Dewy Skin Is Kind of My Thing—8 Makeup Products That Always Deliver Glow

It’s no secret that makeup trends come and go, but whilst everyone has been raving about matte finishes making a comeback, I’m a dewy makeup girl through and through, and I don’t think this will ever change. However, it’s important to explain what I mean by this. When I say I’m a fan of dewy makeup, I don’t mean shiny finishes, bold highlighters or shimmery products. What I mean is that naturally radiant, lit-from-within glow that makes it look like I drink 2 litres of water and a green juice every single day (I’m more of a coffee-and-Diet Coke kinda gal, but bear with me on this).

As a makeup artist and beauty editor, I’ve tried plenty of products over the years, from illuminating primers, glowy foundations, cream blushes and more, and I believe I’ve created the ultimate edit of products that require minimal effort but deliver maximum results when it comes to a naturally dewy makeup look.

Below, you’ll find my tried-and-tested edit of the best dewy makeup products, from old classics to brand-new launches. Look in my makeup bag, and you’ll find every single product mentioned in there, so you know that I really do wear them daily. What are you waiting for? Your juiciest skin yet is just a scroll away…

The Best Dewy Makeup Products, Tried & Tested

1. Vieve Skin Nova

I like to start all my makeup looks with a primer (I have oily skin, so it’s a necessity if I want my makeup to last past lunch), and I’ve used this one from Vieve for as long as I can remember. In my opinion, it’s the perfect primer for that lit-from-within look. It’s not overly shimmery or glittery, but it adds a subtle radiance whilst hydrating and prepping the skin for your foundation of choice. It contains light-reflecting pigments for a radiant finish, and whilst most primers can disappear under the rest of your makeup, I always find that the glowy finish shines through.

2. Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter

You didn’t think I’d write about glowy makeup looks without including Charlotte Tilbury’s Hollywood Flawless Filter, did you? This product is an icon, and for good reason. I wear it either alone or under foundation for a radiant, healthy-looking complexion that has everyone asking why I look so well. You can even use it on top of your makeup as a highlighter, but I haven’t tried it myself yet. As the name suggests, it has this beautifully blurring effect that gives your TikTok filter a run for its money, whilst also adding a luminous finish. I simply can’t imagine my makeup bag without it.

3. Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation

I’ve tried plenty of dewy foundations in my time, and whilst there are lots I could list as favourites, in my opinion, the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation is the best of all time. Why, I hear you ask? Because it’s naturally dewy, rather than overly glowy like other formulations I’ve tried. It’s the kind of foundation that gives you your best skin yet, whilst making it look as if you’re not even trying, you know? The medium coverage, blurring finish and natural radiance blow me away every single time I wear it.

4. Rationale The Brilliance Tinted Serum SPF50+

Ok, I know this product is crazy expensive, but it’s honestly one of the best things I’ve ever put on my face. And I don’t say that lightly. I’ve been wearing it every single day this summer, and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. The formula is so lightweight (you literally don’t feel as if you’re wearing anything on your skin) and glides on like butter. Whilst it doesn’t offer much coverage (I always go in with concealer afterwards), it does offer a smooth, even, illuminating finish alongside SPF50+. The finish is so good that I might actually shed a tear when I run out of this stuff.

5. Refy Water Bronzer

To me, looking bronzed is just as important as looking dewy, and if a product can achieve both results, you best believe I’m not letting it out of my sight. When I first tried Refy‘s new Water Bronzer, I’ll admit, the formula confused me. However, now I’ve got the hang of it, I totally get the hype. As you can probably guess, the bronzer is water-based, so it immediately feels hydrating and weightless on the skin. Plus, it delivers a dewy wash of warmth that would have anyone thinking I’ve just come back from the South of France.

6. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dewy Flush

If you want a dewy makeup look, I’d probably advise avoiding a powder blush and opting for a liquid or cream formula instead. My favourite liquid blush for a dewy finish is this number from Glow Recipe. The hydrating, glowy formula adds an amazing plumping effect to the cheeks alongside a sheer wash of colour that you could definitely build upon if desired. It’s like naturally flushed cheeks in a bottle.

7. Dior Backstage Rosy Glow Stick

If a cream blush is more your thing, you have to try this one from Dior. It’s the easiest (and chicest) makeup product to use. All you do is swipe it on, blend with your fingertips and lo and behold, you have a dewy pop of colour that will have you questioning what you ever did without it. The hydrating, creamy texture is to die for, and whilst there are lots of fun shades available, the great thing is that each one is powered by pH technology to create a custom finish. Oh, and the packaging is really, really cute.

8. Victoria Beckham Beauty Reflect Highlighter Stick

Last but not least, the Victoria Beckham Beauty Reflect Highlighter Stick. I’ve done a whole feature on this product as it’s that good. It delivers glass-like skin in an instant, in an easy-to-use, creamy stick that you can simply swipe on and go. No glitter, no obvious shimmer, just dewy, juicy skin that shines like never before. I’d bathe in this stuff if I could.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products over the years—spanning skincare, makeup, hair and nails—and work closely with trusted experts including dermatologists, makeup artists and leading industry insiders to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.