Dewy skin is my signature style—8 makeup products that consistently provide a glow.
Makeup trends are always changing, and while many are excited about the return of matte finishes, I have always been a fan of dewy makeup, and I don't foresee that changing. It's important to clarify what I mean by this. When I refer to dewy makeup, I'm not talking about shiny finishes, bold highlighters, or shimmery products. Instead, I'm referring to that naturally radiant, lit-from-within glow that gives the impression that I drink 2 liters of water and enjoy a green juice daily (though I prefer coffee and Diet Coke, but indulge me). As a makeup artist and beauty editor, I've experimented with numerous products over the years, including illuminating primers, glowy foundations, cream blushes, and more. I believe I've compiled the ultimate collection of products that require little effort yet yield maximum results for achieving a naturally dewy makeup look.
Below, you will find my curated list of the best dewy makeup products, from classic staples to recently launched items. All of the products mentioned are ones I keep in my makeup bag, so you know I truly use them daily. What are you waiting for? Your most radiant skin is just a scroll away...
**The Best Dewy Makeup Products, Tried & Tested**
1. **Vieve Skin Nova**
*Best dewy primer*
- **Pros:** Hydrating formula, adds a lovely glow
- **Cons:** Can be used up quickly
I always begin my makeup looks with a primer (it's essential for my oily skin to ensure my makeup lasts beyond lunch), and I've been using Vieve's for as long as I can remember. In my opinion, it's the ideal primer for that lit-from-within appearance. It isn't overly shimmery or glittery but provides a subtle radiance while hydrating and prepping the skin for foundation. It features light-reflecting pigments for a radiant finish, and while many primers tend to vanish under makeup, I find that the glowy effect shines through.
2. **Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter**
*Best dewy multi-use product*
- **Pros:** Blurs and smooths skin, adds a luminous effect, many uses
- **Cons:** The doe-foot applicator may not be the most hygienic option
You didn't think I'd discuss glowy makeup without mentioning Charlotte Tilbury's Hollywood Flawless Filter, did you? This product is iconic for a reason. I wear it alone or beneath foundation for a radiant, healthy-looking complexion that makes people wonder why I look so good. It can even be applied over makeup as a highlighter, although I haven't tried that yet. As the name implies, it features a beautifully blurring effect that rivals any TikTok filter, while also adding a luminous finish. I truly can't imagine my makeup bag without it.
3. **Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation**
*Best dewy foundation*
- **Pros:** Medium coverage, blurs imperfections, delivers natural radiance
- **Cons:** Some may prefer a more pronounced "glow"
I've tested numerous dewy foundations, and while there are many I like, I believe Giorgio Armani's Luminous Silk Foundation is the best ever. You might ask why? Because it's naturally dewy rather than overly glowy like other formulas I've tried. This foundation provides the best version of your skin while appearing effortless. The medium coverage, blurring finish, and natural radiance impress me every single time I wear it.
4. **Rationale The Brilliance Tinted Serum SPF50+**
*Best dewy tinted SPF*
- **Pros:** Lightweight formula, blends perfectly, hydrating and dewy “your skin but better” finish
- **Cons:** Very expensive, might need additional SPF underneath based on the amount of tinted serum used
I understand this product is quite pricey, but it's genuinely one of the best things I've ever applied to my face. I don't say this lightly. I've been using it daily throughout the summer and don’t intend to stop. The formula is incredibly lightweight (you hardly feel it on your skin) and applies smoothly. Though it doesn’t provide significant coverage (I always add concealer afterward), it gives a smooth, even, illuminating finish with SPF50+. The result is so fantastic that I might actually cry when I run out.
5. **Refy Water Bronzer**
*Best dewy bronzer*
- **Pros:** Weightless, hydrating formula, dewy finish
- **Cons:** Takes time to master the application
For me, looking bronzed is just as vital as looking dewy, and if a product can accomplish both, it's not leaving my side. Initially, I found Refy's new Water Bronzer to be confusing. However, now that I've mastered it, I understand the excitement. As the name suggests, the bronzer is water-based,
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Dewy skin is my signature style—8 makeup products that consistently provide a glow.
Each and every time.
