Beauty trends come and go, but glowing skin has become the ultimate complexion goal, and we’re all about it. Those luminous vibes are possible no matter what your skin type may be, and to prove it, we compiled 21 expert-approved tips for how to get dewy skin. These hacks are guaranteed to help you ditch dull skin. In the process of this research, we discovered that glowing skin is a three-part equation: skincare, makeup, and treatments. Although that doesn’t mean you need to check off every single box on this list to boost the brightness of your complexion, it does mean you have plenty of options to get there.
Below is a list of all the ingredients you need to look out for when achieving dewy skin, the best formulas for amplifying your natural glow, and splurge-worthy treatments that will fast-track you to instant radiance and healthy skin.
1. Start your day with vitamin C.You need a latte to start your day; your skin needs vitamin C. After washing your face, reach for this powerful brightening antioxidant to “help protect and repair the skin from free radicals and sun damage throughout the day,” says New York City-based dermatologist Y. Claire Chang, M.D. It also helps fade dark spots while preventing future ones from forming. Our Sunshine Oil features a stabilized form of vitamin C that illuminates instantly and over time for the ultimate dewy skin effect—especially if you have dry skin. 2. Moisture and SPF are non-negotiables.After your skin gets its daily dose of vitamin C, it’s time for moisturizer and sunscreen—in that exact order. “All skin types need moisture and SPF before any makeup look,” says Sara Wren, our Director of Artistry. Without them, your skin barrier won’t be as strong as it should be, and your canvas won’t look as seamless as you want it to. Even if you have oily skin, Dr. Chang says it’s important to hydrate your skin every day. Simply choose lighter lotions over heavier creams. Our Vegan Milk Moisturizer delivers a ton of hydration via glycerin, squalane, and grapeseed oil in a lightweight, nourishing formula that feels good on all skin types. |
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3. Boost circulation with cooling skincare.“We’re all guilty of skipping sleep, so I have lots of tricks for keeping under eyes bright,” says Sara. Her favorite: Storing our Cooling Water Under Eye Gel Stick in the fridge and grabbing it as soon as she wakes up. To boost circulation and drive away dullness, she massages it onto the orbital bone around her eyes in clockwise motions. Our Cooling Water is also spiked with caffeine, which helps constrict blood vessels and speed up microcirculation for glowing skin in a snap. 4. Primer will make or break your glow.To ensure a glow that doesn’t get greasy, those with oily complexions should prep their skin with a layer of Cooling Water all over before smoothing on Pore Eclipse Mattifying Primer. Sara recommends applying the matte primer while your skin is still slick. Then, you can blend Sunshine Skin Tint SPF 30 on top for a radiant finish. If your skin is more on the dull and dry side, our best-selling Hydro Grip Primer will give you a glassy effect that shines through any foundation. |
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5. Use less foundation than you think you need.This rule applies to all forms of foundation: cream, liquid, and powder. Start with a sheer layer all over first to even out your skin tone and give a light veil of coverage. Using less foundation lets all the effort you put into your skincare products shine. If you need more coverage, go over those areas individually with a concealer. 6. Go one shade lighter for under eye concealer and a natural glow.A concealer that perfectly matches your skin tone is key for covering blemishes and hyperpigmentation, but selecting a shade of Sunshine Under Eye Tint + Brighten one shade lighter is a makeup artist's secret to making the most tired eyes look wide awake. This trick also applies beyond dark circles: Swap your highlighter for a subtler finish by applying your lighter concealer to the high points of your face for allover radiance. 7. Only apply concealer where you need it most.“For under eyes, I put a small dot of concealer at the inner corners of my eyes and a little bit on the outer corners,” says Sara. This targeted approach helps skin retain its dewy finish. The same goes for blemishes, redness, and discoloration. Instead of piling on concealer all over your cheeks, chin, and forehead, only pinpoint the places where you truly want to counteract redness or hyperpigmentation. |
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8. Go for liquid formulas.Opting for liquid bronzers, blushes, and highlighters is “the best way to maximize glow,” says Sara. Luckily, we have all those bases covered with Milk Makeup’s Bionic range. Plus, all of these makeup products are formulated with humectants like hyaluronic acid, which Dr. Chang recommends for boosting the moisture levels of every skin type. Plus, they help fast-track skin to a dewy glow.
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10. Niacinamide needs a moment.You’ll see niacinamide in many of your favorite skincare products and makeup—including our Hydro Grip Primer, Hydro Grip Set + Refresh Spray, Hydro Grip Eye Primer, Hydro Ungrip Makeup Remover + Cleansing Water, and Pore Eclipse Mattifying Primer. That’s because it’s incredibly universal and versatile for skin wellness. Also known as vitamin B3, niacinamide is one of Dr. Chang’s favorite ingredients for solving just about every complexion concern you can think of. It “helps brighten your skin and fight off free radicals that cause premature aging,” she says. With that in mind, seek out serums, moisturizers, primers, and just about anything infused with niacinamide that you can get your hands on. |
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11. Stock up on bright blush.Picking a shade of blush for a glowy skin look depends on your specific skin tone and makeup style. “I encourage playing with all tones,” says Sara. Brighter colors help perk up your complexion, so find your most flattering shades, then mix and match them to add life to your look. Not sure where to start? Sara recommends selecting a pink (light- or deep-toned, based on your complexion) and a coral. “Both are very flattering on a range of skin tones and mix together well,” she says. Her current favorites are our Bionic Blush in Infinity (dusty rose) and Teleport (bright coral). 12. Gloss up.Extend the dewy skin vibe to your lips with a reflective gloss. Our Electric Glossy Lip Plumper is Sara’s pick for a “perfectly put-together” effect in seconds. Try wearing Pumped (clear) with a pinky-nude liner or Buzzed (warm caramel) with a brownish nude liner for a lip look that goes with everything. |
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13. No scrubs.TLC warned you, and Dr. Chang is about to repeat it for you again. “I always recommend chemical exfoliants over [scrubs],” she says. “Chemical exfoliants give a more controlled exfoliation, minimizing the risk of over-scrubbing and causing micro-tears in the skin.” Depending on your skin sensitivity, you can exfoliate anywhere between one to three times a week to shed dead skin cells and boost glow, but start slowly with an exfoliating toner to avoid irritating your skin. You can also try out a retinol cream or serum. 14. AHAs and BHAs are your BFFs.If you’re new to chemical exfoliants, try AHAs and BHAs: alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids. Common AHAs include glycolic acid and lactic acid. “They loosen up and remove the outer layer of dead skin cells to reveal brighter, smoother, more even-looking skin,” says Dr. Chang. AHAs also help reduce hyperpigmentation and roughness with continued use. They’re the best choice if you have dry and mature skin. BHAs, like salicylic acid, plunge into your pores to clear out excess oil while exfoliating the top layer of skin. Dr. Chang loves how they leave skin with a stunning, shine-free glow. Seek them out in the form of cleansers, serums, and face masks, especially if you have oily skin. |
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15. Give yourself an at-home spa treatment.Dr. Chang’s favorite at-home treatment to get an “immediate glow” involves sweeping an exfoliating pad with a combination of AHAs and BHAs all over her skin. Then, she relaxes under a hydrating sheet mask for 10 minutes. “I usually do this once or twice per week to get that healthy summer glow,” she says. 16. Opt for a professional chemical peel.You can also take exfoliation to a professional level with an in-office chemical peel from your dermatologist. Derms offer access to a higher concentration of AHAs, BHAs, and other superpowered exfoliators to lift away dead skin cells on the surface of your skin and boost collagen production. Because the formulations are more intense, you also won’t have to go as often to get radiant results. 17. Schedule a facial.There are countless facials to choose from, but if you want the glowiest, dewiest results, Dr. Chang recommends getting a HydraFacial. For those unfamiliar, your dermatologist or aesthetician will run a special device over your skin that sucks up gunk while replacing it with deeply hydrating serums. You’ll be left with a plumper, healthier, more luminous complexion in a single session. |
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18. Look into lasers.Some lasers require downtime, but they can be one of the most effective ways to boost glow and even out your skin texture. Find a trusted dermatologist and ask them about resurfacing lasers, like Fraxel or Clear and Brilliant. Dr. Chang recommends both as the best skin treatment for smoothing uneven complexions, reducing fine lines, and treating photoaging. 19. Replenish your ceramidesAnother ingredient that should be at the top of your skincare list: ceramides. Ceramides are a “natural lipid that helps protect the skin and retain skin moisture,” says Dr. Chang. “As we mature, we lose ceramides in the skin, leading to drier, duller skin.” Add them to your night skincare routine in the form of a moisturizer or serum. |
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20. Fragrances aren’t your friend.As for ingredients you should avoid in the pursuit of glowing skin, Dr. Chang lists fragrances, sulfates, and alcohol. All three are likely to throw off your whole skincare routine by potentially causing dryness and irritation, especially for sensitive skin types. Keep your dewy look on track by choosing products for your face that are free of those irritants. 21. Book a Botox session.Beyond smoothing wrinkles, Botox is a great dermatology option for treating a wide range of skin issues. “Even though it doesn’t work on the skin surface, Botox can help lead to softer, shinier skin in the areas treated,” says Dr. Chang. You definitely don’t need needles to get glowing but know that it’s something you can talk to your dermatologist about if you’re curious. |
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Meet the Experts
Claire Chang, M.D., (she/her) is a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist at New York’s UnionDerm. Here, she performs research and clinical trials while specializing in cutaneous laser treatments, facial and body contouring, and injectable treatments. Dr. Chang is an expert in skin of color and Asian beauty trends, and she frequently travels back and forth from Asia to bring the latest cosmetic trends to her patients. She is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, and the Women’s Dermatologic Society. She is also on the executive committee for the Korean American Medical Association.
Sara Wren (she/her) is the Director of Artistry at Milk Makeup. In her role, she does all the makeup artistry and direction for our Milk Makeup global campaigns, educates the staff and field team on application methods, stars in the brand’s social media videos, and travels to different markets spreading Milk Makeup’s good vibes. When she’s not on set, Sara loves experimenting with DIY hair colors, eating tacos, watching basketball, and scouring for vintage cosmetics to add to her impressive collection.
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