Back in 2016, most people preferred matte, full-coverage foundations, but now in the 2020s, the trend has completely changed. Today, it’s all about having glowing, dewy, “glass-like” skin—similar to the shiny look of a glazed donut. To help achieve this, beauty brands have launched many products like hydrating tinted sunscreens, moisturizers, highlighters, and lip glosses that give your skin a fresh and glowing look.
If you still want full coverage to hide things like redness, acne, or dark spots, don’t worry—there are many dewy foundations that offer that too.
We truly believe that anyone can use dewy foundations—whether your skin is dry and needs moisture, or oily and shiny by the end of the day. Many of the best dewy foundations have hydrating ingredients like squalane and hyaluronic acid to keep your skin soft and moisturized all day. Some are even oil-free, so they help you look fresh and glowing without being too shiny.
Healthy-looking, radiant skin is possible—you just need the right dewy foundation.
We’ve made it easy for you by researching and testing lots of products. Below, you’ll find our list of the 12 best dewy foundations, including both editor favorites and top-rated customer picks. These foundations are great choices that you can count on for the long term.
Best Foundations for a Natural, Dewy Glow
1. Glossier Stretch Fluid Foundation — $34 at Sephora
One of the most hyped cosmetics releases of the previous year was the Glossiers Stretch Fluid Foundation which completely exceeded expectations. Similar to other Glossier products, it is not about covering your skin since the objective is to improve it. The elements that provide moisture such as squalane and glycerin add a moisturised, fresh appearance to the foundation. In case you prefer your skin to appear still like skin (but overall smooth and even), then this will be a good choice.
- Shades available: 15
- Coverage: Medium
- Key ingredients: Squalane, glycerin, wild rose berry, plankton extract
- Sephora rating: 4.1 out of 5
2. L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation—$12 at Amazon (Originally $15)
In case you want a cheaper foundation that would deliver equally stunning effects, this L’Oréal product definitely should be considered. It leaves your skin with a glowing effect and does not leave it greasy or dry. I have been using it for several years and people always compliment me on my good skin, even when I am hiding anything under it. It can also last through the day without being patchy and melting away.
- Shades available: 13
- Coverage: Medium
- Key ingredients: Glycerin
- Amazon rating: 4.4 out of 5
3. Fara Homidi Essential Face Compact — $88 at Sephora or farahomidi.com
Although it is advertised as a product with a soft matte finish, this compact foundation can actually give your skin a natural dewy look- especially when your skin is moisturizer. It also comes with an in-built highlighter to make it shine more. And this rich cream includes so much creaminess that makes your skin appear fresh and healthy rather than dull and heavy.
- Shades available: 30
- Coverage: Medium
- Key ingredients: Ginger root extract, Cupuaçu butter, kaolin clay
- Sephora rating: 4.7 out of 5
4. Westman Atelier Vital Skin Stick — $68 at Sephora, $100 at Amazon
This foundation is stick and most people judge that stick foundations are dry and cakey, but that is not the case with this one. It is extremely hydrating and provides dewy natural finish. It also plays a role in assuaging irritated or red skins hence an ideal product in people with rosacea, or sensitive skin. Besides, it is small and convenient to carry.
- Shades available: 21
- Coverage: Medium
- Key ingredients: Squalane, phytosphingosine
- Sephora rating: 4.2 out of 5
5. Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Foundation — $49 at Revolve/Nordstrom
This foundation from Charlotte Tilbury is perfect for when you want solid coverage that still looks natural. It contains skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid and rose complex, which help brighten and smooth your skin. It also helps blur pores and imperfections without feeling heavy. The brand says it can last up to 16 hours, and it’s vegan too.
- Shades available: 30
- Coverage: Medium
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, rose complex, Bix-Activ
- Sephora rating: 3.8 out of 5
6. Makeup by Mario SurrealSkin Foundation — $44 at Sephora
From the famous makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic, this foundation is perfect for dry skin. It contains grapeseed oil, squalane, and a bit of mica for a soft glow. It’s buildable, lightweight, and won’t clog your pores. You can layer it for more coverage without making your skin feel weighed down.
- Shades available: 30
- Coverage: Sheer to full
- Key ingredients: Grapeseed oil, squalane, mica
- Sephora rating: 3.7 out of 5
7. Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation — $69 at Sephora
People with oily skin know it’s tough to find a foundation that gives glow without becoming greasy. Armani’s oil-free formula manages to provide a radiant look while controlling shine. It also smooths the look of pores and makes your skin look polished, not oily.
- Shades available: 39
- Coverage: Medium
- Key ingredients: Glycerin
- Sephora rating: 4.2 out of 5
8. Kosas Revealer Foundation SPF 25 — $42 at Sephora
This is a do-it-all foundation that gives medium coverage and also works as skincare. It hydrates, soothes, brightens, and firms the skin while protecting it with reef-safe SPF. With ingredients like niacinamide, caffeine, and peptides, it’s great for anyone who wants their makeup to also improve their skin over time.
- Shades available: 36
- Coverage: Medium
- Key ingredients: Niacinamide, caffeine, peptides, squalane, provitamin B5, hyaluronic acid
- Sephora rating: 3.7 out of 5
9. Hermès Plein Air Complexion Balm SPF 30 — $90 at Nordstrom
This sheer, luxury complexion balm from Hermès is great for enhancing your skin’s natural beauty. It contains soothing and moisturizing ingredients like evening primrose oil and hyaluronic acid, and it also includes Baikal skullcap, known for its calming effects. Plus, the SPF 30 offers daily sun protection.
- Shades available: 10
- Coverage: Sheer
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, evening primrose oil, Baikal skullcap
- Sephora rating: 3.5 out of 5
10. ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation — $54 at iliabeauty.com
This clean, skin-friendly foundation is a top pick for mature skin because it’s very hydrating and won’t settle into fine lines. It includes squalane, niacinamide, and aloe leaf juice to nourish the skin. There’s also allantoin, which can help reduce signs of aging and keep the skin calm and moisturized.
- Shades available: 30
- Coverage: Medium
- Key ingredients: Squalane, niacinamide, aloe leaf juice, allantoin
- ILIA rating: 4.5 out of 5
11. Dior Forever Skin Glow Foundation SPF 15 — $57 at Sephora
Dior Skin Glow Foundation also has one of the most excellent shades selections, consisting of 42. It has a medium to full coverage finish that is radiant and it does not easily melt off even in hot or humid weather conditions. Our formula contains plant extracts, which do not only exert a glow on you, but they also increase the health of your skin with time.
- Shades available: 42
- Coverage: Medium to full
- Key ingredients: Hibiscus extract, iris extract
- Sephora rating: 4.2 out of 5
12. Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Care & Glow — $45 at Nordstrom
This version of Lancôme’s popular foundation is focused on glow and hydration. It uses hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and mandelic acid to smooth out your skin’s texture while also keeping it plump and moisturized. It’s full coverage but still breathable and doesn’t leave a cakey finish.
- Shades available: 30
- Coverage: Medium to full
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, mandelic acid
- Sephora rating: 4.5 out of 5
A Sephora reviewer said, “If you’re looking to glow while achieving maximum coverage and protecting your skin, this is that girl! This is easy to apply and lightweight. I’m so glad to add this to my collection!”
Conclusion
Choosing the right foundation is all about understanding your skin’s needs and knowing what kind of finish you want—whether it’s a natural, dewy glow or a more radiant, long-lasting look. From budget-friendly drugstore favorites like L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow to high-end luxury picks like Hermès Plein Air Complexion Balm, there’s a perfect match for everyone, no matter your skin type or price range.
If you have dry skin, go for nourishing formulas like Makeup by Mario SurrealSkin or ILIA’s True Skin Serum Foundation, both packed with hydrating ingredients. For oily skin, the Armani Beauty Luminous Silk foundation keeps shine at bay while giving a natural glow. Those seeking mature skin-friendly products will love options like ILIA and Lancôme, which smooth texture without settling into fine lines.
