Key ingredients: glycerin, meadowfoam seed oil, vitamin E | Who it’s for: anyone who wants light coverage and a natural finish | Shade count: 42
Best Light-to-Medium-Coverage Dewy Foundation: Haus Labs by Lady Gaga Triclone Skin Tech Foundation
Why it’s worth it: Don’t confuse a dewy finish with sheer coverage; some dewy foundations like Haus Labs by Lady Gaga Triclone Skin Tech Foundation blend a glowy, second-skin effect with more coverage than you’d expect. This liquid foundation feels weightless and hydrating but still manages to cover redness, conceal hyperpigmentation, and smooth uneven texture with ease. Grab this one if you want more of a true foundation than a skin tint—not to mention one that comes in 51 shades, the most extensive shade range of any dewy foundation on our list. As a bonus, it still feels like a serum thanks to moisturizing, calming ingredients like vitamin E, glycerin, and Centella asiatica extract.
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Tester feedback: “While I much prefer a medium-coverage foundation, on days when I need something a tad lighter, I reach for the Haus Labs foundation,” says Allure associate beauty director Sarah Kinonen. “Even though it’s buildable, I usually only apply a single layer (with my fingers) and after my concealer is on, I’ll go back in with a makeup sponge (love you, Beautyblender) to even out the dewy finish. It wears well, but I always notice near the end of the day, it starts to sheer out, so keep that in mind if you’re looking for something super long-wear. Shade matching-wise, I know it’s the bare minimum to expect a brand to have my exact shade, but I really like that this foundation is truly a perfect match to my fair skin and neutral undertone. (I’m shade 120 Light Warm, by the way.)”
Key ingredients: fermented arnica, tomato fruit extract, vitamin E, glycerin, squalane, Centella asiatica, licorice root extract | Who it’s for: anyone who wants a dewy foundation with more coverage | Shade count: 51
Best Long-Wearing Dewy Foundation: Nars Light Reflecting Foundation
Why it’s worth it: Dewy foundations can be so hydrating, they end up melting away midday, especially on oily and combination skin. If you’ve struggled to find a dewy foundation that lasts all day without touch-ups, you need a bottle of Nars Light Reflecting Foundation. The formula is specifically designed for all-day wear and holds up well even if you get greasy. Extra points for the skin-blurring filtered finish, medium coverage, and antioxidant-rich ingredients like cacao peptides and milk thistle.
Tester feedback: “Every time I move onto a new foundation, I immediately miss this one,” says shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis. “It’s glowy (but not greasy), it’s lightweight, and truly brings out my skin—just with less acne and hyperpigmentation.”
