Dewy, luminous, fresh-looking skin is a cornerstone of many trending beauty looks, including glazed-doughnut skin, dolphin skin, and glass skin. A radiant, well-hydrated complexion is a timeless beauty goal. However, there's a fine line between achieving an expertly dewy face and simply looking "wet." An overzealous application of highlighter can quickly lead to a sweaty appearance, especially during warmer months when makeup tends to slide off by midday.
For those who love a dewy makeup aesthetic, mastering a natural flush that stays fresh all day is achievable. This tutorial, compiled with insights from top makeup artists, offers a detailed nine-step guide to nailing that coveted glowy-never-sweaty-finish.
1. Prep Your Skin for Ultimate Hydration
Proper skin preparation is paramount for a dewy makeup look. The essence of dewy makeup lies in healthy, naturally flushed-looking skin, and your skincare routine plays a crucial role in achieving this. As celebrity makeup artist Nikki DeRoest, founder of Ciele Cosmetics, explains, "A dewy look is best when it is lit from within, which comes from great skin prep."
The ideal skincare regimen will vary based on individual skin types. However, generally, the focus should be on ultra-hydrating products that contribute to a dewy finish. Makeup artist and Executive Director of Product Development at Polite Society Ana Tamayo suggests, "Using a moisturizer loaded with hyaluronic acid, a hydrating serum, and a hydrating sunscreen are easy ways to create a base for a dewy complexion."
For those with oily skin, a lighter gel-cream moisturizer can provide that essential dewy sheen without appearing overly sweaty.
2. The Role of Primer
The decision to use a primer depends largely on your skin type. For individuals with oily skin, primer is an excellent tool for managing shine and ensuring the longevity of complexion products. While those with drier complexions might be hesitant, makeup artist Tisha Thompson, founder of LYS Beauty, notes that primers can also benefit dry or mature skin types.
"Finding a great primer is a cheat code to concealing fine lines and wrinkles and preventing the products from settling into the skin," Thompson states. E.l.f. primers are often recommended for their effectiveness.
3. Creating Your Base: Foundation and Tint
When it comes to your base product, whether it's foundation, BB cream, or skin tint, cream and liquid formulas are generally preferred for a dewy look. However, it's a common misconception that you must use a dewy-finish foundation. Matte formulas can also work effectively if preceded by proper skin prep.
DeRoest shares her approach: "I typically get all the dewiness, bounce, and hydration from skincare first and then use a natural or matte-finish serum or foundation. That combination of skincare with a non-greasy foundation is what gives the ultimate dew." For an enhanced glow, consider adding a few drops of face oil to your base product before application. Products like Westman Atelier's Liquid Super Loaded Highlighter Drops are excellent for this purpose.
Regarding application, both Tamayo and Thompson favor using a damp beauty sponge over brushes for a seamless finish.
4. Spot Concealing for a Skin-Like Finish
According to celebrity makeup artist Beau Nelson, director of Lashify Pro, spot concealing is a key technique. This involves using a full-coverage concealer sparingly only on areas that require it, such as discoloration or blemishes, to maintain a dewy, skin-like appearance. Thompson adds, "Let your concealer dry down a bit before blending to balance coverage and radiance."
5. Adding Dimension with Bronzer and Contour
The next step involves applying bronzer and/or contour. Thompson emphasizes that these products, in addition to providing a dewy finish, "need to have the perfect shade depth." It's advisable to avoid bronzing products with glittery elements, as non-shimmery formulas are more convincing for a natural, lit-from-within flush.
6. The Art of Blush Application
Cream blush is a top choice for dewy makeup, but powder blushes can also play a significant role. Thompson notes, "I often use powder blushes as a setting powder to amplify the pigment or create custom colors." You can choose your preferred blush shade and apply it gradually to build intensity.
7. Setting Your Look Strategically
After applying blush and bronzer, Thompson suggests applying a coat of setting spray, followed by using a complexion sponge to blend any harsh lines. This is also the opportune moment to powder areas prone to shine, but the experts recommend using powder sparingly. "You can still powder, but just in the areas where you want to reduce shine," DeRoest advises.
For oily skin types, specific primers like L’Oréal Paris Prime Lab Up to 24H Pore Minimizer can help blur pores and create a smoother base. While matte foundations are typically avoided for a dewy look, lightweight formulas with a radiant, hydrated finish are ideal. L’Oréal Paris True Match Nude Hyaluronic Tinted Serum, with its luminous mineral pigments and hyaluronic acid, offers sheer coverage and a hydrated feel. For a more intense glow, L’Oréal Paris Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer can be mixed with hyaluronic acid cream for a supple luminescence. A light hand is crucial to achieve a blurred, not fully covered, skin appearance.
8. Strategic Highlighting for Extra Glow
Once excess shine has been managed, it's time to strategically place more dew. You can opt for a cream or powder highlighter, depending on your desired level of shine. However, it's important that the formula does not appear too shimmery, as glittery particles can accentuate texture, according to Thompson. Nelson prefers glossy highlighters, such as Chanel Baume Essentiel, over shimmery ones, stating, "These types of highlighters add a layer of reflective moisture to the face that makes it look like you just came from the spa."
Thompson recommends applying highlighter with fingertips or a brush to build layers, finishing with a complexion sponge for a seamless effect. Tamayo suggests applying highlighter on the tops of the cheekbones, the Cupid's bow, and the bridge of the nose.
For concealing blemishes or dark circles, L’Oréal Paris True Match Radiant Serum Concealer can be used. A fresh-faced flush is often achieved with L’Oréal Paris Lumi Le Liquid Blush, available in various dewy finishes. Apply a few dots to the cheek and gently pat into the skin with fingertips or a makeup sponge.
Highlighter can also be achieved using the Lumi Glotion or Radiant Serum Concealer by selecting a shade two tones lighter than your base and tapping it onto the high points of the face, bridge of the nose, below the eyebrows, and over the Cupid's bow.
9. The Finishing Touch: A Juicy Lip
While dewy skin is the main focus, a juicy pop of color on the lips can enhance the overall look. DeRoest advises choosing hydrating lip products, such as tinted lip balms or creamy lipsticks, as matte lipsticks can detract from the dewy aesthetic. For a monochromatic effect, a sheer lip color can also be used as a blush.
To complete the look and ensure its longevity, L’Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist can be applied. This microfine mist helps extend makeup wear, provides a natural-looking glow, and prevents makeup from cracking or caking. It's important to note that powder, often considered an oily skin staple, is intentionally omitted from this dewy makeup tutorial as it can mattify the skin and detract from the desired dewy effect.
Extra Pro Tips for a Dewy Finish
- For Mature Skin: Opt for lightweight, hydrating makeup formulas to avoid settling into fine lines and minimize powder usage to maintain a youthful, dewy appearance.
- Achieving Balance: Avoid looking overly dewy by using every glossy product available. Focus on balance and varying textures.
- Skin as the Focus: If skin is the primary focus, keep eyes and lips neutral. A simple taupe shadow, a 'your-lips-but-better' sheer lipstick, and a great blush are often sufficient.
- Lip Prep: Prepare your lips with the same intentionality as your complexion by regularly exfoliating and using moisture-rich formulas.
- Added Radiance: Pat a small amount of facial oil on the high points of your face before applying makeup for an extra boost of radiance.
- Less is More: Remember that less is more to avoid feeling heavy or wet.
- Universal Appeal: Dewy makeup is not exclusive to dry skin types. Anyone can rock a dewy look, including those with oily skin. Careful product selection and application techniques are key to achieving a glowy, non-greasy finish.
- Hydrating Mist: A hydrating mist, like Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray, can be used on a blending sponge to soften foundation and powder while soothing the skin.
- Mixing for Glow: Mix foundation with a drop of Hailey Bieber's Peptide Glazing Fluid for a dewy, skin-like finish.
- Sponge Application: Applying liquid or cream products with a makeup sponge, such as a Beautyblender, often results in a dewier look compared to brushes or fingers, as it helps melt the product into the skin seamlessly.
Dewy Makeup for Winter
Achieving a radiant look during colder months requires a careful selection of products. Start with nutrient-rich skincare to combat dryness and irritation, and complement it with vibrant color cosmetics for a complete dewy winter makeup look. Makeup artist Brigitte Reiss-Andersen notes, "Winter can be a challenging season for the skin-the alternation of outdoor cold with indoor heat tends to make it look dry and dull. A youthful, dewy makeup look is the best antidote."
Exfoliate First
Robert Sesnek, a celebrity makeup artist, emphasizes the importance of exfoliating and hydrating the skin before makeup application. "Skin needs to be prepped to achieve any degree of dewiness," he states. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells, allowing serums and moisturizers to penetrate effectively.
- Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Pore Exfoliating Treatment: Recommended by Reiss-Andersen, this treatment uses lactic acid, salicylic acid, and fruit enzymes to smooth pores.
- Youth To The People Yerba Mate Resurfacing + Exfoliating Energy Facial: Pro makeup artist Shannon Pezzetta favors this product for its ability to leave skin smooth and glowing.
- Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow BHA + PHA Pore-Tight Toner: Rachel Singer Clark, a professional makeup artist, uses this toner for its pore-refining qualities.
- Medicube Zero Pore Pads: These toner pads, formulated with AHAs and BHAs, help with dead skin cell turnover while soothing ingredients calm irritation.
Hydrating Skincare is Key
Both dry and oily skin types require hydration, especially in winter. Makeup artists advise layering rich face creams or oils with cream or liquid foundations and cream blushes for plump, supple, and hydrated skin. Start with lighter products and move to thicker formulas.
- Amorepacific Vintage Single Extract Essence: Recommended by makeup artist Melissa Hurkman for its hydrating and anti-aging properties.
- Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream: Praised for its ability to plump and soothe skin with its TFC8 blend and rich moisturizers.
- Osea Seabiotic Water Cream: A weightless cream that leaves skin supple and blends well under makeup.
- Clinique Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator Moisturizer: An oil-free cream enriched with aloe bioferment, hyaluronic acid, and vitamins C and E for long-lasting hydration and glow.
Lock in Moisture with an Oil
For very dry skin, facial oils can lock in moisture when applied over moisturizer or mixed into foundation. Pezzetta and Reiss-Andersen consider this an essential step.
- Youth To The People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Oil: Can be used before and after makeup for added glow.
- Chanel Huile De Jasmine Revitalizing Facial Oil With Jasmine Extract: A drop can be added to foundation for enhanced radiance.
- Elemis Superfood Facial Oil: Ideal for a pre-glam facial massage to sculpt the face and lock in moisture.
- Goop Goopgenes All-in-One Super Nutrient Face Oil: A fast-absorbing oil that does not cause breakouts, suitable even for congestion-prone, oily complexions.
Perfect the Base
When choosing a foundation or tinted formula for winter, opt for sheer liquid foundations that allow the natural quality of the skin to show through. Fuller coverage foundations tend to have more pigment and fewer glowing ingredients.
- Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Flawless Foundation: A stellar, mature skin-friendly formula offering medium coverage and a silky, airbrushed finish.
- Clé de Peau Radiant Fluid Natural SPF 25: A beautiful formula with skin-loving ingredients and a radiant, second-skin finish.
- Westman Atelier Vital Skincare Complexion Drops: Provides an undetectable glow and can be applied to various high points of the face for added radiance.
- Saie Slip Tint SPF 35: A sheer, hydrating tinted moisturizer with hyaluronic acid and licorice root extract for a subtle glimmer.
For blending, makeup artists have varying preferences, with some favoring sponges for a seamless finish and others opting for brushes.
- Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray: Can be sprayed on a blending sponge to soften foundation and powder.
- Rhode Peptide Glazing Fluid: Mixing a drop or two with foundation creates a dewy, skin-like look.
- Beautyblender Makeup Sponge: Applying liquid or cream products with a sponge can result in a dewier application.
- Saie The Base Brush: A dense, soft synthetic brush for a streak-free finish.
Add a Glowing Bronze
Radiant, luminous formulas add depth and sparkle to a makeup look. Cream bronzers and rubbed-in blushes can provide a post-spa look.
- Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer Glow Enhancer Highlighter: Can be mixed into foundation or used as a highlighter, blush, or bronzer.
- Saie Glowy Super Gel: A hydrating gel with vitamin C and oils for weightless radiance.
- Merit Beauty Bronze Balm: Provides a sun-kissed, beach-ready glow.
- RMS Beauty Buriti Cream Bronzer: A cream bronzer packed with skin-nourishing ingredients.
Highlight the Cheekbones
Using an iridescent product along the cheekbones is a classic trick for a dewy skin look. Highlighter creams and balms are ideal for the high points of the face, bridge of the nose, Cupid's bow, and even eyelids and lips.
- Chanel Baume Essentiel Multi-Use Glow Stick: Provides a soft, stunning glow with a hint of sheen.
- Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish Highlighter and Balm Duo: A go-to highlighter for adding strategic glow.
- Victoria Beckham Beauty Reflect Highlighter Stick: Offers a hydrated and subtle glassy finish.
- Ami Colé Light-Catching Highlighter: Features skin-loving ingredients and light-reflecting minerals for a universally flattering glow.
Pick a Vibrant Blush
While not always necessary for winter dewy makeup, a pigmented blush can add a nice flush of color. Cream blush, in particular, adds luminosity and sheen, creating a lit-from-within look.
- Hourglass Unreal Liquid Blush: A hydrating liquid blush that provides buildable coverage.
- Benefit Cosmetics Benetint Liquid Lip Blush & Cheek Tint: A classic liquid tint for lips and cheeks.
- Dior Backstage Rosy Glow Blush: A viral powder blush known for its vibrancy and long-wear properties.
- Rhode Pocket Blush: A glide-on cream blush stick that offers long-wear results without feeling sticky.