How to Get a Dewy Summer Makeup Look: Step-by-Step Guide for Glowy, Radiant Skin

Last Updated on June 30, 2025 by Amy

Want that effortless, sun-kissed glow that looks fresh all day long, even in the heat? This step-by-step dewy summer makeup tutorial shows you exactly how to get glowing skin without looking greasy. From lightweight skincare to luminous makeup must-haves, here’s everything you need to create that lit-from-within look.

Whether you’re heading out for cocktails in the sun or just want a light, fresh face, this routine is all about hydration, light coverage, and creamy textures that enhance your skin, not hide it.

Step 1: Prep Your Skin for a Glowy Base

Dewy makeup always starts with good skincare. If your skin is plump, smooth, and hydrated, everything you apply on top will look 10x better, and last longer too.

Hydrate for a Radiant Base

Choose a moisturiser that suits your skin type and helps lock in hydration.

• For oily or combination skin: Go for oil-free gel moisturisers. I’ve shared my favourite for combination skin here. If you have oily skin, check out these recommendations.
• For dry skin: Go for a richer cream and layer a hydrating serum underneath. You can find my favourites in this post on moisturisers for dry skin.

Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or panthenol to help the skin stay plump and hydrated all day.

💡 Want an ultra-hydrated, glassy glow? Follow my full glass skin skincare routine to deeply prep your skin before applying makeup, especially if you want that bouncy, lit-from-within look.

Don’t Skip the SPF

A lightweight, non-greasy sunscreen is essential, especially in summer.

Top Picks:

• Beauty Pie Featherlight SPF
• Skin 1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum
• Mixsoon Centella SPF

Let your skincare sink in for a few minutes before applying makeup to help everything layer smoothly.

Step 2: Use a Lightweight Base for Glowy Skin

In summer, full-coverage foundation can feel heavy. Let your skin breathe with lighter options that still offer an even tone.

Tinted Moisturiser or Skin Tint

These provide sheer coverage and a natural glow. If you prefer more coverage, mix a small amount of foundation with your moisturiser.

Here are my top tinted moisturisers and skin tints for glowing skin, perfect for summer days.

Spot Conceal Only Where Needed

Apply a hydrating concealer under the eyes, around the nose, or over blemishes. Use your fingers or a damp sponge for the most skin-like finish.

Need help choosing a concealer? See my guide to covering dark circles.

Step 3: Add Cream Bronzer and Blush for a Sun-Kissed Flush

This is where the magic happens, sun-kissed warmth and a fresh flush that makes you look like you’ve been on holiday (even if you haven’t).

Apply Cream or Liquid Bronzer

Add warmth to your cheekbones, forehead, jawline, and across the bridge of your nose for that just-back-from-holiday glow.

Blend in Cream Blush

Opt for peachy or rosy tones. Cream formulas melt into the skin and give that fresh, dewy flush that powders just can’t replicate.

Blend with Fingers or Brush

Use patting motions (not rubbing!) to keep everything looking natural and luminous.

Top picks:

Blush: e.l.f. Liquid Blush, Chantecaille Cheek Gelée, Sculpted by Aimee Cream Luxe Blush

Bronzer: Sculpted by Aimee Cream Luxe Bronze, Oskia Nutri-Bronze (a tinted serum that doubles as bronzer)

Step 4: Highlight Strategically for Subtle Glow

Dewy doesn’t mean glittery. Choose cream or liquid highlighters that give skin a natural sheen.

Where to Highlight:

• Tops of the cheekbones
• Bridge of the nose (optional if you get oily here)
• Cupid’s bow
• Inner corners of the eyes

If your skin is on the oilier side, skip the T-zone and stick to cheekbones for a lit-from-within look.

Top Picks:

• e.l.f. Halo Glow
• Rodial Glass Highlighter
• Sculpted by Aimee Cream Luxe Glow

Step 5: Soft, Glossy Eyes

Keep your eyes simple and bright to match the fresh vibe of the rest of your makeup.

1. Light Wash of Colour

Use a cream or liquid shimmer on the lids, or even your bronzer for a subtle glow. Skip complicated eyeshadow looks, this is summer, not smoky eye season.

2. Define with Mascara and Optional Liner

Curl your lashes and apply lightweight waterproof mascara to keep things in place through heat and humidity. If you want definition, a brown pencil smudged along the lash line keeps it soft.

These are some of my favourite mascaras, featuring waterproof, brown, lengthening and volumising options.

Step 6: Finish with Juicy, Hydrated Lips

Skip the mattes, summer is for gloss, tints, and lip oils.

Choose One of These:

• Lip Oils for a shiny, nourishing finish
• Tinted Balms for comfort and soft colour
• Glosses for that high-shine, full-lip effect

If you love lip oils and balms, check out my favourite tinted lip products for summer.

Step 7: Set Your Look Without Killing the Glow

You’ve built the perfect radiant base, now lock it in the right way.

Use Dewy Setting Spray + Light Powder

• Mist a setting spray to keep things fresh
• Add powder only where needed—like the T-zone or under the eyes

Can You Get a Dewy Look with Oily Skin? Absolutely.

If your skin tends to get shiny (especially in summer), you might worry that “dewy” will turn into “greasy” by lunchtime. But you can still pull off a radiant, glowing look, it’s all about smart layering and setting.

Here’s how I make it work with my combination skin (and what I recommend for oily skin types too):

Layer Cream + Powder for Longer-Lasting Colour

One of my favourite tricks is to apply a powder bronzer and blush on top of cream formulas. The cream gives that juicy, natural finish, while the powder helps lock everything in place for longer wear. It’s the best of both worlds: the glow of cream with the staying power of powder.

Other Tips for Oily Skin + Dewy Makeup:

• Choose gel or water-based creams (they tend to feel lighter and last longer)
• Use a mattifying primer just in your oily zones, like your nose or forehead
• Set strategically—don’t powder your whole face, just where you need it
• Use long-wear or waterproof formulas for concealer and mascara

Remember, dewy doesn’t mean oily. It means healthy, hydrated skin with just the right amount of glow—and with the right prep and setting steps, even oily skin types can pull off this look.

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Dewy Summer Makeup: Final Thoughts

This look is the perfect mix of fresh, lightweight, and effortlessly radiant. It takes minimal effort but delivers maximum glow.

Quick Recap:

1. Hydrate & SPF – The foundation of a great base.
2. Lightweight tint – Skin but better.
3. Cream bronzer & blush – Warmth + glow.
4. Subtle highlighter – Shine in all the right places.
5. Glossy eyes – Keep it minimal and fresh.
6. Juicy lips – Hydrated, glossy perfection.
7. Strategic setting – Dewy spray and powder where needed.

Would you try this look? Let me know your go-to summer makeup essentials in the comments—I love discovering new favourites!