The Many Benefits of Water-Based Foundations and the Best Ones to Shop

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.

"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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.