matte and dewy

Matte vs Dewy: Which Liquid Makeup Finish Is Best for You?

Matte and dewy are the two most popular makeup finishes available in the liquid makeup market. Each type offers a different appearance based on its performance and your skin type or individual mood. Growing awareness about the different types of foundation to enhance their overall appearance, is anticipated to drive liquid makeup market growth. According to current data from Pristine Market Insights, the demand for tailored and specific skin-type makeup products is increasing, particularly when it comes to choosing between matte and dewy finishes makeup look. Depending on each different need, skin concerns, and lifestyle makes matte and dewy finishes dominate in liquid makeup market.

What is Matte Finish?

Matte makeup refers to a base product or foundation that delivers a smooth, flat finish without shine or glow. Unlike dewy foundations that reflect light, matte products diffuse it, creating an even-toned, polished appearance. A matte finish also absorbs excess oil, reduces the visibility of pores, and offers a flawless, photo-ready complexion. Because of these benefits, matte foundations are especially popular among people with oily, acne-prone, or combination skin, helping them achieve a shine-free and refined look—ultimately contributing to the growing demand for liquid makeup products. For best results, matte makeup should be paired with a moisturizing primer and applied carefully to enhance overall appearance.

What is Dewy Finish?

Dewy finish is a moisturizing ingredient and has the goal to enhance skin complications by providing fresh, plump appearance without looking greasy or oily. The growing trend towards ‘glass skin’ or ‘natural glow’ is particularly popular in liquid makeup market, which significantly raises the demand for seamless makeup finish. However, it is ideal for everyday makeup and provide proper skin preparation base for hydrated skin. Moreover, unlike matte foundations, which lock everything in place, but dewy foundations can move around by setting with light powder in oily areas. 

How to Choose Based on Skin Type?

Skin TypeFinish RecommendedHow it Works
Oily SkinMatte FinishControls excess shine or oils, minimizes large pores, ideal for long-lasting in humid/weather conditions.
Dry SkinDewy FinishAdds hydration, enhances skin glow, smooths dry patches and fine lines
Combination SkinMatte + Dewy CombinationBalances oily and dry areas on face, matte finish use on T-zone, dewy finish use on cheeks or outer face.
Normal SkinEither Matte or Dewy FinishSkin is balanced, so both finishes work depending on your desired look, like natural, glam, long-wear, or radiant.
Mature SkinDewy FinishProvides hydration to the skin and reduces wrinkles.

Makeup Goals

However, the natural, shine-like look can enhance your natural features, and flawless base aims to create even, long-lasting complexion. Also, radiant glow give plump, luminous look to your skin. Therefore, makeup goals help you to choose right products, finishes, coverage levels, and application methods to make you more beautiful.  

Pro Tips:

Before starting your makeup, it is important to prepare your skin or base; thus, your skin must be clean, hydrated, and primed. After skin preparation, select a primer based on your skin type, as use matte primer for oily skin type to control oil and shine, while use hydrated primer for dry skin to create smooth base. The major tip in makeup is choosing the proper tool for natural and longer wear. Use damp sponge for a dewy effect or foundation flat brush for matte look; this can help to avoid harsh lines and patchiness. Finally, use a setting spray to lock your make-up, to give fresh, hydrated appearance. 

Conclusion: 

However, choosing between matte or dewy liquid makeup finish, it is important to analyze individual skin type, lifestyle, and desired makeup look. As we have explored, both finished products offer different benefits based on different skin types; thus, both finished products are dominant in liquid makeup market. Furthermore, it’s not just about skin type, your personal preference and makeup goals also play crucial role in choosing right liquid makeup finish. Therefore, the best finish, that suits your skin type, complements your lifestyle, and perfectly aligns with your personal style goals. As we know, matte finish is for control wear and dewy finisher is for radiance & hydration, so choose what makes you beautiful and confident.