Are you striving to defy your oily skin woes and manifest the coveted Korean dewy skin look?

Or perhaps you’re aiming for that naturally radiant, ‘just stepped out of a spa’ glow?

Whatever your skin goals, achieving the dewy skin look is well within your reach!

By rotating skincare secrets and make-up master strokes, you can unlock the door to a luminous, glowing complexion.

Become a glow-getter and rediscover your skin’s innate vitality as we demystify the dewy skin look in this comprehensive guide, unveiling the secrets behind the masterpiece that is glowing skin.

We promise, it’s not as tricky as it might seem. Let’s glow, shall we?

What Is Dewy Skin?

If you’ve ever watched a Korean drama, you’ll notice how flawless their skin looks, it’s poreless and ultra-dewy – also known as having “glass skin”, a popular K-beauty trend, which is likely where the inspiration for “dewy skin” comes from.

You might think there’s a very skilled make-up artist behind this look helping clients to achieve this effortless and youthful glow (and sometimes there is) but aside from a little highlighter or luminizer to enhance the finish, you can get this look naturally by paying closer attention to your skin health first.

I know it’s easier said than done but drinking plenty of water and a clean diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables is a good place to start.

A 2014 study by The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology found a direct link between what you eat and its impact on your skin.

Regular exfoliating also plays a major role in improving your skin’s texture and tone.

According to a study by PRS Global Open, American Society of Plastic Surgeons, skin radiance diminishes as we get older as the “epidermal cell turnover rate slows down”, this creates a “build-up of dead keratinocytes in the stratum corneum and follicular ostia, creating the appearance of rough, dry skin, enlarged pores, and poor light reflection.”

When we exfoliate, it removes this excess buildup on our face, which then stimulates cell turnover for a more polished, smoother and translucent surface (hello dewy!)

Plus, makeup sits much better on skin that has been cared for anyway!

Dewy Skin vs Oily Skin

Dewy skin and oily skin often get mistaken for each other due to their similar appearance, but they are fundamentally different.

A fresh, radiant complexion that looks as if it’s been kissed by morning mist – that’s the essence of dewy skin. This look is usually achieved through skincare routines and makeup application techniques that emphasise hydration and luminosity

On the other hand, oily skin is a skin type characterised by the overproduction of sebum, the skin’s natural oil, by the sebaceous glands.

This leads to a shiny or greasy appearance and can often result in clogged pores and acne. Individuals with oily skin might find it challenging to maintain makeup as the excess oil can cause it to break down faster.

Oily skin requires a tailored skincare approach to balance oil production and maintain a healthy complexion.

With dewy skin as the goal, here’s everything you’ll need to achieve “dewy skin” without make-up.

Oily skin requires a tailored skincare approach to balance oil production and maintain a healthy complexion.