When it comes to choosing between dewy vs matte makeup, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. In 2025, it’s less about picking sides and more about finding the finish—or combination of finishes—that complements your skin, lifestyle, and personal aesthetic.
From the glossy radiance of dewy skin to the soft-focus polish of matte makeup, each finish offers something unique. Better yet, makeup lovers are increasingly embracing hybrid approaches that blend elements of both. Whether you're curious about the dewy look, the matte makeup look, or the growing popularity of satin and soft-matte hybrids, this guide will help you make an informed, customised choice.
Let’s dive into the definitions, benefits, drawbacks, techniques, and trending products that make up the world of dewy and matte makeup in 2025.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DEWY AND MATTE MAKEUP?
At the most basic level, dewy and matte makeup finishes differ in how they interact with light, texture, and oil.
Dewy Finish Meaning
A dewy finish gives the skin a radiant, luminous glow. It suggests hydration, youthfulness, and vitality. Dewy skin often looks plump and fresh, thanks to skincare and makeup products that reflect light and contain hydrating ingredients.
- Dewy meaning in makeup: A luminous, hydrated look that mimics well-moisturised, glowing skin.
- Think of the “glazed donut” or glass skin effect: healthy, reflective skin with a slight sheen.
Matte Finish Meaning
A matte makeup look is the opposite. It offers a smooth, shine-free finish with no light reflection. Ideal for oil control and longer wear, matte skin often looks velvety and refined.
- Matte meaning in makeup: A flat, non-reflective finish that minimises shine and smooths the complexion.
- Think of a soft-blur filter: skin looks even, airbrushed, and flawless.
Here’s a simplified visual comparison:
Dewy = Radiant, glowing, hydrated, fresh
Matte = Velvety, smooth, shine-free, refined
WHICH LOOK SHOULD I GO FOR?
Before you decide between dewy and matte makeup, consider your skin type, typical climate, and the occasion. Both finishes can be flattering when used intentionally.
Dewy Finish Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Creates a youthful, radiant appearance
- Enhances skin’s natural glow and texture
- Ideal for dry, dull, or mature skin types
- Complements natural and minimalist makeup looks
- Aligns with trending 2025 styles like glass skin, skinimalism, and luminous layering
Cons:
- May look greasy on oily or acne-prone skin
- Less long-lasting than matte finishes
- Can accentuate redness, bumps, or enlarged pores
- Requires more touch-ups throughout the day
Matte Finish Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Offers a clean, professional, long-wear finish
- Minimises the appearance of shine, pores, and texture
- Ideal for oily or combination skin types
- Great for high-coverage or full-glam looks
- Suits formal events, work settings, and photography
Cons:
- Can feel dry or heavy if not applied correctly
- May highlight flakiness or fine lines on dry or mature skin
- Risk of looking cakey without proper blending
- Lacks the natural glow that some people prefer
Still can’t choose? Many makeup users now combine both finishes for a balanced, skin-like result. We’ll show you how next.
HOW TO GET A DEWY MAKEUP LOOK (2025 EDITION)
If you love the look of dewy makeup, the key is building layers of hydration, glow, and light-enhancing products, without crossing into oily territory.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Dewy Makeup
- Hydrate with Skincare
Start with well-prepped skin. Use hydrating serums (like hyaluronic acid), a nourishing moisturiser, and a mist or facial oil. The essence-layering trend—building light, watery layers—helps to lock in moisture.
- Use a Dewy Look Foundation
Look for terms like “radiant,” “illuminating,” or “dewy finish makeup.” BB creams, tinted moisturisers, and serum foundations are ideal.
- Apply with a Damp Sponge
This technique keeps application sheer and seamless, which is perfect for enhancing your natural glow.
- Highlight the High Points
Use cream or liquid luminisers on your cheekbones, brow bone, and cupid’s bow. Avoid glitter-heavy formulas and opt for a skin-like sheen.
- Set Strategically
Skip all-over powder. Instead, use a small amount of translucent powder in the T-zone to control shine while keeping the glow elsewhere.
- Finish with a Glow Mist
Lock in the look with a hydrating face mist or setting spray designed for dewy makeup looks.
Must-Have Products:
- Dewy look foundation or tinted serum
- Glow-enhancing primer
- Cream blushes or bronzers
- Hydrating setting sprays
HOW TO ACHIEVE A MATTE FINISH WITHOUT CAKEY SKIN
In 2025, the matte makeup trend is evolving. Gone are the days of dry, flat, heavy finishes. Instead, the soft-matte look is in, offering all the oil control of matte without sacrificing skin texture.
Step-by-Step: Matte Without the Cake
- Prep Smartly
Begin with a balancing toner and a lightweight moisturiser. Hydrated skin helps matte products apply smoothly. Use a pore-refining primer on oil-prone areas.
- Pick the Right Base
Use matte finish makeup like foundation sticks or powder foundations with buildable coverage. Choose formulas labelled “soft-matte” or “natural matte” for a more modern feel.
- Apply with a Dense Brush or Puff
This ensures even coverage without overloading the skin. MODELROCK’S Gold Luxe Makeup Brushes are perfect for this.
- Add Dimension
Prevent a flat look by applying bronzer and blush. Try cream-to-powder formulas for a softer finish.
- Set and Blot
Use a setting powder with a blurring effect. Throughout the day, refresh your look with blotting sheets instead of layering on more product.
CAN YOU COMBINE BOTH? THE RISE OF HYBRID MAKEUP FINISHES
Yes… and it’s actually one of the most wearable options for real life. Hybrid makeup techniques allow you to combine the best of matte vs dewy makeup.
How to Create a Custom Finish:
- Matte T-zone + Dewy Cheeks: Keeps oil at bay while maintaining glow where it counts.
- Satin Foundations: These offer a natural finish that isn’t flat or shiny.
- Targeted Highlighting: Use dewy elements only on specific areas, like the tops of the cheekbones or the inner corners of the eyes.
- Layer strategically: Matte primer underneath, glow drops mixed into foundation, mist on top.
These approaches help you adapt to changing skin needs, weather, or event types, and they reflect a more skin-conscious approach to beauty.
2025 TRENDS: WHAT’S HOT IN FINISHES RIGHT NOW?
This year’s complexion trends focus on authenticity, skincare integration, and flexibility. Here are the top finish styles to try now:
- Glass Skin: Achieved with essence layering and light-reflective bases for hyper-dewy shine.
- Cloud Skin: A soft, blurred matte look that mimics filtered skin without flatness.
- Skinimalism: Minimal base makeup, just a tinted serum and a touch of concealer.
- Layered Luminous Glow: Dewiness achieved through skincare rather than shimmer.
- Soft-Matte Glam: Matte makeup with dimension and glow in the right places.
FINAL THOUGHTS: IT’S ALL ABOUT YOUR SKIN TYPE AND STYLE
When it comes to matte vs dewy foundation or overall finish, the best choice is the one that suits your lifestyle, complexion, and mood. The 2025 beauty ethos encourages creativity, personalisation, and play.
Whether you're going for radiant dewy skin or refined matte makeup, the right products—and techniques—can help you create a finish that looks and feels amazing.
Shop the MODELROCK range today to create your dream skin finish!
