7 Simple Steps to Achieve the Perfect Dewy Summer Makeup Look

 With summer’s arrival, achieving a fresh, radiant makeup look that lasts all day becomes the beauty goal for many. The dewy makeup trend is taking over because it gives your skin that healthy, glowing look that feels light, breathable, and perfect for hot weather. But how can you create this look without ending up with greasy skin by midday?

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to nail the dewy summer makeup look, address frequently asked questions, and share essential tips to ensure your makeup stays flawless and fresh, even in the heat.

Introduction: Why Dewy Summer Makeup Is Your Go-To Look

Dewy makeup is all about giving your skin a natural, hydrated glow. Unlike the matte makeup look, which focuses on controlling shine, dewy makeup embraces radiance and moisture, making your skin look plump and youthful.

During the summer, heavy foundations and powders can feel suffocating, which is why a light, dewy finish is the perfect solution. It not only complements the sunny weather but also allows your skin to breathe, keeping it fresh and glowing. Let’s dive into the simple steps to achieve this trending look.

1. Prep Your Skin for a Radiant Base

Before you even touch your makeup products, prepping your skin is essential. Dewy makeup shines best on well-hydrated skin, so make sure your skincare routine is on point.

• Cleanse: Start by cleansing your face with a gentle, hydrating cleanser to remove any dirt, oil, and impurities.
• Exfoliate: Exfoliation helps slough off dead skin cells, making your skin smoother and more receptive to hydration. Do this 2-3 times a week.
• Moisturize: Use a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid or glycerin to lock in hydration. This will give your skin a healthy glow before you even apply any makeup.
• Sunscreen: Never skip sunscreen! Choose one with at least SPF 30 that also offers a dewy finish, to protect your skin from harmful UV rays while adding an extra layer of moisture.

Pro Tip: Apply a hydrating serum or mist after your moisturizer for an extra boost of hydration.

2. Prime for Long-Lasting Makeup

A good primer is the secret to ensuring your dewy makeup stays put throughout the day, especially in hot summer weather. Look for a hydrating or illuminating primer that enhances your skin's natural glow while creating a smooth base for your foundation.

If you have oily skin, consider using a mattifying primer on your T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) and a hydrating primer on the rest of your face. This will keep excess shine at bay while still allowing your skin to glow.

3. Use a Lightweight Foundation or Tinted Moisturizer

Heavy foundations can feel uncomfortable and cakey in the heat. Instead, opt for a lightweight foundation or tinted moisturizer that provides sheer, breathable coverage. Tinted moisturizers are particularly great for summer as they offer hydration, sun protection, and light coverage all in one.

Apply the product with a damp beauty sponge for a smooth, natural finish. This technique helps your makeup blend seamlessly into the skin, enhancing its natural glow rather than covering it up.

Pro Tip: For an extra radiant finish, mix a drop of liquid highlighter into your foundation or tinted moisturizer.

4. Choose Cream-Based Products for a Natural Finish

When going for a dewy look, it’s important to use cream or liquid products rather than powders. Cream blushes, bronzers, and highlighters melt into the skin and give you a natural, radiant finish that powders can’t replicate.

For blush, opt for peachy, coral, or pink shades to give your skin a fresh, sun-kissed glow. Apply it to the apples of your cheeks, blending upwards for a lifted effect.

Highlighting is key to achieving a dewy look. Use a liquid or cream highlighter on the high points of your face, like your cheekbones, brow bone, and down the bridge of your nose. This creates a subtle, lit-from-within glow that enhances your natural features.

5. Set Your Makeup with a Dewy Setting Spray

While setting powders can often mattify the face, which contradicts the dewy look, setting sprays are the perfect alternative. Choose a dewy or hydrating setting spray that locks in your makeup while keeping your skin fresh and glowing.

A few spritzes of a setting spray with ingredients like rosewater or aloe vera will help your makeup last all day without compromising the radiant finish.

Pro Tip: Keep a mini bottle of setting spray in your bag to refresh your makeup throughout the day.

6. Add a Pop of Gloss to Complete the Look

Your lips are an important part of the dewy look. Ditch the matte lipsticks and opt for hydrating lip glosses or tinted balms instead. Nude, peach, or soft pink tones work perfectly to complement the fresh summer vibe.

For added hydration, apply a lip balm with SPF underneath your gloss to protect and nourish your lips throughout the day.

7. Touch-Up Tips to Keep Your Glow All Day

Even with the right techniques, summer heat can challenge the longevity of your makeup. Here’s how to maintain your glow:

• Blotting papers: Use them to absorb excess oil without disturbing your makeup.
• Hydrating mist: A refreshing spritz of a hydrating mist can revitalize your skin and bring back that dewy glow in the afternoon.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dewy Summer Makeup

Q: Can I achieve a dewy look if I have oily skin?
Absolutely! The key is balancing hydration with oil control. Use a mattifying primer on oily areas and choose lightweight, oil-free foundations. Stick to cream products for blush and highlighter, and finish with a dewy setting spray.

Q: How do I keep my makeup from melting in the summer heat?
To prevent makeup from melting, use long-lasting, lightweight products and apply them in thin layers. Always start with a primer, and finish with a setting spray. Keep blotting papers handy for touch-ups.

Q: What are the best products for achieving a dewy finish?
Here are some highly-rated products for a dewy look:

• Primer: Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Illuminating Primer
• Foundation: NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer
• Blush: Glossier Cloud Paint
• Highlighter: Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter
• Setting Spray: Urban Decay All Nighter Ultra Glow Setting Spray

Conclusion: Achieve a Radiant Summer Glow with Ease

Achieving the perfect dewy summer makeup look doesn’t require complicated techniques or heavy products. By focusing on hydration, using lightweight and cream-based products, and locking it all in with a dewy setting spray, you can enjoy a radiant, fresh-faced glow that lasts all day.

Whether you’re spending the day at the beach or attending a summer event, these steps will help you stay glowing, natural, and effortlessly beautiful, even in the summer heat. Keep your skincare routine hydrating, and always go light on the layers for a flawless summer-ready look.