The Best Water-Based Foundations for Buildable Coverage

Some foundations can cake, crumble, and be difficult to blend with the rest of your face. But when you find the right one, foundation can be one the most valuable products in your beauty arsenal helping to even out the skin’s tone and hide the look of imperfections. There are many different types of foundations, including powder-, oil-, and water-based formulas. If you’re looking for the latter, you’re in luck. Below, we’re sharing four water-based foundations—from the L’Oréal portfolio of brands—that are lightweight and buildable. 

WATER-BASED FOUNDATION #1: GIORGIO ARMANI LUMINOUS SILK FOUNDATION

Beloved by celebrities and editors alike, Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation is everything a foundation should be. This silky, lightweight formula stays true to its name by softly clinging to skin for buildable, medium coverage and that coveted “lit-from-within” glow. To read our full review on each of the Giorgio Armani foundations, click here!

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, $64 MSRP 

WATER-BASED FOUNDATION #2: MAYBELLINE FIT ME MATTE + PORELESS

Foundation is all about coverage. This is Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation’s forte. Using micro-powders (and keeping normal to oily skin in mind), this foundation can lessen the appearance of pores and shine for an overall matte look. Pick any one of its 30 shades to have your skin looking even.

Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless, $7.99 MSRP 

WATER-BASED FOUNDATION #3: L’ORÉAL PARIS TRUE MATCH

If you’re looking for an oil-free, non-comedogenic foundation with SPF, the L’Oréal Paris True Match Super Blendable Makeup is the way to go. Formulated with SPF 17, this lightweight foundation provides medium coverage with a natural-looking finish. It’s the perfect synergy between skin care and makeup, available in over 45 shades.

L’Oréal Paris True Match, $10.95 MSRP 

WATER-BASED FOUNDATION #4: NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP TOTAL CONTROL DROP FOUNDATION

There’s nothing wrong with being a bit of a control freak when it comes to your foundation. An application gone wrong can throw off an entire look, as can using a shade that’s too light or too dark for your skin tone. The NYX Professional Makeup Total Control Drop Foundation allows for you to apply foundation with ease. Boasting a delicate glass dropper, this foundation glides across skin for a velvety matte look. It’s also available in over thirty shades, so you could mix and match a few to find your ideal color with each passing season.

NYX Professional Makeup Total Control Drop Foundation, $14 MSRP