In a world that’s increasingly leaning into natural, effortless beauty, one term continues to pop up across skincare aisles, TikTok tutorials, and Instagram reels: dewy skin. But what exactly is dewy skin? Is it oily? Is it makeup? Is it skincare? And more importantly, how do you get it?
If you’ve been scrolling through your favorite beauty influencer’s page or browsing the latest clean beauty products, chances are you’ve encountered phrases like “dewy finish,” “glowy complexion,” or “fresh, radiant skin.” They all point to the same beauty goal: skin that looks luminous, plump, and healthy, like you’ve just come from a facial or had a full 10 hours of uninterrupted sleep (even if you didn’t).
Let’s break down what “dewy skin” really means, how it differs from other beauty looks, why it’s so popular, and how you can achieve it even if your skin’s more Sahara than spa.
What Is Dewy Skin?
In the simplest terms, dewy skin refers to skin that appears fresh, hydrated, luminous, and radiant. It’s not greasy or oily, rather, it glows subtly as if lit from within.
Think of it like this:
💧 Dewy skin = healthy, well-moisturized, and softly radiant.
It has a natural sheen, often on the high points of the face, like the cheekbones, bridge of the nose, forehead, and chin, where the light naturally hits. The dewy aesthetic embraces moisture and glow, unlike matte finishes that reduce shine and create a velvety look.
Dewy vs. Oily: What’s the Difference?
This is where a lot of confusion happens, especially for those with oily or combination skin. Dewy skin is not the same as oily skin.
| Feature | Dewy Skin | Oily Skin |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Radiant, healthy glow | Excess shine, especially in the T-zone |
| Feel | Soft and hydrated | Greasy or slick |
| Purpose | Intentional and polished | Often unintentional and hard to manage |
| Products Used | Hydrating skincare, light-reflecting makeup | Natural skin oils + lack of oil control |
While both may involve shine, dewy skin is a controlled glow that you create using skincare and makeup, whereas oily skin is a result of overactive sebaceous glands.
Why Is Dewy Skin So Popular?
The popularity of dewy skin comes down to a few cultural and aesthetic shifts:
1. The Wellness Glow
People are now more invested in self-care and skin health than ever. Dewy skin symbolizes good health, proper hydration, and a balanced skincare routine.
2. The Rise of Minimalist Beauty
With the rise of “skinimalism” and clean beauty, full-coverage foundations are taking a backseat to tinted moisturizers, serums, and sheer coverage products that let your natural skin shine through.
3. The K-Beauty Influence
Korean beauty trends have had a massive global impact. Concepts like “glass skin,” “honey skin,” and “cloudless skin” all emphasize hydration, layering, and luminosity — core components of the dewy look.
4. Celebrities & Influencers
From Hailey Bieber’s signature glazed-donut look to Billie Eilish’s clean girl glow, everyone’s flaunting skin that looks radiant, not overly made-up. And social media has made this look aspirational and accessible.
What Does Dewy Skin Say About You?
Beauty psychology plays a role here. Dewy skin is often associated with:
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Youthfulness
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Vitality and wellness
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Softness and femininity
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A calm, balanced lifestyle
In essence, it tells the world, “I take care of myself, and it shows.”
How to Achieve Dewy Skin: Skincare First, Makeup Second
You can’t fake dewy skin without laying the foundation (literally) through skincare. Here’s how to build your glow from the ground up:
Step 1: Hydration is Key
Start with a gentle cleanser followed by a hydrating toner or essence. Look for ingredients like:
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Hyaluronic acid
-
Glycerin
-
Aloe vera
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Rose water
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Squalane
💦 The goal is to keep moisture in, not strip it away.
Step 2: Layer Lightweight Moisture
Use a serum followed by a moisturizer that suits your skin type. Dewy skin is about soft layering, not heavy product build-up.
-
For dry skin: Use richer creams or facial oils (like jojoba or marula).
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For oily skin: Use water-based moisturizers that hydrate without clogging pores.
Step 3: Sunscreen, Always
A lightweight, dewy-finish SPF protects your skin while adding that subtle healthy sheen. Look for SPFs labeled “hydrating” or “luminous.”
Step 4: Dewy Makeup Tricks
If you’re adding makeup to your look, go for formulas that enhance, not mask, your natural glow.
Foundation:
Choose light coverage foundations, skin tints, or BB/CC creams with a luminous finish.
Highlighter:
Liquid or cream highlighters work best for dewy looks. Tap them onto the tops of cheekbones, brow bones, and the cupid’s bow.
Blush:
Cream blushes melt into the skin for that juicy, flushed look — much more dewy than powders.
Setting Spray:
Instead of mattifying powder, use a dewy-finish setting spray to lock in moisture and enhance glow.
Tips for All Skin Types
Dry Skin:
Lean into facial oils, overnight masks, and creamy makeup textures.
Oily Skin:
Use gel moisturizers and oil-controlling primers. You can still rock a dewy finish — just avoid the T-zone or use matte products strategically.
Combination Skin:
Balance is key. Focus dewy products on the cheekbones and high points, and control shine in oil-prone areas.
Dewy Skin in 2025: The New Natural
This trend isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. In 2025, dewy skin is becoming less of a trend and more of a beauty standard. It reflects a cultural shift toward embracing skin texture, prioritizing skincare over heavy foundation, and favoring routines that support long-term glow over short-term cover-ups.
Expect more products labeled with terms like “hydrating glow,” “glazed finish,” or “lit-from-within.” Even matte-focused brands are launching radiant options as the demand for skin-focused beauty continues to grow.
At its core, the dewy skin trend is about embracing the natural beauty of real, healthy skin. It encourages us to invest in self-care, hydration, and minimal enhancement, not heavy masking.
Whether you’re aiming for that glistening cheekbone moment or just want to feel refreshed and radiant, dewy skin is accessible to everyone. With the right skincare and just a touch of the right makeup, you can glow like the best of them, no filters required.
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