Achieving radiant, glowing skin is a quest many of us embark on. The journey to get there requires dedication and consistency in one’s skincare routine. However, what if I told you that having an impeccable dewy foundation can be the key to unlocking that effortless ‘glowing from within’ look? It’s not a replacement for taking care of your skin, but rather a complement that can make all the difference.
Makeup shopping can be overwhelming, which is why we’ve curated a selection of glow-enhancing foundations to help you find the perfect match. When searching for the best dewy foundation, consider the following key factors: skin type, shade, level of dewiness, weight, coverage, longevity, and sun protection. Here are our top 10 picks for the best dewy foundations in 2024:1. L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Foundation2. Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation3.
L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation4. Maybelline Fit Me Dewy Foundation5. Catrice HD Liquid Coverage Foundation6. Physicians Formula The Healthy Foundation7. bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Cream8. Clinique Even Better Glow Foundation9. NARS Sheer Glow Foundation10. Bobbi Brown Skin FoundationWhen it comes to buying the best dewy foundation, understanding your skin type and finding the perfect shade are crucial steps.
We’ll also explore the debate between foundation brushes and sponges, as well as provide a guide on how to apply dewy foundation like a pro. Ultimately, finding the right dewy foundation can be a game-changer for your everyday makeup routine.
Features to Consider in Finding the Best Dewy Foundation
To find the perfect dewy foundation among the numerous options available, consider focusing on key characteristics that matter most to you. By evaluating these factors, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed decision and land on a product that suits your skin type and preferences. Some essential attributes to compare include the finish, coverage level, undertone, and moisturizing properties of each foundation.
Skin Type
When searching for the perfect dewy foundation, it’s crucial to consider your skin type. Unlike other foundation types, such as matte or sheer, dewy foundations can have varying effects depending on individual skin types. To ensure you find a foundation that complements your complexion, it’s essential to choose one that is suitable for your skin. Typically, the packaging of any given product will indicate which skin types it caters to, making it easy to find a match.
If you’re unsure about your own skin type, don’t worry – we’ll be covering the basics later in this article.
Shade
When selecting a foundation, one of the most critical factors is finding a shade that accurately matches your skin tone. With numerous products offering 15 or more shades, it’s not uncommon for consumers to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of options. To ensure you find the perfect match, it’s essential to first determine your skin color and undertone.
This information will serve as a valuable guide in selecting the ideal shade, allowing you to avoid common mistakes such as choosing a foundation that appears suitable but ultimately doesn’t complement your complexion.
Dewiness
When seeking a dewy foundation to achieve a radiant, glowing complexion, it’s crucial to select one that delivers on its promise without compromising other desirable traits. The goal is to avoid a foundation that leaves your skin looking oily and greasy, which is often mistakenly equated with dewy skin. In reality, dewy skin is characterized by moisture, a subtle sheen, and a fresh appearance.
A prime example of a dewy foundation that checks all the right boxes is L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Foundation, an affordable option available at your local drugstore. This budget-friendly pick offers all the benefits of a high-end dewy foundation without breaking the bank.
Weight
When it comes to selecting a foundation, one of the most important considerations is how it feels on your skin. A good foundation should provide a natural-looking finish without feeling heavy or suffocating. In fact, the ideal foundation is one that disappears into your skin, leaving you with a flawless base that looks like nothing is there at all. Conversely, a foundation that’s too heavy can be a major discomfort, causing it to clog pores and leave an unpleasant sensation.
Ideally, you want a formula that strikes the perfect balance between coverage and comfort, ensuring you feel confident and radiant without any annoying heaviness.
Coverage
The level of coverage required depends on individual preferences and concerns. If you’re looking to conceal specific imperfections such as redness, fine lines, scars, or blemishes, many dewy foundations offer medium coverage options. On the other hand, if you’re seeking a flawless appearance, full-coverage foundations like Catrice HD Liquid Coverage Foundation might be more suitable.
Conversely, those with unblemished skin or wanting to showcase their natural features, such as freckles, can opt for light-coverage foundations that allow their unique markings to shine through.
Longevity
Many foundations claim to provide a lasting finish, but in reality, they often falter within hours due to various factors such as skin type, sweat, temperature, humidity, and dirt. However, there are some standout dewy foundations that can defy the odds and remain looking great throughout the day. One such example is the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation, which has earned a reputation for its remarkable staying power.
Sun Protection
To safeguard against the risks of sun damage, the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends incorporating sunscreen into your daily regimen. However, if you’re not fond of using facial sunscreen, a foundation with broad-spectrum protection and an SPF value of at least 15, as endorsed by the FDA, can provide an added layer of defense. With this fundamental consideration in mind, let’s delve into our top picks for dewy foundations that excel in providing reliable sun protection.
Top 10 Best Dewy Foundations 2024
Best Overall Dewy Foundation: L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Foundation
L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Foundation stands out as a top choice due to its impressive range of benefits. Suitable for all skin types, this foundation works to improve skin health over time, making it an excellent addition to any daily routine. The formula is packed with 40% pure water and infused with antioxidants, vitamin C, and vitamin E to promote healthy-looking skin.
Its Liquid Light Technology helps to create a natural-looking glow, while the absence of harsh ingredients makes it suitable for sensitive skin. The foundation’s performance is also noteworthy. It glides on smoothly, blending effortlessly into the skin. Even those who struggle to find their perfect shade will appreciate how well it adjusts to their tone.
The medium buildable coverage provides enough concealing power to hide mild redness and imperfections, lasting up to eight hours with only minimal touch-ups required. While this foundation has its drawbacks, including the potential for acne in some individuals and a slightly watery texture, its many benefits far outweigh these minor drawbacks. For those concerned about breakouts, Physicians Formula’s The Healthy Foundation is an excellent alternative that offers a skin-safe, lightweight formula.
Best Premium Dewy Foundation: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
The Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation is a highly sought-after product that delivers on its promise of providing luminous, silky smooth skin that lasts all day. With an impressive 15-shade range, it’s suitable for all skin types and offers excellent mild to medium coverage while still looking natural. The foundation’s performance is truly exceptional, allowing the natural glow of your skin to shine through even with generous application.
It’s long-lasting, doesn’t melt or streak in hot or humid conditions, and feels lightweight and second-skin like on the face. Professional makeup artists, vloggers, celebrities, and even Kim Kardashian swear by this foundation for its ability to give a flawless finish. The only drawback is the hefty price tag of over $60 per bottle, which is more than 10 times the cost of L’Oréal True Match Lumi.
However, the quality and performance justify the expense, making it a cult favorite among many beauty enthusiasts.
Best Long-Wear Dewy Foundation: L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation
When it comes to dewy foundation, L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation is the clear winner. This affordable gem provides a long-lasting glow that’s hard to beat. With a price tag equivalent to just a few cups of coffee, you can’t go wrong. The foundation boasts 11 shades and offers light to medium coverage that can hide mild blemishes. While it may be too runny for some, the formula is lightweight and glides smoothly onto the skin, making application quick and easy.
Plus, the squeezy tube design makes it travel-friendly and convenient to dispense. The only drawbacks are its limited suitability for sensitive or acne-prone skin, and the fact that it may require a touch-up if you’re engaging in high-intensity activities or working outdoors. Overall, Infallible Pro-Glow is an excellent choice for those seeking a long-lasting dewy foundation without breaking the bank.
Best Budget Dewy Foundation: Maybelline Fit Me Dewy Foundation
Maybelline’s Fit Me Dewy Foundation is a cult favorite for good reason. This affordable option (under $8 per 1-oz bottle) delivers supple, smooth, and glowing skin that won’t break the bank. Unlike other similar products on the market, Fit Me boasts a creamy texture and non-comedogenic formula, making it perfect for normal to dry skin types. The hydrating formula leaves skin feeling soft and hydrated, while the medium coverage provides a natural-looking finish without feeling cakey or heavy.
While it may not last all day, the lightweight feel makes up for its limited longevity. One of the standout features is its 28-shade range, ensuring you’ll find your perfect match. However, oily skin types may want to explore alternative options, as Fit Me can exacerbate acne and breakouts. With its pros outweighing its cons, Maybelline’s Fit Me Dewy Foundation remains a top choice for those seeking a budget-friendly glow-enhancing foundation.
Best Full-Coverage Dewy Foundation: Catrice HD Liquid Coverage Foundation
This foundation from Catrice HD Liquid Coverage Foundation offers a unique blend of medium to full coverage, providing flawless glowing skin that lasts throughout the day. With 20 shades available, it caters to normal to oily skin types. One of its standout features is its ability to give your skin a natural glow while simultaneously mattifying oily areas, reducing any unwanted shine.
When it comes to performance, Catrice HD Liquid Foundation truly excels in providing coverage that rivals concealers. It effectively conceals skin discoloration, fine lines, and blemishes without appearing cakey or feeling heavy. This foundation is ideal for those seeking buildable medium to full coverage. Its smooth application and long-lasting wear make it a reliable choice.
However, due to its full-coverage nature, it may clog pores and emphasize large pores and dry areas on the skin, making it less suitable for acne-prone individuals.
Best Dewy Foundation for Sensitive Skin: Physicians Formula The Healthy Foundation
The Physicians Formula The Healthy Foundation stands out from the crowd due to its impressive versatility. It can be used on all skin types, including oily, dry, combination, sensitive, and acne-prone skin. This is largely thanks to its gentle ingredients that won’t irritate or exacerbate skin issues. Instead, it provides a healthy dose of hydration through the infusion of antioxidants, vitamins A, C, and E, as well as hyaluronic acid.
Additionally, the brand’s proprietary Brightening Complex helps to brighten and even out skin tone, giving users a radiant complexion. In terms of performance, this foundation is a winner. It offers medium coverage that lasts up to 24 hours without feeling heavy or cakey. However, it’s not perfect – some users may experience oxidation, which can give their skin an orange hue if they have warm undertones.
Furthermore, the fragrance-free claim is somewhat misleading, as the sunscreen does have a distinct scent. Another drawback is the difficulty in finding the right shade, as it darkens when applied. Despite these drawbacks, this foundation remains a great option for those with oily or sensitive skin, and its lightweight texture makes it easy to wear throughout the day.
Best Dewy Foundation for Dry Skin: bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Cream
bareMinerals Complexion Rescue stands out as a unique tinted hydrating gel cream that functions like a foundation, but with an added emphasis on hydration. This makes it an excellent choice for those with dry skin seeking a dewy finish without looking cakey. The formula is infused with water encapsulations, providing a burst of hydration to parched skin. When applied, it offers light to medium coverage, effectively concealing blemishes and redness while still giving the skin a healthy glow.
As an added benefit, it’s suitable for sensitive skin as well. One note to keep in mind is that the product oxidizes, which can give the skin a tan or orange hue. Additionally, the wear time is relatively short, requiring reapplication throughout the day. For those seeking all-day coverage, consider alternative options like L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation instead.
Ultimately, Complexion Rescue shines as a great choice for dry and sensitive skin types looking to achieve a radiant, no-makeup look.
Clinique Even Better Glow Foundation
The Clinique Even Better Glow Foundation is a standout product that offers a unique combination of benefits. Not only does it provide light to medium coverage, but it also works to improve skin health over time by brightening and smoothing out the complexion. Its luminizing pigments give the skin a radiant glow that can last for up to 24 hours, making it perfect for those who want a natural-looking finish.
The foundation is also non-streaking and doesn’t settle in fine lines, ensuring a smooth application every time. One of its most impressive features is its ability to resist sweat and humidity, making it suitable for daily wear. Additionally, it’s gentle on the skin, not clogging pores or irritating even the most sensitive skin types. While it does oxidize over time, requiring a slight color adjustment, this minor drawback is far outweighed by its numerous benefits.
With 26 shades to choose from, there’s something for everyone in this impressive range.
NARS Sheer Glow Foundation
The NARS Sheer Glow Foundation is a popular choice among beauty enthusiasts due to its ability to provide a natural-looking, healthy glow without feeling heavy on the skin. With 13 shades available, it’s suitable for those with normal skin types. This foundation offers light coverage that can be built up to achieve the desired level of coverage. What sets it apart from other products is its no-makeup look finish, allowing your natural skin tone to shine through.
The formula blends seamlessly into the skin and lasts throughout the day, making it a great option for those who want a foundation that doesn’t feel like it’s there. However, it may not be suitable for individuals with dry or sensitive skin, as it tends to cling to dry patches and can cause an adverse reaction in some cases. The only drawback is its relatively high price point of over $40 per bottle.
Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation
The Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation is a top-notch option that truly delivers on its promise of radiant, glowing skin. Its exceptional formula leaves your complexion feeling soft and smooth, with no cakey texture or settling into fine lines. This foundation is perfect for those who prioritize having healthy-looking and healthy-feeling skin. With its buildable and lightweight consistency, you can easily start with a light layer and gradually add more until you’re satisfied with the coverage.
Despite being full-coverage, it still appears natural and doesn’t accentuate wrinkles or pores. While it may not be able to completely conceal very dark blemishes, it’s an excellent choice for everyday wear. As with any foundation, longevity will vary depending on your skin type; if it doesn’t last all day, a primer underneath could help. The watery texture might initially be off-putting, but using a makeup sponge can greatly improve application.
With its premium quality and price tag over $40 per bottle, the Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation is an investment worth considering.
Guide to Buying the Best Dewy Foundation
This comprehensive guide covers everything from identifying your unique skin type to selecting the ideal foundation tone. Additionally, it delves into the art of applying dewy foundation for a radiant and effortless complexion.
The Different Skin Types
Most people are unaware of their true skin type, which can be tricky to determine as it can change depending on various factors such as hormones, diet, and season. According to Dr. Leslie Baumann, a dermatologist and author of ‘The Skin Type Solution,’ understanding your skin type is crucial. If your skin type changes with the season, you may need to opt for a foundation that suits all skin types or have multiple foundations for different seasons.
There are four primary skin types: dry, oily, combination, and sensitive. Dry skin lacks moisture and can appear dull and rough. It’s often accompanied by red patches, scaly or flaky patches, less elastic skin, more visible lines, and smaller pores. For dry skin, it’s essential to use high-quality moisturizers and products that provide intense hydration. Oily skin, on the other hand, is characterized by large pores and an excessive production of sebum.
This can lead to a thick, oily film on the skin throughout the day and blemishes like blackheads or pimples. When dealing with oily skin, it’s vital to choose products that won’t clog pores and cause breakouts. Combination skin is when certain areas of the face are oily while others are dry. This requires finding a foundation that caters to combination skin or all skin types. Sensitive skin tends to react strongly to many products, causing redness, burning, itching, and inflammation.
It’s crucial to identify which ingredients trigger these reactions and choose products accordingly. In general, if your skin doesn’t fit any of the above descriptions, it’s likely normal skin that can tolerate a wide range of products without adverse reactions.
How to Find Your Foundation Shade
To determine the ideal shade for your complexion, you’ll first need to identify the tone and undertone of your skin. The amount of melanin present in your skin determines its color, with less melanin resulting in lighter skin and more melanin producing darker skin. This understanding is crucial when shopping for foundation products that typically categorize their shades as suitable for light, medium, or dark/tan complexions.
If you’re familiar with your complexion, you can skip ahead to exploring undertones. However, if not, the sections below will help you determine yours. Light-skinned individuals, often of northern European descent, are extremely sensitive to sunlight and tend to burn easily, turning red like a lobster if they don’t wear sun protection.
Medium-complexioned people, typically of Southern European or North Asian origin, have a neutral beige appearance that tans well, while becoming more brown than red when exposed to the sun. Dark-skinned individuals, often from regions with intense sunlight exposure, such as India, Africa, and the Middle East, are less susceptible to sunburn but still require protection.
The best foundation shade for your skin may vary depending on seasonal changes in skin tone, so it’s essential to consider these fluctuations when choosing a product. Undertones: The Hidden HueYour undertone refers to the underlying color of your skin, which remains relatively constant despite changes in complexion. This hidden hue can significantly impact how well you look in certain colors and accessories.
Cool Undertones: Characterized by red and blue hues, those with cool undertones tend to appear more radiant when wearing blue, purple, or emerald green clothing and accessories, while silver jewelry complements their skin better than gold. If your skin burns easily, and the veins beneath your skin appear blue or purple, you likely have a cool undertone.
Warm Undertones: Those with warm undertones exhibit yellow or golden hues, looking best in red, orange, or yellow attire, and more suited to wearing gold jewelry. Their skin rarely gets sunburnt, and their veins appear green or greenish-blue. If you’re unsure about your undertone, the test is simple – apply a small amount of foundation at the jawline and blend it well. If the product blends seamlessly with your skin tone, you’ve found the ideal match.
Foundation Brushes vs. Sponges
When it comes to applying liquid foundation, you’ll first need to decide whether to use a brush or a sponge. The debate between these two applicators has been ongoing among makeup artists and gurus, with each having its own unique benefits. A brush is ideal for concentrated placement and building coverage, much like an airbrush. This precision also makes it less likely to introduce oil and bacteria to your skin.
Plus, synthetic brushes can extend the life of your foundation by minimizing absorption. As noted by makeup expert Samantha Freda, this option is perfect for achieving a full-coverage look. On the other hand, a sponge is designed to blend liquid foundation seamlessly. Its unique tear-shaped design allows you to effortlessly reach into facial crevices, reducing pulling and subsequent skin damage. The result is a natural-looking finish that doesn’t feel like heavy theater makeup.
While sponges excel at blending, they do have some drawbacks. They tend to absorb more product than brushes, leading to faster depletion of your foundation supply. Additionally, they can trap moisture, which may attract mold. Regardless of the applicator you choose, it’s crucial to maintain cleanliness and hygiene. Wash your brush with soapy water at least once a week, and make sure to clean sponges daily.
If used regularly, both brushes and sponges should be replaced every three to four months for optimal performance and skin health.
How to Apply Dewy Foundation
To get the most out of your dewy foundation, it’s essential to master the art of application. Before diving into the process, take some time to prep your skin for optimal results. A thorough prepping routine will help ensure a smooth, even finish and prevent patchiness. Start by cleansing your face to remove any dirt, oil, or makeup residue. Next, moisturize your skin to keep it hydrated and primed for foundation application. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen if you plan to spend time outdoors.
Finally, prime your skin with a nourishing primer to even out its texture. Once your skin is prepped, it’s time to apply your dewy foundation. The process differs slightly depending on whether you’re using a brush or sponge applicator. For a detailed guide on how to apply liquid foundation with each tool, check out the video below. To ensure your makeup stays in place all day, setting is crucial.
Apply translucent powder to your face after foundation application or use a setting spray once your look is complete. For more information on setting your makeup, refer to our comprehensive article.
Final Thoughts
When faced with an overwhelming array of dewy foundation options, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But with your knowledge of what makes a great dewy foundation, finding the perfect match for your skin type and tone is simply a matter of time. By focusing on the key characteristics that align with your individual needs, you can achieve that coveted natural glow without sacrificing a moment of peace.
