The 10 Best Dewy Foundations Of 2024 For Glowing Skin

Shiseido's Revitalessence Glow Foundation has found favour among beauty editors thanks to its lightweight serum-like texture that allows for a radiant, glowing base. In fact, it's one our our best foundations of all time!

Verity Clark, acting beauty director, says: 'It was love at first swatch for me and this lightweight foundation. It’s more of a megawatt tinted moisturiser than a traditional foundation; skin is warmed up and enhanced but not covered, so your real skin peeps through making for an overall effect that is natural and healthy. The clue is in the name, this stuff really does make your skin glow. I have friends who prefer a matte finish who find that it makes skin look too dewy, but for me there’s no such thing as too glowy. I have put many a beauty editor onto this brilliant everyday formula and they’re very thankful.' 

Rachael Martin, beauty editor says: 'Best foundation, ever! It's my skin but MUCH better. I'll apply a light layer with a fluffy brush and my skin is transformed from dull to radiant. A little goes a long way for the most natural result.'

Shade range: 32
Coverage: Light-medium
Finish: Luminous
Size: 30ml
Key Ingredients: Kefir and niacinamide

Sitting at the intersection of skincare and make-up, Nars' latest foundation offering is a complexion-enhancing sensation. It has somehow managed to bypass the fame and success of the brand's cult classic foundations and is quite simply in a league of its own. Packed with skin-loving ingredients like biomimetic oat, milk thistle and cacao peptides, it protects against the environment and boasts a lightweight, skin-like radiant finish. It's one of the best lightweight foundations going.

Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer says: 'This foundation had me at 'skincare make-up hybrid'. With an acne-prone temperament, I always look for base products that can enhance the look of my skin while helping to improve its condition overtime – something which NARS successfully tested during its clinical trials. I personally found that the medium, buildable coverage, which leaves a second-skin natural-looking finish, worked especially well on my sensitive skin and most importantly felt breathable and comfortable. Something that is made possible with its non-acnegenic formula, which means it won't clog your pores. The thing that really tips this foundation into star status for me are the shades on offer. NARS and an inclusive shade range go hand in hand, after all it has long offered the promise of a 30+ wide shade range that caters to all. I landed on Stromboli, a medium with warm yellow undertones which has become the benchmark with which I compare all other foundation shades.'

Shade range: 36
Coverage: Medium Buildable
Finish: Luminous
Size: 30ml
Key Ingredients: Biomimetic oat and milk thistle

Speaking of cult classics, when it comes to foundations Armani's Luminous Silk Foundation is a crown jewel. Loved by make-up artists and celebrities the world over, including Meghan Markle, Kim Kardashian, and Ariana Grande, the hype that surrounds this one is not to be questioned. Packed with glycerin, a hero ingredient that helps to lock in long-lasting hydration, the velvety formula maintains moisturiser and imparts a perfect, believable glow.

Ruby Hammer global makeup artist and beauty expert, founder of Ruby Hammer beauty says: 'Armani Luminous Silk is great in every light, natural, studio, night and day… made for professionals it just works! I have had this in my kit. Oil free, this contains micro-fill technology to help brighten and blur the skin, improving texture whilst glycerin provides long lasting hydration.'

Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer, says: 'The multi-award winning foundation is as lightweight as they come and offers a medium coverage which can be built up to impart a covetable natural-looking second skin finish. I still remember the first time I picked up a bottle at duty free many (many) moons ago, having instantly fallen in love with its silky-smooth velvety finish which, to my surprise, sat perfectly fine on my bumpy, acne-ridden face. Breathable, long-lasting and primed to cater to suit-all with an extensive 40 wide shade range, it's no wonder this OG is still a winner. And, like many of the newer foundations now available on the market which are infused with skincare ingredients, this classic has long put skin first with the inclusion of glycerin (a hero ingredient that helps to lock in long-lasting moisture) and an oil-free base to keep acne at bay and maintain comfort-levels to enjoy all-day wear. It's one of my favourites for combination skin types.'

Shade range: 40
Coverage: Medium, Buildable
Finish: Satin
Size: 30ml
Key Ingredients: Glycerin

"Dubai proof" says Huda of this foundation. If you're after something that stays put - no matter what - then this could be just the ticket.

Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer says: 'If you're after a full coverage foundation which doesn't compromise on comfort and radiance, this is the answer. It smooths, blurs and corrects with a semi-matte finish that impressively boosts skin luminosity and your natural glow. It's great because it lasts all day too - this is where the 'matte' comes in. The glow is there, but there's no setting powder necessary. Would recommend.'

Shade range: 40
Coverage: Full
Finish: Matte meets luminous
Size: 30ml
Key Ingredients: Glycerin

Ultimately, the Unreal Skin Glow has been formulated to create a 'soft focus, blurred glow that looks natural, refreshed and rested.' For this one, Tilbury has trademarked the term 'light mapping mesh tech' which, she says, allows for a ring light effect - there's her 'soft-focus blurring, smoothing emollients and glow moisture mesh formed from hyaluronic acid and pearlescent pigments' to thank for that.

Rachael Martin, beauty editor, says: 'When this one first did the rounds in the office we were, to say the least, slightly apprehensive. One swatch across my hand revealed what looked like a glittery, almost iridescent pigment. Considering it's aimed at those who prefer minimal to no foundation, it all felt a little overwhelming. In fact, I had to double check the packaging to ensure it wasn't actually a highlighter I was about to blend all over my face. Yet when I was brave enough to apply it properly I was pleasantly surprised. The pigment melted into my skin beautifully, improving the overall tone and texture with just a few swipes. It felt comfortable too, and played well over my skincare. As for those aforementioned pearlescent pigments? Although erring on the more subtle side of sparkly, there's no getting away from the fact that this formulation is a glittery one. Fine if you don't mind a touch of shimmer, but if, like me, you err on the oilier side, then you may not want quite so much added luminosity. That said, with a bit of trial and error, I was impressed with the overall finish. Teamed with a touch of concealer and a dusting of of setting power, my complexion looked brighter and more radiant. Don't judge a foundation by the initial swatch....'

Shade range: 20
Coverage: Light-medium
Finish: Sheer
Size: 10g
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid

Aside from being a tried and tested true classic that puts skin first thanks to a fool-proof base of hyaluronic acid, glycerin and aloe vera extract – this foundation boasts 48 inclusive shades and promises to match a whopping 99.5% of skin tones. Expect impressive shade matching, all-day hydration and an enhanced natural glow thanks to skin ingredient heroes. A drug-store foundation dream.

Rachael Martin, beauty editor, says: 'This has been an everyday classic for sometime, not least because of the affordable price tag. I have skin prone to redness so I find it quite tricky to find the correct shade, but there's 48 here meaning there was plenty of options to consider for my own unique undertone. Where application is concerned, I put a small amount on my hand first before smoothing onto my skin with a stippling brush - this helps me to have better control of how much product I'm using. It glides on beautifully, the finish is smooth, and there's a subtle glow there too - I assume there's the hyaluronic acid and glycerin to thank for that. I've tried it without powder before, but, because of the hydrating properties, it does tend to slide off. With some setting powder, however? I'm left with hydrated, dewy-looking skin without so much of a hint of oiliness. No touch-ups needed. And did I mention it also contains SPF? While it's only SPF17 (you will need a standalone SPF too) it's still reassuring to know it's bolstered with protection. It's a beauty bargain and works well for combination skin (and is a good option for dry skin) with just a little effort.'

Shade range: 40
Coverage: Light
Finish: Luminous
Size: 30ml
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid and Glycerin

Lisa Eldridge is well known for her prowess in the beauty sphere - her newly launched skin tint ticks boxes and is an excellent option for mature skin types.

Cassie Steer, freelance beauty editor, says: '"Your skin but better" is a phrase bandied about rather loosely in the beauty world but makeup maven Lisa Eldridge has absolutely nailed the kind of smooth, luminous, even skin that alludes to a certain lifestyle where you have the luxury of carving out time for ‘self-care’ whilst supping on golden mylk and gua sha-ing the bejesus out of a mere suggestion of dullness. She’s also got the tones (with 18 all-encompassing shades) just-so; I’m T3 which is one of the few pale shades I’ve tried that is neither too pink or too yellow. I also love that whilst it’s packed with 78% skincare ingredients to soothe and hydrate, my skin isn’t left feeling greasy. Did I mention I love it?'

Shade range: 16
Coverage: Light
Finish: Natural
Size: 30ml
Key Ingredients: Prickly Pear Seed Oil, Glycerin, Vitamin E

It's no exaggeration to say that It Cosmetics have garnererd something of a cult following over the past few years thanks to its range of excellent, skin beautifying bases. This one? No exception.

Rachael Martin, beauty editor, says: 'The newest iteration of It Cosmetics' cult favourite CC+ Cream welcomes a glowing update. Expect the same well-loved color-correcting benefits, but this time in a 90% skincare formula packed with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and green tea to deliver hydration and unmatchable glow. Apply with a fluffy brush and blend well for the best, most natural finish. It's a great foundation with skincare option.'

Shade range: 13
Coverage: Medium Buildable
Finish: Luminous
Size: 30ml
Ingredients: Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and green tea

Despite having been something of a stalwart in the realm of foundations, YSL's coveted Éclat Le Teint Foundation has proven it's staying power - quite literally. It's gone viral on TikTok in the last few months thanks to its skin-perfecting formulation suited tooilier skin types.

Verity Clark, acting beauty director, says: 'On the rare occasions that I opt for a more pulled together makeup look I reach for this, and have done for the past ten years. To caveat, this foundation isn’t one of YSL’s most high-coverage offerings and it’s not a matte finish either but it’s about as full-coverage as I go. The creamy formula melts into skin and - crucially - doesn’t cling to any dry bits, or blemishes. It also doesn't slip and slide on those prone to excess oil. You can build it up easily to achieve your desired finish but I find that one layer is enough to give me a natural-looking (but better) look.'

Shade range: 28
Coverage: Lightweight medium
Finish: Natural
Size: 25ml
Key Ingredients: SPF 22

Fenty Beauty still has form for going viral. Take the Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint, for example. Ideal for blurring blemishes a little goes a long way.

Renee Washington, beauty assistant says: 'I can't get enough of Fenty's Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint. It's like magic in a bottle. With 25 shades that actually consider undertones, finding my perfect match was a breeze. Plus, the blurring effect is amazing – it minimises my pores and evens out my skin tone (and any underlying redness) in just a few drops. Whether I'm going for a barely-there makeup day or want a little more coverage, Eaze Drop builds beautifully without ever looking cakey - it won't emphasise any scarring, acne or pigmentation and just glides over texture. I love that it's comfortable in humid temperatures and maintains the same look throughout the day; win-win.'

Shade range: 25
Coverage: Sheer
Finish: Natural
Size: 32ml
Ingredients: HydraBlend Comple