The epitome of healthy skin is a radiant, glowing complexion that isn’t dull, flaky, or lackluster, but how does one achieve such a look without looking greasy by lunchtime—especially during the warm-weather months?
How to get dewy skin
The answer is easier than you may think, but you’re going to have to be prepared to put in a little effort to achieve the glossier-model status dewy glow the clean and natural way—let’s do this.
Start with a solid skin care routine
This may seem like an elementary tip, but there’s no way you can transform a parched, flaky, lackluster complexion into a glowing one if you’re not taking good care of your skin—every day and night.
Sure, there are some tricks of the trade that can give you that ethereal look (more on that later!), but there’s no such thing as a quick fix.
1. Exfoliate at least one-to-two times a week
Do not skip the exfoliation step in your routine folks. It’s important because it decongests pores and reduces the appearance of dullness, thus revealing a naturally radiant and glowing complexion!
It will also make it easier for the rest of your products in your routine to absorb into your skin, so you’ll achieve a better result from the active ingredients. Look for a natural formula with clean and organic ingredients such as olive oil, aloe vera, and gentle jojoba beads.
2. Apply a hydrating serum
A serum is going to give you that extra boost of moisture and antioxidant protection without a lot of weight. For daytime use, opt for a gel or a light, viscous serum over an oil that could potentially be too greasy if you overdo it.
One of the best ingredients you can look for when it comes to achieving a glow is hyaluronic acid. This natural “sponge” pulls water towards the skin, which in turn increases hydration, radiance, and creates a temporary plumping effect.
Another great ingredient for hydration boost is vitamin C. Along with caring for your skin’s natural defenses, it’s also formulated to improve the appearance of one’s skin tone.
3. Don’t skip the moisturizer
Even if you have oily skin, don’t skip the moisturizer step—just don’t overdo it either. Avoid anything too thick during the day. Instead, opt for a lighter formula that relies on ingredients like that trusted and true hyaluronic acid to provide superior hydration without heaviness.
A formula with essential oils is also a great choice for balancing your skin’s natural oils. A good moisturizer helps your skin retain water and balance your complexion, but it also helps your makeup last longer and appear fresher.
4. Use a hydrating mask once a week
Give your skin an extra moisture boost by applying a hydrating mask, such as our Coconut Honey Mask, at least once a week. Not only will it seal in extra moisture, but it will leave your skin soft and radiant, provide an instant glow, defy your age, and improve the appearance of your skin tone.
As with your serum and moisturizer, look for natural formulas with nourishing oils like avocado and jojoba, soothing aloe and oatmeal, hydrating hyaluronic acid, reparative vitamin E, and essential oils. This is truly a no excuses step as sleep/overnight masks are all the rage now, so simply replace your nighttime moisturizer with this specific type of treatment.
Use the right makeup
Makeup can enhance your features, but it can also mask them to the point where you no longer look natural (there goes that glow!). But when used correctly, you can achieve a luminous complexion that compliments your skin care routine.
5. Lighten’ up your foundation
We get it, you want some coverage—but thick, pancake-like foundations are a surefire way to turn your glow into simple burning embers. Play it safe by using a light-reflecting formula made with non-comedogenic natural mica powder.
Follow up with a slightly thicker concealer only in the areas you need extra coverage, like under your eyes or over a blemish. Another option is to first apply a light-reflecting primer and then your regular foundation—this is particularly a good idea for those who have a problem keeping their makeup on due to oiliness. On the other hand, in case you don’t know which foundation is best for you, we have a Minerals Foundation Kit that cotain all of our 8 shades in our sample size kit collection. Try it out now.
6. Powder strategically
Even if you’re tempted to place that puff or brush over the entire surface of your face, don’t. Powder immediately dulls the light-reflecting properties and zaps essential moisture—it can also settle into fine lines and wrinkles which makes them appear more prominent. Instead, apply a light dusting of loose powder in your natural “glow zones” such as your forehead, nose, and chin.
7. Opt for a cream blush
The no-powder rule applies here, too, so opt for a creamy blush formula that can be applied with your fingers or a brush. Blend for a natural, dewy, inner-glow appearance.
8. Highlight with care
Yes, we know you want your skin to appear dewy, but in a natural manner—not like a shiny disco ball. With that in mind, avoid highlighters with discernible amounts of glitter in them—save those for the holidays when you want to add a little pizazz to your party ensemble—as they can make you appear oily versus gleaming.
It’s all in the name “highlight,” so remember that you’re not applying this product everywhere. The secret to dewy skin is knowing where to place the “light” so it looks natural. Typically this is under the brow bone, the center of the eyelids, the apples of the cheeks, the inner-corner of the eyes, the bridge of the nose, and the cupid’s bow.
Use the right tools
Sure, having a set of professional (even semi-professional) vegan brushes is never a bad idea, but if you’re going to pull off a natural, ethereal look, you need this one thing:
9. Invest in a variety of sponges for blending
Nothing looks more unnatural than caked on makeup, so to ensure your skin looks dewy, apply your foundation with a damp sponge (formulated for cosmetic use) using light strokes. You’ll achieve more even, distributed coverage that makes it hard to notice if you’re even wearing makeup at all.
Revive your skin throughout the day
To maintain your natural glow, give your skin a touch up instead of your makeup throughout the day.
10. Use oil blotting papers to soak up excess sebum
Now, you don’t want to take away all of the oil or you will wind up with a matte, flat complexion, but oil blotting papers are a great way to soak up extra oil without disrupting your makeup. Stick to excessively oily areas such as your t-zone.
11. Apply a couple of drops of natural face oil
Literally, just a couple of drops! Warm them up in your hand and then gently pat them into your skin for an instantaneous pick-me-up. Choose a blend with essential oils that are catered to your skin type. If you’re not sure, opt for geranium as it is an adaptable oil that balances oil production and conditions the skin no matter what type you have.
12. Mist your skin throughout the day
Makeup setting sprays often contain alcohol and can actually dry out the skin, so there goes that glow! Instead, mist your face with an alcohol-free toner, like our Botanical Hydration Mist with Immortelle, or essence to hydrate, refresh, and protect your skin from environmental stressors.
Take care of your skin from the inside out
Even if you’re taking care of your skin on the outside with a solid product regimen, nothing can replace a good diet when it comes to achieving a radiant complexion—not even all of the trendy supplements that are currently on the market.
13. Eat vitamin-rich foods that promote dewy skin.
Eliminate junk food, drink approximately two liters of distilled/purified water a day, and eat a diet that’s abundant in fatty fish like salmon, avocados, sweet potatoes, broccoli, tomatoes, sunflower seeds, red and yellow bell peppers, walnuts, dark chocolate, soy, green tea, and red wine—in moderation.
