Like a “lit-from-within glow”, dewy skin is one of those things that sounds good in theory, but can be harder to execute in practice — or that’s how it seems, at least. The secret of dewy skin, at its core, is actually delightfully simple: “Dewy skin is hydrated skin,” says NakedPoppy skin specialist Tara Parenti. “There is a visible glow and shine to the skin.” 

Hydration? We’re fluent in it. Here’s how to get the most of it in your routine and with that, the dewy skin of your dreams.

Exfoliate gently and regularly

In no world will flaky skin or dead cells ever make for a dewy look, which is why regular exfoliation is key. To start, consider an acid. (Yes, really.) “Lactic acid is an excellent choice, as it is an exfoliant, brightener, and humectant,” says Parenti.  “Enzymes are great too — they work like little Pac-men and dissolve dead skin cells without over-sensitizing the skin.” 

You can find both in Maya Chia The Refresh Mint Resurfacing Moisture Mask — which both exfoliates and hydrates with humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid — but Parenti is also a fan of the Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask, which gently exfoliates with a non-drying clay formula.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: Healthy skin starts at the skin barrier. That means ingredients that help support and maintain the skin barrier are a non-negotiable. “Ceramides and lipids occur naturally in our skin and are depleted when the skin is in a dehydrated and sensitized state, which can lead to skin looking dry and dull,” says Parenti. Dry? Dull? That’s the opposite of dewy. 

For everyday support, Parenti recommends the Indie Lee Daily Vitamin Infusion, which contains all of the above to “help repair skin and lock in moisture.”

The emphasis on hydration holds no matter your skin type, even for someone with naturally oily skin. For those who have shiny spots by noon, though, “the dewiness is really going to come from the skin being properly hydrated — as many times oily and blemish-prone skin types are super-dehydrated from over-cleansing and under-moisturizing,” she explains. 

She’s a fan of Tata Harper Hyaluronic Gel Moisturizer, since it’s packed with humectants but still super-lightweight. 

Incorporate brightening ingredients

“Incorporate brightening ingredients will help to achieve dewy skin — think vitamin C and niacinamide,” says Parenti. “This can begin even with your cleansing step or, for more staying power, a treatment serum.” 

Humectants can also do quite a bit of work here; though they’re best known for binding water to the skin — thus delivering that all-important hydration —  they’re also integral for maintaining supple, glowing skin. 

You can find some of these heavyweights in the Prima Enlightenment Niacinamide Serum, which Parenti calls “a one-stop shop of brighteners and humectants.”

Choose the right makeup

Your makeup formulations really do matter, especially when creating a dewy look. “Kosas Tinted Face Oil feels like a serum and gives your skin that perfect ‘Instagram filter’ finish — just enough radiance with a minimalist approach,” says makeup artist Misty Spinney. (The beauty of tinted face oil is that it also delivers moisture while providing that coverage. Now that’s what we call genius.)

Foundation and concealer are a great start, but certainly not the end-all, be-all. If anything, “if you were to only choose one step, the gateway is the luminizer — but truly all aspects combined will bring you into a pro-level glow that will not only look beautiful but leave you feeling absolutely radiant,” says Spinney. For that, she reaches for RMS Beauty’s Living Luminizer Highlighter. “Like Icing on the cake, highlighter is a crucial step to achieve that dewy glow,” she says. “This luminizer delivers high impact results with a subtle and sheer cream that you can easily apply with the tip of your fingers.”

Layer more hydration

Why stop now? Once you’ve “finished” your skincare routine, you can top it off with additional layers of hydration. For instance, Parenti says, “facial mists act like a drink of water for thirsty skin and can be used as a prep step before you apply your finishing products or spritzed throughout the day as needed.” We’re fans of Kari Gran Lavender Hydrating Tonic, which can set makeup and refresh skin.

Another dewy skin secret weapon: NakedPoppy Revitalize Organic Facial Oil, which, according to Spinney, “is the perfect balance for all skin types to add hydration while firming and brightening your skin — major ingredients to achieve dewy skin.” Try pressing a few drops of the oil onto the high points of the face — think cheekbones and brow bones — after makeup to give skin a glossy (but not greasy) sheen.

Ultimately, if you’re properly moisturizing your skin, you’re already halfway there. Whether it’s via the addition of a luminizer or a dab of facial oil over your makeup, all it takes is a little tweak or two to make the dewy dream a reality.

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Maya Chia The Refresh Mint Resurfacing Moisture Mask

Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask

Indie Lee Daily Vitamin Infusion

Tata Harper Hyaluronic Gel Moisturizer

Prima Enlightenment Niacinamide Serum

Kosas Tinted Face Oil

RMS Beauty’s Living Luminizer Highlighter

Kari Gran Lavender Hydrating Tonic

NakedPoppy Revitalize Organic Facial Oil