The dewy skin makeup look has taken the beauty world by storm in 2024, and for good reason. This radiant, lit-from-within glow creates a youthful, healthy appearance that looks natural yet polished. Unlike the matte trends of years past, dewy skin celebrates hydration and luminosity, making it perfect for anyone wanting to achieve that coveted “glass skin” effect. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to master this gorgeous technique, regardless of your skin type.
Why the Dewy Skin Trend Is Dominating
The dewy skin trend has reached peak popularity in 2024 for several compelling reasons. First, there’s been a significant shift toward skincare-focused makeup approaches, where healthy skin is the foundation rather than heavy coverage. This “skin-first” philosophy aligns perfectly with the dewy look’s emphasis on hydration and natural radiance.
Social media platforms have also played a crucial role in popularizing this trend. Countless tutorials showcasing the transformative power of strategic highlighting and dewy foundations have inspired makeup enthusiasts to embrace their natural texture rather than hiding it. The hashtag #dewyskin has billions of views across platforms, demonstrating just how mainstream this technique has become.
Additionally, the beauty industry has responded with an explosion of products specifically formulated to achieve this look. From hydrating primers infused with hyaluronic acid to illuminating setting sprays, brands have created entire collections dedicated to helping consumers achieve that perfect glow from within.
Ready to achieve your perfect dewy glow?
Follow our step-by-step guide below to transform your makeup routine and embrace the radiant skin trend of 2024!
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating the Perfect Dewy Skin Look
- Thorough Cleansing: Start with a gentle cleanser to remove any impurities. Dewy skin begins with clean skin, as any residue can interfere with product application and create an uneven finish.
- Exfoliation: Use a gentle chemical exfoliant to remove dead skin cells. This creates a smooth canvas and allows light to reflect more evenly off your skin, enhancing the dewy effect.
- Hydrating Skincare: Apply a hydrating serum containing hyaluronic acid to plump the skin. Follow with a moisturizer appropriate for your skin type—richer formulas for dry skin, lighter gel-based options for oily skin.
- Illuminating Primer: Apply a luminous or hydrating primer to create a smooth, light-reflecting base. Focus on the high points of your face where light naturally hits.
- Dewy Foundation: Choose a lightweight, hydrating foundation or skin tint. Apply with a damp beauty sponge for the most natural, seamless finish that maintains the dewy effect.
- Strategic Concealing: Use concealer only where needed, focusing on under-eyes and blemishes. Over-concealing can create a heavy look that counteracts the dewy effect.
- Cream Blush Application: Apply cream blush to the apples of your cheeks, blending upward toward your temples. The cream formula maintains the dewy finish while adding a natural flush.
- Liquid Highlighter Placement: Apply liquid or cream highlighter to the high points of your face—cheekbones, brow bone, bridge of nose, and cupid’s bow.
- Minimal Powder: Use translucent powder very sparingly, only in areas that tend to get excessively oily (typically the T-zone). Apply with a small fluffy brush for precision.
- Setting Spray Finish: Lock everything in place with a hydrating setting spray that enhances the dewy effect while extending wear time.
Essential Products for Your Dewy Skin Arsenal
Hydrating Primers
Look for primers containing hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or niacinamide. These ingredients help create a plump, hydrated base that light bounces off beautifully. Apply with fingertips, gently pressing into skin rather than rubbing.
Liquid Highlighters
Liquid or cream highlighters create the most natural-looking luminosity. Choose champagne tones for fair to medium skin, golden hues for medium to tan skin, and bronze or copper shades for deeper skin tones.
Hydrating Setting Sprays
These dual-purpose products lock makeup in place while adding an extra dimension of dewiness. Look for formulas containing glycerin, rose water, or coconut water for added skin benefits.
Cream Blushes
Cream formulas blend seamlessly into dewy skin, creating a natural flush that appears to come from within. Apply with fingertips for the most natural finish, tapping and blending outward from the apples of your cheeks.
Luminous Foundations
Seek out foundations labeled “luminous,” “radiant,” or “dewy.” These typically contain light-reflecting particles and hydrating ingredients that enhance your skin’s natural glow rather than masking it.
Application Tools
A damp beauty sponge is essential for foundation application, while fan brushes work beautifully for highlighter. Small fluffy brushes help with precise powder application, and stippling brushes are perfect for cream blush.
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Pro Tips for Different Skin Types
For Oily Skin
- Use oil-control primers in your T-zone while applying illuminating primer to the perimeter of your face
- Opt for water-based foundations labeled “radiant” rather than “dewy” or “luminous”
- Apply setting powder strategically to your T-zone, chin, and around the nose
- Choose powder highlighters for longer wear on oily areas
- Carry blotting papers to touch up throughout the day without disturbing your makeup
For Dry Skin
- Layer hydrating products, starting with a hyaluronic acid serum before moisturizer
- Use facial oils as a primer or mix a drop into your foundation
- Choose cream or liquid products for all steps (foundation, blush, highlighter)
- Skip powder entirely or use only the lightest dusting if absolutely necessary
- Carry a hydrating face mist to refresh your glow throughout the day
For Combination Skin
- Use different primers for different zones—mattifying on oily areas, hydrating on dry areas
- Apply foundation with a damp beauty sponge for the most natural finish
- Set only the oily areas with a light dusting of translucent powder
- Layer cream and powder products for longer wear (cream blush set with powder blush)
- Focus highlighter application on naturally dry areas for the most flattering effect
For Mature Skin
- Prioritize hydration with multiple lightweight layers rather than one heavy product
- Choose cream products that won’t settle into fine lines
- Apply highlighter with a light hand, focusing on the high points of cheekbones
- Avoid glittery products that can emphasize texture; opt for finely milled shimmer instead
- Set makeup with a hydrating mist rather than powder when possible
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistakes That Ruin Your Dewy Look
- Over-Powdering: Applying too much setting powder will instantly kill your dewy effect. Use powder sparingly and only where absolutely necessary.
- Wrong Highlighter Placement: Applying highlighter all over your face creates an oily rather than dewy appearance. Focus on the high points where light naturally hits.
- Skipping Skincare: True dewiness starts with hydrated skin. No amount of makeup can create a genuinely dewy look on dehydrated skin.
- Using All Matte Products: Incorporating matte foundation, blush, and bronzer will counteract your dewy efforts. Ensure most of your products have a radiant or satin finish.
- Applying Too Much Product: Heavy layers of makeup will look cakey rather than dewy. Focus on thin, buildable layers that let your skin show through.
- Incorrect Tool Usage: Using dense brushes can create streaks and uneven application. Opt for beauty sponges and fluffy brushes for the most natural finish.
Expert Tips for Long-Lasting Dewy Skin
“The secret to truly radiant skin isn’t piling on highlighter—it’s strategic layering of hydrating products and knowing exactly where light should hit your face naturally.”
- Prep with facial massage: Spend 2-3 minutes massaging your moisturizer into your skin to stimulate blood flow and create a natural flush before applying any makeup.
- Layer strategically: Apply cream products first, followed by liquid, and finish with minimal powder products for dimension and longevity.
- Mix formulas: Try mixing a drop of liquid highlighter into your foundation for an all-over subtle glow that looks like it’s coming from within.
- Use multiple highlighter tones: Apply a subtle champagne highlighter all over high points, then layer a more intense highlight just at the very tops of cheekbones for dimension.
- Refresh throughout the day: Carry a hydrating face mist to revive your dewy look when it starts to fade, spritzing lightly over makeup.
Embrace Your Radiant Glow
The dewy skin makeup look is more than just a trend—it’s a celebration of healthy, radiant skin that looks naturally luminous. By following the steps and tips in this guide, you can achieve that coveted lit-from-within glow regardless of your skin type or concerns.
Remember that achieving the perfect dewy look is a balance—too little glow and you’ll miss the effect, too much and you might appear oily rather than dewy. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different products and techniques until you find what works best for your unique skin.
Most importantly, embrace the process and have fun with it! The dewy skin trend is all about enhancing your natural beauty rather than masking it, so let your individual radiance shine through.
Ready to show off your dewy glow?
We’d love to see your results! Try these techniques and share your radiant look with us using #PerfectDewyGlow on social media.
