As the summer months approach, it’s time to trade heavy foundations and matte finishes for something lighter, fresher, and effortlessly radiant. The dewy makeup look has become a summer staple, offering a glowing, youthful appearance that’s perfect for warm weather. But how can you achieve that flawless, natural look without the risk of looking greasy by midday?
This article will guide you through the six essential steps to mastering the dewy summer makeup look, answering common questions, and providing expert tips to keep your makeup looking fresh all day.
Introduction: What is Dewy Makeup and Why Is It Perfect for Summer?
Dewy makeup is all about achieving that fresh, hydrated, and radiant skin finish that reflects light naturally. Unlike matte looks that aim for an oil-free finish, dewy makeup embraces the natural glow, making your skin look luminous and healthy.
During the summer, your skin can easily dry out or become oily from the heat. A dewy makeup look provides a balance by focusing on hydration, allowing your skin to breathe while maintaining a vibrant glow. Whether you're at the beach or going out for brunch, this look is your go-to for easy summer glam.
1. Prep Your Skin: Hydration is Key
To create a flawless dewy look, your skin preparation needs to be on point. Since the dewy look is all about enhancing the skin’s natural glow, your skincare routine is just as important as the makeup you apply.
- Cleanse: Start by using a gentle cleanser to rid your skin of any impurities and excess oil.
- Exfoliate: Exfoliating once or twice a week helps slough off dead skin cells, ensuring a smooth surface for makeup.
- Hydrate: Apply a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer that contains hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin. These ingredients help your skin retain moisture, providing a dewy glow from within.
- SPF Protection: Never skip sunscreen! Use a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30 to protect your skin from sun damage while achieving the perfect dewy look.
2. Prime for Perfection: The Key to Longevity
During summer, makeup can easily melt away, leaving you with an uneven finish. This is where primers step in. Priming your skin helps your makeup last longer and keeps your complexion looking fresh throughout the day.
Opt for a hydrating primer with a radiant finish. Look for products with illuminating particles or moisturizing ingredients like aloe or coconut water. These not only help lock in moisture but also create a smooth, glowing base.
Pro Tip: If you have oily skin, use a mattifying primer on your T-zone to reduce unwanted shine while keeping the rest of your face glowing.
3. Use a Lightweight Foundation or Tinted Moisturizer
When it comes to summer makeup, less is always more. Heavy foundations can feel uncomfortable in the heat and result in a cakey finish. Instead, choose a lightweight foundation, BB cream, or tinted moisturizer that provides sheer coverage.
Tinted moisturizers are particularly great for summer because they offer hydration, sun protection, and light coverage in one. Apply it with a damp beauty sponge for a seamless, natural look that allows your skin’s natural radiance to shine through.
Pro Tip: Mix a drop of liquid highlighter into your foundation for an extra boost of luminosity.
4. Add a Pop of Color: Cream Blush for a Natural Flush
To maintain the dewy look, it's important to stick with cream-based products, especially for blush. Cream blushes blend effortlessly into the skin, providing a fresh, youthful flush that looks natural. Powder blushes, on the other hand, can mattify the skin and take away from the dewy finish.
Choose blush shades in soft pinks, corals, or peaches that complement your natural skin tone. Gently tap the cream blush onto the apples of your cheeks and blend it upward towards your temples for a lifted effect.
5. Highlight Your Best Features: Subtle Glow with Cream Highlighters
A dewy summer look isn’t complete without the perfect highlighter. To maintain that radiant glow, opt for a liquid or cream highlighter. These formulations provide a skin-like sheen, giving you a natural glow instead of a glittery finish.
Apply highlighter to the high points of your face—your cheekbones, brow bone, the bridge of your nose, and your cupid’s bow. This will enhance your features and give your face a fresh, lit-from-within look.
Pro Tip: Use your fingers to gently blend the highlighter into your skin for a seamless, natural effect.
6. Set It Right: Dewy Setting Spray Instead of Powder
In most makeup routines, setting powder is a must to control shine and lock in your makeup. However, for the dewy summer look, powders can diminish the glow you're aiming for. Instead, finish your makeup routine with a dewy or hydrating setting spray. This helps set your makeup while maintaining a luminous finish.
Setting sprays with ingredients like aloe, cucumber, or rosewater provide additional hydration and refresh your skin throughout the day.
Pro Tip: Carry a mini bottle of setting spray with you to refresh your look mid-day, especially in the heat.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dewy Summer Makeup
Q: Can I achieve a dewy makeup look with oily skin?
Absolutely! The key is to balance the dewy finish with oil control. Start by using a mattifying primer on your oily areas, such as the forehead, nose, and chin. Then, choose oil-free foundations and setting sprays. Avoid overloading your skin with heavy creams and powders.
Q: How can I prevent my makeup from melting in the summer heat?
One way to prevent makeup from melting is by using lightweight, sweat-proof products. Always start with a primer to ensure long-lasting wear. Cream-based products like blush and highlighter are less likely to melt than powder formulas. Setting sprays also help seal your makeup and keep it looking fresh all day.
Q: What are the best products for achieving a dewy summer look?
Some top products include:
- Primer: Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Illuminating Primer
- Foundation: IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream
- Blush: Glossier Cloud Paint
- Highlighter: Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter
- Setting Spray: Urban Decay All Nighter Ultra Glow Setting Spray
Conclusion: Achieve Your Best Dewy Look This Summer
Creating the perfect dewy makeup look for summer doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these six steps—proper skin prep, using the right primers, lightweight foundations, cream blush, highlighting strategically, and setting your makeup with a dewy spray—you can easily achieve a radiant, fresh look that lasts throughout the day.
Whether you're heading out for a beach day or a night out, this routine will help you maintain that healthy glow while embracing the warmth of summer. The key is to focus on hydration, use the right products, and keep it light. Now you're ready to glow!