These Water-Based Foundations Will Give You a Flawless (Yet Natural Looking) Glow
Foundation is typically the base of any type of makeup look, whether you’re going full glam or you’re after a “no makeup” makeup look. But of course, nothing is ever that simple. Within the realm of foundations there are various types that lead with different ingredients to produce a unique look (typically dewy or matte). But today, we’re talking about water-based foundations which, according to makeup artist and founder of ALAMAR COSMETICS, Gabriela Trujillo, is a foundation that uses “water as its main binder instead of oil, cream, or silicones.”
“It’s usually very lightweight and comfortable on the skin and looks more and more dewy as it wears,” explains Trujillo. Although she says any skin type can use a water-based foundation, Trujillo has found that her clients with oily skin typically love it the most because it gives the look of a cream foundation while staying oil-free (read: won’t clog pores) throughout the day. This type of foundation is perfect for crafting a buildable coverage since it initially goes on pretty sheer. Interested in trying? Here at 10 water-based foundations we’re loving right now.
Meet the Expert
Gabriela Trujillo is the CEO and brand founder of ALAMAR COSMETICS. She is also a makeup artist and creative director.
1. Best Drugstore Brand: L’OREAL PARIS Super Blendable Makeup Foundation
This medium-coverage foundation is formulated with vitamins B5 and E to improve your skin tone over time with each use, and keep it hydrated. This water-based formula is also oil- and fragrance-free, so it’ll never clog pores, making it perfect for those who have acne-prone skin.
2. Best For 24-Hour Wear: TOO FACED Born This Way Matte Foundation
If a formula is promising 24 hours, it better do it all. This TOO FACED foundation rises to the occasion, since it’s oil-free, waterproof, and all around lifeproof (it’ll never transfer to a friend’s sweater when you lean in for a hug). It conceals all imperfections and provides a shine-free finish. The lightweight coverage is completely buildable, and is made with hydrating coconut water and hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture so skin never looks flakey.
3. Best For Dry Skin: MAYBELLINE Dream Radiant Liquid
With a promised 12-hours of hydration, this formula is perfect for dry skin sufferers. Since it’s packed with both hyaluronic acid and collagen, it revives and quenches dull, thirsty skin to give an all over glow that lasts all day long.
4. Best Brightening : TARTE Water Foundation
Marine plant extract and water work together to retain skin’s natural moisture while also helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Throw in vitamin E, and you’ll get your antioxidant fix. Remember, antioxidants are crucial to have on as armor before you step outside and battle the elements. They can help reflect UV damage away from your skin and other natural pollutants like carbon emissions, smoke, etc.
5. Best With SPF: YENSA Skin On Skin BC Foundation
Although water is the main ingredient at play here, YENSA adds in its signature mix of eight black superfood ingredients, which the company dubs its “SuperBlacks essences.” This foundation is packed with black sesame oil to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, black seaweed to brighten, and black tea to act as a natural antioxidant.
6. Best Color Correcting: TOUCH IN SOL Advanced Real Moisture Liquid Foundation
If dark spots, discoloration, or redness is your main concern, cover it all up with this lightweight foundation from TOUCH IN SOL. It’s buildable, so you can repeat as necessary or reapply after a long workday when you’re headed into the night time.
7. Best Full Coverage Formula: BURT’S BEES Goodness Glows Full Coverage Liquid Makeup
The first two ingredients in this foundation are water and caprylic/capric triglyceride, so you know it’s hydrating. The entire full-coverage formula is made up of over 98% natural ingredients, like meadowfoam seed oil, which makes skin appear more radiant as it moisturizes.
8. Best For All Skin Types: STUDIOMAKEUP Flawless Skin Foundation
This vegan formula is packed with hyaluronic acid to trap in moisture and make skin appear plump and awake all day long. This buildable coverage is lightweight and makes your skin look photo-ready whether you’re rocking it for a big event or just for strutting down the street to get your neighborhood coffee.
9. Best For Oily Skin: BAREMINERALS Original Liquid Mineral Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 20
If clogged pores are your main concern, reach for this mineral-based foundation that helps improve skin’s appearance over time without ever settling into pores or fine lines. Thanks to the inclusion of natural peptides and squalane, natural amino acids and oils help hydrate the skin and restore it, evening out skin’s texture, tone, and uneven dark spots.
10. Best Ultra-Thin Formula: GLOSSIER Perfecting Skin Tint
For when your skin just needs to breathe, apply this lightweight formula that provides a naturally dewy finish while hiding light rosacea and uneven tone. The diamond powder in this bottle helps give an overall brightening effect while also minimizing the appearance of pores.
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