8 of the best dewy foundations for that lit-within glow

See ya later, cake face 🍰

dewy foundations

by Aimee Jakes |
Updated on

Looking for a dewy foundation that leaves your skin looking glowy and radiant? Here's everything you need to know..

Listen, we all want that lit-within kinda look. Like we actually eat our vegetables, got to sleep at a reasonable hour and drink three litres of water a day.

It's easy to believe that achieving The Glow is simply down to slapping on a bit of highlighterand going on about your day, but reader, it's so much more than that.

From cleansing and skincare acids to illuminating primers and a good base, there are lot of components to faking the infamous Made In Chelsea filter.

Something that should be high on your hit list is a dewy foundationas it can make all the difference to your skin finish.

Matte is not your friend here, hun.

The good news is that a lot of dewy foundations have clever inbuilt skincare properties which help you look even more radiant in the long run. Get a foundation that does both, tbh.

For every budget, here are the very best dewy foundations that will leave you glowing...

What is a dewy foundation?

A dewy foundation is usually a hydrating formula that also contains light-reflecting particles to give your skin a natural finish. They are often light to medium in their coverage and can contain skin-boosting ingredients including vitamin c, vitamin e and hyaluronic acid. The result is perfected skin that also looks healthy and hydrated. Essentially, your skin but better. They're also a great alternative for mature skin, leaving you with a natural and luminous finish

Check out: the best dewy foundations 2021

Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this page, we never allow this to influence product selections.

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The very best dewy foundations for radiant skin

Amazon1 of 8
CREDIT: Amazon

L'Oreal Paris Skin Paradise Tinted Moisturiser, Up to 24h hydration, SPF20

Best for... dewy skin on a budgetA new foundation which promises hydrated and radiant skin whilst concealing perfections. Stand-out ingredients: It's created with a 70% water based formula and enriched with wonder ingredients including aloe vera, ginger & witch hazel. A promising review: "This stuff is amazing. Genuinely keeps my skin hydrated without looking oily, soaks in well, makes me look human without looking like I've got a face full of product. I love it. I'm so scared that they'll stop making it already that I buy in batches of two."

Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with SPF 50+2 of 8
CREDIT: Cult Beauty

It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with SPF 50+

Best for... a non-cakey finish This is a brilliant all-rounder and has gained cult-status for its sheer excellence. It delivers great coverage without leaving your skin feeling dry or cakey. It is available in 12 shades and has SPF 50, ensuring maximum protection from the sun. Stand-out ingredients: it contains hyaluronic acid which helps to hydrate and plump skin, plus grapefruit, orange, bergamot and lemon oils to 'infuse skin with refreshing vitamins.' A promising review: "I absolutely love this CC cream. Nice glow, goes on fantastic and covers really well. You don't need a lot of product as it goes a long way. Stays on most of the day too!"

Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation3 of 8
CREDIT: Amazon

Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation

Best for... dull-looking skin This skincare foundation hybrid is a dream for dry skin. It illuminates skin whilst delivering on coverage. It smells amazing, too! Stand-out ingredients: The formula is packed with vitamins C, E and B5 and instantly erases imperfections and signs of fatigue as well as boosts skin radiance for a fresh looking complexion. A promising review: "The only foundation I will use. I have very dry skin and this is a great texture and has amazing coverage. It doesn't show up any dry patches on my skin like other foundations I've tried in the past have. Price is good and a bottle usually lasts me a month and I use it every day."

Illamasqua4 of 8
CREDIT: Illamasqua

Illamasqua Beyond Foundation

Best for... buildable coverageThe brand's first foundation in five years and it's a good one. The moisture-packed formula leaves all skin tones with envied luminosity and a glowing complexion, allowing your inner light to shine through. We've tested and love it, too. Stand-out ingredients: Hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to help keep skin looking refreshingly hydrated throughout the day.A promising review: "The glow and the coverage is perfect for a quick application in the morning leaving your skin looking illuminated all day - great for if you are in a rush. Feels amazing on your skin!"

Yves Saint Laurent Touche u00c9clat All-In-One Glow Foundation5 of 8
CREDIT: Look Fantastic

Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat All-In-One Glow Foundation

Best for... a luxe finish A hard-working water-based formula which blends on seamlessly to deliver medium coverage that feels fresh and comfortable. Stand-out ingredients: It has hyaluronic acid and vitamin e to ensure maximum hydration and added calendula extract which enhances natural radiance for a luminous glow. A promising review: "As always, my go to foundation. I've tried many other brands but always cone back to this one. It leaves a nice youthful dewy completion that's natural and buildable. Worth every penny!"

Sheer Glow Foundation6 of 8
CREDIT: Cult Beauty

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation

Best for... an IRL filter effect A light to medium coverage foundation which delivers a luminous glow. Perfect for normal and dry skin types, it evens out tone and hydrates skin. A perfect formula to try if you find your usual foundation goes patchy. Stand-out ingredients: The formula contains powerful antioxidants that protect against free radical damage and turmeric extract to improve skin's radiance and tone.A promising review: "Can always rely on this foundation to do everything I need it to do! It has such a lovely texture that be wore as a light coverage or built up to a medium to full. It lasts all day and doesn't ever go patchy once it's been on a while."

Light Wonder Foundation7 of 8
CREDIT: Space NK

Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder Foundation

Best for... a light and natural finishThis cult foundation helps blur imperfections and gives a light to medium coverage. Developed to last all day, it includes a cocktail of botanicals to support healthy skin. Ideal for those who like their foundation to be almost invisible. Stand-out ingredients: it includes a cocktail of botanicals to support healthy skin.A promising review: "This is thicker than a tinted moisturiser and not as heavy as a CC cream, it's a lovely lightweight foundation offering coverage without any heavy cakey cracks! I love the light reflective dewy finish"

Rimmel London Wake Me Up Foundation8 of 8
CREDIT: Amazon

Rimmel London Wake Me Up Foundation

The best for... all-round brillianceAn old favourite that it's still as popular as ever. The foundation contains radiance pearls to illuminate skin with a gorgeous, healthy-looking glow. Stand-out ingredients: It also contains vitamin C and peptides to refresh and hydrate skin in the long term. A promising review: "LOVE this foundation, brilliant coverage and the first one in my life that completely matches my skin tone. Smells lovely and very creamy, feels a bit thick to touch but when it's put on it's very comfortable on the skin, doesn't feel heavy! Stays on for quite long and makes my skin shine very nicely."

How to make your own dewy foundation

Adding a few drops of your favourite liquid highlighter to your foundation can also give your base a glowy sheen. Simply mix the two on the back of your hand for a custom-made foundation. Voila.

Still looking for the perfect foundation? Check out the below...

The best foundations of all time, as tested by us

The very best matte foundations for an airbrush finish

The very best foundations for combination skin

I've tried pretty much every foundation and this is the one I swear by

All the best vegan foundations that you need in your life

Dewy foundation - the popular ingredients explained:

Hyaluronic acid: Helps retain water to keep your tissues well lubricated and moist.

Vitamin E: Can help ease inflammation and helps your skin look younger.

Aloe Vera: Known for soothing and revitalising inflamed skin.

Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website, we never allow this to influence product selections - read why you should trust us