Whether you’re a makeup aficionado or an ambassador of the minimalist makeup look, there’s no way one can miss the grandeur exhibited by the best dewy foundation. The quintessential and humble dewy foundation is a makeup must-have if you are tired of cakey and drying foundation formulas. Be it the mega film festivals or the next-door party, the credit for the stunning makeup looks goes to these glowy foundations. They look like that for a reason – these deeply moisturizing foundations are often made with skin-loving, hydrating ingredients that don’t give an excessively mattifying look that may crease or parch. Rather, they give a flawless look that also feels extra light and feathery on the skin.

It is essential to choose foundations that make the skin look and feel shiny and radiant, just like dewy foundations do. Mel Barrese, Illamasqua’s Head Makeup Artist says, “For an uber-hydrated glowy look, ensure you are primed to perfection, this will ensure your skin stays in place all day and will smooth away any pores or fine lines for a youthful, perfected glow. I like to apply a 10-pence size of product around the T-Zone after moisturizer.”

Now that you know how to prep your skin for some dewy magic, we bring you the best foundation for dewy glow - from airbrush, powder, liquid, to serum - that you may invest in for that unmatched radiance and luminous glow.

• 1
  Best Dewy Look

  Wet n Wild Photo Focus Dewy Liquid Foundation Makeup

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Available in twenty lovely shades, Wet n Wild’s newest innovation has become a cult favorite in no time. The Photo Focus Dewy Liquid Foundation comes in a cream form. It promises a flawless portfolio of pictures with absolutely zero white cast and maximum glow, all thanks to its matte, light-diffusing complex formula. It is highly buildable, from medium to full coverage, and works best on prepped skin using Wet n Wild’s Primer Serum. This glowy foundation can be blended into the skin with fingertips for medium coverage or layered using a brush for complete coverage.

2

Best Hydrating

Laura Geller New York Quench-n-Tint Hydrating Foundation

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This product by Laura Geller was the first one to come to our mind when we were digging into dewy foundations. Infused with hyaluronic acid and squalene, the formula boosts hydration to give your skin a dewy glow while replenishing its barrier. Its consistency is so breathable that at times you won’t even realize you’re wearing makeup. While the foundation delivers a sheer finish, you’re in luck as it is buildable enough to give your skin a seamless look!

3

Best Long-lasting

AGE 20's Signature Intense Foundation Makeup

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Korean skincare rarely disappoints. AGE 20’s Signature Intense Foundation gives you a dewy glow like no other. Made with the LATTE formula, this cushion foundation uses three types of the essence in colors gold, beige and white which provide radiance, color correction, and buildability all at once. Though infused with 71 percent essence, this glowy foundation boasts a non-greasy formula that keeps one looking fresh all day. What’s more, this compact foundation comes with 2 free refills so that you don’t have to reorder too often.

4

Best Buildable Coverage

TEMPTU S/B Silicone-Based Airbrush Foundation

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Being pioneers of airbrush beauty for forty years, TEMPTU’s Silicone-Based Airbrush Foundation is the perfect find for those looking for that unprecedented luminous, dewy effect. Applicable by airbrush, hand, or sponge, you can choose from twelve custom-blendable shades. The silicone-based formula promises a skin-like finish and stays put for hours on end. It is highly recommended for bridal makeup or any makeup that needs to stay put for long hours. Whether you have dry or oily skin, this sheer to full coverage dewy foundation can be your go-to for that soft, glowy finish you desire.

5

Lightweight Foundation

Urban Decay Hydromaniac Tinted Moisturizer

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If you’re skimming this list for a light coverage foundation, one that feels like a breeze on a hot summer day, then you needn’t look very far. Urban Decay’s Hydromaniac Tinted Moisturizer, is, in effect, a lightweight foundation that provides 24-hour fresh glow and coverage. Infused with antioxidant-rich kombucha filtrate and marula oil, the product is available in 12 flexible shades. We highly recommend this if you like to get ready in a jiffy and don’t care for too many steps to achieve that dewy glow.

6

Luminess Air Airbrush Ultra Dewy Finish Foundation

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Applicable exclusively by an airbrush stylus, the Luminess Airbrush Ultra Dewy Foundation uses 10X less foundation than a traditional powder or liquid one to help you achieve flawless-looking skin. This is suitable for all skin types, especially dry while giving medium coverage. Airbrushing might take some getting used to, but once comfortable, you will achieve that smooth, perfected skin - thanks to thousands of water and mineral-based micro-fine droplets that get absorbed by the skin, leaving behind pigment that is easily blendable into the skin.

7

Suits All Skin Types

Youngblood Clean Luxury Cosmetics Liquid Mineral Foundation

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Touted as one of the best dewy foundations available today by netizens, Youngblood’s Liquid Mineral Foundation is an ideal fit for dehydrated or post-treatment skin. Loaded with the goodness of cucumber and chamomile, this buildable foundation is available in seventeen lovely shades. Best used with a buffing brush or foundation brush, it adds a natural luminous finish to the face, especially if you don’t like to put on too much makeup. It also doubles up as skincare; helps tone and firm skin.

8

Glo Skin Beauty Loose Base Mineral Powder Foundation

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Best applied over a primer or a tinted moisturizer, GloSkin Beauty’s Loose Base Mineral Powder Foundation is a one-stop solution if you like to look polished without coming off as made-up. Slightly different from their pressed base foundations, this one is suitable for combination and dry skin types and is buildable; giving sheer to full coverage, while imparting a soft, dewy radiance. This dewy finish foundation is also both consciously clean and clinically proven so that you can be carefree. It can also be easily used by those with sensitive skin.

9

MIBA Ion Calcium Foundation

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Enriched with their patented ingredient ion calcium water and triple hyaluronic acid, MIBA’s double cushion foundation promises a long-lasting dewy finish and solid hydration. The highlight of this product is its extra big cushion for faster application. Plus, it stays put for unbelievably long - 44 hours - while covering dark circles, blemishes, and spots like a dream. You can opt for this if you’re looking for a medium coverage that is also lightweight. The compact case in itself is a work of art; the manga-style illustration does really stand out.

10

May Morning Cushion by I WOKE UP LIKE THIS

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Infused with hero ingredients such as sodium hyaluronate and niacinamide that hydrate and even out skin tone, May Morning Cushion Foundation by I WOKE UP LIKE THIS is one of a kind. This vibrant and active Korean skincare brand offers a light coverage foundation that glides onto the skin effortlessly and leaves behind a natural dewy glow. This dewy finish foundation comes in quirky packaging and is the perfect match for those looking for daily wear makeup that tightly adheres to the skin.

11

Foundation With Serum

No7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Serum Foundation

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An excellent foundation for older women, No7’s Lift & Luminate Triple Action Serum Foundation blurs the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles using optical blurring technology and leaves behind a youthful, illuminated complexion. The foundation is enriched with SPF 15 and vitamins A, C, and E that protect and brighten the skin, and it also imparts medium to full coverage to mature and aging skin. Special mention to the use of hibiscus in this dewy foundation - the ingredient helps the skin retain moisture and keeps dullness at bay.

12

Carter Beauty By Marissa Carter Half Measure Dewy Foundation

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Designed in Ireland, Carter Beauty by Merissa Carter works with the ethos of bringing effortless makeup to the modern makeup enthusiast. Their Half Measure Dewy Foundation is the perfect bet if you’re looking for a hydrating and moisturizing base minus the ‘shine.’ It leaves a natural sheer glow that doesn’t wash out for at least 8 hours. The illuminating foundation is available in twelve gorgeous shades and is highly pigmented yet when worn, gives the illusion that you are bare-faced. It is also a PETA-approved member of Beauty Without Bunnies.

13

Maybelline New York Fit Me! Foundation Dewy + Smooth

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A must-try for those with normal to dry skin or even mature skin with lines and wrinkles, Maybelline New York Fit Me! Foundation Dewy + Smooth offers light to medium buildable coverage that is perfect for the everyday working woman. The foundation makes for a good makeup product that empowers like no other; and this high-quality foundation can also be worn with or without a moisturizer at the base, depending on how dewy you prefer your makeup to be. Additionally, it is one of the most affordable products available in the market without compromising on quality.

14

Illamasqua Beyond Liquid Foundation

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If you desire that ‘glass-skin’ finish after applying makeup, look no more. The Illamasqua Beyond Liquid Foundation comes packed with the goodness of hyaluronic acid and vitamin E which keep the water on the surface of the skin, in turn, making it look refreshingly hydrated and supple throughout the day. Available in twenty-five shades, they have something for cool, neutral, and warm skin tones out there. This edgy British makeup brand’s best glowy foundation offers sheer coverage for that naturally healthy-looking skin.

Getting our hands on the right foundation can be a hit or miss. But there are a few factors you should consider to ensure the suitability of the foundation. Here’s a quick guide for you.

Skin tone
First, you need to find out which category your skin tone falls in: light, medium, or dark, and then choose your foundation based on that. You may do a sun test for this. It’s simple – you just have to stand in the sun for ten minutes and based on the hue of your skin, you can conclude which category you fall in. 

Undertone
The next, and most crucial step is to know your undertone. Whether you have a warm 

(blue or purple), cool (green or olive), or neutral (neither) undertones, you can pick the right shade simply by checking out the color of the veins on your wrist. 

Skin type
It helps to know if you have dry, oily, or combination skin. Dewy foundations with hyaluronic acid or natural ingredients like cucumber are best suited for dry and combination skin. For oily skin, matte foundations are better recommended. 

Coverage
If you already have blemish-free skin, a sheer foundation will work best for you. For those who wish to have a heavy base, a medium to full-coverage foundation would be best suited to you.

All in all, this is a comprehensive guide on the best dewy foundations for your next purchase. You may choose your dewy foundation from a variety of brands, and get that perfect match for your skin. But make sure you keep in mind your skin type and your lifestyle before making the final judgment. An illuminating foundation can be dressed up and down, depending on your mood and occasion. Whether you wish to don a minimalist day makeup look or wish to look like a show-stopper, investing in the right dewy foundation is key. Beauty brings out confidence, so make sure you give it your best shot.