How to Achieve the Perfect Dewy Look

The dewy makeup look is all about creating a fresh, glowing complexion that exudes radiance and health. It’s a trend that has taken over the beauty world, seen on runways, celebrities, and influencers alike. Achieving a dewy finish is about embracing natural beauty with a luminous glow, and it’s easier than you think with the right techniques and products. Whether you’re getting ready for a casual day out or a special event, mastering the dewy look will keep your skin looking hydrated, youthful, and effortlessly chic.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the essential steps and products to help you achieve the perfect dewy look that will turn heads while keeping things natural and glowing.

1. Prepping Your Skin: The Foundation of Dewy Makeup

Achieving a radiant makeup look starts with your skincare routine. Healthy, hydrated skin provides the perfect canvas for dewy makeup, so it’s essential to prep your skin properly.

Skincare Steps for Glowing Skin:

Cleanse: Start with a gentle cleanser to remove any dirt or oil buildup from your skin. A clean face allows your makeup to apply smoothly and prevents clogged pores.

Exfoliate: Exfoliating helps get rid of dead skin cells that can dull your complexion. Opt for a mild exfoliator once or twice a week to keep your skin looking fresh.

Moisturize: Hydration is key! Use a lightweight, hydrating moisturizer or a gel-based moisturizer that doesn’t leave a greasy residue. Products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid can help retain moisture for a plump, youthful look.

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2. Apply a Luminous Primer

A luminous primer is essential for creating a glowy base that enhances the dewy finish. Primers not only smooth out your skin but also add an extra layer of hydration and glow to your foundation.

Recommended Dewy Primers:

Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Illuminating Primer: This primer creates a natural glow and provides a smooth surface for makeup application.

E.L.F. Cosmetics Luminous Putty Primer: Affordable and effective, this primer leaves a subtle, radiant glow on the skin.

Application Tip: Apply your primer after moisturizing, focusing on areas where you want the most glow—typically the cheekbones, forehead, and down the bridge of your nose.

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3. Choose a Dewy Foundation or Tinted Moisturizer

To achieve the perfect dewy look, avoid matte or full-coverage foundations. Instead, opt for dewy foundations or tinted moisturizers that offer buildable coverage and a radiant finish.

Best Dewy Foundations:

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation: Known for its lightweight, buildable coverage and radiant finish, this foundation is a favorite for achieving a glowing complexion.

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream: This CC cream not only provides a natural dewy finish but also contains SPF and hydrating ingredients, making it perfect for daily wear.

Application Tip: For a natural finish, use a damp beauty sponge to apply the foundation. This helps the product melt into the skin, giving you a radiant glow without looking cakey.

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4. Spot Conceal Instead of Full Coverage

When aiming for a dewy finish, less is more. Instead of applying a full face of foundation, use a creamy concealer to spot conceal areas that need a little extra coverage, such as under the eyes, around the nose, or over blemishes.

Recommended Concealers:

Glossier Stretch Concealer: This lightweight, flexible concealer provides a natural, skin-like finish, perfect for spot-concealing while maintaining a dewy look.

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer: Known for its brightening effect, this concealer works well for covering dark circles and imperfections without drying out the skin.

Application Tip: Use your fingertips to blend the concealer into your skin for a seamless, natural look that lets your natural glow shine through.

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5. Cream Products Are Your Best Friend

For a truly dewy finish, switch out your powder products for cream-based makeup. Cream blush, bronzer, and highlighter will blend seamlessly into your skin and leave a radiant, glowy finish.

Must-Have Cream Products:

Milk Makeup Lip + Cheek Stick: This multi-use cream stick adds a natural flush to your cheeks and lips, perfect for achieving a dewy, fresh-faced look.

Glossier Cloud Paint: A lightweight, gel-cream blush that provides a soft, buildable glow on the cheeks.

Fenty Beauty Match Stix Shimmer Skinstick: A creamy highlighter that adds a gorgeous shimmer without looking too sparkly.

Application Tip: Use your fingers or a makeup sponge to apply cream products. The warmth of your fingers will help the products blend into your skin, enhancing the dewy finish.

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6. Highlight for the Perfect Glow

Highlighter is a crucial step in achieving the dewy look. Choose a liquid or cream highlighter to keep your skin looking fresh and radiant, rather than powder highlighters that can appear too intense or cakey.

Top Highlighters for a Dewy Look:

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfecter Liquid: This liquid highlighter provides a soft, natural glow and is ideal for layering under or over foundation.

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter: A cult favorite for a reason, this product can be used as a highlighter or mixed with foundation for an all-over glow.

Application Tip: Apply highlighter to the high points of your face—cheekbones, brow bones, and down the bridge of your nose—for a naturally radiant effect.

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7. Set with a Dewy Setting Spray

While setting powder can mattify your look, a dewy setting spray helps lock in your makeup while enhancing your glow. Look for hydrating mists that keep your skin looking fresh throughout the day.

Best Dewy Setting Sprays:

Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist: This hydrating mist is a favorite among makeup artists for adding an instant glow to the skin.

NYX Professional Makeup Dewy Finish Setting Spray: A budget-friendly option that locks in makeup while adding a soft, dewy glow.

Application Tip: Spritz the setting spray 8-10 inches away from your face in a “T” and “X” motion for even coverage. This will set your makeup while keeping it looking hydrated and luminous.

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Final Thoughts

The dewy makeup look is all about enhancing your natural glow and creating a fresh, radiant complexion. By focusing on skincare, using the right dewy foundations, and opting for cream-based products, you can achieve a luminous look that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t forget to finish with a hydrating setting spray to lock in the glow and keep your skin looking radiant all day long.

With these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to master the perfect dewy look that’s trending in 2024—making your skin look youthful, fresh, and effortlessly radiant.

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