These Are 7 My Non-Negotiable Steps for the Perfect Dewy Foundation Look
Main image – Vieve
I think it’s safe to say that summer is almost officially here, and with it comes to the perfect opportunity to whack the makeup dewiness level up to radioactive.
As a content creator who’s addicted to a glowy look- whatever the time of year– I’ve put together my guide to my favourite steps to get the perfect dewy base.
All you’ll need is your normal skincare routine, a makeup sponge or brush, and a foundation. If you’re looking for more coverage and longevity from your look, you’ll also want to have a concealer and setting powder or spray.
1. Prep your skin
It’s all in the skin prep- whatever you apply- since your skincare is going to show through the makeup you decide to put on top.
Once you’ve cleansed and toned, it’s time to think about which SPF and moisturisers are going to work best for your skin type.
Slightly drier skin? Use something a bit thicker like the Weleda Skin Food (£14.95 from Boots UK /$13.99 from Amazon US) and if your skin is more oily, try and stick to gel formulas like the Origins GinZing Gel Face Moisturiser (£34 from Boots UK /$39 from Ulta Beauty US). This will leave your skin feeling and looking glowy, prepped and protected.
2. Pick your tools
Are you team brushes or team beauty sponge? Makeup tools are potentially the most important part to ensure you’re getting the most out of your makeup looks.
Brushes are great for packing on products and applying makeup evenly. Whereas beauty sponges are best for adding dew and softness into makeup (which in my opinion, is why they’re the superior tool).
Image – Courtesy of writer
3. Use a primer
Next step is primer, which will do just what the name suggests, prime your skin ready for foundation.
Some staples for getting a natural, dewy base are the Vieve Skin Nova (£31 from Cult Beauty UK /$39 from Vieve US), and Iconic London’s Illuminator (£32 from Boots UK /$40 from Sephora US).
All can be applied as a base or underneath foundation is just *chefs kiss*. Grab a big fluffy brush or use your fingers and blend it all over!
Image – Courtesy of writer
4. Pick your base products carefully
Now we’ve got the skin prep covered, it’s time to move onto foundation.
It’s completely personal preference how much coverage you’ll want, but I find that light weight, light coverage foundations can be really easy to build up so you can customise your foundation routine to suit you.
My personal favourite? The HNB Cosmetics Luminous Glow Tint (£18 from Boots UK /$24 from HNB Cosmetics US), which is incredible for dewy makeup looks and comes in 20 shades.
5. And apply
The best way I’ve found to apply and blend in your foundation is to evenly apply the foundation to your face and then go in with your beauty sponge to start blending in.
Make sure to dab/bounce your beauty sponge into the foundation; using swiping motions is just going to apply the foundation unevenly and could leave you looking streaky.
Using a light hand when applying your products is going to ensure that you’re not applying too much as most of the products are buildable. In doing so, you’re completely in control over how much product is being applied!
6. Add coverage if needed
Concealer is great for now adding a little bit more coverage in areas you may want it.
Using the warmth of your finger to blend by gently dabbing the product into your skin will sheer it out and ensure it blends in perfectly. Match the shade to your foundation for an effortless blend or go for a lightly shade for a more highlighted look.
Image – Courtesy of writer
7. And set (if you want)
As we’ve used a few different glowy makeup products, you might want to lock them into place without taking away the dew.
The best way to do this is to take your setting powder with a small, fluffy brush and lightly brush this powder over any areas you want to set. Around your T Zone and cheeks is a good place to set, especially if you have oily skin.
Image – Courtesy of writer
Alternatively, spraying your fave setting spray throughout your routine will add extra moisture and dew back into your makeup.
The Beauty Crop’s Oui Cherie Setting Mist (£10 from Boots UK /$13.25 from Beauty Bay US) includes hyaluronic acid which has a plumping effect on the skin.
The takeaway
This dewy foundation look is stunning on its own for no makeup-makeup days, or finish it all off for a more pulled together look with a little cream bronzer, highlighter, and blush.
Either way though, the final steps to this look should be adding a touch of mascara and one last spritz of setting spray (if you’re using it) and we’re done! Glowing, dewy skin in no time!
Get Glowing!
