One of the most fun parts of makeup is how it lets you switch up your vibe. Some days you want that radiant, glass-skin glow. Other times, you’re all about a smooth, shine-free, velvety finish. Enter the two most iconic makeup styles: dewy and matte.
But how do you actually achieve these looks? And which one should you go for? Let’s dive in.
DEWY MAKEUP LOOK
A dewy makeup look is all about fresh, radiant, almost “lit-from-within” skin. Think hydrated, plump, and glowing, as if you’ve just stepped out of a spa.
How to Achieve a Dewy Look:
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Start with skincare: Hydration is key. Use a lightweight moisturizer and hydrating serum.
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Choose luminous base products: Opt for a radiant or dewy-finish foundation or tinted moisturizer.
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Use cream products: Cream blush, bronzer, and highlighter melt into the skin, giving a natural glow.
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Strategic highlighting: Apply highlighter on the high points of your face (cheekbones, brow bone, tip of the nose) for that subtle gleam.
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Lip oil or gloss: Keep the glow consistent with juicy, hydrated lips.
Best For: Dry to normal skin types, or when you want a soft, youthful, radiant finish.
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MATTE MAKEUP LOOK
A matte look is sleek, smooth, and shine-free. It’s all about creating a flawless, even finish that lasts all day without looking oily.
How to Achieve a Matte Look:
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Prep with primer: A mattifying primer helps control oil and smooth out skin texture.
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Matte foundation or powder: Go for a long-wear matte foundation or set your base with a translucent powder.
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Opt for powders over creams: Powder blushes, bronzers, and highlighters will keep everything in place without adding shine.
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Defined lips: Pair with a matte lipstick or liquid lip for a chic, polished vibe.
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Setting spray: Lock it all in with a matte finish spray.
Best For: Oily or combination skin types, special events, or when you want a more polished, photo-ready finish.
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DEWY VS MATTE: WHICH ONE SHOULD YOU CHOOSE.
Here’s the truth: there’s no “better” look. It all depends on your skin type, the weather, and your mood.
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Dewy is great when you want to look fresh, natural, and radiant.
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Matte works best when you need long-lasting, shine-free glam that stays put.
And the best part? You don’t have to pick one forever. You can switch between both, or even mix them a matte base with a touch of cream highlighter gives you the best of both worlds.
Dewy vs. matte isn’t about rules, it’s about options. Whether you love glowing, radiant skin or a flawless, shine-free finish, both looks let you express yourself in different ways.
So go ahead: play with textures, try both styles, and find what makes you feel most confident.