In case you’re not updated on current makeup trends, dewy skin is in. Not to be confused with greasy, dewy skin is when you look “lit from within.” You’ll have a hydrated look and subtle shine to your skin. Dewy skin doesn’t mean the sweaty post-sauna or hot yoga look. It means achieving a glowing complexion with just the perfect amount of shine.
The dewy look explained
If you tend to have dry, oily, or even combination skin, achieving the perfect dewy look may require a few tweaks to your skincare routine. Here’s everything you need to help you get the brightest and freshest dewy look.
How to get dewy skin
1. Check your diet and habits
The food you eat and your daily habits are just as important as your skincare routine. Eating plenty of fruits and veggies, staying hydrated throughout the day, and getting enough sleep can improve your skin’s appearance.
2. Incorporate a skin-balancing face wash
The meaning of “skin-balancing” differs depending on your skin type. Think of your cleanser or face wash as the foundation for the rest of your skincare routine. You can layer on all the serums and moisturizers you want, but if the foundation isn’t working, you won’t achieve the desired results.
If your skin is typically oily, you’ll want to prioritize cleansers that control oil production. If your skin is on the drier end of the spectrum, you’ll want a face wash that infuses moisture. For those struggling with clogged pores, opt for a solution that gently removes dirt and grime and offers a deep clean.
3. Exfoliation is your friend
The opposite of dewy is dry, flaky skin. Exfoliating can help you remove those dead layers of skin to reveal the fresh and healthier layers underneath. While your body naturally releases dead skin cells, you sometimes need to nudge the process along.
Another benefit of exfoliating is that it can help reduce dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
To exfoliate, you can either opt for a topical or mechanical solution. With a topical solution, you’ll apply a cream (think retinol or bakuchiol) before bedtime and let it work its magic while sleeping. If you prefer a mechanical option, you can use a textured cloth or brush in the shower to help remove the dead skin.
When exfoliating, remember these tips:
- You shouldn’t exfoliate daily — start by doing so once or twice a week.
- Don’t apply a topical exfoliating serum immediately after mechanically exfoliating your face because it’s too harsh for your skin.
- If you opt for retinol or bakuchiol, start by incorporating them into your nightly routine, and remember to wear sunscreen or a hat when you head outside the next day.
4. Embrace the multi-step skincare routine
The multi-step skincare method is no longer a novelty — most people now realize that layering products is an effective way to achieve long-lasting results. If you’re skincare routine only consists of washing your face with a generic cleanser, it’s time to up your game.
We suggest expanding your basic steps by adding in a toner, a hydrating serum packed with gentle, skin-loving active ingredients, and a moisturizer. Pay close attention to the ingredients in each new product you add to your routine because not all work best together. Some can even negate each other when layered on top or underneath certain ingredients.
5. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize
It can be challenging to transform dry skin into dewy skin. But investing in a high-quality moisturizer specifically catered to your skin type can help. You might even want to consider swapping out your moisturizer as your skin changes with the seasons.
If you have particularly dry skin, prioritize ceramide-rich moisturizers. Otherwise, a hydrating moisturizer with light ingredients like hyaluronic acid and squalane are great options, too.
6. Pamper your face with a mask
An ultra-hydrating experience works wonders to boost your complexion. Yup, we’re talking about face masks that target dryness, clogged pores, or even inflammation. When in doubt, using a mask with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, hydrating aloe vera, or colloidal oats is best. These gentle ingredients can be used regularly and are less likely to irritate your skin.
7. Opt for a lighter foundation
After implementing your new skincare routine, you can add some makeup to speed up the process to achieve that perfect, dewy effect. Lightweight makeup that allows your skin to breathe, such as a tinted moisturizer or sheer-finish foundation, works best for a dewy look.
And most importantly, you’ll want to focus on a luminous or satin foundation rather than a matte foundation that will make your skin look flatter.
8. Prioritize creams and liquids
As you adjust your makeup routine for dewy skin, you’ll want to opt for a cream or liquid blush and highlighter. These options are easy to apply, and because of their texture, they’ll offer a subtle sheen to give your skin a dewy glow.
9. Apply a glass highlighter sparingly
If you want to “fake it ‘till you make it,” you’ll want to invest in a glassy highlighter, which gives off a high shine. Add small amounts of highlighter to areas of your face that light would usually hit, such as your cheekbones, nose, forehead, and chin. Then, blend it for a natural glow instead of shiny spots.
10. Don’t overdo it
Over-exfoliating, applying too many products, or using heavy makeup can prevent you from achieving a dewy glow. Your skin may be red or irritated from too many products, and covering up your natural dewy skin with heavy makeup is counterproductive. Less is best when it comes to achieving a dewy look.
The takeaway
Perfect skin doesn’t come magically. It takes time and work, even for those without blemish-prone skin. Achieving your desired dewy results will require a mix of what you put in your body and what you put on your face. Remember to customize your skincare routine to your specific concerns, and when it comes to makeup, keep it light because a dewy look means less is more.
