Water-based or oil-based products, which one is more suitable for your skin?
A guide on how to use the products to achieve a perfect base
G-Club
March 6th, 2025
March 6th, 2025
Have you ever finished your makeup and, after a few minutes, noticed that your base becomes flaky or even starts to peel off? And so, it's back to makeup remover, ready to redo everything from scratch. But why does this happen? The cause could be the combined use of water-based and oil-based products, without layering them properly. So here’s a guide on how to make the best use of these products to achieve a perfect base.
Water-based or oil-based products, what’s the difference?
The difference between these two types of products lies in the ingredients: water-based products contain key hydrating components like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and glycerin. These are lightweight formulas that absorb quickly, offering immediate hydration to the skin. Oil-based products, on the other hand, are formulated with ingredients like argan oil, shea butter, or jojoba oil, which provide deeper hydration and help lock moisture into the skin, creating a protective barrier.
Why shouldn’t you mix water-based products with oil-based ones?
@np.miranda You want it to all be oil based, silicone based, or water based #makeup #skintips #makeuptips #viral #fyp original sound - Np.Miranda
@peytonliveslife like can u not
@isaxkristina the rage i feel when my makeup starts pilling is……… #makeupfail #makeuppilling #imjustagirl #femalerage Black Swan - Swan Lake - Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Mixing water-based and oil-based products can cause issues: the oil creates a barrier on the skin that prevents water-based products from being absorbed properly. If not applied in the correct order, water-based products may sit on the skin, causing annoying effects such as uneven areas or a "cakey" effect, where the makeup looks thick and heavy. Additionally, mixing these two types of products could cause them to separate, leading to flaky makeup. To avoid this, the rule is simple: first apply water-based products, which are lightweight and absorb quickly, and only then apply oil-based products to lock in moisture. If you prefer, you can also choose to use only water-based products or only oil-based products to simplify your routine.
How to identify the base of a product?
@cassidychaplin Reply to @jeepchick107 original sound - Cassidy Chaplin
Identifying the base of a product is quite simple. Just check the ingredients list—if the first ingredient is water (often labeled as "aqua" on the packaging), followed by ingredients like aloe or glycerin, then the product is water-based. Conversely, if the first ingredient is an oil, followed by silicone ingredients like dimethicone or methicone, then the product is oil-based.
Which product is suitable for your skin type?
The choice between water-based or oil-based products depends mainly on your skin type and its specific needs. For oily or combination skin, it’s better to use water-based products, like gels or serums, which hydrate without weighing down, such as Nuxe’s Acquabella line and Luminous Silk Foundation by Armani Beauty. For dry or mature skin, hydration is key, so it’s better to choose oil-based products to help lock in moisture for longer, like L'Occitane's Ultra Rich Shea Face Cream and Maybelline's Superdrop Tinted Oil.
