Water-Based Foundations That Feel Like Nothing But Look Like Everything

Youthforia Date Night Skin Tint Serum Foundation ($48)

This new foundation is so skin-care heavy you can sleep in it—no, really, testers did it for 28 days straight. Made with water as its most abundant ingredient and 68 percent skin-care actives, there’s nothing else quite like it out there.

BUY NOW – $48

Polite Society More Than A Pretty Face Foundation ($42)

Polite Society has made a splash since its recent launch, with consumers loving the fun, feminine products, especially this foundation. The skin care-meets-makeup hybrid is water-based and good for skin but still delivers long-lasting medium to full coverage.

BUY NOW – $42

Chantecaille Future Skin Foundation ($89)

This oil-free gel formulation made of 60 percent water is groundbreaking. It’s hydrating, refreshing and lightweight, transferring moisture to the skin without the need for an oil as an emulsifier.

BUY NOW – $89

Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Moisture Foundation ($99)

Although this is technically a mineral makeup cream, it glides on like a liquid, providing cream-like coverage but the natural, sheer finish of liquid. Water and plant-based moisturizing ingredients are some of the top ingredients in this formula, so it’s super lightweight and kind to skin.

BUY NOW – $99

EXA High Fidelity Foundation ($38)

This formula is packed with exciting ingredients like microalgae active, maqui berry and hyaluronic acid to ensure it feels like a serum, and the advanced pigment technology doesn’t oxidize, so the color stays vibrant. With water and aloe barbadensis leaf juice as its top two ingredients, it’s no surprise how soothing and hydrating it feels.

BUY NOW – $38

L’Oréal True Match Nude Hyaluronic Tinted Serum ($20)

Not only is this foundation water-based rather than oil based, it also features one percent of hyaluronic acid, which is huge. The formula leaves skin hydrated, smooth, even and looking brighter. Reviewers say it works well with oily skin.

BUY NOW – $20

Kosas Revealer Skin Improving Foundation SPF 25 ($42)

Kosas is all about a skin-care first approach to makeup, so it’s no surprise they have an amazing water-based foundation that even offers SPF coverage. The blend of hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, peptides, squalane, vitamin B5, arnica and caffeine do more for skin than some serums out there, plus the second-skin finish blurs imperfections perfectly.

BUY NOW – $42

HAUS LABS BY LADY GAGA Triclone Skin Tech Medium Coverage Foundation with Fermented Arnica ($45)

Reviewers rejoice that this foundation doesn’t result in breakouts. While part of this is due to its water base and serum-like texture, the fermented arnica helps reduce redness and irritation and evens and protects skin deserves a lot of credit.

BUY NOW – $45

Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation ($43)

This luxe water-based foundation is a fresh, ultra-fine formula that boasts 94 percent natural-origin ingredients, including plant-derived squalane and hyaluronic acid. It provides dreamy hydration, comfort and all-day coverage.

BUY NOW – $43

MAKEUP BY MARIO SurrealSkin Liquid Foundation ($42)

This is a highly hydrating formula with water as its first ingredient, a botanical blend of vegan squalane and grapeseed oil and MoistureGrip technology to ensure it doesn’t slip or dry out skin. It’s breathable, weightless and gives great coverage.

BUY NOW – $42