Best Dewy Skin Foundations

These days, so many foundations promise a matte finish where there is no shine on your face whatsoever. But what if you want a little glow? Sure, there’s natural finish foundation and even radiant finish, but which one should you choose for that healthy, glow-from-within look? That’s where dewy skin foundation comes in!

If you are looking for that glazed donut-type glow, keep reading for tips, tricks, and products that will give you the dewiest skin. Should you know what your skin type is and want to check out foundations tailored to that, we have articles on the best foundations for red skin and best powder foundations for oily skin that will include radiant options!

What is Dewy Skin?

You might hear “dewy” and think of the grass early on a spring morning, and you’d be on the right track! Dewy skin is hydrated; it’s youthful, and it’s healthy. While the term “dewy skin” might sound a bit unknown, the idea behind it is far from new. The visible health of the skin — especially facial skin — has been a beauty goal of many for centuries.

The idea of dewy skin has led to a bunch of other skincare and makeup trends, including the popular glass skin trend and an increased popularity of luminizing products like highlighter!

The three main traits of dewy skin are a visible sheen to the skin, smooth texture, and even complexion. The great thing about makeup these days is that you don’t even need to naturally have all of those qualities to achieve dewy skin on a day-to-day basis. With foundation, you can smooth your complexion and add a nice shine. After you read this article, you will have all of the knowledge you to glow!

The Role of Skincare in Dewy Skin

While you can get dewy skin using makeup such as foundation, skincare can also help you achieve this look. One of the main things that you can do for the all-around health of your skin is to take care! This doesn’t necessarily mean spending hundreds on dozens of products; just a few steps done consistently can make a huge impact.

If you’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it a hundred times, but drinking water is SO key to not just skin health but your overall health and wellbeing. Drink water continuously throughout the day, and you will see it in your skin. Hydration starts from within, so the easiest way to look hydrated is to be hydrated.

In addition to drinking water, facial moisturizer is crucial; especially if you are putting on a taking off makeup daily. The makeup removal process can be a bit harsh on the skin, so using a good moisturizer will keep your skin barrier healthy enough to handle it.

Speaking of makeup removal, regularly cleansing the skin is the easiest way to maintain clear and even skin. Always, always, always remove your makeup before bed! This allows the skin to breathe. With cleansing, it’s also important to exfoliate. Exfoliation can be done using a physical or chemical exfoliant. By removing dirt, oil, and dead skin cells, you can level your skin’s texture.

Skincare sets your skin up to be a good base for any makeup, and it will really allow products to work to their fullest potential!

Best Dewy Skin Foundations

We’ve compiled a list of the best foundations to give you the appearance of plump, healthy skin all year round! To ease the purchasing process, our top dewy skin foundations have been separated into price categories.

Best Affordable Dewy Skin Foundations (Under $20)

Maybelline Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation

Maybelline Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation

If a full coverage glow is your goal, Maybelline’s Dewy + Smooth Foundation is the one for you! With SPF 18 and vitamin E, you protect and enhance your skin’s natural glow. This foundation is hypoallergenic and lightweight, so you can have dewy skin without the concern of pore-clogging or irritation.

There are 24 shades to choose from!

NYX Born to Glow Naturally Radiant Foundation

NYX Born to Glow Naturally Radiant Foundation

Born to Glow is a medium-coverage foundation with an inclusive 45-color shade range. It’s suited for all skin types, meaning that you can get dewy skin regardless of your complexion!

For a vegan, cruelty-free product that boasts all-day wear, give this product a go! As NYX says, this foundation is “GLOWrious”.

Wet n Wild Photo Focus Dewy Foundation

Wet n Wild Photo Focus Dewy Foundation

The moisturizing formula of Photo Focus hydrates the skin while giving texture-blurring coverage for that picture-perfect glow. There are 20 shades ideal for those with normal to dry skin. While is it medium-to-full coverage, this foundation has a weightless feel. You won’t even notice it after you put it on!

Best Mid-Priced Dewy Skin Foundations (Under $40)

Clinique Even Better Glow Light Reflecting Makeup

Clinique Even Better Glow Light Reflecting Makeup

Clinique’s products are all developed and tested by dermatologists, so this foundation is a good bet for anyone concerned about skin reactivity! Even Better Glow promises a product that melts into the skin for a natural-looking glow in 30 shades. This is a great foundation for fair skin as they have many light shades!

In addition to sun protection in the form of SPF 15, this foundation will actually reflect any light to increase your shine.

Lancôme Skin Feels Good Hydrating Tinted Moisturizer

Lancôme Skin Feels Good Hydrating Tinted Moisturizer

If you’re looking for pigmented coverage in the form of a moisturizer, look no further! This product takes the place of a foundation and a moisturizer leaving you with a your-skin-but-better glow and a nice glow. With SPF 23, you can also use it as your sun protection for the day.

Because Skin Feels Good is oil-free, it will blend seamlessly into the skin for lightweight hydration in 15 shades. Our article on skin tints vs foundations will give you some more information on the wear of this product!

Best Luxury Dewy Skin Foundations ($40 and Above)

Dior Forever Skin Glow Foundation

Dior Forever Skin Glow Foundation

This medium-coverage, liquid foundation is hydrating, sun-protecting, and long-lasting! With over 85% of this foundation’s ingredients being skincare-centric, your skin will get healthier while it looks healthier.

42 shades of effortless, 24-hour glow sounds good to us!

Shiseido Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation

Shiseido Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation

Synchro Skin comes in 30 shades and is SPF 30! Coming in a buildable, medium coverage formula, this foundation is a great option for those who want a lasting look. In addition to giving you that healthy glow, the ingredients actively work against aging!

If the radiant finish wasn’t enough, there are pearls (yes, actual pearls) to reflect light and optimize that dewy appearance.

Nars Sheer Glow Foundation

Nars Sheer Glow Foundation

Nars Sheer Glow is one of the OG dewy skin foundations, and it has stuck around for good reason. With 40 shades of sheer, buildable coverage available, you’re bound to find a fit. When you wear this foundation daily it claims to even skin texture and brighten discoloration.

The hydrating formula is another bonus! Dermatologist and ophthalmologist-tested, this foundation is great for those with sensitivities.

When Should You Wear Dewy Skin Foundation?

Dewy skin is in year-round! Whenever you want to have a healthy glow, dewy skin foundation will come in handy. Both daytime wear and nighttime wear work. A word of caution: try to avoid wearing dewy skin foundations in situations where you might be sweating a lot. There is a fine line between a dewy glow and looking oily!

Regardless of your skin type or condition, a dewy skin foundation can give you the boost you’re looking for.

Final Opinions on Dewy Skin Foundation

Dewy skin is healthy, shiny, hydrated, and, most of all, glowy! It can be hard to keep your skin in a constant state of blemish-free glow, so dewy skin foundations are an amazing option to consider. There are coverage levels for everyone, and you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to get it.

The great thing about dewy skin is that it looks good on everyone! Youthful, healthy skin has been an aspiration for many for a while now, and it will continue to be for the foreseeable future. You never have to worry about going out of style, so give these amazing products a try!