While heavy makeup has been a trending topic in the West for years, in the last few seasons it looks like fresh-faced, dewy makeup is finally having a moment. Not to be confused with greasy, dewy skin is all about looking like you have a gorgeous glow. It’s all about having healthy skin that’s plump and catches the light.

Dewy Skin Explained

As we mentioned in the introduction, dewy skin isn’t the same as being greasy or like you just came inside from a hot summer day. Instead, it’s about achieving optimal hydration and looking healthy. But if you thought that only people with “normal” skin could ever achieve dewy skin, think again. Even if you have dry, oily, or combination skin, usually you can still achieve dewy skin by simply adjusting your skincare routine, and even incorporating some makeup swaps to create a glowing complexion.

Tips for Nailing Dewy Skin

Again, you don’t have to have “perfect” skin to nail the dewy look. But you should take a look at your skincare routine and see if there’s anything that could use tweaking.

Food choices and habits matter

Your skin is a reflection of your diet and habits. So, if you’re not eating right, getting enough sleep, or have a habit of picking at acne and scars, don’t be surprised that your skin looks like it's seen better days.
Rethink Your Face Wash
Washing your face is the most critical step of your skincare routine. So, if you’re using a face wash that’s too harsh, or isn’t effectively addressing your skin needs, you’ll never achieve the radiant, glowing complexion you desire. And this is why picking the right face wash is critical. If you have oily skin, opt for a cleanser designed to control oil. Those with dry skin should focus on hydrating face washes. And if you have clogged pores or are fighting acne breakouts, focus on cleansers that gently remove dirt and grime without overly stripping your skin.

Exfoliation is Key

Dry, flaky skin will make it impossible to look dewy. Instead, your skin will look dull and tired. So, it’s important to focus on exfoliation. There are several ways you can exfoliate. Whether you opt for a topical product that gently sloughs off skin, or even incorporates a manual tool like a textured brush, the goal is to reveal fresh, healthy skin.

But it’s possible to overdo it by exfoliating. Avoid exfoliating too frequently — especially if you have sensitive skin. Additionally, be mindful of using topical exfoliating serums on days when you manually exfoliate with a cloth or brush — this can be too harsh. And for those who use retinol or bakuchiol (two popular serum exfoliators), don’t forget to use SPF as these products can increase your skin’s photosensitivity.

Opt for a Multi-Step Skincare Routine

Multi-step skincare has become fairly common these days. So, if you’ve simply been washing your face and then adding a moisturizer, it’s time to expand your routine. Start simple by adding a toner, and incorporating a hydrating serum that targets specific skin issues. And of course, focus on a hydrating moisturizer that helps your skin retain moisture. But if you opt for products that contain active ingredients, take the time to understand what actives can be combined and which shouldn’t be paired. Not all actives work well together. And in some cases, certain actives (think retinol + Vitamin C) can create irritation if paired.

Prioritize Moisturizing your Skin

Dry skin will never look dewy. So, look for hydrating moisturizers that effectively penetrate your skin. But also focus on ingredients with staying power. For example, hyaluronic acid is a great active ingredient that’s gentle even for sensitive skin types but helps your skin retain moisture longer. Better still, it can make your skin look plump, and moisturized.

Boost Hydration with a Face Mask

Face masks don’t have to be complicated. Opting for simple sheet masks, or even jelly masks can be great ways to boost moisture without irritation. If you focus on gentle ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and aloe vera, you can use these masks more frequently to improve the health of your skin.

Pick Lightweight Foundations

Adjusting your skincare routine means that it’ll take time before your skin naturally looks dewy. In some cases, it can take as much as four to six weeks to see results from consistent changes. So, opting for makeup to help “fake it ‘til ya make it” isn’t a bad thing. Your first step is to opt for a lightweight foundation. This means you’ll swap out a full coverage foundation for a tinted moisturizer or even a sheer finish traditional foundation. Most of these products usually have a satin or glow finish which works towards a dewy look.

Choose a Cream or Liquid Blush or Highlighter

Liquid products tend to have a natural balmy texture which works towards achieving a dewy complexion. Better still, they’re usually buildable, meaning that you can adjust the intensity of the pigment depending on your goals. Likewise, you could even opt to incorporate a glass highlighter. While a little goes a long way, when used sparingly, they can help to create a dewy finish with just a small bit of sheen.