10 Best Water

Our editors handpick the products that we feature. We may earn commission from the links on this page.

Spoiler alert: They’re lightweight, hydrating, and ideal for many skin types.

Water-based foundations are made of mostly water and pigment, making them feel especially lightweight on the skin and ideal for dehydrated skin types, more so than an oil, cream, or silicone-based option. "Oily and acne-prone skin types will love them, too, because they tend to be oil-free and don't feel greasy on skin," says makeup artist Jonet Williamson. "Water-based formulas are also more forgiving because they're easy to blend," adds makeup artist Ehlie Luna.

They're an especially smart choice for warm weather days. If you find that cream or oil-based foundations slide off your face or create unwanted shine, then switch to a water-based formula. "It's more likely to last even without applying a primer or an oil-control mattifying product," says makeup artist Suzy Gerstein. Ahead, shop makeup artists' favorite water-based foundations for flawless skin that feels hydrated, light, and dewy.

"This foundation gives great coverage, works on a variety of skin types, and stays put," says Gerstein. The formula also offers skincare benefits—an oat extract helps reduce redness, Japanese lilyturf supports a strong skin barrier, and cacao peptides protect against environmental aggressors.

Sweat, humidity, water, and tears are no match for this long-lasting and transfer-proof foundation. The formula is hydrating and infuses peptides to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

The beauty team at Oprah Daily and Williamson love this foundation because it melts into the skin and offers seamless coverage without being cakey. A little goes a long way, so you'll have it for a long time. It's great for those who want to reduce redness, which it does via fermented arnica and a proprietary blend of medicinal herbs that promote healing and calming.

Trust us when we say this is one of the best drugstore foundations available. It's breathable, offers a good shade range, is affordable, and gives a poreless finish that still looks natural. It comes in a matte and dewy finish, so you can choose based on your preferences.

This formula is composed of 75 percent water to offer a boost of hydration and pigmented micro-droplets for light-to-medium coverage. It's like a glass of water for your skin, with just enough coverage to even it out and give a natural-looking finish. "I love its lightweight, gel-like texture for summer," says Gerstein.

One of the best qualities of water-based foundations is its lightweight texture, and this one is no exception. It's so weightless on the skin that it's hard to believe it offers medium coverage. Luna loves it because she says the texture is so flexible "it moves with you" without settling into fine lines or texture.

Oily skin types will love that this foundation helps combat heat, sweat, and shine. Luna likes that it offers medium-to-full coverage yet doesn't look heavy and gives a natural matte finish.

For a beautiful skin-like finish with a healthy glow, Luna recommends this oil-free pick. It seamlessly melts into the skin and helps blur texture while giving a dewy finish.

Water is the second ingredient on this skin tint's ingredient list, but that's because a more important addition takes first place: SPF. "This is one of my favorite water-based foundations because it has the most beautiful skin-like finish, feels super light, and comes in a wide range of shades," says Williamson. It's great for no-makeup makeup days.

Gerstein says this formula is one of her go-tos because it doubles as skincare and creates "dreamy-looking skin." The sheer-to-medium coverage offers a luminous finish thanks to diamond core powder, which boosts the skin's radiance. The moisturizing formula also helps decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Genesis Rivas is the Beauty Editor at Oprah Daily, where she covers hair, makeup, skin, nails, and more. Before joining the Oprah Daily team, she wrote for several publications, including InStyle, Real Simple, and Shape. When she's not testing, researching, and writing fun and educational beauty content, you can find her dancing and eating her way through New York City. Follow her on Instagram or TikTok

The Best Primers Per Makeup Artists

The Best Body Scrubs, According to Experts

Dermatologist-Recommended Back Acne Treatments

20 Best Eyelash Serums for Growth and Lengthening

Derms Love These Acne-Fighting Face Washes

The Best Lip Plumpers

We Tried the Best New Foundation Launches

Sephora's Memorial Day Sales Are So Good

Is Celebrity Skincare Worth It?

12 Powder Sunscreens Dermatologists Love

10 Facial Steamers to Upgrade Your Routine

The Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums That Work Wonders