How to Get Dewy Skin in the Summer...Without Looking Oily

You really can’t go wrong with a luminous, fresh-faced glow during the warmer months. It brightens your complexion and accentuates your features with just the right amount of shine. But there’s a fine line between a dewy glow and one that’s downright oily. To find a balance, it’ll take some trial-and-error, and, of course, the best products for the job. Ahead, five steps to achieve the ever-elusive lit-from-within look without fail this summer.   

STEP ONE: MOISTURIZER

You won’t get dewy skin with a dry, cracked complexion, so the first step should always involve a super hydrating, creamy moisturizer. Apply your favorite formula that’s suited for your skin type. We like Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream. 

STEP TWO: PRIMER

To further prep your canvas, go in with a primer that boasts a luminous finish. This will help a glow radiate from underneath your foundation, tinted moisturizer, or BB cream. L'Oréal Paris Magic Lumi Light Infusing Primer blends seamlessly into skin to boost its liveliness and luminosity. The universal shade is suitable for all skin types and tones.

STEP THREE: TINTED MOISTURIZER

Typically, it’s a smart move to swap out your foundation for a lightweight tinted moisturizer or BB cream in the summer, since a heavier formula can weigh down the skin in the heat. You can get away with using foundation when it’s hot outside so long as it boasts a thin consistency that won’t be irritating. In the name of dewy skin, more important than what product you choose is the way the formula dries. Opt for one that doesn’t dry matte, but rather adds a gorgeous sheen to the skin. Bonus points if it has SPF in it. We like to use Lancôme Bienfait Teinté Beauty Balm because it offers broad-spectrum SPF 30, hydrates and evens a complexion, and leaves a glossy finish. 

STEP FOUR: POWDER

Powder is known for its stiff, chalky finish that instantly kills shine. But the good news is that there are plenty of powders out there that zap excess shine and still let radiance shine through. Try Urban Decay Naked Skin Ultra Definition Pressed Finishing Powder. The silky texture easily sweeps onto skin to tone down an aggressive shine into a steady, dewy glow. Plus, it comes with a full-size mirror, which is super handy for on-the-go touch-ups. If you have oily skin, concentrate your applications of powder on areas that are shiniest, like a t-zone. 

STEP FIVE: HIGHLIGHTER 

As a last step, reach for a creamy highlighter—like cult-favorite Yves Saint Laurent Beauté Touche Éclat—and apply it to your cheeks, nose, cupid’s bow, or anywhere that could use a little extra luminosity.

Remember: To help your skin look extra dewy, you’ll want to pay attention to what you put inside your body as well. Stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day, and enjoy a colorful diet of antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies.