Creating a dewy makeup look is all about achieving a radiant, glowing complexion that looks fresh and hydrated. This look is perfect for everyday wear and can easily be adapted for special occasions. Follow these simple steps and tips to achieve a dewy makeup look that lasts all day.
Start with Skincare
Cleanse and Exfoliate
Before applying any makeup, start with a clean canvas. Use a gentle cleanser to remove any dirt, oil, or leftover makeup. Exfoliate your skin once or twice a week to get rid of dead skin cells and ensure a smooth surface.
Hydrate Your Skin
Hydration is key to achieving a dewy look. Use a hydrating toner to prep your skin. Follow up with a lightweight, hydrating moisturizer to lock in moisture. Look for products containing hyaluronic acid, which helps retain skin moisture.
Prime Your Skin
Use a Hydrating Primer
A good primer can make a significant difference in how your makeup looks and lasts. Celebrity makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury recommends using a hydrating primer to create a smooth base and prevent your skin from drying out. This step is essential for achieving that coveted dewy finish (source: Vogue).
Apply Sunscreen
Protect your skin from UV damage by applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Some sunscreens also have hydrating properties, which can contribute to a dewy look.
Foundation and Concealer
Choose the Right Foundation
Opt for a foundation that offers a dewy finish. Look for words like “luminous,” “radiant,” or “hydrating” on the label. Avoid matte foundations, as they can make your skin look dry. Apply your foundation with a damp beauty sponge for a natural, even finish.
Use a Hydrating Concealer
For any blemishes or dark circles, use a hydrating concealer. Apply it sparingly and blend it well to avoid creasing.
Add a Natural Flush
Cream Blush
Makeup artist Pat McGrath suggests layering a sheer cream blush over your foundation to give your skin a subtle, natural flush (source: Harper’s Bazaar). Cream blushes blend seamlessly into the skin and provide a more natural finish compared to powder blushes.
Highlighter
For a radiant glow, apply a liquid or cream highlighter to the high points of your face, such as your cheekbones, brow bones, and the bridge of your nose. Makeup artist Bobbi Brown advises using highlighter sparingly, as too much can make your skin look oily (source: Bobbi Brown Beauty).
Eyes and Brows
Keep it Simple
For a dewy look, keep your eye makeup simple. Use neutral shades that enhance your natural beauty. Apply a shimmery eyeshadow to your lids for a subtle glow. Avoid heavy, dark colors, as they can detract from the fresh, dewy look.
Define Your Brows
Well-groomed brows frame your face and enhance your overall look. Use a brow pencil or powder to fill in any sparse areas and set them with a clear brow gel.
Lips
Hydrate Your Lips
Start by applying a hydrating lip balm to keep your lips soft and smooth.
Choose a Glossy Lip Product
For a dewy finish, opt for a glossy lip product. Lip glosses, balms, or sheer lipsticks work well. Choose a shade that complements your natural lip color for a fresh, natural look.
Set Your Makeup
Dewy Setting Spray
To lock in your makeup and give it a glossy sheen, use a setting spray with a dewy finish. Beauty blogger Huda Kattan recommends using a dewy setting spray to enhance your skin’s luminosity and prolong the wear time of your makeup (source: Refinery29). Spray it all over your face after you’ve finished applying your makeup.
Additional Tips for a Dewy Look
Drink Plenty of Water
Hydration starts from within. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps keep your skin hydrated and looking its best.
Healthy Diet
Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats can improve your skin’s overall health and appearance. Foods high in antioxidants, like berries and leafy greens, help protect your skin from damage.
Avoid Powder Products
Powder products can make your skin look dry and matte. Stick to cream and liquid products for your blush, bronzer, and highlighter.
Use Facial Oils
Facial oils can add a natural glow to your skin. Apply a few drops of a lightweight facial oil to your cheekbones for an extra dewy finish.
Blotting Papers
If your skin tends to get oily throughout the day, use blotting papers to remove excess oil without disturbing your makeup. This will help maintain your dewy look without making your skin appear greasy.
Minimal Touch-Ups
The beauty of a dewy look is its low-maintenance nature. With the right products and techniques, you shouldn’t need to touch up your makeup too often. A quick spritz of setting spray or a dab of cream blush can refresh your look if needed.
Personal Experience
Creating a dewy makeup look can be a game-changer, especially on days when you want to look fresh and radiant with minimal effort. I remember preparing for a summer wedding where the weather was hot and humid. Using lightweight, hydrating products and a dewy setting spray helped my makeup stay intact and glowing throughout the day. Incorporating a cream blush and a liquid highlighter made a noticeable difference, giving my skin a natural, healthy glow that lasted from the ceremony to the reception.
Studies and Insights
The Effects of Primer and Foundation on Skin Hydration
A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (2018) found that using a hydrating primer and foundation can significantly improve skin hydration and reduce the appearance of dryness. This highlights the importance of choosing the right base products for a dewy makeup look.
The Impact of Setting Spray on Makeup Longevity and Finish
Another study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science (2020) demonstrated that setting sprays with a dewy finish can effectively prolong the wear time of makeup and enhance its luminosity. This underscores the value of setting sprays in achieving and maintaining a dewy look.
Conclusion
Achieving a dewy makeup look is all about enhancing your natural beauty with hydrating, lightweight products that give your skin a radiant glow. Start with a good skincare routine, use hydrating primers and foundations, and opt for cream-based blushes and highlighters. Keep your eye and lip makeup simple and set everything with a dewy setting spray. With these tips and techniques, you’ll be able to create a fresh, glowing look that lasts all day. Remember to stay hydrated and take care of your skin from the inside out for the best results.
