Matte vs. Dewy Makeup | Finding Your Perfect Finish
Written by: Gracie Gillis
The world of makeup can be confusing to navigate, from which products are best for your skin type to which looks suit you best. Let’s dive deeper into both matte and dewy makeup to help you decide which one is right for your skin type and personal style.
Matte Makeup: The Oil-Control Savior
Matte makeup is known for its smooth, shine-free finish, and it's particularly effective for people with oily and combination skin. Here’s a few benefits of matte makeup that could make it the right choice for you:
Oil Absorption: Matte formulas tend to absorb excess oil, giving you a flawless, long-lasting base without the need for constant touch-ups throughout the day.
Long-Lasting: Because matte foundations and powders tend to have a drier texture, they are more likely to stay in place for longer periods, making them ideal for those who need their makeup to last from morning to night.
Minimizes Pores: Matte formulas often have a blurring effect on pores, creating a smoother, more even canvas. This is particularly beneficial for those with larger pores or textured skin.
If you have combination skin, matte makeup allows you to target your oily T-zone while still maintaining hydration on drier areas. Opt for a matte foundation in your oily zones, and consider a more hydrating option for dry areas.
One aspect to keep in mind is matte makeup can sometimes feel heavy or drying on already dry skin, so if you have dry or sensitive skin, you might want to proceed cautiously with full matte coverage, and instead, incorporate moisturizing primers or setting sprays to balance things out.
Dewy Makeup: For a Fresh, Glowing Finish
Dewy makeup, on the other hand, delivers a radiant, luminous finish that gives the skin a healthy, glowing appearance. This glowy finish is very popular right now and is a great option if you're looking for a more youthful and fresh-faced look. Here’s why dewy makeup might be your go-to:
Hydration Boost: Dewy makeup formulas often include hydrating ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or oils, which help keep the skin moisturized throughout the day. This makes it ideal for dry skin, as it creates a smooth, supple base that won’t cling to dry patches or create a flaky finish.
Natural Glow: If you're aiming for a natural, fresh-faced makeup look, dewy formulas can help achieve that effortlessly. The radiant finish can mimic the look of healthy, well-moisturized skin.
Light to Medium Coverage: Dewy foundations typically offer more natural, buildable coverage, which is great for those who prefer a subtle look. It’s perfect if you like a fresh, skin-like appearance rather than a full, matte mask.
If your skin is dry or sensitive, dewy makeup can be a lifesaver, as it will prevent your makeup from feeling too tight or heavy. However, if you find that your skin gets oily as the day progresses, you might want to set your dewy makeup with a light layer of translucent powder in the areas where you get the oiliest.
Matte or Dewy? The Key Differences
Matte Makeup:
Best for oily, combination, or acne-prone skin
Oil-absorbing and long-lasting
Provides a smooth, matte finish
Helps control shine and minimizes the appearance of pores
Dewy Makeup:
Ideal for dry, sensitive, or mature skin
Adds a fresh, radiant glow to the skin
Contains hydrating ingredients for a smooth, supple texture
Gives a more natural, healthy finish
How to Make Matte and Dewy Finishes Work for You
No matter your skin type, you can find a way to achieve either matte or dewy results with the right products and techniques.
For Matte Makeup:
Primer is Key: Choose a mattifying primer if you have oily skin, focusing on areas like the T-zone. This creates a smooth surface for your foundation to glide over and last longer.
Choose the Right Foundation: Look for oil-free, long-wearing formulas that are designed to control shine throughout the day.
Setting Powder: If you have oily skin, always finish with a translucent setting powder to lock everything in place and absorb excess oil.
Avoid Over-Powdering: For combination skin, be mindful not to over-powder dry areas, as it can lead to a patchy or cakey finish.
For Dewy Makeup:
Hydrate: Start with a good moisturizer to prep your skin, ensuring a smooth canvas for your dewy foundation.
Use a Radiant Foundation: Look for foundations with light-reflecting particles or dewy finishes to create a glowing complexion.
Avoid Matte Powders: Instead, opt for a setting spray with a dewy finish to maintain that glow throughout the day without dulling your skin’s natural radiance.
Highlight Strategically: For an extra glow, add highlighter to the high points of your face, such as the cheekbones, nose bridge, and cupid’s bow.
So, Which Finish Suits You Best?
In the end, whether you go matte or dewy depends on your skin type and the kind of finish you prefer. Matte makeup is perfect for those looking for oil control and a smooth, shine-free finish, while dewy makeup is ideal for those seeking a healthy, hydrated natural glow. Remember that your makeup routine doesn’t have to be one or the other—mix and match products to create a balanced look that works for your skin.
We hope this guide helps you choose the perfect finish for your complexion and makeup goals. Whether you're a fan of the polished matte look or the radiant dewy finish, experimenting with different products will allow you to elevate your base and discover your ideal makeup style! Check out our other blogs here for more makeup tips and recs!