How to Make Dewy Makeup Last All Day

December 05, 2023

By: Marisa Petrarca | Makeup.com by L'Oréal

Using dewy makeup is one of our favorite ways to achieve healthy, hydrated-looking skin. The only downside to the “glass skin” look, however, is how easily the makeup tends to fade or turn more oily than radiant throughout the day. To find out how to prevent this and get glowy makeup that actually lasts, we turned to two professional makeup artists. Keep reading for their tips.

Set Your Face Strategically

“I usually will just powder under the eyes and on the inside of the face — specifically your T-zone,” says makeup artist Erin Parsons. Since your T-zone is a spot that tends to accumulate excess oil, this tip will ensure that you’re mattified in all the right places and glowing everywhere else. For a smooth, blurred finish, try dusting on the IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Pressed Setting Powder.

Build a Long-Wearing Base

A luminous-finish or hydrating primer can make a big difference in the longevity of your base makeup. We love the NYX Professional Makeup Face Freezie Cooling Primer + Moisturizer, which feels like a cool glass of water for your skin. Another great option is the JOAH Beauty Super Sidekick Hydroglow Primer, which offers a glowy, pearlized finish.

Don’t Go Overboard With Product

“Don’t overload the skin,” says Parsons. “When I’m working with foundations, I massage them into the skin. When I contour, I don’t contour heavily, and I use cream products to keep the skin dewy so you only have to powder where the light hits you. Less product is better.”

The YSL Beauty NU Bare Look Tint offers a light layer of dewy, buildable coverage. To contour, we recommend choosing a cool-toned shade that’s one to two shades darker than your skin tone. The Danessa Myricks Beauty Balm Contour is easy to blend and comes in a versatile shade range.

Amp Up Your Glow With Moisturizer

“Apply a bit of moisturizer back on top of your cheekbones after applying makeup, and then apply Maybelline New York FaceStudio Master Chrome Highlighter on top so it’s even more reflective,” says Parsons.

Use the Right Setting Spray

To enhance your skin’s radiance, mist on a glowy setting spray at the end of your makeup routine. Makeup artist Joseph Carillo recommends the Maybelline New York FaceStudio Glass Spray. “Even if you are wearing a matte foundation, it gives a really pretty, soft glow,” he says.

Photo: Anisha Sisodia, Additional Reporting By: Ariel Wodarcyk