Makeup has evolved tremendously over the years, embracing a wide spectrum of styles, finishes, and techniques. One of the most common debates among beauty enthusiasts and professionals alike revolves around the finish of the makeup—specifically, whether it should be matte or dewy. The choice between these two finishes not only influences the overall look but also reflects personal style, skin type, and the occasion. Understanding the differences and knowing how to achieve each can help you create a flawless, tailored appearance that enhances your natural beauty.
Is Makeup Supposed to Be Matte or Dewy?
The answer to whether makeup should be matte or dewy isn’t a one-size-fits-all. It largely depends on your skin type, the look you're going for, and the setting of your makeup. Both finishes have their unique advantages and can be used to craft diverse styles—from sophisticated elegance to fresh, youthful vibrancy.
Understanding Matte and Dewy Finishes
Before deciding which finish is right for you, it’s important to understand what each entails:
- Matte Finish: Matte makeup has a flat, non-reflective surface that absorbs light. It provides a velvety, smooth appearance that minimizes shine and often offers a more polished, sophisticated look.
- Dewy Finish: Dewy makeup mimics a natural, luminous glow. It reflects light with a fresh, radiant finish that appears hydrated and healthy, often giving the skin a dewy or luminous glow.
Both finishes can be achieved through different products and techniques, and each complements different skin types and styles.
Which Finish Is Better for Your Skin Type?
The choice between matte and dewy makeup often hinges on your skin type:
- Oily Skin: Matte finishes are typically preferred as they help control excess oil and shine. Using mattifying primers, powders, and foundations can keep the skin looking fresh without glossiness throughout the day.
- Dry Skin: Dewy finishes work well for dry or dehydrated skin, as they add moisture and radiance. Cream-based or hydrating foundations, along with luminous highlighters, can enhance your skin’s natural glow.
- Combination Skin: A balanced approach may be best—using matte products on oilier areas like the T-zone and dewy finishes on drier parts for a harmonious look.
It’s essential to select products suited to your skin type to ensure your makeup looks natural and feels comfortable throughout the day.
Choosing the Right Finish for Different Occasions
The occasion and setting also influence whether a matte or dewy look is more appropriate:
- Everyday Wear: A dewy finish offers a fresh, youthful vibe perfect for daytime and casual outings. It enhances a natural glow and makes skin look healthy and vibrant.
- Professional or Formal Events: Matte makeup often appears more polished and sophisticated, making it suitable for work, interviews, or formal gatherings.
- Evening or Night Out: Dewy finishes can add a glamorous touch, especially when paired with bold lips or eye makeup. Alternatively, a matte look can be sleek and dramatic if styled accordingly.
Adjusting the finish according to the event helps create an appropriate and harmonious overall appearance.
How to Achieve Matte and Dewy Finishes
Achieving the desired finish involves selecting the right products and applying them with techniques suited to your goal:
Creating a Matte Finish
- Primer: Use a mattifying primer to control oil and create a smooth base.
- Foundation: Opt for oil-free, matte foundations or powders that offer a non-reflective finish.
- Concealer and Powder: Set your makeup with a translucent or matte powder to reduce shine and prolong wear.
- Highlighting: Minimize or avoid luminous highlighters for a truly matte look.
Creating a Dewy Finish
- Primer: Use hydrating or illuminating primers to prep the skin and add luminosity.
- Foundation: Choose dewy or luminous foundations that contain light-reflecting properties.
- Highlighter: Incorporate liquid or cream highlighters on high points of the face—cheekbones, brow bones, nose bridge—to enhance the glow.
- Setting: Use a hydrating setting spray to lock in moisture and maintain a dewy finish.
Remember, the key to a natural, flawless finish is blending well and choosing products that work harmoniously with your skin’s unique characteristics.
Can You Combine Matte and Dewy Finishes?
Absolutely! Many makeup artists and enthusiasts prefer a hybrid approach, blending matte and dewy elements for a dynamic, multi-dimensional look. For example:
- Matte foundation with dewy high points: Using a matte base foundation and adding a luminous highlighter on cheekbones and brow bones creates contrast and dimension.
- Dewy skin with matte lips: Keeping the skin radiant while opting for matte lipstick offers a balanced, sophisticated style.
- Oily T-zone with dewy cheeks: Applying matte products in areas prone to oiliness and dewy finishes elsewhere helps manage shine while maintaining a fresh appearance.
This approach allows you to customize your look based on your preferences and the specific vibe you want to achieve.
Final Thoughts: Embrace Your Style and Skin Needs
Ultimately, whether your makeup is matte or dewy depends on your personal style, skin type, and the occasion. Both finishes can be beautiful and effective when applied correctly. Matte makeup provides a sleek, polished look that minimizes shine and enhances features with a velvety texture, making it ideal for professional settings or oily skin. Dewy makeup, on the other hand, offers a radiant, fresh, and youthful appearance, perfect for casual wear, dry skin, or when you want to emphasize a healthy glow.
Experimenting with both finishes allows you to discover what best complements your features and mood. Remember to select high-quality products suited to your skin type, use proper techniques, and have fun creating looks that make you feel confident and beautiful. Whether you prefer the understated elegance of matte or the luminous charm of dewy, the key is to embrace your unique style and let your natural beauty shine through.