If you prefer a natural-looking finish, a water-based foundation makes perfect sense. The lightweight coverage offered by water-based foundations are perfect for the Aussie climate, and these foundations are also particularly useful if you have oily, dehydrated or excessively shiny skin.
Why are water-based foundations great for all skin types (including oily?)
Many water-based foundations are completely oil-free. This makes them great if your skin is excessively shiny. You can expect a foundation with a high water content to be nourishing without being too heavy. This means that your skin will stay hydrated without becoming oily or shiny as the day wears on.
In addition to this, water-based foundations are lightweight and can be layered to your desired coverage level without having to worry about caking. However, those who have a severely oily complexion might find that some of these products aren’t quite mattifying enough (you might want to check out our advice on the (best foundations for oily skin instead), but for those who simply need a little coverage, these are your best options right now.
Best water-based foundations 2021:
1) Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation 2) L’Oreal Paris Infallible Matte Foundation 35ml (Various Shades) 3) Rodial Diamond Foundation 30ml (Various Shades) 4) Clinique Anti Blemish Solutions Liquid Makeup 30ml 5) Zelens Age Control Foundation (30ml) 6) The Ordinary Serum Foundation 30ml (Various Shades)
Which are the best water-based foundations?
This lightweight formula is available in a comprehensive range of shades, and provides even, natural-looking coverage. It’s an award-winning foundation which delivers a flawless finish, providing you with the ideal base to apply the rest of your make-up.
What we love most about Illamasqua’s Skin Base Foundation is that it provides even coverage all day, without uneven patches or streaks. It’s incredibly hardy and won’t dry out your skin or rub off easily, and it’s also incredibly economical. You’ll only need a tiny, pea-sized amount which can be gradually added and built-upon until you achieve your desired colour level.
With a vitamin-rich, lightweight and creamy formula, this is a foundation which blends easily onto the skin and provides protection just like a moisturiser. It’s a great all-rounder and comes highly recommended.
If you’re looking for a sumptuous, easily spread, lightweight water-based emulsion, the Paris Infallible Matte Foundation from L’Oreal could be your ideal product. Never dull or cakey, this emulsion combines extreme hold with complete comfort and is designed to look impeccable all day without the need for touch-ups.
With an incredibly smooth formula, Paris Infallible Matte Foundation allows your skin to breathe. It contains approximately one-third water which allows for the perfect amount of glide and stretch. Innovative Perlite technology means this foundation acts like a mineral micro-sponge which helps to absorb excess oil. It is clinically waterproof, steam proof and sweatproof, making it the perfect foundation for all weathers and conditions.
While this foundation is another great all-rounder, it’s particularly useful for those who want to mask the appearance of blemishes. Rodial’s Diamond Foundation has been specially formulated to contain blurring actives which help to conceal blemishes, visibly soften uneven skin tones and even cover enlarged pores.
Enriched with Diamond Powder, this product helps to bring luminosity, radiance and flawlessness to all skin types. It’s also incredibly lightweight and won’t dry out skin, which is perfect for all-day use or for high coverage when your schedule demands that you need to step up your look.
If you want the perfect base, look no further than Clinique’s acclaimed Anti Blemish Solutions Liquid Makeup. It’s perfect for those with blemish-prone skin, as the lightweight nature of the foundation provides moderate, natural-looking coverage.
It’s ideal for those who want to cover marks without ending up with a chalky appearance and is also useful in preventing and reducing redness. By blending into the skin, it doesn’t just conceal blemishes – it also actively treats them while preventing future ones, too.
Another interesting factor is the ability of this foundation to control oils within the skin. It actively balances oil levels on the surface of the pores to help maintain overall healthy skin. If you’re in the market for a foundation which minimises blemishes, unclogs pores and leaves your skin not only looking but feeling smooth, Clinique may have created the perfect solution for your requirements.
This completely oil-free foundation contains extracts of pearl to target the signs of ageing. With an exclusive formula developed by Dr Marko Lens, this product is much more than a foundation. It features Hyaluronic Acid and Shiso leaves to help provide protection against free radicals and everyday environmental stresses, while also working to help improve elasticity and provide the wearer with firmer, more youthful-looking skin.
Photo-luminescent diamond-based spheres within the foundation help to blur imperfections, while other ingredients within the foundation work on the skin to enhance moisture levels and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
For a foundation which glides effortlessly over the contours of the face and guarantees a long-lasting, natural finish, look no further than The Ordinary Serum Foundation from The Ordinary Colours.
Finding the perfect tonal match is easy with The Ordinary Serum, as there are 21 different shades across three different categories: lighter, medium and dark. Those who want to glam things up a little can also choose from special silver and gold highlight editions – perfect for those red-carpet moments.
This cruelty-free, vegan-friendly foundation is completely free from oils, nuts, soy, gluten and alcohol, making it the perfect choice for those who want a completely natural, long-lasting base layer that is suitable for all skin types.
For even more products to help you achieve that perfect look, head on over to LOOKFANTASTIC and browse our extensive range now!
If you prefer a natural-looking finish, a water-based foundation makes perfect sense. The lightweight coverage offered by water-based foundations are perfect for the Aussie climate, and these foundations are also particularly useful if you have oily, dehydrated or excessively shiny skin.