Undecided whether to go for dewy or matte makeup? No prob – we’re here to help you choose!
Dewy Makeup vs Matte: Key Takeaways
- Dewy makeup vs matte makeup comes down to finish: dewy is radiant and glow-enhancing, while matte is smooth, velvety, and shine-free.
- Dewy makeup looks typically use liquid or cream formulas to create a hydrated, plump, “lit-from-within” look.
- Matte makeup looks offer more coverage and oil control, helping blur pores and deliver a long-lasting, polished finish.
- Skin type matters: dewy makeup finishes suit dry or mature skin, while matte formulas are ideal for oily or combination skin.
- Longevity differs: matte makeup tends to last longer, while dewy looks may require touch-ups throughout the day.
- Your choice depends on the look: go dewy for a fresh, natural, daytime glow; opt for matte for defined, long-wear, glam looks.
Head on over to TikTok, and you’ll quickly find out that a lot of beauty gurus are dewy makeup devotees, while others rarely stray far from their matte makeup. Either finish can be stunning, which can make choosing between matte vs. dewy makeup feel like a challenge. If you’re unsure where you land on the whole dewy finish vs. matte finish debate – or even why it matters – we’re here to clear things up.
Ahead, we’ll break down the main differences between matte and dewy makeup to help you determine which is better for you. Then, we’ll share a few tips on nailing your makeup look, whether you’re after a smooth, airbrushed finish or prefer something with a little bit more glow.
Find it all – plus a peek at our favourite products in both categories – below.
What Is Dewy Makeup?
The term “dewy” is typically used to describe products that give the skin a dewy makeup finish (meaning a glowy, naturally hydrated look). You’ll most often hear the word used to describe base makeup products, such as foundations, concealers, and blushes – it’s less commonly used for eye or lip makeup products.
Because hydration (or the appearance of it) is a key aspect of dewy makeup finishes, these products typically come in liquid or cream formulas, which tend to be more hydrating than powder makeup. They often contain nourishing ingredients, like glycerin, and can also be formulated with light-reflecting pigments to create a lit-from-within look.
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Benefits of dewy makeup looks
Dewy makeup enhances your complexion with a luminous, radiant glow that instantly makes skin look healthy and refreshed. Its hydrated finish helps create the appearance of plumper, smoother skin, adding a youthful vibrancy to your overall look. By reflecting light naturally, dewy makeup looks bring dimension and softness to the face, creating a natural-looking “lit-from-within” effect that feels effortless.
Dewy makeup finish considerations
While dewy makeup delivers a fresh, radiant finish, it can require a bit more upkeep throughout the day since its glowier texture tends to fade faster than longer-wear formulas. Because of its light-reflective finish, it may also highlight skin texture, like large pores or blemishes. And for those with naturally oily skin, the added shine might feel a little too luminous — a touch of powder in key areas can help keep the balance just right.
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What Is Matte Makeup?
Unlike dewy makeup, which is typically used to describe base makeup, matte makeup can refer to any makeup product that lacks luminosity, including matte-finish foundations, concealers, eyeshadows, and even lipsticks.
Matte face makeup tends to be a bit more full coverage than dewy face makeup and may come in liquid, cream, or powder form. Often, the formulas have oil-absorbing properties and a drier texture, making them great for oily skin. Beyond controlling shine, matte face makeup can make skin appear healthy and velvety, while creating an even base for the rest of your makeup look.
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Benefits of matte makeup looks
Matte makeup offers a smooth, velvety finish that helps create an even, polished complexion. It’s especially loved for its ability to control shine and absorb excess oil, making it a great option for long days or humid conditions. The texture tends to blur the appearance of pores and imperfections, giving skin a refined, photo-ready look. Plus, matte formulas are known for their long wear, helping makeup stay in place and look fresh from morning to night.
Matte makeup finish considerations
Matte makeup delivers a beautifully smooth finish, but it’s best paired with well-prepped, hydrated skin to maintain its flawless look. Because of its shine-free texture, it can sometimes make dry areas or fine lines more noticeable, especially if the skin isn’t moisturised beforehand. Applying a nourishing base or a touch of luminiser underneath can help keep the finish comfortable and balanced.
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Key Differences Between Matte and Dewy Makeup
Dewy makeup is luminous and radiant, while matte finish makeup tends to be smooth, velvety, and free of shine. But that’s not the only way these types of makeup differ:
| Dewy Makeup | Matte Makeup | |
|---|---|---|
| Finish | Luminous, radiant, glowy. It gives a hydrated, healthy-looking appearance with some shine | Smooth, velvety, shine-free. It creates a more uniform complexion and reduces oily appearance |
| Coverage | Typically lighter, sheer, and buildable without feeling heavy | Usually fuller coverage with a more perfected, even finish |
| Formula / Texture | Mostly liquid or cream formulas | Available in liquids, creams, and powders |
| Effect on Skin | Enhances glow, gives a plump, fresh, hydrated look | Controls shine, creates a polished, long-lasting, glam finish |
| Best for Skin Types | Ideal for dry or mature skin (adds hydration and radiance) | Ideal for oily or combination skin (helps absorb excess oil and reduce shine) |
| Occasion | Great for daytime, natural, effortless looks | Best for long-wear events or busy days requiring longevity |
| Desired Look | “No-makeup makeup”, beachy, fresh, radiant | Defined, sculpted, long-lasting, glamorous looks |
| Flexibility | Can be layered or combined with matte products for balance | Can be used alongside luminising products like highlighters |
How To Achieve a Dewy Makeup Finish
When you’re doing dewy makeup, you want to keep things feeling light and fresh. Learn how and discover our favourite products for the job below.
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Step 1: Apply a hydrating primer
The key to dewy makeup: hydrated, healthy-looking skin. Start your routine with a lightweight makeup primer, like our Plump Right Back Primer Serum. This hydrating primer is formulated with 5 superpowered electrolytes to leave the skin feeling plump and smooth, ready for makeup application.
Step 2: Apply a lightweight skin tint
Dewy skin pairs beautifully with natural makeup looks. When opting for a dewy makeup look, we like to forgo the foundation and instead apply a sheer skin tint, like the Buttermelt Glaze Soft Glow Skin Tint SPF 30. This skincare-makeup hybrid boasts a glowy (not greasy) finish and helps shield the skin from damaging UV rays that can lead to sunburns and skin damage.
To apply it, shake the bottle well, then dispense a generous amount of product onto your fingertips and blend it onto your face. Go in with more product anywhere you’d like additional coverage for a fresh, natural-looking glow.
Step 3: Add colour with a dewy blush
Dewy skin pairs perfectly with pink, flushed cheeks—the just-pinched look ties fresh-faced makeup together beautifully. To get a natural-looking, dewy flush, dot the Fat Cheeks Juicy Liquid Blush onto your cheeks, then blend out the pigment with your fingers or a damp makeup sponge.
This easy-to-apply blush comes in eight juicy, fruit-inspired shades that provide 24 hours of hydration and 12 hours of vibrant wear. If you need help choosing a shade, check out our article What Colour Blush to Wear!
Step 4: Swipe a lip gloss
Next, swipe on a tinted lip gloss or oil for a hint of colour and shine that ties your whole look together. If you need a recommendation, we love the Lip I.V. Hydrating Lip Gloss Stain—it applies like a gloss and gradually fades over time to a soft, natural-looking lip stain.
If you’d prefer something that stays glossy, the Fat Oil Lip Drip is an excellent pick (plus, it leaves your lips feeling hydrated for up to 12 hours, thanks to its lush, squalane-infused formula).
Step 5: Set your look
Last but not least, lock it all in with setting spray. For a radiant finish that lasts, we recommend using our Plump Finish Setting Spray, which is formulated with electrolytes + vitamins to provide 24hr hydration and makeup staying power.
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How To Achieve a Matte Makeup Finish
If you decide that matte makeup is more your speed, keep reading. Below, we’ll show you how to create a matte makeup look that lasts.
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Step 1: Apply a mattifying primer
Start by applying a mattifying makeup primer to create a smooth, even base for your makeup and to fight shine. We love The Marshmellow Smoothing Primer for this: It helps blur the skin and provides a soft-focus finish while extending makeup wear for up to 16 hours.
Apply it to clean, dry skin with your fingers, and wait a few minutes before proceeding to step two.
Step 2: Smooth on foundation
Next, apply your foundation. For a more natural finish, we recommend looking for a matte foundation with buildable coverage, such as Bare With Me Blur Tint Foundation. It offers up to 12 hours of hydration and helps control shine without looking ashy or cakey. Keep in mind that a little goes a long way: We suggest starting with a pea-sized amount and building up your coverage as needed.
Step 3: Opt for a matte blush and bronzer
Next, sweep on blush and bronzer to add colour and definition to your face. For a cohesive look, we recommend choosing products with a matte finish, like the Buttermelt Blush and Buttermelt Bronzer.
The former comes in 12 smooth, velvety shades (including several with shimmer if you’d like a little luminosity), while the latter comes in 10 hues to complement a range of skin tones. Plus, both are infused with mango, shea, and almond butter for a smooth, buttery feel.
Step 4: Complete your look
Complete your look by applying eyeshadow, eyeliner, or lipstick as desired. For an all-over matte look, try swapping out your usual lipstick for a matte formula, like the Smushy Matte Lip Balm.
The weightless formula is infused with sugar ceramides and mochi rice powder to lock in moisture, and it comes in 12 flattering, soft matte shades (including one untinted option). Wear it alone or swipe it on over the Lip Lingerie Lip Liner Stain for a defined lip look.
Step 5: Mist with setting spray
Once you’re satisfied with your makeup, don’t forget to set it in place. You can fight unwanted shine and extend your makeup wear for up to 16 hours with the Matte Finish Setting Spray.
If you’re headed out for a long day, stash some blotting sheets in your bag, too—they’re super helpful for tamping down on unwanted shine while you’re on the go.
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Can You Wear Matte and Dewy Makeup Together?
You can absolutely mix matte and dewy makeup—and doing so often creates a beautifully balanced, natural-looking finish. The key is to pay attention to the types of products you’re combining, since different textures layer differently on the skin.
Always start with liquids and creams before applying powders, as adding liquid formulas over powder can cause patchiness, uneven blending, or even lift the base underneath.
An easy way to mix finishes is to pair a matte foundation with a dewy blush and lip gloss for a fresh, beachy look. If you’re a dewy skin devotee, try pairing a luminous base with a soft matte lip for an effortlessly glam look.
