Are you tired of the matte, cakey makeup look and want to achieve a more natural, glowing appearance? Look no further than a natural dewy makeup look! The dewy makeup look has been trending for years and is perfect for achieving that fresh-faced, youthful glow.

How to get dewy makeup look is all about creating a fresh, radiant glow that enhances your natural beauty. This trend highlights luminous, hydrated skin and is perfect for achieving a youthful, healthy appearance. The dewy look focuses on using the right products and techniques to create a smooth, well-moisturized canvas that lets your skin shine through. Whether you’re preparing for a casual day out or a special occasion, mastering this makeup style will leave you with a gorgeous, glowing finish that turns heads.
Here’s a guide to help you get started!
What Will You Need?
To achieve a dewy makeup look, you’ll need a few key products and tools. Here are some essentials to get you started:
- Moisturizer: Before applying any makeup, it’s important to prep your skin with a good moisturizer. This will help create a smooth canvas for your makeup and keep your skin hydrated throughout the day.
- Illuminating Primer: A primer is used to even out the texture of your skin and create a smooth base for your foundation. An illuminating primer adds an extra touch of radiance to your skin, making it perfect for achieving that dewy effect.
- Lightweight Foundation or Tinted Moisturizer: Instead of using a heavy foundation, opt for a lightweight one or a tinted moisturizer. This will give you a natural look and allow your skin to breathe.
- Concealer: Use concealer to cover any blemishes, dark circles, or redness. Apply it sparingly and blend it well so that it looks seamless with your foundation.
- Cream Blush: Cream blushes are perfect for achieving a natural flush on the cheeks. They blend easily into the skin and give a subtle glow. Just make sure to choose a shade that complements your skin tone.
- Highlighter: A highlighter is used to add dimension and glow to your face. Apply it on the high points of your face, such as the cheekbones, brow bone, and cupid’s bow, for a luminous finish.
- Setting Powder: A setting powder is used to set your foundation in place and prevent it from creasing or melting throughout the day. Use a translucent powder to avoid adding extra color to your face.
10 Easy Steps on How to Get Dewy Makeup Look
Step 1. Start with Skincare
Achieving a dewy makeup look starts with a well-prepped base, and that begins with skincare. Cleanse your face thoroughly to remove any dirt, oil, or makeup residue, leaving your skin smooth and refreshed. Follow up with a gentle exfoliator to slough away dead skin cells and reveal a radiant complexion. Use a hydrating toner to balance your skin’s pH levels and provide an extra layer of moisture.
Next, apply a serum that targets hydration, such as one with hyaluronic acid, to plump and smooth the skin. Lock in the moisture by using a lightweight, hydrating moisturizer suited for your skin type. Finally, don’t forget to protect your skin by applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen. This not only shields your skin from harmful UV rays but also ensures your makeup sits beautifully on your face. Proper skincare is the foundation for a natural, radiant glow.

Step 2. Apply a Hydrating Primer
Choose a primer that complements your skin type and provides an extra layer of hydration. A hydrating primer helps to smooth your skin’s texture, creating a seamless base for makeup application. Take a small amount of primer and gently apply it across your face, focusing on areas prone to dryness or where makeup tends to settle, such as around the nose or on the forehead. Allow the primer to set for a few minutes before proceeding to the next step to ensure it properly adheres to your skin. This will ensure longer-lasting and even makeup wear throughout the day.
Step 3. Choose a Dewey Foundation
When selecting a dewy foundation, look for formulas that promote hydration and offer a luminous finish. These foundations are typically enriched with moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin, ensuring your skin looks fresh and glowing throughout the day. Match the foundation shade to your skin tone by testing it along your jawline in natural lighting. Apply the product using a damp makeup sponge or a brush, blending it evenly for a seamless, natural look. A dewy foundation helps to enhance your skin’s radiance, creating a soft and healthy appearance.
Step 4. Use a Creamy Concealer
Choose a creamy concealer that matches your skin tone or is one shade lighter to brighten specific areas. Use it to cover blemishes, dark circles, or any areas of discoloration. Apply the concealer in small amounts, dabbing it gently with your fingertips, a makeup sponge, or a concealer brush. Blend it seamlessly into your foundation to avoid harsh lines and ensure a natural finish. For under-eye application, use a triangle shape to lift and brighten the area, giving your face a more awake and refreshed appearance.
Step 5. Opt for Cream Products
Opting for cream-based products can give your makeup a more natural and dewy finish. Cream blushes, bronzers, and highlighters blend effortlessly into the skin, providing a seamless look that mimics your natural complexion. These products are especially ideal for dry or mature skin, as they won’t settle into fine lines or appear cakey. Apply cream products using your fingers, a damp sponge, or a stippling brush for even application. Start with a small amount and build up the intensity gradually to achieve your desired result.

Step 6. Highlight Strategically:
Highlighting is all about accentuating the high points of your face where the light naturally hits. Focus on areas like the tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, the brow bones, and the cupid’s bow. Opt for a highlighter that complements your skin tone—champagne and gold tones work well for warmer undertones, while pearlescent or silvery shades suit cooler undertones.
Use a light hand to avoid an overly shiny or greasy appearance, and blend thoroughly for a seamless, glowing finish. For a natural look, cream or liquid highlighters can be tapped in with your fingertips, while powder highlighters work well with a small, fluffy brush.
Step 7. Set Sparingly
After completing your makeup application, use a setting powder or spray to lock everything in place. However, it’s important to apply these products sparingly to avoid a heavy or cakey finish. Focus on areas prone to oiliness, such as the T-zone, while leaving other areas with a natural sheen. A lightweight translucent powder is ideal for maintaining a soft, breathable look, while a setting spray can provide a dewy or matte finish, depending on your preference. Remember, a little goes a long way in ensuring your makeup stays intact without compromising its natural appearance.
Step 8. Enhance Your Brows
Well-groomed brows frame your face and enhance its overall symmetry, making them a key element of your makeup routine. Begin by using a spoolie to brush your brows upward and outward to reveal their natural shape. Next, fill in any sparse areas with a brow pencil, powder, or pomade, using light, hair-like strokes for a natural finish. Choose a shade that closely matches your brow color for a balanced look. To add more definition, outline the edges of your brows gently while avoiding harsh lines.

Finally, set your brows in place with a clear or tinted brow gel to ensure they stay shaped and polished throughout the day.
Step 9. Apply a Fresh Lip Color
Choose a lip color that complements your overall makeup look and suits the occasion. For a natural appearance, opt for soft pinks, nudes, or subtle coral shades, while bold reds or vibrant tones are perfect for a more dramatic effect. Begin by lining your lips with a matching lip liner to define their shape and prevent the color from feathering. Next, apply your chosen lipstick or gloss directly to your lips or use a lip brush for precise application.
For longer wear, blot with a tissue and reapply a light second layer. This final step adds the perfect finishing touch to your look, leaving you polished and radiant.
Step 10. Finish with a Setting Spray
To ensure your makeup stays in place all day and maintains its flawless finish, use a setting spray as the final step in your routine. Hold the spray about 8-10 inches away from your face, close your eyes, and mist evenly in an “X” or “T” motion. This step helps lock in your makeup, reduce any excess shine, and provide your skin with a natural, long-lasting glow. A good setting spray not only helps your makeup endure throughout the day but also protects it from environmental factors such as humidity or heat, leaving you with a fresh, beautiful look.

By following these simple steps, you can achieve a flawless makeup look that will last all day.
Conclusion
How to get dewy makeup look requires the right combination of preparation, products, and techniques.
By keeping your skin hydrated, choosing luminous foundations, and blending thoughtfully, you can create a radiant base. Enhancing this with a highlighter on key areas, opting for cream-based products, and finishing with a setting spray helps maintain a fresh and glowing finish throughout the day.
With practice and the right tools, anyone can master this approach to achieve a healthy, youthful complexion effortlessly.
About the Author
Jane Hubbard is a passionate beauty expert with a wealth of experience in makeup, hair, and overall beauty techniques. After years of working as a hairdresser specialist, she followed her entrepreneurial spirit and started her own consultancy business.
Jane has always been driven by her desire to help others feel confident in their own skin, and she does this by sharing her knowledge, experiences, and practical beauty tips. Through her consultancy, she empowers individuals to embrace their unique beauty, offering tailored guidance that boosts both self-esteem and personal style.
Professional Focus
- Specializes in makeup, hairstyling, and beauty consulting.
- Provides personalized beauty advice, tips, and techniques to help individuals feel confident in their appearance.
- Dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest industry trends and developments.
- Passionate about creating a comfortable and empowering experience for every client.
Education History
- University of Craft and Design – Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Woodworking and Furniture Design
- Woodworking Apprenticeships – Extensive hands-on training with skilled craftsmen to refine carpentry and furniture making techniques
- Online Courses & Masterclasses – Continued education in advanced woodworking techniques, design principles, and specialized tools
Expertise:
- Makeup artistry, hairstyling, and beauty consulting.
- Personalized beauty techniques to enhance confidence and self-expression.
- Educating clients on how to maintain their beauty routines at home.