypoallergenic
- Contains skin-caring ingredients
- Dermatologist-recommended
Cons
- Slight runny
"I am impressed with the lasting power of this foundation. It smoothes out my skin and hides any imperfections. I like that it is devoid of any strong chemical scent. The formula also never clogs my pores. It also removes nicely from my skin without stripping it."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The extensive 1,920 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are vouching for this product.
5. Best Hypoallergenic:Belloccio Flawless Airbrush Makeup Set
Concealing never looked this flawless and natural! With anti-aging antioxidants and moisturizing primer included, this high-definition and fragrance-free water-based foundation set has multiple undertones (pink, golden, yellow) for you to explore. Easy to use, and more importantly, hygienic since you don’t have to use a brush, sponge, or fingertips for blending, this spray-gun foundation is a must-try to get a red-carpet-ready look within minutes! Leaving a soft, natural look that’ll last all day, it also claims to conceal imperfections, wrinkles, fine lines, discoloration, dark circles, etc. Need we say more?
Pros
- Oil-free
- Paraben-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Dermatologist-tested
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- May not be waterproof
"This foundation offers anti-aging benefits to my skin. It hides my imperfections and makes my skin look flawless. I love the hydrating glow it imparts to my skin. The product does not clog my pores or leave greasy residues."
6. Best Ophthalmologist-Recommended:Estee Lauder Double Wear Light Soft Matte Hydra Makeup
The Estee Lauder Double Wear Light Soft Matte Hydra Makeup is a buildable to medium coverage water-based foundation that feels like your second skin. It covers pores and imperfections to give you a flawless finish. Its lightweight, non-comedogenic, oil-free formula lasts 24 hours and is resistant to water, sweat, and humidity. This lightweight foundation has multiple positive reviews on Amazon praising its ability to offer statement-making results.
Pros
- Lightweight texture
- Non-comedogenic
- Long-lasting
- Waterproof
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- None
"This foundation blurs the look of my pores. It lends my skin a seamless look and controls its sebum production. I love how lightweight it feels on my skin and refreshed its look. It does not dry out my skin."
7. Best For Lasting Wear:Pretty Vulgar Cool AF Lava Water Foundation – Nudie Pie
How about a luxe experience every time you doll up? Give your skin a break with this lightweight water-based foundation on days when your regular foundation feels a tad bit heavy. Pick the right color and put your best face forward with its flawless and natural-looking finish. Available in 15 shades and packed in an elegant bottle, this semi-matte finish water-based foundation contains charcoal powder, volcanic water from Jeju Island, and sodium hyaluronate to hydrate and nourish your skin effortlessly. It also contains moringa oil, sunflower seed oil, sea water, and dragon’s blood extract that offer detoxifying, skin-repairing, and anti-inflammatory benefits. This brand does not conduct animal testing, which makes this product a good fur-friendly option.
Pros
- Buildable coverage
- Long-wear
- Cooling formula
- Controls oil glands
- Requires no touch-ups
Cons
- Slightly expensive
"First of all, I love the bottle of this foundation. The formula is buildable, so I can customize its coverage. It masks my imperfections seamlessly without making my skin cakey. The nourishing composition of the formula hydrates my skin and soothes itchiness."
8. Best Mineral Based:Ecco Bella FlowerColor Natural Foundation – Natural
How about a beauty shield rather than a regular foundation for your skin? This cruelty-free and mineral-based water-based foundation will control your skin’s tantrums and leave a stunning, healthy glow. With the power of 3, it beautifies, treats, and protects the skin with every use. The plant-based organic formula contains apricot kernel oil, sunflower seed oil, honeysuckle flower extract, and aloe vera juice to nourish and protect skin from harmful environmental stressors. And are you dealing with blemishes or uneven skin tone? If yes, Ecco Bella’s natural and sheer coverage will conceal imperfections without leaving a cakey finish. It has received multiple positive reviews on Amazon attesting to its effectiveness and blendability.
Pros
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Fragrance-free
- Mineral-based
- Paraben-free
- Lightweight coverage
- Long-lasting coverage
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- May not conceal spots or dark circles
9. Best Non-Greasy:Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation – Natural Tan
Bobbi Brown’s Skin Foundation will steal your heart with its undetectable and flawless second-skin-like natural coverage. This SPF-infused water-based foundation protects your skin from harmful rays and sun damage. It leaves the skin moisturized, fresh and plump with every use, and it also contains light reflectors to enhance your natural, dewy glow. And the best part; it is free from harmful chemicals such as parabens, sulfates, phthalates, gluten, mineral oil, triclosan, and more. This makeup artist-approved product offers exceptional results and is highly recommended by users from all over the globe.
Pros
- Oil-free formula
- SPF 15
- Long-wear
- Non-greasy
- Natural finish
- True-to-color payoff
- Moisturizer for normal to dry skin
Cons
- Expensive
"My skin looks smooth and even after I apply this foundation. It glides smoothly on my skin without caking up. I love how lightweight it feels on my skin. The formula does not make my skin sweat. It is also free of any harsh scent."
StyleCraze Trivia10. Best Cruelty-Free:Cover FX Natural Finish Foundation – P30
The Cover FX Natural Finish Foundation – P30 is suitable for all skin types. This natural antioxidant-rich and luminous water-based foundation has the benefits of a moisturizer for your skin. When the temperature rises, this vegan foundation with vitamin E, C, F, and squalene will hydrate intensely, seal in moisture, and protect your skin from free radicals for up to 12 hours! And while it moisturizes the skin with its lightweight-creamy texture, it’ll leave a stunning, luminous, and soft-focus effect on the outside. With 12-hour hydration and natural coverage, the Cover FX Foundation is also free from harsh chemicals such as parabens, alkyl sulfates, gluten, mineral oil, talc, and more. Try out this ultra-glam option for a picture-perfect look!
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Fragrance-free
- Improves skin tone
- Second-skin finish
- Clinically-tested
- Available in 40 shades
Cons
- Expensive
"I like the sheer glow my skin gets after I apply this foundation. It shields my skin against harmful UV rays. The formula hydrates my skin and plumps its appearance from within. I like that the foundation is free of oils, so it does not clog my pores."
11. Best Matte Finish:Glam Air Matte Finish Airbrush Makeup – M3 Natural Nude
Do you have an open pore problem? This airbrush makeup foundation will not clog your pores and stay intact on your skin for up to 24 hours! Let your skin glow this season with a poreless and youthful appearance. This mattifying foundation also conceals beautifully and claims to hide all the spots, discolorations, rosacea, aging signs, and even dark circles to give you that naturally flawless coverage. Plus, it doesn’t smear, cake, or fade! So, the next time someone asks for a close-up selfie, pose confidently with this anti-aging water-based foundation.
Pros
- Matte finish
- Non-flaking
- Non-runny
- Anti-acne formula
- Normal to oily skin
Cons
- May take some time to dry
"This foundation hides my spots and lends my skin a flawless look. It does not congest my pores or trigger breakouts. It lasts on my skin for a pretty long time without fading, smearing, or transferring. I like that it never irritates my skin."
12. Best Comfortable Wear:Graftobian GlamAire Airbrush Beauty Makeup – Lady Fair (N)
Who doesn’t want a celebrity-like glow on their skin? And Graftobian GlamAire Airbrush Makeup will make it possible from the comfort of your home. This ultra-hydrating water-based foundation is buildable and easy to blend, and it goes on like a dream on the skin to leave a natural and non-glossy coverage. Water-based and powered by the glam goddesses (we think), this radiant glow water-based foundation is the glow-getter to try and flaunt this summer.
Pros
- Silicone-free
- Alcohol-free
- Comfortable wear
- High-definition finish
Cons
- Contains paraben
"This foundation spreads nicely on my skin and stays in place for hours. It lends my skin a flawless glow. It does not make my skin greasy or tacky. I like that it never leaves residues either. The product layers well under my bronzer and blush."
13. Best For All Skin Types:Ere Perez Quinoa Water Foundation
And this one melts! Call it a pampering foundation if you like; the Erez Perez Quinoa Water Foundation nourishes skin with its antioxidant and vitamin-rich anti-aging formula. Infused with quinoa to improve elasticity and soothe inflammation, the blend also has blackcurrants to fight aging signs such as fine lines, pigmentation, and redness. And as for the finish, it leaves a fresh and moisturized matte look.
Pros
- Vegan
- Lightweight
- Easy to blend
- Rejuvenates skin
- Suitable for all skin types
- Mess-free dropper
Cons
- Some may find it runny
"I love the gorgeous, dewy finish I get after I apply this foundation. It improves my skin’s elasticity and protects it against free radicals. The formula is blendable and buildable. It feels lightweight on my skin and lends it a matte look."
Let’s get your skin ready for the summer, girls! There you go, those were the 13 best water-based foundations of 2024 to try this season. Do you still need some buying tips? Or wondering how to remove a water-based foundation? Check out our buying guide below.
How To Choose The Best Water-Based Foundation
Look out for the following features before buying the product:
- Skin tone
Choosing a foundation
online is tricky, especially if you are trying a new product. Firstly, you must know your skin’s undertone and whether it is cool, warm, or neutral, as this will help in selecting the closest shade for your skin tone. To find out your undertone, check the veins on your forearms. Those with rosy-pink skin with blue-purple veins are said to have cool undertones. If you have olive-yellow skin with green-purple veins, you have warm undertones, and those in between have neutral undertones.
- Skin type
Water-based foundations are ideal for oily and sensitive skin users, but they also work beautifully on normal, acne-prone, dry, and combination skin types. Water-based foundations with antioxidants and vitamins have moisturizing benefits and deliver a dewy effect on dry skin type. However, if you have oily skin, look for a mattifying finish with a hydrating formula for shine control and to nourish skin at the same time.
- Easy to blend
Choose a foundation that is easy to blend and build to get that natural and flawless coverage. Look out for the consistency of the foundation and the kind of coverage it delivers to get an idea of its blending needs. Foundations with liquidy consistency and light coverage blend better than those with a slightly thick texture and full coverage finish.
- Foundation type
The best thing about liquid or water-based foundations is you can apply them in 2 ways — with a foundation brush or a spray gun. A foundation brush is best for textures that require blending and building for flawless coverage. Airbrush spray guns ensure the foundation sits optimally on the skin to give a stunning natural and dewy finish. Also, it’s hygienic as your skin does not come in contact with a brush or fingertips.
- Ingredients
Firstly, to make sure it’s a water-based foundation, the ingredient list should have water or aqua as the primary content. Besides this, foundations with antioxidants and vitamins are great if you need a moisturizing and hydrating formula. However, avoid foundations that contain harsh chemicals such as parabens, sulfates, alcohol, SLS, silicones, mineral oils, talc, and more for the best experience.
How To Remove Water-Based Foundation?
Ideally, you must use a water-based makeup remover to remove a water-based foundation. A water-based makeup remover will continue to keep your skin hydrated like a foundation post makeup removal. Use a cotton swab or tissue and wipe the full-coverage foundation gently from your face and neck areas. Follow it up with a water-based cleanser for deep cleaning.
Infographic: Removing A Water-Based Foundation: Tips To Remember
A water-based foundation is suitable for acne-prone and sensitive skin. However, you must also learn how to remove it properly along with the rest of your makeup. Check out the infographic below for a few tips to guide you.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Some foundations can crumble, cake, and become difficult to blend. Moreover, during summers, your skin tends to become even more dehydrated. To achieve a flawless complexion, you need the best water-based foundations in your makeup routine.These foundation formulas will give your skin an intensely hydrated and radiant complexion. They are especially ideal for acne-prone skin because they are lightweight and won’t clog the pores. The products reviewed in the list are suitable for all-day wear and have a dermatologist-tested formula. They are available in different shades to match your skin tone. For your everyday makeup look, try the MAYBELLINE Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation or choose the COVERGIRL Clean Matte BB Cream for a matte finish. Lastly, the Neutrogena SkinClearing Oil-Free Makeup is perfect to cover blemishes and redness. Consider your skin tone, skin type, and foundation type, and go through the ingredients list while choosing the best water-based foundations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do water-based foundations cause acne?
No, water-based foundations that are non-comedogenic or mineral-based will not clog pores or trigger acne. Art of Air Airbrush Makeup, Ecco Bella Natural Foundation, and EVXO Organic Liquid Mineral Foundation are some of the best water-based foundations that are mineral-based and non-comedogenic.
Should you use a water-based foundation on acne-prone skin?
Absolutely! Water-based foundations are great for acne-prone and oily skin because they are oil-free, non-greasy, and high on water content for intense hydration. Besides this, some are non-comedogenic and mineral-based, making them ideal for acne-prone skin. Neutrogena SkinClearing Oil-Free Makeup is a great example as it contains salicylic acid to fight and prevent acne.
What is the difference between silicone, oil, and water-based foundations?
Water-based foundations have water or aqua as the primary ingredient and are non-comedogenic, making them great for acne-prone, oily, and sensitive skin. However, they may not last long. Silicone-based makeup goes smoothly on the skin, is long-lasting, and reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, but their filling tendency may also lead to breakouts on sensitive or acne-prone skin. Oil-free foundations are great for oily skin users, and they last longer if used with an oil-free primer.
Which is better: water-based or silicone-based foundation?
Both foundations have their pros and cons. Water-based is ideal for sensitive, acne-prone, and all other skin types because they are non-comedogenic, lightweight, easy to blend, but may not last long. Silicone-based foundations blend easily, leave a smooth and flawless coverage, and have anti-aging benefits but can trigger acne for those with open pores and sensitive skin.
Can you use a beauty blender with a water-based foundation?
Yes! A beauty blender sponge is highly versatile, and you can use it with all types of makeup products, from BB creams, foundations, concealers, to even compact powder. The trick is to know how to use one (wet, squeeze, and dab!) to get the perfect makeup look.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Srijita De, the author, is a makeup enthusiast whose passion lies in reviewing beauty products. She has compiled this list of the best water-based foundations using her years of experience and extensive research of the user feedback available online. The above-listed products are extremely lightweight and great for achieving smooth and radiant skin.
Read full bio of Azesha Ramcharan
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