Okay, let’s be real—everyone loves that fresh, glowy, “just drank 10 glasses of water” skin vibe. But there’s a fine line between looking radiant and looking like you’ve run a marathon in July. Dewy? Yes, please. Greasy? Hard pass.
If you’re an MUA, you’ve probably had clients say, “I want to look glowy, but not like, sweaty, ya know?” And if you’re doing your own makeup, you might’ve tried it and thought, Wait… am I shiny or just straight-up oily? Don’t worry, I got you. Here’s the tea on getting that perfect dewy finish without the oil slick.
- Start With a Hydrated Canvas 🧴
Hydration is key. And no, that doesn’t mean slapping on thick creams that’ll turn your face into a slip ‘n slide. Pick a lightweight, water-based moisturizer—think gel formulas that sink in fast without leaving a residue. Bonus: This helps makeup stick better and not slide around like butter on a hot pan.
💡 tip: If your client has oily skin, use an oil-free moisturizer. Dewy doesn’t mean extra oil—it’s about hydration and glow.
- Prime Like a Pro
Primer is your secret weapon, and here’s the trick: don’t grab a silicone-heavy mattifying primer unless you’re controlling oil-prone areas like the T-zone. Instead, go for an illuminating primer on the high points of the face. It adds glow in all the right places without turning you into a disco ball.
💡 tip: Mix a mattifying primer for oily spots and a glowy one for cheeks and temples. Boom—balanced brilliance.
- Choose the Right Foundation 🎨
Not all foundations are made for dewy looks. Stick to lightweight, luminous formulas—anything labeled “radiant” or “hydrating” is your BFF. But here’s the kicker: don’t overdo it. If your client has combo or oily skin, skip the full-face glow and apply sparingly on the cheeks and outer parts of the face.
💡 tip: Use a damp beauty sponge for a skin-like finish. Buff it in, and don’t forget to blend into the neck. Nothing kills the vibe like a line of demarcation.
- Spotlight on Highlighter ✨
Here’s where the glow magic happens. Cream or liquid highlighters are the MVPs for a dewy look. Powder highlighters can lean too shimmery, which veers into oily territory. Tap a tiny amount onto the high points of the face—cheekbones, brow bones, and even the tip of the nose (if your client loves that look).
💡 tip: Mix a liquid highlighter with your foundation for an all-over subtle glow. But be warned—less is more. Nobody needs to look like they fell into glitter.
- Powder Strategically
Wait, powder?! Yes, powder. The secret to dewy skin without the oil slick is strategic setting. Use a finely milled translucent powder and only set the areas that need it—like the T-zone or under the eyes. Leave the cheekbones and temples powder-free to keep that dewy finish intact.
💡 tip: A powder puff works better than a brush here. Press, don’t swipe, for a seamless finish.
- Mist It Up
Setting spray isn’t just for locking everything in—it’s also your ticket to a hydrated, dewy vibe. Look for a dewy or glowy setting spray and give your client (or yourself) a light mist once the look is done. It melts the makeup into the skin for that “I woke up like this” finish.
💡 tip: Hold the bottle at arm’s length and do one or two spritzes. Too much, and you might end up looking sweaty.
- Blot, Don’t Wipe
Let’s be real, the day gets long, and even the best makeup can get a little shiny. Keep blotting papers in your kit for quick touch-ups. They soak up excess oil without removing the makeup or the glow.
💡 tip: If you’re in a pinch and don’t have blotting papers, a tissue works. Just separate the layers and use the thin side.
Dewy skin is all about balance. It’s a mix of hydration, strategic product placement, and knowing when to mattify and when to glow. Play around with different techniques, and don’t stress if it takes a couple of tries to nail it. Once you find the perfect combo, you’ll be giving off main-character energy all day long.
So, go on—grab your kit, experiment, and get your glow on. You’ve got this! 🌟
