Making sure you select the right foundation is crucial in any makeup routine.
With so many different types and formulas, it can be hard to know which one is right for you.
Choosing between a matte and dewy foundation can be tricky as there are pros and cons to both finishes.
If you’re unsure which one to go for, here’s a quick guide to help you get the best foundation for your skin type.
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What Is A Dewy Foundation?
A Dewy foundation has a thin, lightweight formula designed to give your skin a natural, healthy-looking glow.
It’s packed with hydrating ingredients such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid, which help hydrate and plump the skin.
Some dewy foundations contain oils; others can include light-reflecting pearls that help reflect light. They are often available in bb creams or tinted moisturizers as well.
For example, the my armani to go cushion foundation has a dewy finish. It has a lightweight formula that contains glycerin and hyaluronic acid to help hydrate the skin.
Dewy foundations are easy to apply and blend. Depending on the formula, they give the skin light to medium coverage, and some of them can provide buildable full coverage.
These foundations are perfect for those who want a natural, dewy, and healthy-looking glow. They help plump fine lines, giving the skin a youthful appearance.
Dewy foundations are also great for dull skin since they can help brighten and add radiance.
The main disadvantages of a dewy foundation are that it might not last well on the skin and can slip and slide, especially in hot and humid weather.
It can accentuate the look of big pores and highlight skin flaws such as acne and blemishes.
It’s also not ideal for oily skin, as it can make it look greasy.
What Is A Matte Foundation?
A matte foundation has a thicker and often full-coverage formula designed to control shine and keep the skin matte all day.
It’s often packed with ingredients that help absorb excess oil and keep the skin shine-free.
For example, the Maybelline fit me matte and poreless foundation has a matte finish. It’s a medium to full coverage foundation with micro-powders to help control shine.
A matte foundation gives the skin a flawless and polished look, and it can also help minimize the appearance of pores while providing a smooth, even base for your makeup.
The main advantage of a matte foundation is that it lasts well and is less likely to transfer or wear off throughout the day.
However, it might accentuate dry patches or flakiness, and it can be harder to blend than a dewy foundation.
It’s not ideal for dry skin, as it can make it look dry and cakey.
What’s The Difference Between Matte And Dewy Foundations?
The main differences between matte and dewy foundations are their finish and coverage.
A matte foundation has a medium to full coverage, often thick formula, designed to control shine and keep the skin matte all day.
A dewy foundation has a thin, lightweight formula designed to give your skin a natural, healthy-looking glow.
Dewy foundations are easier to apply, and you can blend them with your fingers, while matte foundations often require a brush or sponge for a more even application.
Lastly, dewy foundations might require more maintenance throughout the day as they can slip and slide, while matte foundations have a long-lasting formula.
Should You Use A Matte Or Dewy Foundation?
Choosing between a matte or dewy foundation depends on your skin type and the look you are going for.
For Oily Skin
If you have oily skin, a dewy foundation can make your skin look greasy, while a matte foundation will help control shine and keep your skin looking matte all day.
However, some people with oily skin can get away with using a dewy foundation, but it takes some extra steps to make it work.
First, you need to start with a clean and well-moisturized face, as it will helps create a smooth, even canvas for your foundation.
Second, use a mattifying primer and apply it on your t-zone and other areas that tend to get shiny throughout the day.
Lastly, set your foundation with a translucent powder to help control shine and keep your makeup in place all day long.
If you have oily skin, using a dewy foundation might require more touch-ups during the day as you might need to blot any excess oil and re-apply a mattifying powder.
Another way to get a dewy look is to use a matte foundation and apply a light-reflecting powder on top or a highlighter to the high points of the face for a natural-looking glow.
Read More: How To Apply Primer, Foundation, And Concealer?
For Dry Skin
If you have dry skin, a matte foundation can cause your makeup to look flaky, while a dewy foundation will help add some extra hydration and give your skin a healthy-looking glow.
Using a matte foundation on dry skin can be tricky as it requires a lot of prep work before you even start applying your foundation.
First, ensure your skin is well-moisturized, as it will help create a smooth, even canvas for your foundation.
Second, use a hydrating primer to help add some extra hydration and create a barrier between your skin and the matte foundation.
Last, apply your foundation in thin layers and build up the coverage as needed.
Or, you can use a lightweight, natural finish foundation instead. These foundations have a slight sheen that will help give your skin some extra radiance without looking very flat.
TIP: Use a full-coverage concealer to hide blemishes and other skin imperfections, and apply a dewy foundation to the rest of the face for a luminous finish.
Read More: Concealer Vs. Foundation
For Mature Skin
A thick and matte foundation can emphasize your wrinkles if you have mature skin. It might also crease and settle into fine lines, making them more visible.
A dewy foundation will help give your skin a healthy and youthful glow, and it will also help hydrate your skin and minimize the appearance of wrinkles.
Choose a foundation with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid to help plump the skin. Avoid using a heavy matte foundation, as it can make your skin look older.
Or you can use a lightweight water-based foundation or a satin finish foundation to give your skin some radiance while minimizing wrinkles’ appearance.
Related: Best Powder Foundations For older skin
Best Matte Foundations
Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation
This foundation is ideal for normal to oily skin types. It’s very affordable and easy to find at any drugstore. The formula is lightweight, buildable, and doesn’t look heavy on the skin.
It blends easily with a brush or a sponge, giving the skin a nice matte finish that lasts all day long.
The only downside is that the bottle doesn’t come with a pump, so you have to pour it out, which can get messy. The formula is very runny, so you must be careful not to pour too much.
To get medium coverage, apply a small amount to the back of your hand and dab it gently on the skin, starting from the areas where you need the most coverage.
The formula is very smooth, and it helps to blur the look of large pores too.
Related: Best Foundations For Big Pores
Clinique Stay Matte Oil-Free Makeup
This foundation is one of my all-time favorites, ideal for normal to oily skin types. The formula is lightweight, buildable, and doesn’t look heavy on the skin.
It has a soft matte finish that helps to control shine and lasts all day long.
I like to use this foundation on special occasions when I need my makeup to look flawless.
Blend it with a buffing brush to get medium to full coverage. For a satin finish, you can use a makeup sponge instead.
Catrice HD Liquid Coverage Foundation
This foundation has a lightweight formula that’s also buildable.
It has a nice matte finish that looks beautiful on the skin and lasts all day long.
It comes with a dropper, so you can control how much foundation you use.
I like to apply it with a damp beauty sponge for a satin finish or with a buffing brush for a matte finish.
The only downside is that it can look dry if you use too much, so be sure to start with a small amount and build up the coverage as needed.
Best Dewy Foundations
MY ARMANI CUSHION TO GO FOUNDATION
This a great foundation for normal to dry skin types. It has a medium coverage formula that’s also buildable.
The formula is also very lightweight and feels comfortable on the skin.
Even though it’s a cushion foundation, I am not a fan of applying it with the sponge that comes with it.
I prefer a regular foundation brush as the sponge leaves streaks on the skin.
The foundation has a natural dewy finish that looks beautiful on the skin and lasts all day long without looking oily.
bareMinerals COMPLEXION RESCUE Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream SPF 30
This is another great foundation for normal to dry skin types. The formula is very lightweight and buildable.
It has a nice and dewy finish that looks natural on the skin.
It also contains SPF 30, so it’s perfect for everyday wear.
I like to apply it with my fingers as it blends easily into the skin without looking streaky.
The only downside is that it doesn’t last as long as some other foundations, so it might not be the best choice for a long day or night out.
It comes in a wide range of shades, so it should be easy to find one that matches your skin tone.
Maybelline dream BB Fresh
This is a great BB cream for normal to dry skin types. It has a lightweight formula that’s also buildable.
The finish is dewy and looks natural on the skin.
It’s also easy to blend and doesn’t emphasize dry patches or wrinkles.
It’s an excellent option for an everyday minimal makeup look, and it’s also very affordable.
The only downside is that it doesn’t come in a wide range of shades, so it might be difficult to find one that matches your skin tone.
Related: BB Cream Vs Foundation
How Do You Make Your Matte Foundation Look Dewy?
There are many ways to thin out a matte foundation and make it look dewy.
Matte foundations can have a thick formula that is difficult to blend, especially if you have dry skin.
Add a few drops of face oil to your foundation, as this will help to add moisture to the foundation and give it a dewy finish.
Make sure to add a small amount of oil, as too much can cause your foundation to separate on your skin.
If you don’t have face oil, add a few drops of moisturizer or hydrating serum to your foundation.
This will also help to add moisture to the foundation and make it easier to apply. Use a lightweight moisturizer and avoid rich formulas, as they can make your skin look oily instead of dewy.
You can also mix your foundation with a hydrating primer or a liquid luminizer.
This trick will help to add some glow and radiance to your skin.
Start with a small amount of primer, as too much can make your foundation look greasy.
Another way is to mix your matte foundation with another dewy foundation. Mixing two different foundations is a great way to get the perfect finish for your skin.
The key is to start with a small amount of each foundation and add more as needed.
Not all foundations can mix well, but it’s fun to experiment with your makeup and see what works best for your skin.
TIP: When applying your matte foundation, use a damp beauty sponge or spray your buffing brush with a face mist, as this will help create a dewy finish.
Related: Can You Mix Foundation With Water?
How Can I Look Dewy But Not Oily?
The key to achieving a dewy but not oily look is to prep the skin correctly and use the right products.
Start by cleansing your face and hydrating the skin using a lightweight moisturizer that wears well under makeup. Avoid heavy moisturizers, as they can make your skin look greasy.
Once your skin is hydrated, apply a mattifying primer to help control shine. You don’t need to use the primer all over your face; focus on the areas that tend to get oily during the day, such as your t-zone.
Choose a foundation with a slightly dewy or satin finish, as this will help to add radiance to your skin without looking oily.
Set your foundation with a translucent powder, focusing on the areas that tend to get oily. This will help to keep your foundation in place and prevent your skin from looking shiny.
Finish by applying a sheer liquid highlighter to the high points of your face, such as your cheekbones and brow bone.
Conclusion: Is Dewy Or Matte Foundation Better?
When choosing a dewy or matte foundation, there is no right or wrong answer. It depends on your preference and what works best for your skin type.
If you have oily skin, you might prefer a matte foundation as it can help control shine and minimize the appearance of pores.
If you have dry skin, a dewy foundation can help add radiance and moisture to your skin.
The best way to find out is to experiment with both finishes and see what you like best. And don’t forget, you can always mix your foundation with your moisturizer or face oil to create your perfect finish!
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