Dewy make-up is all the rage at the moment. We're seeing more and more people opt for radiant, luminous skin over a matte finish, and we're big fans. So, what is the best foundation to buy for that dewy finish? We've taken it upon ourselves to test some of the best dewy foundations on the market, to see if they can really give us that sought-after glow. From YSL and Rimmel to MAC and more, we've given some of the most popular brands a go, so keep on scrolling to see our honest thoughts.
Beauty Contributors Grace Lindsay and Rebecca Fearn are both dewy skin aficionados, meaning they've tried all that's out there in glow-boosting foundations. For this reason, you're in good hands...
How should I prep my skin for a dewy foundation?
When it comes to a dewy base, it's all about the skin prep. "If skin does not look good, then neither will any make-up that is then applied," says Linda Cantello, esteemed make-up artist. "Make-up, in my opinion, is an enhancer, not a mask."
For a dewy look, Anthony H. Nguyen, make-up artist and the man behind Adele's glowing skin, recommends applying your favourite moisturiser before foundation so that skin looks hydrated. If you have an oily complexion, you can also use a primer to help your foundation stay in place, however only apply it to areas where you get the most shine, such as your nose or forehead, and let the rest of your natural radiance come through.
Rebecca's favourite dewy moisturiser to amplify the effects of her foundation is the Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream.
How can I make my foundation look more dewy?
So, you've prepped the skin and bought one the best dewy foundations for your skin type. The next step is actually applying it. You can use your hands, a sponge or a brush depending on how much coverage you want.
After blending it into the skin, Nguyen recommends using a setting spray to make it even more dewy. Something like the Rare Beauty Always An Optimist 4-in-1 Mist should do the trick.
Cantello also recommends adding a highlighter, such as the Armani Fluid Sheer Liquid Highlighter, to the cheekbones for extra radiance. Rebecca loves finishing her look with a cream blush too; she loves Rhode's Pocket Blush and the NARS Afterglow Liquid Blush.
How can I make a dewy foundation last all day?
Understandably, dewy foundations tend to have a little more slip on the skin, meaning they're not as long-wearing as matte formulas. However, over her many years wearing illuminating formulas, Beauty Contributor Rebecca Fearn has learnt how to make her base last.
She recommends using a lightweight powder (such as Chanel's Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Powder) on a small brush to pinpoint powder (largely the T-zones) for setting make-up but maintaining glow. She also uses a setting spray (like the Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray Extra Glow) after her make-up is finished, and carries blotting powders with her wherever she goes; these ensure zero excess oil and more staying powder, without having to add more product. Both Tatcha and Fenty do good ones.
Is a dewy foundation suitable for all skin types?
Although oily skin types might shy away from dewy foundations, everyone can use a dewy foundation, not just dry skin. As mentioned above, the secret is all in the prep. If you do find yourself getting oilier throughout the day, we recommend packing a powder in your bag to keep shine at bay, or as Rebecca suggests, some blotting powders.
Grace Lindsay testing the best dewy foundations
The best dewy foundations 2024
1. Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
We're sure you've all heard of this foundation, and in our opinion, it's one of the best dewy foundations you can buy. It looks super natural on the skin, and gives you that 'lit from within' look. It offers medium coverage, but it is buildable, so you can also get a full coverage finish if you desire.
2. Rimmel Kind and Free Skin Tint Moisturising Foundation
If you're looking for a more affordable dewy foundation, you can't go wrong with this one from Rimmel. The formula is slightly heavier than a tinted moisturiser but lighter than your usual foundation, and leaves a gorgeous glowy finish on the skin. Again this offers medium coverage, and it's worth nothing that if you do have oiler skin, you'll probably need to set this in place with a bit of powder.
3. KVD Beauty Good Apple Serum Foundation
New from KVD Beauty is the Good Apple Serum Foundation. This foundation was designed with combination to oily skin types in mind and has a natural, satin finish which lets a little bit of dewiness come through. The best thing about this is that it offers full coverage whilst still letting your skin look like skin. We're big fans.
4. Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish Sublime Perfection Foundation
This is one of our beauty writer's favourite foundations of all time. The oil-free formula glides onto the skin, with buildable, medium coverage. It's really lightweight, and leaves you with a radiant-looking complexion.
5. Jones Road What The Foundation
If you don't want too much coverage, then you'll really like this option from Jones Road It feels lightweight on the skin and leaves you with a natural-looking glow. It might take some time to nail down your technique on this one, because of the balm formula - but pop some on the back of your hand and then buff it into your skin with a fluffy brush. The only downside? You would probably need to use a concealer on top if you did want to cover any blemishes.
6. Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat Le Teint Foundation
If you've used the YSL's iconic Touche Éclat highlighter, then you're going to want to try this. The medium coverage foundation has a non-comedogenic formula that promotes a healthy glow, leaving you looking positively radiant.
7. NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation
Looking for a dewy foundation that will last all day? Look no further. The NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation gives you a beautiful glow that will last you the long run. No creasing or sliding here.
8. MAC Strobe Dewy Skin Tint
Despite not technically being a foundation, Beauty Contributor Rebecca Fearn couldn't leave this off the list. For her, it's the ultimate dewy base, and even though it's lightweight, it's ultra-buildable too. This gives unrivalled glow, letting skin peek through for a natural finish that's ideal especially for the summer months.
9. Chanel Les Beiges Foundation
You can't beat a Chanel foundation, and the Les Beiges collection is a must for Beauty Contributor Rebecca Fearn. This buildable foundation offers a fresh, radiant coverage that feels featherlight. It's available in 41 shades, and it really lasts meaning the investment is worth it. Plus, there's nothing quite like a chic Chanel glass bottle sitting at your make-up station.
