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Ever since I started wearing makeup at the wee age of 13, my biggest struggle has been pilling and caking with my face products. Whether I was using hydrating foundations, blurring primers or lightweight skin tints, I’ve always had issues with my makeup just not sitting well on my face, and for a while I convinced myself I was the problem.
That was, however, until I stumbled across a TikTok explaining that if you want your makeup to look flawless, you need to use all water-based or all silicone-based products to ensure all your products—primer, concealer, foundation, the whole works—are not counteracting each other. But what does it even mean for makeup to be water based? In search of a more well-rounded understanding of the science of face makeup, I consulted experts to find out just what water-based makeup is, who it’s best for and even their favorite products that fall in the H2O-based category.
Featured Experts
- D’Andre Michael is a celebrity makeup artist and aesthetician
- Nydia Figeuora is a celebrity makeup artist and beauty expert
- Sandy Linter is a renowned celebrity makeup artist
What Is Water Based Makeup?
While this may seem like an overly simple question, water-based makeup is more complex than just having water as a primary ingredient. As celebrity makeup artist and aesthetician, D’Andre Michael explains, water-based makeup has more specific implications for what ingredients are included in the formulas than just featuring water. “Water-based makeup means that water is the first and main ingredient in the product and that there are no silicones or oils within the next four to five ingredients,” Michael clarifies. So, if you’re sensitive to or avoiding silicones in your beauty products, looking for water-based formulas might be something to consider.
My journey into the world of makeup formulas may have started with my issues with face makeup, but I soon found out that water-based products are not limited to complexion products. As Michael explains, anything from foundation and concealer to mascaras and balm-like blushes can all be water-based.
Who Is Water-Based Makeup Best For?
As I mentioned earlier, I found out recently that making sure your face products have the same base is a key component in avoiding pilling and caking, but how do you decide if you should use water-based or silicone-based makeup products? As Michael explains, “Water-based products are best for individuals with dry, combination or sensitive skin, as well as for those who are prone to acne and breakouts because water-based products are lightweight and won’t clog your pores. If you like to maintain an overall moisturized look, too, a lot off these formulas are packed with a lot of nourishing ingredients for creating that dewy, glowy look.”
Celebrity makeup artist Sandy Linter loves water-based makeup products because of the natural appearance and glow they provide the skin. If you’re a fan of lightweight, natural-looking makeup, Linter recommends water-based products as they feel fresh and light on the skin and provide a gorgeous, natural radiance to the complexion. “Water-based makeup is important for someone with sensitive skin because it is less likely to clog pores and irritate the skin,” reiterates makeup artist Nydia Figueroa. “It’s great for someone who wants a natural and lightweight finish to their overall makeup look while still letting the skin breathe.”
Should I Use All Water-Based Products?
While TikTok can provide useful information on beauty, it’s always better to check with the experts before adopting any advice as law. As Michael explains, when it comes to the bases of your makeup products, there’s no set “rule” for whether or not you should be using entirely water-based or silicone-based products, but keeping the bases consistent can definitely help with the way the product sits on your skin.
It is possible to mix products with different bases, Michael explains, with the right technique. “To avoid ‘pilling’—this happens when you layer products that are too heavy or too thick and not absorbed—when you apply a water-based primer, give it time to properly absorb and dry before putting on your silicone-based foundation. Another tip is to try ‘bouncing’ your foundation in, which is essentially tapping your foundation on with your fingers or a beautyblender as opposed to wiping.”
Figueroa adds that “Sometimes if you do use a water-based primer under a silicone-based foundation it can cause that formula to ball up and separate on the skin, so my best tip is to let the primer dry before applying the foundation for the best results.”
The Best Water-Based Makeup Products, According to Experts
Now that you know all the ins and outs of water-based makeup products, here are some of our experts’ favorite products that tote water as their hero ingredient.
