If you have ever had a professional makeup done, you must have heard the question: what kind of finish would you like, dewy or matte? This is also the first question that sales assistants ask when you want to buy a new foundation. To avoid wasting money on the wrong product, it is essential to know the right answer. Dewy foundation is formulated with natural oils and humectants, which tends to create a more “luminous” look by reflecting light and adding shine. On the other hand, matte foundation is oil-free, so it doesn’t reflect light, leaving a more powdery appearance.
When it comes to choosing between dewy and matte foundations, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your skin type, desired level of coverage, and preferred finish. To make the right decision, consider these three factors carefully. Ultimately, the ideal foundation for you will depend on your unique needs and skin type.
The pros and cons of dewy foundation
Dewy foundation will help you to achieve a look that is more radiant and glowing thanks to the oils and humectants in the product. Furthermore, Skor Beauty highlights that, because dewy foundation is lightweight, it tends to be easier to blend than matte foundation and can easily be applied with your fingers as well as a brush or sponge. The lightweight consistency also means that you can use it on other areas of your body, including the chest, neck, and arms. Dewy foundation is often effective at covering fine lines, and you can use it to achieve both sheer and full coverage.
Dewy foundation has a few downsides. It can make your skin look shiny or greasy, which is not ideal for people with oily skin who want to reduce their shine. The lightweight and glossy consistency of dewy foundation can also cause it to slide off and around the face over time. Therefore, it’s important to use a good setting spray or powder to keep it in place. Additionally, dewy foundation may not be effective in covering hyperpigmentation and can even draw attention to acne or breakouts. It’s best suited for people with dry or mature skin who want a radiant look.
The pros and cons of matte foundation
Matte foundation is made with non-reflective ingredients, which helps achieve a velvety or airbrushed look with less shine. According to Digital Beauty, the finish of the matte foundation is polished and precise, making it a suitable option for people with naturally oilier skin. Matte foundation has several advantages, including full coverage, anti-greasiness properties, concealment of open pores, longer-lasting wear, and a smoother finish for those with textured skin. With proper preparation, matte foundation is ideal for oily, acne-prone, and combination skin types.
However, the exception is those with drier skin, as matte foundations can gather in dry patches and accentuate them. This results in a “crumbly” look and can cause the skin to flake. Those with drier skin can still use matte foundation; they need to prepare the skin with a hydrating primer adequately. Sugar Cosmetics explains that matte foundation can also enhance the signs of aging by gathering in fine lines and wrinkles. It’s more difficult than dewy foundation to blend as it dries up more quickly and is heavier, but proper blending is crucial to spread the product evenly over the face.
Ultimately, matte foundation is best for those looking for full coverage with no shine (via Melanin Factory). While most people have a favorite foundation type, you can also switch it up, opting for dewy when you want a glowing look and matte for a flawless finish.
