Editor’s Note: It took a lot of trial and error, but I found out the hard way that primer is one of the best holy grail products to keep your skin looking flawless and ensure your makeup stays put for as long as possible. However, not all primers are made the same, and you might feel overwhelmed by the amount of choice out there – don’t worry, this happens to the best of us. If you’re feeling stressed out by your primer options, make sure you take the time to read our guide on choosing a primer in addition to reviewing our top choices for water-based primers. We like to help you take the guesswork out of a new primer so your makeup application can benefit as soon as possible.
The key to having skin that looks airbrushed and flawless is using the right type of primer. A primer will smooth your skin, fill in pores and fine lines and help your makeup stay on throughout the entire day. It’s the key to having a red-carpet look.
There are different types of primers out there. The two main types that you can choose from include water-based primers and silicone-based primers. Both kinds of primers can achieve similar results; however, water-based primers do not contain much silicone or oil. They tend to be more hydrating in comparison and are more lightweight in texture. These types of primers are highly recommended for those with oily skin.
On the other hand, silicone-based primers contain mostly silicone and many other oils that can do wonders in making your skin feel smoother. However, they may aggravate sensitive skin or skin that’s more prone to acne and dry skin conditions. Some people believe silicone-based primers may even trigger breakouts. With that said, there isn’t a lot of concrete evidence for this. Silicone-based primers usually give more a dewy finish, which may not be everyone’s cup of tea.
If you’re looking for a lightweight primer that is suitable for all skin types, go with a water-based one. Make sure that you purchase a water-based foundation for the best results.
- How to Choose the Best Water Based Primer
- Top 10 Best Water Based Primers 2026
- 1. Best Overall Pick: Maybelline Master Prime
- 2. Best Budget Pick: Rimmel Stay Matte Fix & Go
- 3. Best Premium Pick: NYX Professional Makeup Honey Dew Me Up
- 4. Wet n’ Wild Photo Focus Dewy Face Primer
- 5. Milani Make It Last
- 6. NYX Professional Makeup Hydra Touch Oil Primer
- 7. Wet 'n Wild Photo Focus Coconut
- 8. Too Faced Hangover
- 9. Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water
- 10. Revlon Photoready Rose Glow
- A Complete Guide to Water Based Primers
- Get a Flawless Foundation Finish
How to Choose the Best Water Based Primer
Trying to get a flawless finish with your makeup can take hours of hard work and experience. You’ll have a much easier time if you use a water-based primer as a base to hold your foundation and smooth all of the products. Finding the right type of primer, however, is not easy. There are so many different formulas and products on the market.
Many people think that any primer will work for all skin types. This is where they’re wrong. The different features of each primer have been carefully crafted to fit a specific skin type and need to give you that airbrushed finish throughout the day. Water-based primers are usually best for those with drier skin types. These primers are known to hydrate and nourish the skin.
While there are many different factors that you should take into account when purchasing a water-based primer, we’ve highlighted three of the most important ones below.
Formula
Much like with every other makeup product, one of the most important things that you want to do is read the ingredients to see what’s in the formula. When it comes to water-based primers, you want to look for products with water as its primary ingredient and lots of essential oils and extracts. The NYX Professional Makeup Hydra Touch Oil Primer, for example, contains sweet almond oil, which can treat dry skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
Understanding what ingredient is in each product can also help you make a more informed decision on what to put on your skin. A good primer will do more than just smooth your makeup. It will also hydrate and nourish your skin to improve its overall condition. A good primer can make your skin glow!
Texture
You want to make sure that the primer goes on smooth to give you that airbrushed finish. Ideally, you want to look for something that’s weightless, so it’ll take less of a toll on your skin throughout the day. A formula that doesn’t leave behind any residues will also be easier to build makeup on.
Noteworthy Features
Different products have unique features that are worth paying extra attention to. Some water-based primers have hydrating properties that will nourish dry skin. Other primers may have color-correcting properties that can help conceal uneven skin tones or slight discolorations.
Top 10 Best Water Based Primers 2026
1. Best Overall Pick: Maybelline Master Prime
Editor’s Rating:
Overview
Maybelline is a household name by now. This American-based company is famous for its makeup products, skincare line and more. The Maybelline Master Prime by Facestudio Primer is, hands down, one of the best water-based primers on the market right now. It’s affordable and comes in many different variations depending on what features you’re looking for. This product can create a flawless canvas for your foundation. This product is suitable for all skin types.
Formula
The primary ingredient inside this primer is water although you will find a little bit of silicone that helps tie all of the ingredients together. The formula does not clog your pores and has been tested by a dermatologist. It’s great for those with sensitive skin.
Our only gripe with this product is that, unlike the NYX Professional Makeup Honey Dew Me Up Primer, it doesn’t include any essential oils or extracts that may be good for the skin. With that said, you can always apply a moisturizer or a serum underneath the primer to hydrate and nourish your skin.
When it comes to coverage, this primer will make sure that your makeup lasts all day. Just apply a good amount onto your face, and your foundation and blushes won’t budget one bit!
Texture
The Maybelline Master Prime by Facestudio Primer goes on smooth and light. It’s easy to apply and the texture is quite silky, which can be quite pleasing to most people. The product doesn’t leave behind any oily residues and will make your skin feel very soft.
Noteworthy Features
When you look at noteworthy features, you’ll find plenty of reasons to buy this water-based primer. These water-based primers are all able to blur the pores on your skin, so your skin looks flawless. They are also able to:
- Minimize pores and smooth fine lines
- Minimize redness using redness control pigments
- Smoothen the skin
- Defend against UV radiation with SPF 30 protection
- Hydrate the skin to keep it healthy
There’s literally something for any skin woe that you may have. You can apply this foundation all over your face for a luminous effect. It’s great because its weightless formula leaves behind no greasy residues.
Pros
- Weightless, non-oily formula that feels great on the skin
- Comes in many different variations: color-correcting, smoothing, pore-minimizing and more
- Blurs away imperfections on the skin
- Creates a luminous effect
- Dermatologist and allergy-tested
Cons
- Doesn’t contain any noteworthy essential oils or extracts for the skin
2. Best Budget Pick: Rimmel Stay Matte Fix & Go
Editor’s Rating:
Overview
This water-based product is really affordable and contains a lot of extracts and oils that are great for the skin. It can be used as both a primer and a setting spray and offers a matte finish, so you can apply it both under and over your makeup. This product is an ideal choice for those struggling with dry skin conditions, like eczema.
As for longevity, this water-based primer has amazing staying power. Just several spritzes of this primer spray will lock in your makeup all day long!
Formula
This water-based primer contains a few extracts and oils that are good for the skin. This product is an ideal choice for those struggling with dry skin conditions. It’s very soothing.
Chamomilla recutita (matricaria) extract is one of the main ingredients you’ll find in this product. This extract is commonly found in many skincare products. It has anti-inflammatory properties, is hydrating and is also capable of reducing photodamage to the skin.
The most interesting ingredient in this formula is Cucumis sativus (cucumber) fruit extract, which can repair damage and dry skin. This extract also does a wonderful job at softening, hydrating and smoothing your skin. While it’s a wonderful extract to have in the ingredient list, it does add a unique scent to the product. On that note, you won’t find this product in any other scent.
Texture
This formula is lightweight and does a great job of minimizing pores. The ultra-lightweight formula feels weightless and is oil-free. It’ll give you a matte finish and a photo-ready look. After applying this primer, you need to give it several minutes to dry. It can feel a bit tacky at first, but this tackiness is what will hold your makeup in place throughout the day.
Noteworthy Features
The most noteworthy feature of this product is that it contains a lot of wonderful extracts for your skin. It also doubles up as a setting spray, so you get two products in one! This water-based primer will make sure that your makeup looks great throughout the day, even if you have a busy and hectic day ahead of you. The mattifying feature of this water-based primer will also control shine for up to 8 hours!
Pros
- Affordable
- Works as both a primer and setting spray
- Flawless, shine-free finish
- Quick drying and weightless formula
- Contains many extracts that are good for the skin
Cons
- Only comes in one scent
Editor’s Rating:
Overview
If you want a bright, dewy finish, you’ll get the perfect look with the NYX Professional Makeup Honey Dew Me Up Primer. This primer is great because it contains a lot of ingredients that are great for the skin and can hydrate, prime and nourish your skin. It can repair damaged skin and goes on light and smooth.
This product is cruelty-free. In fact, all NYX products, including the NYX Professional Makeup Hydra Touch Oil Primer, are certified and acknowledged by PETA for being cruelty-free.
Our only gripe with this water-based primer is that it tends to be a bit more expensive than many other brands and products. With that said, this product is more than just a primer and is definitely well worth its price!
Formula
This water-based primer is luxurious. It not only contains gold flecks, but also many oils and extracts that are great for the skin. Out of all of the primers on our list, this primer will do the most for your skin. Its ingredients can soothe redness and irritation. It can also hydrate and nourish dry skin.
Some of the extracts that you’ll find in this water-based primer by NYX include:
- Honey extract, which is full of natural antioxidants and can help soothe and nourish your skin
- Collagen extract, which will diffuse into your skin to keep it smooth, firm and soft
- Portulaca oleracea extract, which can neutralize the effects of free radicals and prevent fine lines and wrinkles from forming
- Hyaluronic acid, which can repair damaged skin
- Nelumbo nucifera (lotus) flower extract, which has anti-aging properties and can protect the skin from fine lines and wrinkles
- Jasminum officinale (jasmine) flower extract, which can calm, soothe and rehydrate dry skin
These are only some of the extracts and oils that you’ll find in this water-based primer. There are many other ingredients, like Lavandula angustifolia (lavender) flower extract and Rosa centifolia (cabbage rose) flower extract, that will do wonders for your skin. The gold flecks will give your skin a radiant look and finish.
Although this water-based primer contains a lot of soothing and hydrating ingredients, you should still consider applying a moisturizer underneath to further soothe and hydrate your skin.
Texture
This water-based primer looks like oil and is relatively weightless. It goes on smoothly and will be absorbed by your skin fairly quickly. It doesn’t leave behind any greasy, oily or sticky residues and has a consistency similar to a potent serum. A little of this product can go a long way. Apply only a thin layer for optimal effects.
Noteworthy Features
The many ingredients in the formula will do wonders for the skin. This water-based primer does more than just lock in your makeup for the entire day. It also neutralizes redness, hydrates your skin and has anti-aging properties. The honey extract found in this primer is known for its natural antiseptic properties as well.
This primer is best for those with dry skin. The ingredients will soothe and hydrate the skin, and the gold flecks will give your skin a radiant, dewy finish that looks airbrushed.
Pros
- Contains numerous ingredients that are great for the skin
- Provides a dewy finish for those with dry skin
- Removes redness and hydrates the skin
- Weightless and goes on smooth
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- More costly than other brands
4. Wet n’ Wild Photo Focus Dewy Face Primer
Editor’s Rating:
Overview
Prep and prime your face every morning with this water-based primer. It goes on smooth and will help your makeup last throughout the day, so you can put your best face forward at all times. This product will smooth uneven textures and will create the perfect canvas for makeup application.
Formula
This primer will add some highlights to your face, as it is infused with pearl pigments that add another dimension for that glow-from-within look. It doesn’t contain many other noteworthy ingredients. The only other ingredient that is worth looking at is vitamin E extracts. The vitamin E extracts protect your skin from UV radiation and will also repair damaged skin. The formula is 100% cruelty-free, gluten-free, fragrance-free, paraben-free and vegan!
Texture
This primer feels like silk! It goes on very smooth and will practically glide over your skin. A little goes a long way and you’ll get a beautiful, radiant shine with this primer; however, if you apply too much to your skin, it can look too shiny because it contains a good amount of pearl pigments. This ultra-lightweight primer is great for those who also want to only wear primer. The pearl pigments will give you a beautiful, dewy finish.
Noteworthy Features
This product works wonders. If you’re looking for a primer that will last for the entire day and more, look no further! You can apply this primer onto your face before going on a hike, and your makeup will still look pristine even if you sweat the entire day. The pearl pigments add an extra boost of radiance for your skin to make it look even more healthy.
Pros
- Infused with vitamin E to help repair damaged skin
- Has pearl pigments that add another dimension of glow
- Lightweight and goes on smooth
- A little goes a long way
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Will look too shiny if you apply too much
5. Milani Make It Last
Editor’s Rating:
Overview
This water-based primer is three products in one. It primes your skin, corrects imperfections and sets your makeup. It’s a great bang for your buck and can offer up to 16 hours of wear. You can apply it before and after applying makeup or even wear it by itself. This water-based primer will give your skin a radiant, dewy finish.
The spray nozzle is great for those who have difficulties applying only a small amount of product onto their face. The spray nozzle ensures that you’ll be applying an even amount of product every time. The only downside of the nozzle is that it is a bit forceful and not like a light mist. If you don’t hold the bottle 8 to 10 inches away from your face, you could end up applying too much product on your face.
Formula
This is a great product for those with sensitive skin because the ingredient list is fairly short in comparison to other water-based primers. On top of all that, this primer contains some healthy oils and extracts that are great for the skin. Some noteworthy ingredients include:
- Pseudoalteromonas ferment extract, which can protect the skin from cold weather and repair redness and dry skin
- Citrullus lanatus (watermelon) fruit extract, which is filled with antioxidants that nurture and protect the skin
This primer will nourish and hydrate dry skin and will also reduce redness. It’s a great product as it doesn’t contain a lot of chemicals. This is also one of the only water-based primers that is completely vegan.
Texture
The best thing about spray primers is that they tend to be ultra-lightweight. The spray nozzle will apply a very thin layer of the product onto your face. This primer goes on smooth and does not leave behind any greasy, oily or sticky residues. It is a bit tacky until it dries, but the tackiness will help hold the makeup throughout the entire day.
Noteworthy Features
The spray nozzle is particularly useful as it will spray on an even layer of product onto your skin. The spray makes it easy to apply the product regardless of whether you use it as a primer or a setting spray. For best results, spray in a zigzag formation.
The best thing about this water-based primer is that it has many functions. It can prime and prep your skin, reduce the appearance of imperfections and then set your makeup, so it lasts for up to 16 hours. This product can remove redness and even out your skin tone.
Pros
- Locks in makeup for 16 hours
- Primes, corrects and sets makeup
- Easy to apply with spray nozzle
- Lightweight and quick drying
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Need to be careful with nozzle to prevent spraying too much product on face
6. NYX Professional Makeup Hydra Touch Oil Primer
Editor’s Rating:
Overview
NYX produces many wonderful primers, like the NYX Professional Makeup Honey Dew Me Up Primer. While the NYX Professional Makeup Honey Dew Me Up Primer does a great job at eliminating redness and adding some radiance to your skin, this water-based primer is much more lightweight and has incredible nourishing properties. It’s an ideal primer for those who struggle with acne or dry skin conditions.
This product comes with a dropper and is easy to apply. Using the dropper, you can accurately dispense the same amount of product each and every time.
Formula
If you’re looking for a primer that can help you control acne and dry skin conditions, look no further. This product contains many ingredients that will work wonders on your skin and is a great choice for those struggling with dry skin conditions and acne. Some of the ingredients that we love in this product include:
- Prunus amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond) oil, which is very hydrating and will nourish and replenish dry, damaged skin
- Carthamus tinctorius (safflower) seed oil, which can be used to treat acne, eczema and other dry skin conditions
- Simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil, which is deeply hydrating and can be used to treat acne
Together, these ingredients will boost hydration to your skin and soothe damaged areas. It’ll give you a beautiful dewy finish and glow. This product is also 100% cruelty-free and has been certified and acknowledged by PETA.
Texture
Despite the fact that this primer contains a lot of essential oils, it’s not oily at all and will not leave behind any greasy residues. In fact, it goes on smooth and will be easily absorbed by the skin. This product is very lightweight, and you won’t feel it at all after a couple of seconds. The oils in this product, like the jojoba oils, are similar to the oils in our skin. Due to this reason, it easily penetrates through the skin and nourishes the deepest layers.
Noteworthy Features
The most noteworthy feature about this product is that it applies like a dream and is great for treating dry skin. This product can double up as a moisturizer. You’ll be surprised at how quickly the oils absorb into the skin.
Pros
- Infused with rice and jojoba oils
- Can treat acne and other dry skin conditions
- Provides a radiant and dewy finish
- Glides on like a dream
- Flawless, airbrushed finish
Cons
- Need to work quickly with the dropper
7. Wet 'n Wild Photo Focus Coconut
Editor’s Rating:
Overview
This product is another wonderful 3-in-1 water-based primer. It’s great when you find a product that can do several jobs. This water-based primer will not only prep and prime your face, but it will hydrate and nourish dry skin to keep it looking firm and radiant. Once you’ve finished applying your makeup, you can also spritz on more of this product as it can also be used as a setting spray. It’ll help you keep your makeup looking glamorous even after a long day.
The packaging for this product is beautiful. It comes with a spray applicator that ensures that you’re always applying a thin and even layer of product on your face. The only issue is that this packaging is also a bit fragile. You have to be careful when handling it as it can easily crack or leak.
Formula
This water-based primer is an everyday essential. It looks and feels just like water and contains some noteworthy ingredients like:
- Cucumis sativus (cucumber) fruit water, which contains antioxidants and is an anti-inflammatory agent
- Camellia sinensis leaf extract, which is an anti-inflammatory that will also hydrate and nourish your skin
- Chamomilla recutita (matricaria) flower/leaf extract, which soothes and repairs damaged skin
This product contains many ingredients that are very gentle on the skin, which is why it’s a great choice for those with sensitive skin. It’s also 100% cruelty-free.
Texture
This product is very lightweight. You won’t even feel it on your face. This product does not leave behind any greasy or sticky residues and will quickly absorb into your skin. It quickly hydrates and nourishes the skin, and you’ll definitely feel a difference if you have dry skin.
Noteworthy Features
There are several features that are worth mentioning. For one, this product is also a moisturizer and a setting spray. You can use this product to set your makeup so it lasts even longer. It also smells like coconut!
Pros
- Comes in several scents: coconut, cucumber and rose
- Comes with a spray applicator and is lightweight and easy to apply
- Primes and hydrates the skin and sets makeup
- Contains many extracts that are great for the skin
- Ensures that your makeup lasts throughout the day
Cons
- Fragile packaging
8. Too Faced Hangover
Editor’s Rating: