A dewy complexion is the epitome of a fresh, radiant look. When done right, it exudes health and luminosity, but there’s a fine line between dewy and oily. Striking the perfect balance requires the right products, techniques, and an understanding of how to manipulate light and texture. With these simple tips and premium product recommendations, you’ll master the art of achieving a glowing complexion while keeping oiliness firmly under control.

Step 1: Build the Perfect Skincare Base

A dewy look starts with great skin. Proper hydration and nourishment are essential for creating a glowing complexion free of excess shine.

Hydrate Without Overloading

Keeping your skin hydrated is non-negotiable for a luminous finish, but use lightweight, non-greasy formulations to avoid crossing into oily territory. Look for products with humectants like hyaluronic acid, which draw moisture into the skin without adding heaviness.

Recommended Products

  • La Mer The Moisturizing Soft Cream: This iconic cream offers intense hydration while maintaining a lightweight texture for smooth, supple skin.
  • Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum: Packed with pro-vitamin B5, it delivers long-lasting moisture without feeling sticky.

Exfoliate Regularly

A buildup of dead skin cells can dull your glow and prevent your products from absorbing properly. Use a gentle exfoliant 2-3 times a week to keep your skin smooth and radiant.

Try:

  • Tatcha The Rice Polish: A water-activated formula that gently buffs away imperfections, leaving skin silky-soft.

Prep with Glow-Enhancing Serums

Adding a serum with antioxidants or brightening properties gives your skin an added radiance boost.

Recommendation:

  • SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic: A cult favorite that brightens skin, reduces fine lines, and enhances overall luminosity.

Step 2: Prime to Perfection

Priming is the secret weapon for creating a dewy base that doesn’t overstep into greasy territory. Use a hydrating or illuminating primer to lock in your skincare while prepping your skin for makeup.

Choose the Right Primer

A glow-boosting primer sets the stage for your makeup by adding subtle radiance without overpowering the rest of your look.

Must-Have Primers:

  • Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat Blur Primer: Infused with reflective micro-pearls, it blurs imperfections while adding a soft glow.
  • Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer: Offers a lit-from-within finish while controlling shine for an impeccable, balanced look.

Pro Tip: Apply primer only to areas where you want light to hit, like the high points of your face (cheekbones, bridge of the nose, and forehead).

Step 3: Master the Right Foundation Formula

The foundation you choose plays a pivotal role in your dewy look. The key is to opt for sheer to medium coverage with a radiant or satin finish. Avoid heavy formulations that can look greasy over time.

The Gold Standard Foundations for Dewy Skin

  • Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation: Lightweight yet buildable, this hydrating formula provides a radiant finish that never looks oily.
  • Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder Foundation: Offers a breathable, sheer glow that looks like your skin, but better.
  • Tom Ford Traceless Foundation Stick: Perfect for on-the-go touch-ups, it delivers a natural finish with a swipe-and-go ease.

Pro Tip: Apply sparingly and blend with a damp beauty sponge (e.g., the Beautyblender) for an even, lightweight coverage that enhances your natural glow.

Step 4: Add Dimension with Cream or Liquid Products

Powder products can sometimes take away from a dewy finish. Instead, stick to cream or liquid formulas to bring back dimension and luminosity to your complexion.

Glowing Blush & Contour Essentials

  • Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Colour Stick: A cream blush that melts seamlessly into the skin for a natural, flushed look.
  • Westman Atelier Face Trace Contour Stick: Adds definition with a subtle, skin-like finish.

Enhance with Highlighter

Skip chunky glitters! Opt for creamy highlighters that add a sophisticated sheen. Apply to the tops of your cheekbones, brow bones, and down the bridge of your nose.

Glow-Boosting Favorites

  • RMS Beauty Living Luminizer: Perfect for a subtle, dewy highlight.
  • Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish Highlighter Duo: Features creamy and powder formulas for customizable radiance.

Step 5: Lock It In with the Right Setting Products

The secret to keeping your dewy look fresh (not oily) is all about strategic setting techniques. Choose lightweight sprays or powders that enhance your glow while controlling excess shine.

Skip Full-Face Powder

Instead of setting your entire face, target areas prone to shine, like the forehead, nose, and chin. For the rest, allow your radiance to shine through.

Recommended Powders:

  • La Mer The Sheer Pressed Powder: Ultra-light and finely milled, it subtly mattifies without dulling your glow.
  • By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra-Powder: Infused with hyaluronic acid, this powder locks makeup in place while maintaining hydration.

Finish with a Dewy Setting Spray

A setting spray can add life to your makeup while ensuring it lasts all day.

Top Picks:

  • Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Ultra-Fine Mist: Hydrates skin while imparting a natural, dewy finish.
  • Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist: Infused with botanical oils, this luxurious spray enhances luminosity for hours.

Pro Tip: Hold your spray about 8-10 inches away from your face and mist in an “X” or “T” motion for even distribution.

Step 6: Maintenance and Touch-Ups for All-Day Glow

Even the best-prepped skin can need a little maintenance during the day. Keep your look fresh with these touch-up essentials.

Control Shine Strategically

If you start to notice excess oil, use blotting papers (e.g., Fenty Beauty Invisimatte Blotting Paper) instead of powdering over your makeup. This absorbs oil without disrupting your radiant look.

Keep a Multi-use Balm Handy

A hydrating balm like Pat McGrath Labs Lip Fetish Balm can be dabbed onto cheekbones or lips for a quick pick-me-up.

Rehydrate with Spray

A travel-sized hydrating mist ensures your skin stays fresh, hydrated, and luminous on-the-go.

What to Avoid for a Balanced Dewy Look

To steer clear of looking oily, avoid these common pitfalls:

  • Applying thick, rich moisturizers right before makeup.
  • Overusing highlighter, especially on already oily areas like the T-zone.
  • Utilizing heavy powders on top of radiant foundations, which can create a cakey rather than glowy finish.

Achieving a dewy look without appearing oily is all about balance—hydrating and nourishing your skin while strategically applying makeup to highlight your best features. With the right products and tips outlined above, you’ll enjoy a fresh, radiant complexion that lasts all day without the dreaded shine.