13 Best Dewy Foundations For A Glowing Makeup Finish – 2024
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Rachel D'Angelo is a licensed beauty professional, former cosmetology educator, and the founder of BeautiSoul Consulting. In 2021, she co-founded Be BigHeaded, a self-care beauty line. She has 12 years of experience and specializes in advanced color correction, haircutting and hairstyling, multiple extension method certifications, and makeup artistry.
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Experience: 2 yearsSrijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in English and Literature from the University of Calcutta, she has honed her writing skills and developed an in-depth understanding of the beauty and fashion world.
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Experience: 3 yearsSrijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a certified style and image consultant.
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Experience: 7 yearsMadhumati is an associate editor with seven years of professional experience. She has previously worked as an editor, proofreader, and a writer with various organizations, helping her navigate through the various facets of content creation and refinement with ease.
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If you are tired of cakey, powder foundations that leave your skin feeling dry and crusty, you can go for dewy foundations. The best dewy foundation can give you a beautiful and glowing makeup finish and make your skin appear radiant and healthy. These products are laced with hydrating ingredients that deeply moisturize and add a subtle shine to your skin to make it look supple and bouncy.
You can choose yours according to the tone of your skin. Sometimes, we miss out on our skin care routine, which is completely okay because these dewy foundations can act as a healthy makeup base. The glow is there, as well as the much-needed serum-like finish. However, choosing the best one can be confusing. Do not worry. We are here to help you. Take a look at the 13 best dewy foundations on our list and take your pick. Scroll down.
In This Article
13 Best Dewy Foundations In 2024 For Skin That Oozes Radiance
1. Best For Buildable Coverage: Maybelline New York Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation – 220 Natural Beige
One of the best drugstore foundations, this one from Maybelline New York tops our list for all the right reasons. It is lightweight, creamy, highly pigmented, and goes on smoothly to give your skin a naturally seamless and glowy finish without looking heavy. With this buildable formula, you can achieve both full and light coverage. Suitable for normal to dry skin, this dewy foundation hydrates and smoothes the texture of your skin while offering SPF 18 for sun protection. Hailed as America’s #1 liquid foundation with overwhelmingly positive online reviews, this budget-friendly option is available in 28 different shades, so there is something for every skin tone.
- SPF 18
- 28 shades to suit all skin tones
- Buildable coverage
- Dermatologist-tested
- Non-comedogenic
- Fragrance-free
- Affordable
- May not be suitable for sensitive skin.
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has gained over 24,130 positive reviews on Amazon, making it an all-time best-seller.
2. Best Hydrating: Youngblood Liquid Mineral Foundation
How about pampering your skin while applying foundation? The Youngblood Liquid Mineral Foundation is one of the best glow foundations that is kissed with ocean minerals like zinc, phosphorus, and calcium, and nutrients that can pamper your skin and nourish it. The foundation is light in weight and gives a natural and flawless look on the skin. If you have dry and dehydrated skin, use the foundation to get back the shine and hydration in no time as it has the extracts of cucumber and chamomile. With no parabens, this beautiful skin foundation is safe for sensitive skin too. You can pick one among the 17 shades that offer a perfect match to your skin tone to glow and gleam beautifully.
- Liquid foundation for an opaque finish
- Hydrates and brightens skin
- Oozed with ocean minerals
- Best for normal to dry skin
- The foundation has nutrients that firm the skin and reduce aging signs.
- This might not be a suitable dewy foundation for oily skin.
Pro Tip3. Best With SPF: L’Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Healthy Luminous Makeup
L’Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Healthy Luminous Makeup is the perfect choice for you if you are looking for a gorgeous glow. Thanks to its Liquid Light Technology, this foundation will make your skin dewy and boost its radiance. It is infused with antioxidants, vitamins C and E to improve the appearance of your skin and contains 40% pure water to keep your skin hydrated all day long. The lightweight formula blends smoothly and offers medium coverage by hiding dark spots and blemishes. It can last for up to 8 hours. Furthermore, this skin-illuminating, medium-coverage foundation is formulated with broad-spectrum SPF 20.
- Instantly illuminates complexion
- Evens skin tone
- Includes SPF 30
- Suitable for all skin types
- Available in 15 shades
- Budget-friendly
- Gives you brighter and healthier skin over time.
- Provides medium coverage that lasts for 8 hours.
- Maybe a little greasy.
Pro TipMaybelline New York Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation - 220 Natural Beige Best For Buildable Coverage | Youngblood Liquid Mineral Foundation Best Hydrating | L'Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Healthy Luminous Makeup Best With SPF | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | Dry; NormalColor | Combination, Dry, NormalColor | For all skin typesColor |
| Dimensions | 103 x 32 x 32 inches | 2 x 2 x 4 inches | 1.4 x 1.4 x 4.65 inches |
| Weight | 1 Ounces | 0.64 Ounces. | 4.09 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 24,130 | 287 | 4,894 |
| Price | $3.65 | $49 | $11.97 |
4. Best Hypoallergenic: Physicians Formula The Healthy Foundation Brightening Complex
If you have sensitive skin and are searching for a foundation that offers skin care benefits, Physicians Formula brings one that is free of irritants and harsh chemicals. This foundation contains Chinese wu-zhu-yu extract (brightening complex) that evens out the uneven skin tone and illuminates the skin and hyaluronic acid that keeps the skin plump and hydrated. It also includes a powerful blend of vitamins, antioxidants, and SPF 20, which helps maintain the firmness of the skin and provides adequate protection from sun damage. It is a long-wearing and buildable formula and is one of the best foundations for a dewy finish.
- Lightens and brightens the complexion
- Provides instant hydration
- Easy to blend
- Hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic
- Dermatologist-tested
- Affordable
- Suitable for all skin types
- It delivers medium coverage with a satin finish.
- May have a strong chemical scent
- The foundation may not work well for dry skin.
5. Best Lightweight: 100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Tinted Moisturiser
Fruits have all the nutrients and vitamins good for skin and the 100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Tinted Moisturiser is kissed with all the goodness of the best fruits. It is a thoughtfully made product that ensures a wholesome people experience for the environmentally conscious. Antioxidant fruits such as peach and apricot lend a natural tint and color to the foundation. Goji berry extracts present in the formula help boost collagen and this naturally reduces the fine lines and wrinkles. Your skin remains cool and soothed when you apply this foundation as it is infused with cucumber extracts. Repair your skin as you hide your blemishes with this foundation.
- Natural and non-toxic composition
- Lightweight formula
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Non-greasy dewy look
- The foundation comes with skin repairing properties.
- The orange tint shade of the foundation may stain your skin.
6. Best Long-Wearing: Catrice Cosmetics HD Liquid Coverage Foundation
A hydrating dewy foundation such as this HD Liquid Coverage Foundation, is a boon to those with oily skin. It has a mattifying quality, which means it reduces the oiliness and smoothens the skin. Along with that, it also provides maximum coverage to blur imperfections, highlight facial features, and even out complexion effectively. This high-coverage dewy foundation is ultra-light and leaves your skin radiant with a natural-looking finish that lasts all through the day. Additionally, it includes a dropper applicator for easy and mess-free application. The product does not support animal testing and is created with clean beauty standards.
- Matte and weightless formula
- Gives you a second-skin effect
- 24-hour wear
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Alcohol, oil, and paraben-free
- Available in 23 shades
- Compatible with normal to oily skin types
- May not be suitable for mature skin
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has garnered over 10,197 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
7. Best Shade Range: Wet n Wild Photo Focus Dewy Foundation
Are you on the hunt for a foundation that will give you the undetectable flawless finish you’ve been dreaming of? Look no further than the Wet n Wild Photo Focus Dewy Foundation. This foundation is perfect for anyone looking for natural, buildable coverage that will leave you looking radiant and flawless all day long. And with its lightweight formula, you won’t even feel like you’re wearing foundation. This foundation comes in a wide range of shades to match every skin tone, offering dynamic statement-making looks. The formula glides on smoothly and blends effortlessly, creating an even canvas for your makeup look.
- Buildable formula
- Blends seamlessly
- Natural-looking finish
- Available in 20 shades
- Value for money
8. Best For Medium Coverage: Glo Skin Beauty Luminous Liquid Foundation
Glo Skin Beauty Luminous Liquid Foundation can be a fantastic addition to everyday makeup pouch. Tested to be suitable for most skin types (except for oily skin), this liquid foundation covers imperfections such as fine lines and hyperpigmentation and boosts radiance. It is formulated with SPF 18, green tea extract, and vitamins A, C, and E to nourish skin and prevent sunburns. But what makes this one of the best dewy foundations is the infusion of light-diffusing diamond powder and moisturizing agents that lend you a soft and beautiful glow.
- Offers sheer to medium coverage
- Skin-nourishing mineral formula
- Talc, paraben, and gluten-free
- Cruelty-free
- Conceals dark circles
- Expensive and it may need to be reapplied every couple of hours.
9. Best Natural: Burt’s Bees Goodness Glows Liquid Makeup
Whether you are someone who uses only natural products on your skin or you have just begun embracing the natural beauty trend, Burt’s Bees Goodness Glows Liquid Makeup is ideal for you. This long-wear dewy foundation is 98.9% natural and only uses responsibly-sourced ingredients to give you exceptional results. Formulated with meadowfoam seed oil, this mineral makeup hydrates and nourishes your skin, which gives your skin a natural-looking finish without looking greasy or cakey. This high-end foundation provides a medium to full coverage finish that lasts all through the day, hides imperfections, and evens out the skin tone.
- 98.9% natural
- Evens and smoothes skin
- Moisturizing benefits
- Buildable formula
- Chemical and cruelty-free
- Dermatologist-tested
- Available in 18 shades
- May not be water-resistant
"This foundation is easy to spread on my skin. It gives me a perfect shade, but I mix a moisturizer with it during the winter season when I am not tanned. It has a natural scent that does not overwhelm me. It gives a natural look without making my skin feel heavy."
10. Best Non-Comedogenic: NARS Sheer Glow Foundation
If you already have flawless and blemish-free skin and only require a little bit of coverage, a sheer finish is what you should opt for. This foundation blends easily to give you just the right coverage, evening out your complexion without masking your natural skin. Bursting with skin care ingredients such as glycerin (natural hydrator), turmeric extract, and vitamin C, this formula helps to lock in moisture, provides hours of hydration, and improves the skin’s luminosity. Despite its lightweight quality, this glow foundation can be built upon for more coverage, helping you execute your favorite celebrity-inspired makeup looks with perfection.
- Lightweight, buildable foundation
- Improves skin’s texture and radiance
- Provides sheer coverage
- Keeps skin hydrated and moisturized
- Paraben, alcohol, and fragrance-free
- Dermatologist and ophthalmologist-tested
- The product is non-comedogenic and oil-free
- May not be suitable for sensitive skin
11. Best For All Skin Types: Luminess Air ULTRA Airbrush Foundation
Airbrush makeup, commonly done by professional makeup artists, is increasingly becoming popular among home users. Have you always wanted to try it out by yourself? Give this ULTRA Airbrush Foundation by Luminess Air a try. All you need is a Luminess Airbrush System and 5 minutes to achieve great coverage that lasts for up to 18 hours. This lightweight, water-based full-coverage dewy foundation is the perfect combination of a dewy and matte finish. So, if you are looking for a foundation that will offer your skin a buildable semi-matte finish, this is it. This lightweight option is ideal for all skin types, including acne-prone skin, sensitive, mature, and combination skin.
- Long-wearing for up to 18 hours
- Dermatologist and ophthalmologist-tested
- Hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic
- Sheer to full coverage formula
- Suitable for all skin types
- Lightweight and water-based foundation
- Can only be used with Luminess Airbrush Systems
12. Best Natural Finish: Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation SPF 15
Cover, correct, and protect your skin with this incredibly lightweight formula with this dewy, smooth foundation. It is formulated with light-reflective optic ingredients that give your skin a natural luminosity. This lightweight option blends into the skin effortlessly and instantly hydrates it for a fresh and healthy appearance. It also provides light to medium, long-lasting coverage. Also worth noting is that this oil-free SPF foundation conceals imperfections, reduces the appearance of pores, and protects your skin from UV radiation.
- Provides natural skin-like finish
- Buildable formula
- Offers light to medium coverage
- Long-wearing
- Hydrates skin
- Offers SPF 15 protection
- Paraben, sulfate, and phthalate-free
- The foundation is gluten-free and vegan.
- Expensive
13. Best Breathable: Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation
Koh Gen Do is a Tokyo-based makeup brand that uses Japanese Skincare Technology and precious plants to naturally heal your skin. The Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation is designed with natural elements extracted from the best botanicals like jojoba seed oil, shea butter, and licorice root extract to cover all the freckles and blemishes and regenerate a natural glow. You can get back your youthful skin because of all the skin emollients used. The skin gets a radiant glow because of the light-reflecting pigments present in them. Get this light-reflecting foundation and improve your glow naturally.
- Japanese skincare technology
- Resists oil and sweat
- Breathable
- Lightweight foundation
- Makeup artist-approved
- The foundation might not suit all skin types.
Now that you have gone through our list of some of the best dewy foundations, let us look at a few important points that you need to consider while buying one base makeup product.
How To Pick The Right Dewy Foundation?
Skin type:
The best dewy foundations should contain super moisturizing ingredients and light-reflective pigments to give you a radiant complexion. But when it comes to choosing the right dewy foundation, you need to consider your skin type as well.
- For mature skin, opt for anti-aging formulas that reduce fine lines. Opt for ones infused with hyaluronic acid, retinol, lactic acid, and other such anti-aging ingredients.
- If you have dry skin, choosing ones that keep your skin moisturized is a good choice. Pick a foundation with ingredients like shea butter, avocado oil and extracts, and hyaluronic acid too.
- As for sensitive skin, look for foundations that are made without harsh chemicals. Look for natural ingredients like aloe vera, cucumber, and pomegranate extract among others.
- Dewy foundations are not generally recommended for oily skin. But foundations that have a mattifying effect work the best. Make sure you pick ones that come with skin-loving ingredients like glycerin or vitamin E to balance the moisture on the face.
Shade:
If you are looking for a natural-looking finish, it’s essential to use the right shade that matches your skin tone. Your skin may be dark, medium, or light, and you can check your tone by standing in the sun and observing what your shade looks like. Similarly, you can also look at your veins in your wrists to determine your undertone. If your vein looks green, it means that you have a warm undertone, while blue veins signify a cool undertone. If your veins don’t match these colors, it means that you have a neutral undertone. If a certain shade of foundation makes you look darker or leaves a white cast on your skin, it may not be the right shade for you. Choose the best dewy finish foundation shade that is the closest to your skin color, and let it be on the brighter side.
Rachel D’Angelo, a licensed beauty professional and former cosmetology educator, says, “Finding the perfect foundation can be tricky and even change over time as your skin type may change over the years and with the environment. However, with the right products and application and a formula that works for your skin type, you can make your skin look flawless and even.”
Coverage: Whether you require a sheer, medium, or full coverage foundation, depends on your skin tone or texture. If you want to hide blemishes, a formula that provides medium to full coverage works best. Additionally, look for a foundation that offers long-lasting coverage.
How To Get The Dewy Skin Look?
With the right dewy foundation and a few easy-to-follow steps, it’s easy to achieve fresh, hydrated skin.
- Step 1: Wash your face with a good cleanser and exfoliate your skin using a scrub.
- Step 2: Moisturize your skin with a moisturizer or a few drops of face oil. This will provide a smooth surface for the foundation to adhere to.
- Step 3: Apply a lightweight dewy foundation that suits your skin tone. Blend it well with a makeup sponge or a brush.
, a licensed beauty professional and former cosmetology educator, says, “I always use a primer before applying foundation; this helps the product go on smoothly and last longer throughout the day. For the application, try applying in a patting motion, not swiping or rubbing it on, helping you avoid streaks and uneven coverage.”
- Step 4: Keep the rest of your makeup clean and subtle.
- Step 5: A little bit of blush on your cheeks, a thin line of black eyeliner, and a nude lip gloss should complete your look.
Infographic: What To Consider Before Purchasing A Dewy Foundation
Dewy foundations are perfect for getting that natural-looking finish. But before you make a purchase, understand which premium features make a formula worth your investment. It needs to be skin-friendly and give you the desired coverage. Check out the infographic below for more factors to look for.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Dewy foundations hydrate and nourish your skin to maintain your radiance while getting rid of dullness and premature signs of aging. To make you feel confident, these dewy foundations help in making your skin healthy and deeply moisturize your face while getting rid of the dead skin cells. Proper dewy foundations provide you with a much-needed serum-like finish. For example, the Maybelline New York Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation– 220 Natural Beige offers a seamless finish without appearing heavy while the Youngblood Liquid Mineral Foundation offers a natural finish with a buildable coverage. Additionally, the NARS Sheer Glow Foundation offers a blendable coverage with a luminous finish. Some of these best-rated foundations also offer sun protection while improving your skin’s appearance. You can choose glow foundations enriched with ocean minerals like zinc, phosphorus, and calcium and nutrients that can pamper and nourish your skin. Avoid dewy foundations that might be too greasy on your face. Remember to read product reviews and buy your favorite foundation from our list.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author of this article, Srijita De, is a makeup enthusiast who is always keen on reviewing different beauty products. She has curated a list of the best dewy foundations after carefully researching and browsing through user feedback and reviews. Her list is perfect if you are obsessed with a serum-like smooth finish. Not only are these foundations suitable for all skin types, but they can also work towards hydrating your skin and maintaining its natural glow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dewy or matte foundation better for oily skin?
Matte foundations work best for oily skin because it does not make the skin look greasy, whereas dewy foundations tend to give oily skin a shiny appearance. However, there are a couple of dewy foundations specially formulated for oily skin. So, choose a foundation that suits your skin the best.
Which foundation gives a dewy look?
Any moisturizing foundation that is lightweight and enriched with ingredients such as extracts of cucumber, aloe, will give a dewy look.
What is the best dewy foundation for mature skin?
Luminess Air ULTRA Airbrush Foundation is one of the best dewy foundations for mature skin. The best part about this formula is that it is lightweight, water-based, and minimizes fine lines and wrinkles. It also provides flawless coverage without looking cakey.
What is the best dewy foundation for oily skin?
Catrice Cosmetics HD Liquid Coverage Foundation is one of the best options for people with oily skin as it can reduce oiliness and smoothen your skin.
Is dewy foundation good for combination skin?
No, dewy foundation is not suitable for combination skin because it may end up looking greasy and oily.
How do you make dewy look less greasy?
You can use a water-based primer to set your base and dust loose powder to mattify your T-zone Also, use a hydrating setting spray for that dewy effect.
How do I prepare my skin for dewy makeup?
Maintaining a good skin care routine and exfoliating helps in skin preparation for a dewy makeup look. Use a hydrating moisturizer and a glowy primer for a fresh base. Also, make sure you do not go overboard with your foundation.
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