How to Get Dewy Skin

If you love the natural clean look of dewy skin, it's easy to achieve! To get the look without applying makeup products, make lifestyle changes that will improve the health of your skin. You can also apply natural oils to moisturize your skin and give it a gentle shine. If you'd like to use makeup to get the dewy look, choose skincare products that illuminate and highlight your fresh face. Use makeup sparingly and apply strategic pops of color to pull the look together.

EditSteps

EditTaking a Natural Approach

Wash your face every day. Always wash your hands before you wash your face. Then, clip or tie back your hair so it is out of the way. Splash your face with tepid water to wet it. Then gently rub a mild cleanser onto the skin taking care not to get soap in your eyes, nose, or mouth. Wash off the cleanser using clean water to remove oil and dead skin cells.^[1]
- Use a gentle cleanser that doesn't dry or irritate your skin. Look for one that's designed to match your skin type. For example, if you have oily skin, look for a deep-cleanser that will remove oil without stripping your skin.
- If you have dry skin, choose a cleanser that will moisturize as you wash.
- You may also need to remove any makeup you have on using a makeup remover product first.
Exfoliate your skin 2 to 3 times per week. Since your skin cells can become clogged, it's important to gently exfoliate your skin a few times each week. Purchase a product that will slough away dead skin cells. Wet your face and gently work it into your skin, then use cool water to rinse it off. Exfoliating will prevent blemishes and help your skin look bright.^[2]
- Avoid products that contain large pieces of physical exfoliants, such as nut shells and fruit pits. Opt for exfoliants that contain fine ingredients, such as sugar and baking soda, or go with a chemical exfoliant, such as a cleanser with alpha-hydroxy acid in it.^[3]
- Be gentle when you exfoliate or you could irritate your skin. Exfoliating too frequently may also dry out skin and make it appear red.
- Keep in mind that there are different type of exfoliating products. Depending on the type you use, you may want to exfoliate more or less often. For example, if you are using a gentle exfoliating product, then you can exfoliate 2 to 3 times per week.
Spritz your skin with diluted oil. Fill a small spray bottle with 2 parts of water and 1 part of a natural oil. Shake the bottle and spritz it over your skin throughout the day to give it a naturally dewy glow. If you also choose to apply makeup, you can spritz your face after putting the makeup on. Some good oil options include:^[4]
- Marula oil, which may help to reduce the signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles.^[5]
- Jasmine oil, which has a pleasant scent and may benefit dry skin.
- Lavender oil, which has a soothing effect on your skin along with a relaxing scent.
- Sweet almond oil, which can help to minimize fine lines and provide antioxidant protection.
Eat a healthy diet every day. Include fruits, vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and healthy fats to create a balanced diet that nurtures your skin. Eating a variety of healthy nutrients will help your skin repair and maintain itself so it looks dewy.^[6]
- The healthy fats are especially important for dewy skin. Eat salmon, avocado, nuts, and seeds for a good source of healthy fats.
Drink water throughout the day. Your skin will appear healthier if you stay hydrated so it's important to drink water and eat foods that contain liquid, such as fruit and vegetables. Aim for 8 glasses of liquid including the liquid from food you eat. Staying hydrated will flush toxins from your body so your skin looks bright.^[7]
- Your skin will also look more youthful if you cut back on alcohol and caffeine.
- If you're tired of drinking water, drink herbal teas or fruit-infused water.
Get more sleep. Your body repairs and restores your skin faster while you sleep so try to get at least 7 hours of sleep every night. This can prevent your skin from looking tired or dull.^[8]
- If you can't get more nighttime sleep, try to sneak a few naps during the day. This will also make your skin look energized and rested.

EditAchieving Dewy Skin with Makeup

Apply a creamy moisturizer to your face. Start with clean skin that you've already washed and patted dry. Then spread a dime-sized amount of cream-based moisturizer evenly over your cheeks, forehead, nose, chin, and neck. Use the tips of your fingers to rub the moisturizer deep into your skin. This will make the skin look plump and dewy.^[9]
- For extra hydration, mix in a drop of cold-pressed avocado oil. This will give the moisturizer a little extra shine.
- Use your index or pinky finger to apply the moisturizer over your brow bone and around your eyes.
Massage a vitamin-rich foundation into your skin. Choose a product that contains vitamin C and SPF. Then dab finger tips or a soft makeup sponge into a little foundation and rub it evenly into your skin so it gets deep into your pores. Use a circular motion so the foundation blends in. It's important to use a light foundation that won't cover the details of your skin, such as freckles.^[10]
- This will act as a primer that evens your skin tone and makes your skin shine.
- For a little extra color, you can use a lightly tinted foundation or moisturizer.
Use a concealer only to cover up blemishes or undereye circles. Dab just a little concealer with a sponge or your finger onto trouble spots as needed. If you're using a concealer wand, dot a few circles of product on trouble spots and blend it in with your finger. Don't get carried away with correcting and coloring your skin, since your naturally hydrated skin should be visible.^[11]
Apply a powder to areas that are extremely oily. Instead of brushing a powder over all of your skin, use a small powder or fan brush to pat just a little powder onto areas that are very oily. For example, if your T-zone or chin are too oily or shiny, brush a little powder on the area to match the level of shine to the rest of your face.^[12]
Use highlighter to accent your cheeks. Highlighter will help to give your skin the appearance of dewiness, even if it is not dewy. Apply highlighter to your cheekbones, brow bones, the bridge of your nose, and on your cupid’s bow, which is the V right in the center of your upper lip.^[13]
Add a pop of color to your cheeks and lips. Rub a little cream blush between your fingers or dab some stain on the apples of your cheeks. Massage the color into your cheeks to make them rosy. Then apply your favorite lipstick for another burst of color that plays up your dewy complexion.^[14]