Understanding the Dewy Finish
Dewy makeup is a finish that mimics the look of healthy, hydrated, and naturally glowing skin. Originating from Korean beauty trends known as 'chok chok,' it focuses on a luminous, moist, and plump complexion. Unlike the traditional matte look, which aims to minimize all shine, the dewy aesthetic intentionally uses light-reflecting products to create a radiant sheen. It is a makeup style rooted in skincare, as a hydrated base is the most crucial step for achieving the desired effect. The glow is meant to look like it emanates from within the skin, rather than appearing oily or greasy.
The Core Philosophy of Dewy Makeup
The central idea behind dewy makeup is enhancement, not coverage. Instead of using heavy, full-coverage products, the focus is on lightweight, sheer formulas that even out the skin tone while letting its natural texture show through. This approach creates a more effortless and youthful appearance. Dewy looks are often created with liquid and cream-based products, which blend seamlessly into the skin and feel more hydrating than powder-based alternatives.
Dewy vs. Matte: A Comparison Table
| Feature | Dewy Makeup | Matte Makeup |
|---|---|---|
| Finish | Radiant, luminous, and glowing | Velvety, smooth, and shine-free |
| Appearance | Healthy, fresh, and hydrated | Polished, refined, and often more airbrushed |
| Product Formulas | Primarily liquids, creams, and hydrating formulas | Mostly powders, oil-absorbing formulas, and long-wear liquids |
| Skin Type | Ideal for dry, dull, and mature skin; can work for oily skin with proper technique | Excellent for oily and combination skin types |
| Longevity | May require more touch-ups throughout the day | Typically longer lasting, good for all-day wear |
| Overall Effect | Natural, youthful, and vibrant | Classic, sophisticated, and professional |
How to Achieve the Perfect Dewy Look
Creating a long-lasting, luminous dewy finish is a multi-step process that prioritizes skin preparation. The right technique prevents the look from veering into a greasy appearance, especially for those with oily skin.
- Prep Your Skin with Hydration: The most important step starts with a solid skincare routine. Begin with a clean, exfoliated face to remove dead skin cells and create a smooth canvas. Follow with a hydrating serum containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and a rich moisturizer to plump the skin and lock in moisture. For an extra boost, a glow-enhancing primer can help create a radiant base before makeup application.
- Choose a Luminous Base: Select a dewy-finish foundation, tinted moisturizer, or skin tint instead of a matte, full-coverage formula. These products are typically lighter and less opaque. For the most natural finish, apply with a damp makeup sponge, which helps blend the product seamlessly into the skin.
- Apply Cream Formulas: To maintain the radiant effect, opt for cream or liquid blushes, bronzers, and highlighters. Powder products can matte down the glow, so apply them sparingly. Cream formulas melt into the skin, providing a natural flush of color and warmth. Use your fingers or a sponge to tap cream blush onto the apples of your cheeks and blend it out.
- Highlight Strategically: Highlighter is key to a dewy look, but the goal is to create a skin-like sheen, not glitter. Apply a liquid or cream highlighter to the high points of your face where light naturally hits, such as the tops of your cheekbones, brow bones, and the bridge of your nose.
- Set Thoughtfully: Avoid heavy, all-over setting powders, which can kill the glow. Instead, use a very light dusting of a translucent or soft-glow powder only on areas that tend to get oily, like the T-zone. A hydrating or dewy-finish setting spray is the perfect final step to lock everything in place and infuse the skin with a final layer of radiance.
Products for a Flawless Dewy Finish
- Hydrating Primer: A water-based or glow-enhancing primer, like NYX Honey Dew Me Up Primer, preps the skin by adding moisture and creating a radiant base.
- Luminous Foundation: Look for foundations with 'dewy,' 'radiant,' or 'illuminating' in the name. Tinted moisturizers and serum foundations are excellent lightweight options for a natural finish.
- Cream Blush and Bronzer: These formulas blend effortlessly and maintain the luminous effect. Opt for stick or pot formulas that can be easily tapped onto the skin.
- Liquid or Cream Highlighter: Choose highlighters that provide a natural, skin-like sheen. Patting a liquid formula onto the high points of the face is a great technique.
- Dewy Setting Spray: A final mist of a dewy-finish setting spray, such as NYX Dewy Setting Spray, helps to fuse makeup layers together and lock in the radiant look.
Conclusion
Dewy makeup is more than just a trend; it's a celebration of healthy, hydrated, and radiant skin. By focusing on skincare preparation and strategically applying lightweight, luminous products, anyone can achieve this fresh-faced glow. The right approach emphasizes enhancing natural beauty rather than concealing it, resulting in a vibrant, youthful complexion that feels as good as it looks. Embracing a dewy finish is about cultivating a luminous glow that truly shines from within. You can explore more tips for achieving a glowy complexion in various seasons at Vogue's guide to dewy winter makeup.
