Choosing the right foundation is never easy, especially since your base can literally make or break any makeup look. So many brands, so many shades or undertones to consider. And if it wasn’t enough, here’s another criteria you should take into account: matte or glowy. But who’s got the time (and money!) to test them all before finding the perfect match? Ahead, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about dewy vs. matte foundation to help you make the process easier for you.
Glow foundation
Dewy foundation usually contains moisturizing ingredients like oils or humectants to give you the appearance of glass-like, juicy skin. The dewy foundation works by reflecting the light on your skin and enhancing its natural glow, leaving your skin looking plump, radiant, and overall healthy and happy.
Glow foundation pros
- If you want to make your skin look more hydrated, a glowy foundation is for you since its formula is usually packed with nourishing ingredients.
- A glowy foundation is also a great option for those looking to reduce the appearance of signs of premature aging like fine lines and wrinkles.
- Glow foundation also tends to be a lot easier to build and blend, giving you more control over the level of coverage you feel like wearing.
Glow foundation cons
- Unfortunately, dewy foundation can appear greasy if you have oily skin, and it might not hold up for as long as matte would with the overproduction of oil.
- Glow foundation can also amplify the texture of your skin, so if you have acne-prone skin, it may make the breakouts more visible.
Matte foundation
From covering tattoos to eliminating hyperpigmentation, matte formulas offer an incredible level of coverage for any type of skin concern. These foundations are formulated without oils and with ingredients that help absorb excess oil from your skin, making them the perfect choice for those with oily and combination skin types.
Matte foundation pros:
- Since matte formulas are better at managing oily skin, this foundation type is rather low maintenance, holds up much longer and generally stays in one place without creasing.
- Matte foundation will dramatically improve the texture of your skin and offer more effective coverage if you have visible bumps, pores or acne scars, creating a diffused, smoother finish.
- It’s also worth noting that matte foundation won’t make you look shiny or greasy – but it definitely won’t make your skin appear dull, either.
Matte foundation cons:
- Since matte formulas don’t use oil or heavy-moisturizing ingredients, it can actually make your skin appear of feel dry, along with any type of flaking.
- Matte foundation also isn’t as easy to blend as the glow option, as they dry a lot quicker so you might feel a little rushed when applying it.
- Lastly, matte formulas can unfortunately make fine lines or facial hair more noticeable as well as appear rather heavy and even cakey.