A change of climate has a way of making us rethink our beauty kits and particularly our foundation choices. While matte, heavy foundations have a place in the world of full glam, when the sun begins to beat down and our social calendars go into overdrive, what we really yearn for is a lightweight, dewy foundation that makes us look like we've just enjoyed a week-long holiday in the Mediterranean. And despite what you might think, even moments of winter call for a glow-giving base, when the crisp climate and central heating begin sapping moisture from our skin.
The roster of new foundations that err on the lighter, dewy end of the spectrum aren't just comfortable and wearable come this time of year, they also tap into the trend for effortless, off-duty beauty – cue: glass skin and the clean girl aesthetic. Aside from making skin look healthy and plump, dewy foundations often strike the balance between skincare and make-up too, and offer up new-gen formulas that put skin first.
It means this category of foundations is likely to include a range of skin-hugging ingredients, including hyaluronic acid and rosehip seed oil, each catering to an array of skin types and conditions – whether you are dry, combination, or acne-prone. By nature, these foundations are often lighter in texture and coverage but it means you get the benefit of a satin, second-skin finish.
The Best Dewy Foundations At A Glance:
Best overall dewy foundation: Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Beautiful Skin Foundation
Best lightweight dewy foundation: NARS Light Reflecting Foundation
Best full coverage dewy foundation: Huda Beauty #FauxFilter Luminous Matte Full Coverage Liquid Foundation
Best dewy foundation for sensitive skin: It Cosmetics CC+ Nude Glow Lightweight Foundation + Glow Serum with SPF 40
The new kids on the block, everything from Charlotte Tilbury's Charlotte's Beautiful Skin Foundation to the It Cosmetics CC+ Nude Glow Lightweight Foundation + Glow Serum with SPF 40, are loaded with these skin loving heroes. The result? Breathable, clean-looking, radiant skin that improves over time. Curious to know more? Shop our edit of the best dewy foundations to try now within a range of budgets.
Shop: The Best Dewy Foundations
Best overall dewy foundation
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
Loaded with hyaluronic acid to hydrate thirsty skin and rose-derived ingredients to brighten, this creamy yet lightweight foundation quickly works to even and perfect your base with a medium coverage that looks and feels natural, all while improving the look of your skin over time. We loved this foundation for its comfortable, natural-looking glow.
Pros
- A stunning natural finish
- A comfortable glow
Cons
- You will need to layer this for additional coverage
Best lightweight dewy foundation
www.lookfantastic.com
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 simple 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.
Pros
- A long-lasting, second-skin finish
- High-quality foundation, defends against environmental aggressors and blue light while strengthening the skin’s barrier
Cons
- Some reviews on the brand's official website shared concerns about the pump and packaging
Best Expert-Backed Foundation
www.lookfantastic.com
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.
Pros
- Natural-looking glowing skin
- Multi-award winning
Cons
- May be too lightweight for some
Best Luxury Foundation
www.dior.com
If radiance is what you're after, this is the one-stop shop when it comes to dewy foundations. Made of an 86% floral-derived skincare base comprising of iris, wild pansy, and hibiscus, it works to intensely hydrate, smooth and even the skin in a breathable formula. The addition of SPF 15 makes it a no-brainer, too.
Pros
- Includes SPF15
- Boasts 24hr wear and hydration
Cons
- Higher-end price point
Best Budget-Friendly Foundation
www.lookfantastic.com
Aside from being a tried and true classic that puts skin first – see: its 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.
Pros
- Affordable
- Promises to match 99.5% of skin tones
Cons
- Some may prefer a higher coverage
Best Skincare-Infused Foundation
www.givenchybeauty.com
While the 97% natural origin formula enriched with actives takes care of skin over time, the immediate impact of this foundation leaves skin radiant, nourished, plump and perfectly even on application. So much so, it promises 24 hr hydration and a 12 hr glow. Grab a bottle if breathable, lightweight luminosity is your MO.
Pros
- 90% skincare base formula
- A comfortable and believable glow
Cons
- Oily skin types won't love this
Best dewy foundation for sensitive skin
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
The newest iteration of It Cosmetics' cult favourite CC+ Cream sees 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.
Pros
- A foundation and serum hybrid
- SPF40
Cons
- Limited shade range
Best Full Coverage Foundation
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
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.
Pros
- Full coverage matte luminous finish
- Non-cakey formula ready to deal with all the elements
Cons
- May be too heavy for those who prefer lightweight bases