Matte vs Dewy: How to Pick the Right Finish

Jasmine Torres
May 4
4 min read

Updated: Jul 23

By Jasmine Torres, Makeup & Artistry International Institute of Beauty

In the world of makeup, few debates are as timeless and as personal as matte versus dewy. It’s the ultimate face off: one offers a flawless, shine free finish that stays put through anything, while the other delivers that fresh, lit from within radiance we all crave.

But which one is right for you? Truthfully, both finishes can be stunning. It’s all about knowing your skin, your setting, and your style.

Let’s break it all down, from skin types to seasonal shifts, so you can confidently choose your perfect finish whether you’re channelling glassy glow or soft matte chic.

What Does Matte Mean?

A matte finish is defined by its lack of shine. It creates a smooth, velvety appearance that minimises the look of pores, texture, and oiliness. Matte foundations and powders typically absorb excess oil, offering a longer lasting, transferresistant result.

Benefits of Matte:

Controls shine for hours
Long wearing and resistant to heat and humidity
Blurs imperfections and texture
Ideal for oily, acne prone, or combination skin

Perfect for: Long days, events, photoshoots, or anyone who loves a polished, sculpted look.

What Does Dewy Mean?

Dewy finishes are all about hydration and luminosity. Think radiant, fresh, and skin like. Dewy foundations reflect light naturally, giving the complexion a youthful, healthy glow.

Benefits of Dewy:

Hydrates and enhances natural skin texture
Reflects light for a luminous look
Ideal for dry, mature, or dull skin types
Pairs beautifully with minimal or ‘clean girl’ makeup

Perfect for: Everyday looks, colder months, dry skin days, or when you want that “just finished a facial” glow.

Matte vs Dewy: How to Choose

So how do you pick between the two? Start with these three key factors: your skin type, the occasion, and your personal aesthetic.

1. Know Your Skin Type

Oily or Acne Prone Skin Matte formulas help reduce shine and keep makeup in place throughout the day. Opt for oil free, non comedogenic products that won’t clog pores.

Dry or Mature Skin Dewy products add moisture and softness, helping to blur fine lines and give the skin a plumper, more youthful appearance.

Combination Skin You’ve got options! Try a matte finish in the T zone with a dewy product on the cheeks, or use satin finish foundations that balance both worlds.

2. Match the Finish to the Occasion

For Long Wear & Events: Matte is the way to go. It holds up beautifully under heat, lights, and late nights.

For Everyday Radiance: Dewy is ideal for daily wear, brunch dates, and glowing skin on the go.

For Photography: Matte foundations tend to photograph better, especially under flash.

For Fresh, Minimal Makeup Days: Dewy tints or BB creams offer a natural, breathable look.

3. Consider the Season

Our skin changes with the weather, and so should our makeup.

Winter & Autumn: Skin often becomes drier, so swap in hydrating, luminous products for that added glow.

Spring & Summer: Matte products help combat sweat and oil, especially in humid conditions.

The Hybrid Approach: Best of Both Worlds

Here’s a beauty truth: you don’t have to choose just one finish. Some of the most beautiful looks blend matte and dewy strategically.

Try this:

Use a matte foundation on the centre of your face (forehead, nose, chin) and a dewy product or cream blush on the cheeks for dimension.
Apply a luminous primer underneath a soft matte foundation for glow from within.
Add a dewy setting spray over matte makeup to soften the overall finish without compromising longevity.

Product Picks: Matte and Dewy Must Haves

Matte Favourites:

Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay in Place Foundation
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Foundation
L’Oréal Infallible 24H Matte
Huda Beauty #FauxFilter Matte

Dewy Favourites:

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation
Glossier Skin Tint
Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder
IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream (Radiance)

Tools & Techniques That Matter

How you apply your products can also influence the finish.

Brushes provide more coverage and often enhance a matte look.
Damp sponges blend dewy products seamlessly for a glowing finish.
Fingers work well with creamy, light reflective textures perfect for that natural glow.

Setting sprays can be your best friend:

Use a mattifying mist to control shine.
Try a hydrating or glow mist to bring life to the skin.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, matte and dewy aren’t just finishes they’re moods. They’re statements. Matte is bold, sophisticated, refined. Dewy is effortless, romantic, radiant. And guess what? You’re allowed to love both.

Whether you’re heading into the boardroom or strolling through a flower market, the finish you choose should reflect how you want to feel. Confident? Polished? Fresh faced? Powerful? There’s a finish for that.

So don’t be afraid to switch it up. Try matte on a Monday and dewy on a Sunday. Or mix the two and make your own rules. Your skin, your style, your glow.