The 11 Best Dewy Foundations for Skin That Looks as Plump as a Dumpling

Skin-smoothing coverage, hydrating ingredients, and maximum radiance: The best dewy foundations get it done in a swipe. Made to mimic the finish you’d get from mixing your daily moisturizer with makeup, these formulas contain ingredients you’d typically find in your favorite serums and creams like “hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin, which work to help improve your skin’s barrier as they hydrate,” says Ron Robinson, a cosmetic chemist and founder of BeautyStat based in New York City. (He’s also a fan of dewy foundations with “squalane, jojoba oil, or avocado oil that can moisturize while helping deliver glow.”)

Our Top Picks

• Best Dewy Foundation Overall: Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40, $48
• Best Light-Coverage Dewy Foundation: Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation, $65
• Best Light-to-Medium-Coverage Dewy Foundation: Haus Labs by Lady Gaga Triclone Skin Tech Foundation, $45
• Best Long-Wearing Dewy Foundation: Nars Light Reflecting Foundation, $52
• Best Dewy Foundation for Oily Skin: Fenty Beauty Soft’Lit Naturally Luminous Longwear Foundation, $40
• Best Dewy Foundation Stick: Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint Hydrating Foundation Stick, $46
• Best Transfer-Proof Dewy Foundation: TirTir Mask Fit Red Cushion Foundation, $25

Balancing a skin-care-packed formula with the wear time and coverage of foundation is no easy task, which is why we leave the formulation to brands instead of DIY-ing our own. Out of the hundreds of contenders we’ve tested, these 11 picks stand out. Check out our FAQs to get all your dewy foundation questions answered and keep scrolling for the full breakdown of the best dewy foundations approved by celebrity makeup artists and Allure beauty editors.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Which foundation is best for a dewy look?
• Can those with oily skin wear dewy foundation?
• What is the best long-lasting foundation with a dewy finish?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Dewy Foundation Overall: Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40

Why it's worth it: Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 gets glowing reviews from makeup artists and Allure editors alike. This serum foundation boasts an SPF 40 rating and contains two of Robinson’s recommended ingredients for hydration (squalane and hyaluronic acid). Allure senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen previously nominated it as one of her favorite formulas “when I can't be bothered to do skin care or makeup,” calling out the unique texture and moisturizing feel. “Putting the word 'serum' in the name wasn't a lie; this stuff oozes, goozes, and slathers just like a thick, somewhat oily serum—and that's exactly what lends itself as a seconds-long, rub-in application and instantly hydrating effect,” she says. Makeup artists also frequently mention this formula for its diverse shade range and natural finish.

Tester feedback: Both makeup artists we spoke to for this story agree that Ilia’s Skin Tint is one of the best dewy foundations they’ve tried. “This feels like skin care and looks like skin care but with good coverage,” says Kirin Bhatty, a celebrity makeup artist based in New York City and Los Angeles. “I love how glowy this formula is, and I feel like it’s good for my skin. The shade range is also so beautiful.”

Fiona Stiles, a celebrity makeup artist and founder of Reed Clarke based in Los Angeles, is also a fan. “With a sheer finish and zero shimmer, this lightweight tint is what I reach for when I want skin to feel enhanced and perfected,” she says. “It’s dewy in the way that you’re dewy after a bit of light exercise—just a soft, gentle glow. Plus, it has the added benefit of SPF, which is always a plus in my book.”

Key ingredients: squalane, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid | Who it's for: all skin types and anyone looking for a light, serum-like foundation with SPF | Shade count: 30

Best Light-Coverage Dewy Foundation: Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation

Why it's worth it: Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation is one of the most luxurious dewy foundations we’ve tried. The texture feels ultra silky and hydrating thanks to a formula that’s 40% water, mixed with hydrating skin-care ingredients like glycerin and vitamin E. Our editors say it melts on application instead of sitting on top of your skin, giving it the type of undetectable finish that prompts your friends to ask what skin care you’ve been using—not what foundation you’re wearing. We also love the radiant finish this leaves behind thanks to light-reflecting pigments in the formula.

Tester feedback: “I’m a sucker for a lightweight, dewy base and Chanel Les Beige delivers every time—it contains 40% water, after all, so no wonder it has that melt-into-my-skin texture I'm always looking for,” says Allure commerce editor Sarah Han. “I go in with my (clean!) 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.”

Her only qualm? Finding your perfect shade match might take some trial and error, but Chanel has a phone-enabled shade finder that can help you out. “I almost exclusively pick shades with neutral undertones, but in the summertime, I don't mind veering towards golden undertones, which is why BO53 works for me—but, if you look at the model for my shade, her complexion is, ahem, not very close to mine. Needless to say, don't always trust the website.”

Makeup artist tip: Turns out Chanel excels at making dewy foundations; Bhatty raves about the brand’s Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint, which contains tiny pearls of pigment suspended in a hydrating gel base. “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.” Try it if you’re looking for even more hydration or have dry skin (the formula is composed of 75% water).

Key ingredients: glycerin, meadowfoam seed oil, vitamin E | Who it's for: anyone who wants light coverage and a natural finish | Shade count: 42

Best Light-to-Medium-Coverage Dewy Foundation: Haus Labs by Lady Gaga Triclone Skin Tech Foundation

Why it's worth it: Don’t confuse a dewy finish with sheer coverage; some dewy foundations like Haus Labs by Lady Gaga Triclone Skin Tech Foundation blend a glowy, second-skin effect with more coverage than you’d expect. This liquid foundation feels weightless and hydrating but still manages to cover redness, conceal hyperpigmentation, and smooth uneven texture with ease. Grab this one if you want more of a true foundation than a skin tint—not to mention one that comes in 51 shades, the most extensive shade range of any dewy foundation on our list. As a bonus, it still feels like a serum thanks to moisturizing, calming ingredients like vitamin E, glycerin, and Centella asiatica extract.

Tester feedback: “While I much prefer a medium-coverage foundation, on days when I need something a tad lighter, I reach for the Haus Labs foundation,” says Allure associate beauty director Sarah Kinonen. “Even though it’s buildable, I usually only apply a single layer (with my fingers) and after my concealer is on, I’ll go back in with a makeup sponge (love you, Beautyblender) to even out the dewy finish. It wears well, but I always notice near the end of the day, it starts to sheer out, so keep that in mind if you’re looking for something super long-wear. Shade matching-wise, I know it’s the bare minimum to expect a brand to have my exact shade, but I really like that this foundation is truly a perfect match to my fair skin and neutral undertone. (I’m shade 120 Light Warm, by the way.)”

Key ingredients: fermented arnica, tomato fruit extract, vitamin E, glycerin, squalane, Centella asiatica, licorice root extract | Who it's for: anyone who wants a dewy foundation with more coverage | Shade count: 51

Best Long-Wearing Dewy Foundation: Nars Light Reflecting Foundation

Why it's worth it: Dewy foundations can be so hydrating, they end up melting away midday, especially on oily and combination skin. If you’ve struggled to find a dewy foundation that lasts all day without touch-ups, you need a bottle of Nars Light Reflecting Foundation. The formula is specifically designed for all-day wear and holds up well even if you get greasy. Extra points for the skin-blurring filtered finish, medium coverage, and antioxidant-rich ingredients like cacao peptides and milk thistle.

Tester feedback: “Every time I move onto a new foundation, I immediately miss this one," says shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis. "It's glowy (but not greasy), it's lightweight, and truly brings out my skin—just with less acne and hyperpigmentation."

Key ingredients: biomimetic oat, Japanese lilyturf, cacao peptides, milk thistle | Who it's for: anyone who struggles to find a dewy foundation that lasts | Shade count: 36

Best Dewy Foundation for Oily Skin: Fenty Beauty Soft’Lit Naturally Luminous Longwear Foundation

Why it's worth it: You already know: Fenty Beauty makes award-winning foundations that tick every box from wear time to blendability, to shade range. If you loved everything about the original Pro Filt’r Matte Foundation except for the velvet finish, then you now have a truly dewy option thanks to Soft’Lit Naturally Luminous Longwear Foundation. It keeps everything we loved from the original (a shade range with range, buildable medium coverage, and transfer-proof long wear) and updates it with a hydrating formula and glowy finish. Our favorite thing about this dewy foundation? While it’s definitely more hydrating than Pro Filt’r, it doesn’t feel heavy or greasy and easily holds up on all skin types.

Tester feedback: “Fenty Beauty's Soft'Lit is the hydrating, glowy counterpart of the original Pro Filt’r Matte Foundation that I was waiting for,” says Allure senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor. She particularly loves the illuminated finish that gives glow without grease, even if you have oily skin. “Just two pumps of the lightweight formula gives my skin a luminous finish, without looking greasy or glittery,” she says.

Key ingredients:Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extract, glycerin | Who it's for: all skin types, especially anyone with oily skin who usually can’t wear dewy foundation | Shade count: 50

Best Dewy Foundation Stick: Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint Hydrating Foundation Stick

Why it's worth it: We’re always in favor of a travel-friendly foundation but Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint Hydrating Foundation Stick is a rarity for several reasons. Most foundation sticks we’ve tried give a semi-matte finish and medium-to-full coverage. This one feels exactly like a super hydrating skin tint in a stick. Don’t ask us exactly how it works, but it definitely works. You can glide it directly onto your face and blend it out with your fingers or dab it on over your makeup for a soft glow. The formula includes hyaluronic acid and vitamin E for a hydrating boost.

Tester feedback: “I'm typically more of a tinted moisturizer gal, which is probably why I love this stick,” says Allure associate features director Dianna Mazzone Singh. She’s a fan of the convenient format, as well as the natural sheer coverage she gets in a single swipe. “The lightweight formula offers just enough coverage to minimize the redness on my cheeks and around my nose while still making my skin look like, well, skin,” she says.

Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, daikon radish seed oil | Who it's for: anyone who wants an easy-to-apply, travel-friendly dewy foundation | Shade count: 20

Best Transfer-Proof Dewy Foundation: TirTir Mask Fit Red Cushion Foundation

Why it's worth it: You may have seen this egg-shaped compact go TikTok-viral a few times, and we’re here to confirm that it’s worth the hype. If you’re curious about Korean cushion foundations, we recommend starting with TirTir Mask Fit Red Cushion Foundation. Unlike most cushions, it comes in more than just a few shades—30, to be exact, with more on the way. (Editor's note: We, along with the internet, know there are improvements to be made with the darker shades, so we hope those changes are made soon!) Inside, you’ll find a sponge saturated with dewy, long-wearing foundation infused with hibiscus and propolis extracts. The brand designed this formula to stay mask-proof and it’s definitely one of the most long-wearing, transfer-resistant dewy foundations we tested.

Tester feedback: “This is the only foundation I regularly carry in my bag,” says Allure contributor Sarah Y. Wu. “I love the portable design and the fact that it comes with a puff and mirror inside so I can touch up on the go. If you haven’t used a cushion foundation before, there’s a slight learning curve. To make sure I get a natural finish that doesn’t look cakey, I apply very thin layers. I’ll press the puff into the sponge once, then pat off most of the foundation on the black inner lid before I put any on my face. It’s best to work in thin layers and build it up wherever I need extra coverage—over blemishes or around my nose where I tend to get red. You can definitely build this up to a medium-to-full coverage foundation and it still feels lightweight. It stays put all day without creasing or caking on my combination skin and gives me a really beautiful subtle glow. I also recommend washing the puff regularly (I throw mine in with my laundry once a week) so bacteria doesn’t build up.”

Key ingredients: hibiscus extract, propolis extract, niacinamide | Who it's for: anyone who wants a dewy foundation that won’t budge, even without primer | Shade count: 30

More dewy foundations we (and makeup artists!) love:

Best Buildable Dewy Foundation: Clé de Peau Beauté Radiant Cream Foundation SPF 25

Why it's worth it: Take it from a celebrity makeup artist who’s tested every dewy foundation on the market: Clé de Peau Beauté Radiant Cream Foundation SPF 25 is a splurge worth every penny. Stiles always keeps this formula in her kit and swears by its buildable coverage and glowy—but not too glowy—finish. Try it if you find that your dewy foundations tend to get greasy around your T-zone or just prefer more of a semi-glowy look. While Stiles says she usually has to set dewy foundations with powder, this one doesn’t require the extra help. The cream foundation is infused with nourishing ingredients like chestnut rosa fruit extract and argan oil that keep skin moisturized and fresh. Plus, it’s got SPF 25 for a little extra UV protection.

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.” Stiles says her favorite thing about the formula is the amount of glow it gives: not too much, not too little. “Depending on my client’s skin type, I can forgo powdering because the finish is dewy but not aggressively so like some formulas are,” she explains. “With dewy foundations, it’s a delicate balance between glowy and shiny. This one strikes the perfect balance.”

Key ingredients: Potentilla erecta root extract, chestnut rosa fruit extract, argan oil | Who it's for: anyone who wants a dewy foundation that’s not too dewy | Shade count: 24

Best Dewy Foundation for High-Definition Photos: Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation

Why it's worth it: Armani Beauty’s Luminous Silk Foundation is an iconic dewy foundation. Not only do makeup artists constantly name-drop it, but it’s also Meghan Markle’s favorite foundation. It’s also won an Allure Best of Beauty Award and secured the top pick on our list of the best foundations for mature skin. Even if your dewy makeup look isn’t scheduled for a red-carpet appearance or you don’t have mature skin, chances are you’ll still love this formula. It gives skin a blurred, filtered finish that photographs beautifully (one of the reasons why makeup artists keep it in their kits) and gives enough coverage to cover breakouts and redness. Because the formula is so lightweight and hydrating, it won’t settle into fine lines or cling to dry patches. It’s also oil-free, meaning it wears just as well on oily and combination skin.

Tester feedback: “Luminous Silk is my go-to for a foolproof dewy finish,” says Bhatty. “It never looks overly wet, gives just enough glow in all the right places, and your photos will always look flawless. There’s a reason why it’s a red carpet favorite.” To apply, she recommends blending it out with a damp makeup sponge for the most flawless results. “A wet Beautyblender is best,” she says.

Best Allover Dewy Foundation: Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation

Why it's worth it: When we say allover dewy foundation, we mean one that works as well on your arms, chest, and legs as it does on your face—according to makeup artists who have used it backstage at Fashion Week. Even if you don’t plan to wear Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation on your body, it’s got a lot going for it. The formula was designed with pro use in mind and it doesn’t need an accompanying primer or powder to apply beautifully. Stiles says this is what she reaches for when she wants a finish that looks closest to skin; while dewy, it doesn’t contain any added luminosity. It’s also buildable, water-resistant, and comes in a much more extensive shade range than most body foundations.

Tester feedback: “When you want a bit of coverage without the feeling of wearing makeup, this foundation is key,” says Stiles. “There isn’t any luminosity to it, making it really look like skin.” Backstage, she’s used it from head to toe. “Bonus points for also working great as body makeup,” she says. “You can apply a thin layer to legs and arms if you need to without it looking thick and flat and because of the wide color range you can guarantee you’re able to match your skin tone. Most body makeup only comes in a few shades, making it hard to get a good match.”

Key ingredients: squalane, hyaluronic acid | Who it's for: anyone who wants a dewy foundation that works from head to toe | Shade count: 43

Best Glow Booster: Benefit Dew-La-La Liquid Glow Highlighter

Why it's worth it: For some, there’s no such thing as a dewy foundation that looks too dewy. If you’d count yourself in that category, try Bhatty’s favorite glow booster. A dot of Benefit Dew-La-La Liquid Glow Highlighter mixed in with your favorite dewy foundation goes a long way, but it’s also sheer and subtle enough to apply alone as a liquid illuminator or skin tint, says Bhatty. The formula contains a few of Robinson’s recommended hydrating ingredients and it’s also non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores and is safe for acne-prone skin. It’s lightweight, long-wearing, and plays well with any foundation formula: cream, liquid, cushion, or powder.

Tester feedback: “Dew-La-La really gives you such a gorgeous dewy finish,” says Bhatty. She prefers to apply it all over her face as a substitute for liquid highlighter or skin tint, but you can also mix a few drops in with any of the dewy foundations on this list to make them even dewier. “It’s technically a highlighter but I use it all over the face for a dewy, glowy finish that feels like a light tint,” she says.

Key ingredients: sunflower seed oil, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, niacinamide | Who it's for: anyone who doesn’t think their dewy foundation is dewy enough | Shade count: 5

Any non-matte foundation with hydrating ingredients can give you a dewy look, but we recommend sticking to this list for the best foundations we’ve tested. Decide what kind of formula you want—liquid, cream, or cushion—and your ideal level of coverage, and go from there. While a few of our picks deliver medium-to-full coverage (like Fenty and TirTir), many dewy foundations tend to be on the sheer side. You can always pair light-coverage dewy foundations with concealer anywhere you need extra coverage.

Remember: Application is just as important as choosing the right formula for you. “Dewy makeup requires skin prep to perform at its ultimate potential,” says Bhatty. “Make sure your skin is hydrated, exfoliated, and primed to ensure your dewy makeup lasts and gives you the results you want.”

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 Beauty’s Soft’Lit. You can also pair it with products that absorb oil and extend the wear time of your foundation. “People with oily skin can definitely wear dewy foundation, but the secret to wearing it well is utilizing things like a mattifying primer to make sure that your skin doesn’t eat your makeup,” says Bhatty. “This will also ensure that you glow in the places that you want to glow and stay matte where you need to be matte.” Used as a base layer, a mattifying primer won’t cancel out the dewy finish of your foundation. “It will just extend the wear,” she explains.

The dewy foundations with the best wear time on our list are Nars Light Reflecting Foundation, TirTir Mask Fit Red Cushion Foundation, Fenty Beauty Soft’Lit Naturally Luminous Longwear Foundation, Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation, and Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation.

That said, you can extend the wear time of any dewy foundation with makeup primer. “I often use a hybrid of primers like a mattifying primer on the nose, forehead, and chin and a hydrating primer everywhere else,” says Bhatty. 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 with a moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated. If you have dry or dehydrated skin, this will also prevent your foundation from clinging to dry patches.

• Kirin Bhatty, a celebrity makeup artist based in New York City and Los Angeles
• Fiona Stiles, a celebrity makeup artist and founder of Reed Clarke based in Los Angeles
• Ron Robinson, a cosmetic chemist and founder of BeautyStat based in New York City

Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? 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?

For our review of the best dewy foundations, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, cosmetic chemists, and professional makeup artists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product's performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

Get the 4-1-1 on even more glowy products for dewy devotees:

• 14 Best Cream Blushes for Convincing Wash of Color
• The 21 Best Liquid Highlighters for Perfectly Dewy Skin
• 12 Best Sunscreens for Glowing Skin

Done reading? Now, watch Ariana Greenblatt's 10-minute makeup routine:

Shop all of our latest obsessions in one place! And don't forget to follow Allure on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, or subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on all things beauty.