That plump, dewy look is in, and it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. But how can you get your skin to glow and radiate when it’s far from it? You might be dealing with breakouts, dullness, dryness, etc. Well, you can try a number of skincare products and change up your routine for that, but if you want to get the look ASAP, there are ways to fake it with your makeup. Yes, it’s all about makeup magic and using the right products.
One type of makeup that can get you that dewy look is water-based products. They’re exactly what you would assume—products in which the main ingredient is water. “They are super natural looking, so if a ‘second-skin’ effect is your goal, reach for a water base!” says makeup artist Jen Tioseco. And because they have water as the key ingredient, the formulas can be hydrating, breathable, and lightweight.
Tioseco says water-based makeup works well on both dry and oily skin types, which sounds perfect to me because those types might find it hard to get that plump, dewy look. When it comes to prepping the skin, Tioseco says you’ll want to make sure your moisturizer and/or primer is oil-free. “Oil and water don’t mix, and doing so can cause your foundation to sit on top of the skin and break apart,” she explains.
As for application, how you put it on depends on the type of finish and coverage you prefer. For a sheer finish, Tioseco suggests using your fingers. For more coverage, grab a dense kabuki brush.
Want to test our a water-based formula for yourself? Take a look at some options below.
“A current personal and TikTok favorite is the Chantecaile Future Skin foundation. It definitely gives that second-skin finish and is almost undetectable on the skin,” says Tioseco.
“MAC’s Face & Body Foundation has been a staple in my kit for over 10 years—this product is sheer but buildable and leaves the skin with the most incredible glow!” Tioseco says. “Pro tip: Leave this product on a makeup pan for a few minutes, and the consistency with thicken, giving you more coverage!”
This vegan, water-based formula provides medium coverage and has SPF 15 protection. It also contains marine plant extracts that have antioxidant benefits and protect against pollution.
For that no-makeup makeup look, reach for Glossier’s Skin Tint. It’s a breathable and thin formula that has a soft-focus effect, minimizes the appearance of pores, and moisturizes the skin.
This water-based formula delivers hydrating coverage for up to 12 hours. It includes nourishing ingredients like squalane and vitamins C, E, and F.
If you’re not into liquid foundations, try this water-based formula in stick form. You’ll get radiant medium coverage and SPF protection.
The description says it’s made “to mimic the optical reflectance of a facial treatment.” So you know that you’re going to get a glowy look with this foundation. It’s infused with an RGB powder that enhances the skin’s natural tone and smoothes pores and texture.
This full-coverage foundation really does the most—it’s lightweight, waterproof, transfer-proof, and humidity-proof and has 24 hours of wear.
Armani’s foundation is always a crowd favorite. That’s because it leaves such a beautiful, luminous finish on the skin. The lightweight and hydrating formula glides on easily and can be buildable.
If you need something that’s long-lasting, try Clinique’s foundation that will have you covered for up to 24 hours. Over time, it will also improve the skin with daily wear—it targets dark spots and brightens the skin tone.
If you want a dewier look with this foundation, add a few drops of your favorite serum to it and apply. It doesn’t leave a cakey finish and controls excess oil.
Tarte’s serum-infused foundation is packed with good-for-the-skin ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and a vegan collagen complex.
Vitamin C can really make your skin glow. This serum can reduce the appearance of stretch marks, scar tissue, uneven pigmentation, and acne. It also promotes wound healing, collagen production, and smoothness.
This is my absolute favorite moisturizer because it does such a good job of plumping and hydrating my skin. It’s perfect for prepping the skin before you apply makeup.
The name says it all here. Tatcha’s moisturizer contains Japanese purple rice, an Okinawa algae blend, hyaluronic acid, and botanical extracts to heal the skin and smooth it.
I also love to use this sleeping mask at least once a week to keep my skin hydrated and soft. Every time I wear it, I end up waking up to a brighter and more refreshed face. The lightweight gel formula feels so cooling on the skin, too.
Some exfoliation and resurfacing can help target any dullness. This mask features glycolic and lactic acids to dissolve dead skin cells and fade dark spots, plus salicylic acid to minimize the appearance of pores and redness. Pineapple and papaya enzymes moisturize, soften, and brighten skin.
