10 Water-Based Primers That Keep Foundation in Place, According to Makeup Artists

Sure, some people say you can skip primer if you want, but once you get your hands on a really good primer, it will become an absolutely crucial step in your makeup routine. Your makeup will suddenly go on much smoother, and your foundation will stay in place even on the sweatiest, most humid days. There are tons of options on the market. But one of our favorite formulas that works for most skin types, from sensitive to oily, is water-based primers.

Primers with water as the main ingredient tend to be oil-free, have a matte finish, and are incredibly lightweight. Despite its barely-there look and feel, water-based primers can make a big difference in the longevity of makeup by prepping and protecting the skin with nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, niacinamide, and more. We tapped celebrity makeup artists Tobi Henney and Grace Phillips for product recommendations and application tips.

Ahead, find the ten best water-based primers loved by editors and makeup artists alike.

What Is a Water-Based Primer?

Water-based primers are a type of makeup primer formulated with water, as opposed to silicone-based primers, which are formulated with silicone. The water-based formulation stands out, as it has hydrating properties, is less likely to clog pores, and helps makeup last longer by creating a smooth base for application.

Best Water-Based Primers

Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer

Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer $38.00

Shop

If you've ever scrolled TikTok for beauty tips, chances are good you've run across Hydro Grip Primer. Not only is it one of Milk Makeup's most popular products, but it's also one of Phillips' favorite primers for oily skin. The formula is silicone-free and leaves no tint behind, making it universally popular with all skin tones and types. Its cement-like grip will keep your makeup in place all day long, hydrating simultaneously with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide for a dewy finish.

Peace Out Instant Pore Perfector

Peace Out Instant Pore Perfector $28.00

Shop

Tone down shine in your oily areas with this mattifying mushroom extract primer that tones down redness and finishes with a pore-blurring effect. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and malic acid (a gentler AHA derivative sourced from apples) add a boost of hydration and radiance like a true skin care product would. Plus, your makeup legitimately won't budge.

Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Hydrating Makeup Primer

Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Hydrating Makeup Primer $44.00

Shop

Formulated with shea butter, and rice bran this water-based primer creates a dewy, luminous finish (like the name suggests). "I use this a lot for red carpet appearances as it creates a very smooth and well-hydrated base for makeup application," says Henney. If you are concerned about potential pore-clogging, be mindful that this formula is not entirely silicone-free.

Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer

Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer $39.00

Shop

Don't stress out if you had a wild night and your skin is taking the heat. This primer is filled with coconut water, meant to douse your pores in moisture and make stressed-out skin feel pillow-soft again.

Shiseido Synchro Skin Soft Blurring Primer

Shiseido Synchro Skin Soft Blurring Primer $36.00

Shop

The J-beauty brand known for its trendy skincare has done it again, with a water-based primer formulated with a sebum-catching powder that prolongs makeup wear by absorbing oil and sweat throughout the day. "This is great for more mature skin and anyone with larger pores, as it has a blurring effect that really evens out the skin for a beautiful, flawless base," Henney says.

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water

Smashbox Photo Finish Revitalize 8-in-1 Primer Essence $34.00

Shop

Do yourself a favor and get a product that does both: preps and sets your skin for the most seamless application. This water-based primer is filled with electrolytes meant to wake up the skin and boost your overall radiance.

Honest Beauty Everything Primer, Glow

Honest Beauty Everything Primer, Glow $23.00

Shop

Formulated with hyaluronic acid and peony root extract, this radiance-inducing primer can be worn alone or underneath makeup for smooth and long-lasting application. This product is hypoallergenic and free of parabens, paraffin, petrolatum, mineral oil, and synthetic fragrances, making it a glowing option for anyone with sensitive skin.

Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer+ Hydrating Primer

Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer+ Hydrating Primer with Hyaluronic Acid $42.00

Shop

This skincare-forward formula packed with triple hyaluronic acid and niacinamide creates a breathable, silky barrier that smoothes skin and strengthens it against damage from environmental aggressors like pollution and blue light. If you're a glow-getter, this pick is definitely for you.

Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Instant Perfector

Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Instant Perfector $24.00

Shop

You'll be even more in love with how smooth your foundation goes on after applying this pore-refining primer. It makes your pores look so tiny and blurs the appearance of any breakouts. 

Pixi by Petra Flawless & Poreless Primer Translucent

Pixi by Petra Flawless & Poreless Primer Translucent $22.00

Shop

This cruelty-free formula has willow bark extract and salicylic acid. These two ingredients blend beautifully to create the smoothest surface before applying your foundation. It's also mattifying and feels so velvety, you'll forget it's even there.