This is a water-based formulation.
It is highly concentrated with a nice creamy base. This formulation works very well all skin types and with all different types of machines; including the digital, rotary and the coil. It also works well with the hand method. Aqua is not a quick drying formulation but it will dry quicker than Velvet because is water based.
If you are a slow worker you may prefer Velvet. Aqua works with ALL skin types but the Velvet was formulated to work best on dry skin types.