How to Achieve Dewy Skin Without Makeup (Even During Winter)

The key to looking fresh-faced starts with, well, a fresh face. Begin your skincare routine with a clean slate. Remove any leftover makeup along with dirt and oils that have settled in your pores over the course of the day or night. Choose a product that is not drying, but instead hydrating so that your skin is retains enough moisture to withstand any makeup you apply along with the wear and tear of the outside environment.

Try: Bioderma Hydrabio H2O

“In traditional Korean skincare regimens toner is applied by vigorously patting into the skin,” explains Rodriguez. “The belief is that the skin is stimulated increasing circulation, which helps to create a healthy glow.” To maintain optimal hydration, opt for a toner that’s infused with antioxidants and essential fatty acids, so your skin is left smooth and vibrant.

Try: ARCONA Cranberry Toner

This is not the step to skip, experts say, if the look you’re going for is glowing and dewy. “Exfoliation is critical to get that dewy look,” says Hilary Kline, a Minneapolis-based makeup artist. “In fact, it helps buff away those dead layers of skin and helps reveal a brighter complexion.” Choose a hydrating scrub that incorporates a rich blend of organic botanicals like jojoba beads, aloe vera and olive oil, as well as powerful antioxidants that limit the production of skin-damaging free radicals.

Try: Luzern Laboratories Micro-Exfoliant Deep Hydrating Scrub

A rich dose of hyaluronic acid, whether in a serum or face oil, is the boost of hydration your skin is craving. It not only keeps your skin supple and prevent dryness, but it also provides the perfect foundation for you to apply your makeup. “Hyaluronic acid is like a sponge that pulls in water to the outer skin layer,” says Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. “It enhances hydration, radiance, and offers a plumping effect.”

Try: SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel

To acquire that dewy, glowing skin, experts recommend choosing a moisturizer that sinks right into the skin, leaving it supple and soft, but not oily. “You want to have highly moisturized skin, but not look greasy,” explains LaMarsh. “Moisturizers that are too slick can make makeup slide across the face rather than settle on the skin.” Again, choose a product that contains hyaluronic acid to lock in that moisture for intense hydration that lasts.

Try: Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream

During the evenings, hydrate and revive your dull and tired skin after a long day of exposing it to the outside environment, your office or your gym. Not only will this lock in even more hydration, but it will also calm redness or inflammation that will naturally occur during your day-to-day. Try a product that is rich in essential fatty acids to promote elasticity and prevent moisture loss.

Try: Avene Soothing Moisture Mask

To prepare the complexion for makeup application, apply a face primer that nourishes and hydrates the skin. This will not only lock in moisture, but it will plump the skin and aid in maintaining that healthy glow throughout the day.  Remember this look is all about buffed away pores and a healthy bright dewy face,” adds LaMarsh. “So make sure your primers don’t take away from that.”

Try: Becca Cosmetics First Light Priming Filter

“I always say you need to make sure your makeup is working for you, so use a product that is more like a an anti-aging hydrating moisturizer with medium to full coverage added into it,” says LaMarsh. She recommends a densely packed foundation buffing tool, like the Beauty Blender, to help apply and buff the concentration directly into the skin in light circular motions all across your face.

Try: COVER FX Custom Cover Drops

Highlighters softly reflect and diffuse light, which experts say is an important aspect of the look. “Emphasize the highlighter on the high points of the face, i.e. tops of cheekbones, to achieve the most effective style,” says Rodriguez. “Remember the look is all about an overall, sheer luminous quality so nothing should look too heavy.” To achieve the super glossy ‘glass skin’ dewy look, he recommends mixing a little highlighter with your foundation and/or applying some finishing touches with the highlighter at the very end.

Try: RMS Beauty Living Luminizer