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These dewy foundations are your short-cut to a glowing complexion
Brighten up with the new school of radiant bases
In recent years, dewy foundations have eclipsed full-coverage formulas, offering the kind of glossy finish that encapsulates exactly how we want to look now: fresh, clean and awake.
Of course, the key to a great dewy foundation is all in the balance: sheen is appealing, but shine? Not so much. The best options stay expertly away from greasy territory, instead unifying skin while delivering just the right amount of coverage to fade redness and blemishes.
According to Bobbi Brown PRO Artist Hollie Ellis, dewy foundations typically work best on normal-dry skin types to help hydrate and nourish the look of the skin texture. "However, anyone can use a dewy foundation: it's all down to the right skin prep," she says. "If you have normal-oily skin but love a dewy finish, ensure you are using oil-free and water-based skincare products beforehand and setting your foundation after with powder through the T-zone where we tend to get oily. Equally, If you have normal-dry skin, ensure you are nourishing the face with hydrating skincare products and using minimal powder to set: I normally use a hydrating setting spray instead."
When it comes to applying a dewy base, you may want to switch your fingers for a make-up brush. "I pump the formula onto the back of my hand and apply with the Soft Focus Foundation Brush, allowing the brush to do all the work for me," says Ellie. "A brush will always give you an even, flawless finish on the skin when you start from the centre of the face and blend outwards." For light coverage, she recommends applying in brush strokes, while for a fuller coverage, try pressing and stippling your product into the skin.
Not just a short-cut to greater radiance, the best dewy foundations also work brilliantly on more mature skin. A product focused on hydration, rather than heavy coverage or life-proof longevity, is less likely to settle into lines or appear cakey on dry patches.
Below, see the 10 best dewy foundations to try now.
The best dewy foundations for a glowing complexion
My personal favourite, this Shiseido formula is simply outstanding when it comes to creating a glass-skin effect. Supremely light-reflecting, this lightweight fluid doesn't slip and slide on skin, yet stays looking fresh for hours on end. For those after the dewiest, glossiest effect, this is a must-try.
If you're after a dewy finish without sacrificing proper coverage, try Bobbi Brown's silky serum foundation. It's heavily hydrating and makes skin appear almost airbrushed, such is the smoothing properties of the emollient-rich formula.
I'll admit I was surprised to learn that Sephora's top-selling base product is this under-the-radar skin tint from natural-led brand Ilia. But as soon as I got my hands on a bottle, it all made sense. The finish is dewy – so much so, it feels akin to a face oil – but the pigment packs a punch, so you're getting the best of both worlds. Bear in mind that is has a decidedly 'natural' scent, but the gleaming result more than makes up for it.
Don't let the name lead you astray here. Rather than a ‘plumping’ serum, this is actually a feather-light foundation that imparts translucent colour while skimming over fine lines. Apply it after your SPF, or try blending a drop into a weightier foundation to sheer out the finish.
This is my favourite new recent discovery. From Stockholm-based brand Caia, it's a serum-meets-foundation formula that seriously lights skin up. Supremely dewy yet not overly greasy, it somehow makes even end-of-the-day skin look mega-hydrated and unified. A perfect choice for slipping on after the office and before dinner.
For those who only want a light, brightening hint of colour, a skin tint is ideal. Summer Fridays' offering is an especially flattering pick for dry and dehydrated skin types, skimming over pores and fine lines with ease.
You’ll likely forget you’re wearing Sisley’s dewiest foundation, such is the water-weight finish. Imparting the lightest veil of coverage while balancing tone and texture, it’s the perfect formula for making you look just a little more put-together.
MAC Studio Radiance Face And Body Radiant Sheer Foundation
This is the lightest foundation in MAC's sprawling collection and, for anyone who likes dewy coverage, it's a must-try. It won't cover dark hyperpigmentation or glowing redness, but will even and brighten while letting freckles shine through.
Charlotte Tilbury’s latest foundation has much more of a glow than her previous offerings. It still delivers high coverage, yet remains looking freshly applied all day long. Try using it in lieu of concealer under the eyes for a wide-awake appearance.
Ignore the ‘24-hour’ promise Dior’s famed Forever foundation claims to have – it won’t (and nor should it) see you through an entire day and night. What it does do, however, is brighten skin that needs a bit of perking up without highlighting rough patches or almost-healed blemishes. It’s creamy, cosseting and delivers ample coverage.
Don't sleep on the brand's most recent primer launch either: Forever Glow Veil lights skin up without falling back on shimmer or glitter. Genius.
Finding a sheer, dewy foundation for laid-back days is easy enough, but something that delivers heftier coverage can be trickier to track down.
A great choice for big events, Kevyn Aucoin's lauded formula combines substantial coverage with a luminous finish, offering a flattering alternative to the wealth of heavy, matte options on the shelves.
