Matte vs. Dewy Makeup Finishes: Which One Should You Choose?

Choosing the perfect makeup finish can transform your look, but the decision between a matte or dewy finish can feel like a tough call. Each has its own vibe, benefits, and challenges. Let’s break down the key differences to help you decide which finish best suits your skin type, style, and occasion.

What Is a Matte Finish?

A matte makeup finish is all about smoothness and eliminating shine. This look is characterized by a velvety, shine-free texture that can help create a flawless, airbrushed appearance.

Benefits of a Matte Finish:

1. Oil Control: Matte makeup is ideal for those with oily or combination skin, as it helps reduce shine and keeps oil at bay throughout the day.
2. Long-Lasting Wear: Matte foundations and powders tend to last longer, making them perfect for long days, nights out, or hot weather. They’re also less prone to creasing or smudging.
3. Full Coverage: Matte foundations often provide more coverage, effectively concealing blemishes, redness, or hyperpigmentation. This makes them a go-to for those who want a flawless, even complexion.

Challenges of a Matte Finish:

1. Can Emphasize Dryness: If you have dry skin or fine lines, matte products can settle into those areas, emphasizing texture and making skin look dull or cakey.
2. Flat Appearance: While matte can create a smooth, flawless base, it may lack the dimension or glow that some people prefer in their makeup look.

What Is a Dewy Finish?

A dewy finish is the complete opposite of matte—it’s all about that fresh, radiant glow. Dewy makeup mimics the look of naturally hydrated skin, giving off a healthy, luminous sheen.

Benefits of a Dewy Finish:

1. Youthful Glow: Dewy finishes enhance the skin’s natural glow, giving it a fresh, plump, and youthful appearance. This is especially flattering for mature or dry skin.
2. Hydration Boost: Many dewy foundations and products are infused with moisturizing ingredients, making them great for people with dry or normal skin.
3. Skin-Like Finish: The light-reflecting properties of dewy products help to soften the look of fine lines and create a more natural, skin-like texture.

Challenges of a Dewy Finish:

1. Shorter Wear Time: Dewy products are often less long-wearing than their matte counterparts, meaning touch-ups may be necessary, especially in hot or humid conditions.
2. May Look Greasy: On oily skin, a dewy finish can quickly turn from glowing to greasy, highlighting oiliness rather than enhancing radiance.
3. Less Coverage: Dewy finishes tend to offer lighter coverage, so if you have significant blemishes or discoloration, you may need to pair them with a concealer.

Which Finish Suits Your Skin Type?

• Oily Skin: If your skin tends to get shiny throughout the day, a matte finish is generally the better option. Matte foundations and powders will help control excess oil and provide longer-lasting wear. However, if you love the dewy look, you can always add a subtle glow with a highlighter on strategic areas like the cheekbones.
• Dry or Mature Skin: Dewy finishes are more forgiving on dry or mature skin, as they add hydration and create a fresh, plump appearance. The luminous effect can also help soften the look of fine lines and give the skin a more youthful glow.
• Combination Skin: For those with combination skin, the best approach may be a mix of both finishes. Use matte products on the oily areas of your face, like the T-zone, and dewy products on the drier areas like the cheeks for a balanced, healthy look.

When to Choose Each Finish

• Everyday Wear: For everyday wear, both finishes can work depending on your personal preference and skin type. Matte is great if you’re looking for a polished, professional look, while dewy is perfect for a natural, “no-makeup” makeup look.
• Special Occasions: For events where you’ll be photographed or need your makeup to last all day (like weddings or photoshoots), a matte finish is typically more reliable. On the other hand, a dewy finish is ideal for a radiant, glam look at a more relaxed occasion, like a date night or daytime event.
• Seasonal Considerations: Matte finishes tend to perform better in warmer months, when humidity and heat can make skin look oily. Dewy finishes shine during the colder months when skin is often drier and needs more hydration.

Can You Combine Both Finishes?

Absolutely! Many makeup lovers like to mix both finishes to get the best of both worlds. Here’s how:

• Matte Base, Dewy Glow: Start with a matte foundation to control shine and create a long-lasting base, then add a dewy highlighter or illuminating blush to key areas like the high points of the face (cheekbones, bridge of the nose, cupid’s bow) to add radiance.
• Dewy Base, Matte Touch-Ups: Alternatively, you can opt for a dewy foundation for a fresh look and use a matte powder to set your T-zone, ensuring that you keep shine under control without losing the glow.

Final Verdict

• Matte: Best for those with oily skin, or when you need long-lasting, full-coverage wear.
• Dewy: Ideal for dry or mature skin and those who prefer a fresh, radiant look.

Whether you choose a matte or dewy finish, the key is to enhance your natural beauty and feel confident in your look. Trying out both finishes can also help you see which one feels best for different occasions or seasons. At the end of the day, makeup is all about expressing your personal style and enhancing what makes you feel your best!

Which finish do you prefer? Let us know your go-to products for achieving your favorite makeup look!