A dewy makeup look gives skin that fresh, healthy glow that never goes out of style. It’s the kind of radiance that looks effortless, almost like you’ve just come from a walk in the sun or finished a tall glass of water.
Unlike matte finishes that can sometimes feel flat or dry, dewy makeup brings your natural shine forward in all the right ways. Achieving this glowing effect isn’t just about one product. It’s about how each step, from skincare to setting spray, works together to reflect light and add hydration.
How to Get a Dewy Makeup Look
Prep the Skin Like a Pro
Dewy makeup starts with healthy skin. Before reaching for your foundation, focus on creating a smooth base. This skin-first approach is inspired by Korean skincare, which focuses on hydration, layering, and glow from within.
Start with a gentle cleanser to wash away dirt and oil. Then, exfoliate once or twice a week to remove dry, flaky skin. This helps makeup go on evenly. Next, apply a hydrating serum with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide.
These help your skin hold onto moisture and give it a plump look. Follow with a lightweight moisturizer that adds glow without feeling heavy. Don’t skip sunscreen if you’re heading outside since it protects your skin and helps maintain a fresh finish.
Prime for Radiance
Primer helps your makeup last longer, but for a dewy finish, it also adds glow. Think of it as the step that bridges skincare and foundation. Look for a primer that’s made to boost radiance or create a soft, lit-from-within look.
These formulas usually feel light and smooth on the skin. Some even have tiny light-reflecting particles that give your face a subtle shine without any glitter.
Apply it after your skincare routine and before foundation. Focus on the high points of your face, such as your cheeks, forehead, and chin. If you have oily skin, you can use a mattifying primer on your T-zone and a glowing one everywhere else.
Choose the Right Foundation
If you want to own that glowy makeup look, then your foundation matters. Pick a formula with a radiant or luminous finish. These formulas reflect light, making your skin look fresh and dewy. Avoid matte or full-coverage foundations, which can hide your natural shine and feel too heavy.
Liquid or cream foundations usually work best for a dewy look. Apply with a damp sponge or soft brush to blend it into your skin. Start with a small amount and build it up where needed. Let your skin show through; don’t completely cover it.
Look for foundations with skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid or vitamin E. These help hydrate your skin while you wear them.
Highlight Strategically
Highlighter is key to getting a radiant look. Use a cream or liquid highlighter instead of powder. These melt into the skin, giving a natural glow without looking too shiny. Dab a small amount on the high points of your face: tops of the cheekbones, bridge of the nose, brow bone, and above the lips.
Use your fingers or a makeup sponge to blend it in. The goal is to catch the light in the right spots, not to sparkle all over. Choose a shade that matches your skin tone. Pearly tones work well for fair skin, while golden and bronze shades flatter deeper tones. Remember that a little goes a long way.
Blush and Bronzer that Glow
To keep your face soft and natural, use cream or liquid blush and bronzer. These formulas blend easily and add a smooth, glass skin finish. Powder can sometimes make the face look dry, so creams are better for that fresh glow.
Tap blush onto the apples of your cheeks and blend it upward. This lifts the face and adds healthy color. For bronzer, apply it to areas where the sun naturally hits, like your forehead, cheekbones, and jawline.
Stick to shades that look warm and natural on your skin. Peach, rose, and soft terracotta are great choices, especially for summer makeup.
Set But Not Too Much
Setting your makeup helps it last, but too much powder can take away your glow. The trick is to use just enough to control the shine without losing that dewy finish.
With a small brush, lightly apply translucent powder only where needed. This is usually the T-zone, under the eyes, or around the nose. Avoid dusting it all over your face.
For extra hold without a matte look, use a setting spray with a radiant or natural finish. A few spritzes can lock in your makeup and bring back moisture.
If your skin looks dry during the day, a light mist or glow spray can refresh it. This keeps everything looking soft, fresh, and just the right amount of dewy.
Glossy Lips & Luminous Eyes
To match your skin, keep your lips and eyes soft and glowing. Swap matte formulas for creamy or glossy textures. Lip oils, tinted balms, or glosses give your lips shine and moisture without feeling sticky. Pick shades like peach, rose, or nude to keep the look fresh and simple.
For your eyes, try cream shadows or liquid formulas with a subtle shimmer. Apply them with your finger for a smooth, natural finish. Stick to soft browns, golds, or warm pinks. These tones add brightness without taking focus away from your skin.
Dewy vs. Oily: Know the Difference
There’s a fine line between looking dewy and looking greasy. Dewy skin should look fresh, not shiny all over. Oily spots like the forehead, nose, and chin can build up extra shine during the day, especially if you have combination or oily skin.
To control it, try using blotting papers. They absorb oil without messing up your makeup. You can also touch up with a small amount of powder on those areas, but only where needed.
A good skincare routine helps too. Use a gel-based moisturizer and lightweight sunscreen if your skin gets oily easily. Look for makeup labeled “non-comedogenic” so it doesn’t clog pores. And when layering luminous products, always use a light hand.
