10 Best Water Based Primer Picks to Lock in Your Look

A strong base is the most important structure of any process, including our makeup routines! That's why this mostly invisible skin-smoothener turned pore-minimizer is a staple makeup product. You guessed it, it's all about the primer. From silicone-based to water-base, there are a plethora of choices on the market. So we've explored the realm of water based primers to present you with the best. 

From pore minimizing miracles to radiance boosting wonders there's something, for every skin tone and type. Whether you adore the velvety matte finish or prefer a dewy and radiant look our list has got you covered.

Whether you're a makeup enthusiast or novice, in this blog post, we are highlighting 10 best water based primers that will leave you with the finest of finishes.

 What Are Water Based Primers?

A primer acts as a base for makeup, smoothening out the skin's surface and helping makeup last longer.

Water-based primers, unlike their silicone-based counterparts, are primarily water-infused. They offer a lightweight, hydrating feel, making them an excellent choice for sensitive skin or those averse to using oil-based products.

So, in a nutshell, water-based primers are your ticket to a dewy, long-lasting glow.

Best Water Based Primers

Best Overall: Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Hydrating Makeup Primer

Skin Type: All | Finish: Blurring Effect

If you're looking for a game-changing makeup primer that locks makeup in place with pumping in hydration, look no further than the Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Hydrating Makeup Primer. 

This little green tube contains an “all-skin-type-friendly” water based formula combining aloe water and hyaluronic acid to provide a burst of hydration to soothe the driest of skin coupled with a dewy finish that oily skin can rock without looking too greasy. 

The secret behind this primer lies in its "Hydro Grip" technology which brings together the power of niacinamide and blue agave extract to give your makeup the ultimate longevity. 

The primer ties it all together by introducing a blurring effect to the skin and reducing fine line visibility to give you a smooth and flawless base to work with. Bonus, it's suitable for sensitive skin! Say goodbye to those midday makeup meltdowns!

Best Drugstore Overall Choice & Gripping Primer: e.l.f. Power Grip Primer

Skin Type: All | Finish: Fresh, dewy look 

If you're a makeup enthusiast on a budget, the e.l.f. Power Grip Primer is a true treasure. The e.l.f. Power Grip gives a fresh, dewy skin that doesn't break the bank. With a boost of Hyaluronic Acid renowned for its hydrating prowess, it leaves your skin with a radiant, enduring finish. Dullness is out, vitality is in!

The gel formula is a standout, offering a silky base that firmly anchors your makeup, keeping smudges and fades at bay. Suitable for all skin types, it ensures your makeup stays put throughout the day. Bonus, it's non-comedogenic with its promise not to clog pores!

Best Priming & De-Puffing Serum: Refy Face Primer

Skin Type: All including Sensitive Skin | Finish: Radiant Finish 

When it comes to a fan favorite product that is a combination of skincare and primer, look no further than the REFY Face Primer. Packed with skin-loving glycerin, this restoring primer provides a burst of hydration, leaving your skin feeling refreshed and revitalized. Its lightweight formula gives you a finish leaving your skin looking healthy hydrated and glowing.

The REFY Face Primer effortlessly blends in with your natural skin tone creating a smooth base for your makeup. No more mismatches tones or streaky results.

To top it off, the REFY Face Primer is enriched with niacinamide adding in radiance-boosting properties and redness and blemish reduction leaving you with a toned and luminous complexion. 

What puts this primer in our favorites list is the sculpted, toned and depuffed look and feel you're sure to get with the roller applicator that's got its own fan base - a top-notch primer and priming experience! 

Best Blurring Effect: Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer

Skin Type: Best For Dry Skin | Finish: Dewy Finish

Meet the Primerizer, a real game-changer, especially for those with dry skin. It's like a refreshing drink for your face, thanks to the Triple Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide combo promising to keep your skin hydrated for up 72 hours. 

This water based primer is infused with the Silkscreen Complex meaning that it forms a skin barrier that not only smooths its appearance, but also protects it against environmental damage like pollution and blue light exposure.

Bonus, with a formula that blurs lines, minimizes pores, and evens out skin texture creating a soft focus effect, Smashbox goes above and beyond by ensuring this primer is vegan and cruelty-free.

Tip: I was amazed by the way it transformed my dry skin providing it with needed hydration and leaving it feeling incredibly smooth. For better results, I suggest applying it after your skincare routine and before putting on your makeup.

Best Moisturizing Primer: Hello Fab Coconut Skin Smoothie Priming Moisturizer

Skin Type: All Skin Types, Best for Dry to Normal Skin | Finish: Radiant

Skin Concerns: Dryness, Dullness, Uneven Skin Texture, Pores 

Introducing the FAB Coconut Skin Smoothie Priming Moisturizer! It's more than a makeup primer. Packed with the goodness of Coconut Water and Quinoa Extract, this creamy moisturizer provides a surge of hydration that leaves you feeling refreshed and revitalized.

 If you have dry to normal skin the HELLO FAB Coconut Skin Smoothie Priming Moisturizer is a must-have. Its hydrating and priming, meaning no dry patches that flake off taking your makeup with you.

Best Vegan Formula: Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer

Skin Type: Dry skin, Combination Skin, Normal Skin | Finish: Radiant 

Elevate your self-care game with this skin-pampering essential! The Hangover Replenishing Face Primer, your ultimate companion for combating dryness and dullness. This primer not only provides a burst of much-needed moisture but also leaves your skin glowing with a radiant finish.

Packed with Coconut Water, probiotics, and rejuvenating acids, it's like a spa day for your skin in a bottle! Plus, it's vegan-friendly product that provides an experience of the lasting hydration and radiance in your makeup routine. 

Amazon Customer Review Tip: Before applying your makeup you can use a layer to give your skin a boost of hydration. This not only helps your makeup go on smoothly but gives you a fresh and dewy complexion that will last all day. 

Best Mattifying: Make Up For Ever Step 1 Primer Shine Control

Skin Type: Oily Skin | Finish: Matte Finish

If you've got oily skin, the Make Up For Ever Step 1 Primer Shine Control could be your next must-have primer. It's tailored to tackle oiliness, giving you a long-lasting matte finish while also smoothening out imperfections, providing the perfect canvas for your makeup.

What sets this silicone-free primer apart is its fantastic ingredients. Ginseng steps up to protect your skin's natural barrier, keeping it strong and resilient, and magnesium aluminum silicate soaks excess oil right up. This dynamic duo strikes a balance between moisture and shine control, leaving you with a radiant yet matte complexion.

Best Lightweight & Hydrating: NYX Professional Hydra Touch Primer

Skin Type: All Skin Types | Finish: Matte

If you're all about oil-free formulas that bring the hydration factor, check out the NYX Professional Hydra Touch Primer. If you're all about oil-free formulas, this vegan primer is about to become your new best friend. Regardless of your skin type, the Hydra Touch Primer applies over your skin creating a smooth canvas without shine for an easy makeup application.

This primer doesn't just prep your skin, it's a hydrating powerhouse too. Thanks to ingredients like licorice root extract and tremella mushroom, it pampers your skin while also helping your makeup stay put. 

Tip: After completing your skincare routine simply apply a small amount of this primer. Witness how your makeup stays flawless all day long. 

Best Multi-Purpose: Wet n Wild Photo Focus Rose 3 in 1 Primer Water

Skin Type: All Skin Type | Finish: Dewy  

Let's talk about a true multitasker - the essence of roses, captured in this fabulous primer water. It's not just a primer, it's your hydration hero and makeup setter, all in one!

First things first, it hydrates your skin like a pro and sets up a smooth canvas for your makeup. Then, it kicks in as a primer, making sure your makeup sticks around all day.

As it dries, it locks in makeup for hours, keeps the skin plump and glowing, all the while leaving behind a lovely hint of fresh roses, adding an elegant touch to your routine. 

Tip: Follow these three steps for a flawless makeup look; spritz the Wet n Wild Photo Focus Rose 3 in 1 Primer Water, onto your face apply your favorite makeup products, and finish off with another light misting to set your look. 

Best Pore-Minimizing: Pixi Flawless & Poreless Primer

Skin Type: All Skin Types | Finish: Matte 

Pixi Flawless and Poreless Primer is suitable, for all skin types and complexions embracing diversity. This primer is specifically designed to minimize the visibility of pores and fine lines leaving your skin looking smooth and flawless.

If you prefer a blurring and matte finish this primer will be your companion as it controls shine without drying out your skin ensuring that your makeup stays flawless from morning till night.

Conclusion

Dear beauty enthusiasts, we have covered 10 water based primers that will be your ticket to achieving a flawless makeup look. These primers are heroes in their own right as they blur imperfections and provide a hydrating base for your makeup routine. If you want the most grip with a shot of hydration, give the Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Hydrating Makeup Primer a go. For a skincare filled priming experience with an applicator that's got its own fan base, give the Refy Face Primer a try. To the ultimate blur effect, pick up the Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer.

FAQS

How We Curated This List?

Whether your skin falls under the category of smooth texturized and oily or rough texturized and dry, we've taken the guesswork out of it for you and compiled a concise list of the best water based primers that will fit both your budget and your needs. Luxury or affordable, we've got you covered.