Want your makeup to go on much smoother and your foundation to stay in place even on the sweatiest, most humid days? Primer is the answer. Sure, it adds another product to your makeup routine, but once you get your hands on a really good primer, it will become an absolutely crucial step. There are tons of options to be found in the beauty aisle, but one of our favorite formulas that works for most skin types, from sensitive to oily, is water-based primers.

Primers that feature water as their primary ingredient are typically oil-free, offering a matte finish while still feeling extremely lightweight. Despite their barely noticeable appearance and texture, water-based primers can significantly enhance the lasting power of makeup by prepping and safeguarding the skin with hydrating, soothing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and niacinamide. Before adding to cart, we consulted with celebrity makeup artists Tobi Henney, Grace Phillips, and Natalie Dresher, for their recommended products and application advice.

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.

If you are using a water-based foundation, it is also recommended that you use a water-based primer. "Keeping the ingredients of the products similar will ensure that the makeup doesn’t break up, pill, or get patchy as the day passes," Dresher says. 

Best Water-Based Primers

Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer

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

Tone down excess shine in oilier areas (read: T-zone) and facial redness with this mattifying mushroom extract primer that 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

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

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.

One/Size Beauty Secure the Glow Tacky Hydrating Primer

Flakey, hydration-deprived skin is no match for OneSize Beauty's Secure the Glow Tacky Hydrating Primer. Dresher says, "It really plumps up dehydrated skin and allows makeup to glide effortlessly on drier skin types."

Shiseido Synchro Skin Soft Blurring Primer

The J-beauty brand known for its trendy skincare has done it again; this water-based primer is 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.

Refy Glow and Sculpt Face Serum Primer

What makes this primer so special is the soothing roller applicator, which helps depuff and sculpt the face while imparting a hydrating, brightening primer formula packed with niacinamide and glycerin.

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water

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.

Stila One Step Correct

"I love this primer because it evens out skin tone; therefore, you’ll need less foundation to do the job," Dresher says. This primer features three color-correcting pigments that work to balance out the complexion. Green helps neutralize redness and hide blemishes, lavender counteracts sallow undertones for a lively, revitalized appearance, and peach brightens, illuminates, and aids in reducing the visibility of sunspots.

Honest Beauty Everything Primer Glow + 2HA

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

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.

Pixi by Petra Flawless & Poreless Primer

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.