top of page

"ACHIEVING A DEWY MAKEUP LOOK - TIPS AND TECHNIQUES FOR GLOWING SKIN": DE MODE GLOBAL

Writer's picture: DE MODEDE MODE

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN DE MODE | BEAUTY

Article Published on: 07TH DEC 2024 | www.demodemagazine.com

The dewy makeup look is one of the most sought-after beauty trends, with its fresh, radiant, and youthful appearance. It gives the impression of healthy, hydrated skin, as if you're glowing from within. This makeup style has been popularized by celebrities, models, and makeup artists alike, and it continues to be a timeless look that complements all skin types and tones. But while a dewy finish looks effortlessly radiant, achieving it involves a few strategic techniques and the right products. This guide will walk you through the key steps and tips for achieving a flawless, dewy makeup look that will leave your skin looking fresh, radiant, and glowing.


1. Prepping the Skin: The Foundation of a Dewy Look

Achieving a dewy makeup look starts long before you apply any makeup. The key to radiant, glowing skin lies in proper skincare and hydration.

Hydrate Your Skin

The most crucial step in achieving a dewy look is to keep your skin well-hydrated. If your skin is dry, no amount of makeup can fully replicate the glowing effect that hydration provides. Start by drinking plenty of water throughout the day to hydrate your skin from within. In addition, incorporate hydrating skincare products into your routine.

  • Use a Hydrating Cleanser: Start with a gentle, hydrating cleanser to wash your face. Avoid harsh, stripping cleansers, which can dry out your skin.

  • Apply a Hydrating Serum: Serums rich in hyaluronic acid are perfect for locking in moisture and giving your skin a plump, dewy appearance.

  • Moisturizer is Key: Choose a lightweight, yet deeply hydrating moisturizer suited to your skin type. For dry skin, opt for rich, emollient creams, while oily skin types can benefit from gel-based moisturizers that won’t clog pores.

  • Use a Facial Oil (Optional): For an extra boost of radiance, applying a few drops of facial oil on top of your moisturizer can create a luminous glow. Look for non-comedogenic oils like rosehip, squalane, or jojoba oil to avoid breakouts.

Prime for Glow

Before applying makeup, using the right primer is essential. A radiant primer will create the perfect base for your dewy look by adding luminosity to the skin while helping your makeup last longer.

  • Choose a Dewy Primer: Look for primers labeled "radiant" or "illuminating." These primers often contain light-reflecting particles that will help you achieve that subtle glow beneath your foundation.

  • Focus on High Points: If you have combination skin, apply the dewy primer primarily to the high points of your face, such as the cheekbones, forehead, and chin, while using a mattifying primer on the T-zone to avoid excess shine.

    Photo by Janis Dzenis | Source: www.unsplash.com

2. Foundation for a Dewy Look

The type of foundation you use will significantly affect the outcome of your dewy makeup look. The goal is to enhance your natural glow, so choose a foundation that provides light to medium coverage with a radiant or satin finish.

Pick the Right Foundation Formula

  • Liquid Foundation: For the best dewy effect, opt for a liquid foundation with a radiant finish. These formulas are often infused with hydrating ingredients and light-reflecting pigments that will give your skin a healthy glow. Foundations labeled "luminous" or "dewy" are perfect for this.

  • Tinted Moisturizer or BB Cream: For a more natural and lightweight dewy look, consider using a tinted moisturizer or BB cream. These products offer light coverage and allow your natural skin to shine through, making them ideal for those with clear or minimal blemishes.

  • Avoid Matte Formulas: Matte foundations can make the skin look flat and dull, which is the opposite of the dewy look you're aiming for. If you have oily skin, try a satin-finish foundation, which strikes a balance between matte and radiant.

Application Techniques

  • Use a Damp Makeup Sponge: For a more natural, dewy finish, use a damp beauty sponge to apply your foundation. The moisture in the sponge helps sheer out the product, creating a seamless, skin-like appearance.

  • Don’t Over-Apply: When aiming for a dewy look, less is more. Apply a light layer of foundation and only add more in areas where you need extra coverage, such as around the nose or on blemishes. The goal is to let your natural skin texture shine through.


3. Concealer and Highlighter for Radiance

While foundation provides the base for your dewy makeup, concealer and highlighter are the products that will truly elevate your glow.

Concealer Tips

Use a lightweight, hydrating concealer to brighten the under-eye area and cover any blemishes or redness. Be careful not to over-apply concealer, as too much product can look cakey and detract from the dewy look.

  • Brighten the Under-Eye Area: Apply a small amount of concealer in the inner corners of the eyes and blend outwards to brighten dark circles. Look for a radiant-finish concealer for extra luminosity.

  • Spot Conceal: Instead of applying concealer all over, only use it on areas that need coverage, such as blemishes or redness.

Highlight for Glow

A liquid or cream highlighter is essential for creating a glowing, dewy finish. Highlighters work by reflecting light off the skin, enhancing your natural radiance.

  • Choose the Right Shade: Pick a highlighter that complements your skin tone. For fair skin, champagne or pearlescent shades work best. For medium to deep skin tones, opt for gold or bronze highlighters.

  • Apply Strategically: Apply highlighter to the high points of your face, such as the tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, the brow bone, and the cupid’s bow. These are the areas where light naturally hits, giving you a natural glow.

  • Blend for a Natural Finish: Use your fingers or a damp beauty sponge to blend the highlighter into the skin, ensuring a seamless, natural glow. Avoid applying too much product, as it can look overly shiny.

    Photo by Fleur Kaan | Source: www.unsplash.com

4. Blush and Bronzer: Adding Warmth and Dimension

Adding a flush of color and dimension to your face will enhance your dewy look and give you that healthy, glowing appearance.

Cream or Liquid Blush

Cream or liquid blush is the perfect choice for a dewy makeup look, as it blends seamlessly into the skin and adds a natural flush of color.

  • Apply on the Cheeks: Use your fingers or a makeup sponge to dab a small amount of cream blush onto the apples of your cheeks, blending upwards towards the temples for a lifted effect.

  • Choose Rosy or Peachy Shades: Rosy or peach-toned blushes tend to give the most natural, radiant look, mimicking the color of a natural flush.

Bronzer for Warmth

A cream bronzer can be used to add warmth and subtle contour to your face, enhancing your natural features.

  • Apply Sparingly: Apply a cream bronzer to the hollows of your cheeks, along the hairline, and on the jawline. Blend thoroughly for a soft, diffused look.

  • Use a Warm-Toned Shade: Choose a warm-toned bronzer that mimics a sun-kissed glow for a natural-looking finish.


5. Set the Look with Dewy Setting Sprays

To lock in your makeup without compromising the dewy finish, use a dewy or radiant setting spray.

  • Choose a Dewy Mist: Look for setting sprays specifically formulated to give your skin a radiant, hydrated look. These sprays not only help your makeup last longer but also enhance the dewy effect by adding a final layer of moisture and glow.

  • Spray Lightly: Hold the bottle at arm’s length and lightly mist your face. Avoid over-spraying to prevent looking too shiny or greasy.


6. Final Touches: Lip and Eyes

For the perfect finishing touch, keep your lips and eyes soft and glowing to complement your dewy complexion.

Glossy Lips

  • Use a Lip Balm or Gloss: Opt for a hydrating lip balm or a clear lip gloss to give your lips a glossy, plump finish that matches the radiant look of your skin.

Natural, Soft Eyes

  • Subtle Eyeshadow: Choose cream eyeshadows in neutral or warm shades to create a soft, glowing look on your eyelids. Shimmery, champagne tones work well to brighten the eyes without overpowering the dewy skin.

    Photo by Soheil Kmp | Source: www.unsplash.com

Conclusion

Achieving a dewy makeup look is all about hydration, strategic application, and using the right products to enhance your skin’s natural radiance. By following these tips and techniques, you can create a fresh, glowing makeup look that gives you a youthful, healthy appearance. Whether you’re going for a subtle daytime glow or a more glamorous, radiant look, the dewy finish is a versatile and timeless beauty trend that continues to captivate.

bottom of page