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By Sophie Joaman • August 2, 2022 • 6 mins read
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Here’s the thing, foundation is one of the trickiest parts of any make-up routine. Not because it’s hard to apply- that part is a breeze!
The tricky bit is actually choosing the right foundation in the first place. Shades and undertones are one thing, but what about the right finish for your skin type- Dewy or matte?
The foundation base, and finish, is a crucial step in your make-up application. Get it right and the rest of your makeup application will all fall into place.
Get it wrong and you will find that you’re not achieving the results that you want. Not only that but choosing the wrong foundation can be a costly mistake and no one wants to be throwing money down the drain.
So the real question is, dewy vs matte foundations- what do they do and how do you actually choose the right one? Whether your skin is crying out for hydration or you need your make-up to last longer, our guide will help you discover the perfect finish for your skin type that’ll make you feel your absolute best.
Dewy foundations contain oils that give your complexion a radiant boost when applied. The effect is youthful and hydrated-looking skin, complete with a gorgeous glow.
With dewy textures, coverage is more lightweight and blends seamlessly into the skin. Perfect if you are going for a ‘less is more’ kind of vibe. On the other hand, It is also super easy to build up your coverage for those days where you do want a fuller make-up look.
Matte foundations in comparison, don’t have the same sheen finish as dewy foundations. They instead create an even, smooth canvas that helps to keep the shine away and last throughout the day.
Many matte formulas are fuller coverage and promise to last up to 24 hours. It is a good option for people who don’t want to be touching up their make-up often.
There are of course pros and cons to both types of foundations and knowing the difference between the two can help you make the right choice.
1. Dewy formulas give your skin that radiant and refreshed appearance- Perfect if you suffer from tired-looking skin.
2. This type of foundation contains oils and creates the illusion of hydrated skin for those who suffer from dehydration.
3. Dewy foundations also reflect light, giving you a youthful glow while drawing attention to your best features and away from fine lines.
1. Dewy foundations can make your skin noticeably shinier throughout the day as a result of sweating or humidity.
2. This type of foundation can also heighten the look of blemishes and breakouts.
3. Oil based dewy foundations can be comedogenic, meaning that they clog pores. Looking out for foundations that are ‘non-comedogenic’ can stop this from becoming a problem.
1. Matte foundations offer long-lasting wear, keeping your make-up in place for longer.
2. They are usually more high coverage than dewy foundations, which helps to reduce the appearance of large pores.
3. Matte Foundations are better for humid conditions as they hold well on the skin.
1. Matte foundations can enhance any dry or flaky areas of skin.
2. They can also appear cakey on the skin as a result of a higher coverage.
3. Matte formulas can similarly feel heavy on the skin which is not great if you want a light make-up day.
For those who have oily skin, enlarged pores, breakouts and greasiness can occur as a result of too much natural oil production. Applying a dewy foundation would only enhance the oil already sitting on your skin.
A matte foundation is therefore considered the Holy Grail for anyone with oily skin. Not only does it help to reduce shine, but it also absorbs some of the natural oils, giving you a flawless, buildable base for long-lasting results.
The Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place foundation promises oil-free, long-lasting wear of up to 24 hours and is not only waterproof, sweat- and humidity-resistant but is also ‘life-proof’ for everyday use!
In complete contrast, people with dry skin should typically avoid matte foundations, instead opting for a dewy finish. Matte formulas can cling to dry, flaky patches of skin.
A dewy foundation however often contains oils to hydrate and refresh the appearance. Some beauty brands are now even combining both make-up and skincare into their products.
The IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Hydrating Foundation + Skincare is infused with skin-loving aloe vera extract, hyaluronic acid and vitamins E & B5, while at the same time offering a buildable base for a flawless finish.
Dewy foundations are a great choice for mature skin too. As we age, we lose hydration and elasticity in the skin.
Even if you have been an avid matte foundation user in the past, adding a hydrating formula to your make-up can help you to achieve that glowing radiance and make you feel your wonderful confident self.
While it is more clear-cut for dry and oily skin, those with combination skin can struggle to pick between the two. Combination-type complexions usually have both dry patches of skin and oily areas.
Would a dewy foundation draw attention to your oily t-zone? Would a matte foundation make certain areas of your face look cakey?
To get it right you’ve got to think about what you need most from your foundation. If your oily areas are worse than the dry ones, avoiding oil-based dewy foundations is a safer bet.
Likewise, if you have more dry skin than oily, choosing a dewy texture will help to cover up problem areas.
Foundations such as the Armani Luminous Silk Foundation are oil-free so make-up stays in place longer and also contains glycerin to keep your skin looking hydrated. A real best of both option.
Likewise, natural skin is a combination of dry and oily but overall is balanced between the two. This means that the choice is really down to you.
If you would rather have the glow of a dewy finish, then opt for a creamy texture that will give you that luminosity. Or if you would rather have flawless fuller coverage then a matte foundation might just be your new best friend.
