Good News: These Water-Based Primers Won't Leave You Feeling Greasy

Primers can do a lot for your skin if you let them. Sure, some people say you can skip primer if you want, but once you get your hands on a really good primer, it will become an absolutely crucial step in your makeup routine. Your foundation will suddenly feel so much smoother and your skin's flawlessness will turn all the way up (not that you weren't already flawless before, but you get it). When choosing primers, you have two main options on the market: silicone and water-based. Water-based primers are incredibly hydrating, lightweight, and will feel barely there but make a major difference on your skin.

Sometimes, rich, silicone-based primers have a tendency to make your skin look oilier than it is. Water-based primers are oil-free and offer a mattifying effect to extend the wear of your makeup. What's even better is that they won't ever clog your pores because they feel so light and airy on the skin. If you have dry, sensitive skin, try a water-based primer to amp up your hydration levels. Ahead are the water-based primers we love that we're 100% sure you will, too. 

Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer $36.00

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Don't stress out if you had a wild night and your skin is taking the heat. This primer is filled with coconut water, which is meant to douse your pores in moisture and make stressed-out skin feel pillow-soft again.

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water $25.00

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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.

Becca Backlight Priming Filter Face Primer $55.00

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This one is for the glow-getters. If you're constantly craving that lit-from-within glow, this hydrating primer packed with special filtering luminescent pearls will give you the perfect pre-filtered look before foundation. 

Lorac I'm So Sensitive Soothing Face Primer $32.00

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Having sensitive skin isn't a bad thing. Treat your skin like royalty with extra-special products like this primer, which is free of all the bad stuff. This water-based primer has a silky consistency and is full of vitamins and antioxidants meant to nourish the skin and extend the longevity of your makeup. 

Becca Cosmetics Ever-Matte Poreless Priming Perfector $32.00

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Tone down shine in your oily areas with this mattifying primer that comes with a pore-blurring effect. Your makeup legitimately won't budge. 

Honest Beauty Everything Primer, Glow $18.00

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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.

Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Instant Perfector $23.00

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You'll be even more in love with how smooth your foundation goes on after applying this pore-refining primer. It makes your pores look so tiny and blurs the appearance of any problem areas. 

Honest Beauty Everything Matte Makeup Setters and Primer $22.00

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Water-based primers have a lot in common. One of the main factors is that most of them are oil-free, which controls shine. This lightweight, matte primer fits the bill, while also working well as a spot treatment thanks to its micronized bamboo powder meant to cover up imperfections. 

Pixi by Petra Flawless & Poreless Primer Translucent $30.00

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This cruelty-free formula has willow bark extract and salicylic acid. These two ingredients blend beautifully together to create the smoothest surface before applying your foundation. It's also mattifying and feels velvety so you'll forget it's even there.