The best dewy foundations for a natural-looking glow

Dewy make-up is all the rage at the moment. We're seeing more and more people opt for radiant, luminous skin over a matte finish, and we're big fans. So, what is the best foundation to buy for that dewy finish? That's where we come in.

We've taken it upon ourselves to test some of the best dewy foundations on the market, to see if they can really give us that sought-after glow. From YSL and Rimmel to MAC and more, we've given some of the most popular brands a go, so keep on scrolling to see our honest thoughts.

Believe it or not, there is more to dewy skin than just a foundation. We've spoken to Linda Cantello, International Make-up Artist at Armani Beauty, and Anthony H. Nguyen, KVD Beauty's Global Veritas Artistry Ambassador, about how to achieve a dewy make-up look, including how to prep the skin and how to set your foundation in place.

If dewy skin isn't your thing, not to fear, as we've also got guides to the best foundation for dry skin, the best foundation for oily skin, the best foundation for acne-prone skin and even the best drugstore foundations. If you like to avoid foundation altogether, why not check out our roundup of the best tinted moisturisers? Don't say we don't treat you.

How should I prep my skin for a dewy foundation?

When it comes to a dewy base, it's all about the skin prep. "If skin does not look good, then neither will any make-up that is then applied. Make-up, in my opinion, is an enhancer, not a mask," says Cantello.

For a dewy look, Nguyen recommends applying your favourite moisturiser before foundation so that skin looks hydrated. If you have an oily complexion, you can also use a primer to help your foundation stay in place, however only apply it to areas where you get the most shine, such as your nose or forehead, and let the rest of your natural radiance come through.

How can I make my foundation look more dewy?

So, you've prepped the skin and bought one the best dewy foundations for your skin type. The next step is actually applying it. You can use your hands, a sponge or a brush depending on how much coverage you want. After blending it into the skin, Nguyen recommends using a setting spray to make it even more dewy. Something like the Rare Beauty Always An Optimist 4-in-1 Mist or the Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray Extra Glow should do the trick.

Cantello also recommends adding a highlighter, such as the Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer Liquid Highlighter, to the cheekbones for extra radiance.

Is a dewy foundation suitable for all skin types?

Although oily skin types might shy away from dewy foundations, they can actually be used on all skin types, not just dry skin. As mentioned above, the secret is all in the prep. If you do find yourself getting oilier throughout the day, we recommend packing a powder in your bag to keep shine at bay.

The best dewy foundations to buy now

1. Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation

We're sure you've all heard of this foundation, and in our opinion, it's one of the best dewy foundations you can buy. It looks super natural on the skin, and gives you that 'lit from within' look. It offers medium coverage, but it is buildable, so you can also get a full coverage finish if you desire.

2. Rimmel Kind and Free Skin Tint Moisturising Foundation

If you're looking for a more affordable dewy foundation, you can't go wrong with this one from Rimmel. The formula is slightly heavier than a tinted moisturiser but lighter than your usual foundation, and leaves a gorgeous glowy finish on the skin. Again this offers medium coverage, and it's worth nothing that if you do have oiler skin, you'll probably need to set this in place with a bit of powder.

3. KVD Beauty Good Apple Serum Foundation

New from KVD Beauty is the Good Apple Serum Foundation. This foundation was designed with combination to oily skin types in mind and has a natural, satin finish which lets a little bit of dewiness come through. The best thing about this is that it offers full coverage whilst still letting your skin look like skin. We're big fans.

4. Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish Sublime Perfection Foundation

This is one of our beauty writer's favourite foundations of all time. The oil-free formula glides onto the skin, with buildable, medium coverage. It's really lightweight, and leaves you with a radiant-looking complexion.

5. Jones Road What The Foundation

This foundation has been capturing everyone's attention as of late, and it's not hard to see why. The unique, balm formula is ideal for dry skin, with nourishing ingredients like jojoba oil and sodium hyaluronate that help it to blend seamlessly into your complexion. It offers light to medium coverage with a luminous, dewy finish. It's worth noting that if you do want more of a heavier foundation look, we would recommend one of the other options.

6. MAC Studio Radiance Face And Body Radiant Sheer Foundation

If you don't want too much coverage, then you'll really like this option from MAC. It feels lightweight on the skin and leaves you with a natural-looking glow. The only downside? You would probably need to use a concealer on top if you did want to cover any blemishes.

7. Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat Le Teint Foundation

If you've used the YSL's iconic Touche Éclat highlighter, then you're going to want to try this. The medium coverage foundation has a non-comedogenic formula that promotes a healthy glow, leaving you looking positively radiant.

8. NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation

Looking for a dewy foundation that will last all day? Look no further. The NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation gives you a beautiful glow that will last you the long run. No creasing or sliding here.