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Out of the hundreds of contenders weve tested, these 11 picks stand out.
Collage: Laneen Wells; Source images: Allure editors
Makeup artists also frequently mention this formula for its diverse shade range and natural finish.
Dall’Asen with no foundation.
Dall’Asen after applying Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 in shade Balos ST3.
Nicola Dall’Asen applying Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 in shade Balos ST3.
I love how glowy this formula is, and I feel like its good for my skin.
The shade range is also so beautiful.
Fiona Stiles, a celebrity makeup artist and founder ofReed Clarkebased in Los Angeles, is also a fan.
Dall’Asen with no foundation.
Its dewy in the way that youre dewy after a bit of light exercisejust a soft, gentle glow.
Plus, it has the added benefit of SPF, which is always a plus in my book.
We also love the radiant finish this leaves behind thanks to light-reflecting pigments in the formula.
Dall’Asen after applying Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 in shade Balos ST3.
Han with no foundation.
Han after applying Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation in shade BO53.
I go in with my (clean!)
Sarah Han applying Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation.
finger at first, warming it up as I spread before buffing everything in with a foundation brush.
It truly feels like I have nothing on and my complexion looks, well, perkier.
Needless to say, don’t always trust the website.
Han with no foundation.
I love how light and fresh it feels, literally like pushing water into my skin, she says.
I like to apply it with my fingertips.
Kinonen with no foundation.
Han after applying Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation in shade BO53.
Kinonen after applying Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Foundation in shade 120 Light Warm.
(Im shade 120 Light Warm, by the way.)
The formula is specifically designed for all-day wear and holds up well even if you get greasy.
Sarah Kinonen applying Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Foundation in shade 120 Light Warm.
Extra points for the skin-blurring filtered finish, medium coverage, and antioxidant-rich ingredients likecacao peptidesandmilk thistle.
Angela Trakoshis with no foundation on.
Trakoshis after applying Nars Light Reflecting Foundation in shade Patagonia.
Kinonen with no foundation.
Our favorite thing about this dewy foundation?
Calaor with no foundation.
Calaor after applying Fenty Beauty SoftLit Naturally Luminous Longwear Foundation in shade 315.
Kinonen after applying Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Foundation in shade 120 Light Warm.
She particularly loves the illuminated finish that gives glow without grease, even if you have oily skin.
Most foundation sticks weve tried give a semi-matte finish and medium-to-full coverage.
This one feels exactly like a super hydrating skin tint in a stick.
Angela Trakoshis applying Nars Light Reflecting Foundation in shade Patagonia on her face.
Dont ask us exactly how it works, but it definitely works.
The formula includes hyaluronic acid and vitamin E for a hydrating boost.
Mazzone Singh with no foundation.
Angela Trakoshis with no foundation on.
Mazzone Singh after applying Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint Hydrating Foundation Stick in shade 1.
Wu with no foundation.
Wu after applying TirTir Mask Fit Red Cushion Foundation in 21N.
Trakoshis after applying Nars Light Reflecting Foundation in shade Patagonia.
Tester feedback:This is the only foundation I regularly carry in my bag, saysAllurecontributor Sarah Y. Wu.
If you havent used a cushion foundation before, theres a slight learning curve.
To confirm I get a natural finish that doesnt look cakey, I apply very thin layers.
Jesa Marie Calaor applying Fenty Beauty Soft’Lit Naturally Luminous Longwear Foundation in shade 315.
you could definitely build this up to a medium-to-full coverage foundation and it still feels lightweight.
Stiles always keeps this formula in her kit and swears by its buildable coverage and glowybut nottooglowyfinish.
Plus, its got SPF 25 for a little extra UV protection.
Calaor with no foundation.
Tester feedback:This foundation is a staple in my kit, says Stiles.
It gives a good amount of buildable coverage while always maintaining the feeling of skin.
With dewy foundations, its a delicate balance between glowy and shiny.
Calaor after applying Fenty Beauty Soft’Lit Naturally Luminous Longwear Foundation in shade 315.
This one strikes the perfect balance.
Not only do makeup artists constantly name-drop it, but its alsoMeghan Markles favorite foundation.
Its also oil-free, meaning it wears just as well on oily and combination skin.
Dianna Mazzone Singh applying Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint Hydrating Foundation Stick in shade 1.
Tester feedback:Luminous Silk is my go-to for a foolproof dewy finish, says Bhatty.
Theres a reason why its a red carpet favorite.
To apply, she recommends blending it out with a damp makeup sponge for the most flawless results.
Mazzone Singh with no foundation.
A wetBeautyblenderis best, she says.
Its also buildable, water-resistant, and comes in a much more extensive shade range than most body foundations.
There isnt any luminosity to it, making it really look like skin.
Mazzone Singh after applying Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint Hydrating Foundation Stick in shade 1.
Backstage, shes used it from head to toe.
Bonus points for also working great asbody makeup, she says.
Most body makeup only comes in a few shades, making it hard to get a good match.
Allurecontributor Sarah Y. Wu applying Tirtir Mask Fit Red Cushion Foundation in 21N.
If youd count yourself in that category, try Bhattys favorite glow booster.
Tester feedback:Dew-La-La really gives you such a gorgeous dewy finish, says Bhatty.
it’s possible for you to always pair light-coverage dewy foundationswith concealeranywhere you need extra coverage.
Wu with no foundation.
Remember: software is just as important as choosing the right formula for you.
Dewy makeup requires skin prep to perform at its ultimate potential, says Bhatty.
Can those with oily skin wear dewy foundation?
Wu after applying TirTir Mask Fit Red Cushion Foundation in 21N.
The short answer: Yes.
If you have oily or combination skin, you have two options for dewy foundation.
The first is picking a formula designed for all-day wear like Fenty Beautys SoftLit.
you could also pair it with products that absorb oil and extend the wear time of your foundation.
Used as a base layer, a mattifying primer wont cancel out the dewy finish of your foundation.
It will just extend the wear, she explains.
Smashbox
Photo Finish Control Mattifying Primer
Dermstore
E.L.F.
Liquid Poreless Putty Primer
Walmart
What is the best long-lasting foundation with a dewy finish?
That said, you might extend the wear time of any dewy foundation withmakeup primer.
If you have oily skin, stick to mattifying primer on your entire face.
Robinson says skin prep is also key to ensuring your dewy foundation wears longer.
A gentle cleanser will remove any residual dirt and oil, he says.
Then I recommend using a gentle exfoliator to remove dead skin.
These two steps will help create a smoother base for your foundation.
Before you apply your makeup, finish witha moisturizerto keep your skin hydrated.
If you have dry or dehydrated skin, this will also prevent your foundation from clinging to dry patches.
Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones?
Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses?
Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge?
Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?
This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions.
For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our completereviews process and methodology page.
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