The 10 Best Water Based Primers in 2026

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

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.