How to finally nail dewy makeup

A pro makeup artist has the answers

BEAUTYcrew Beauty Editor / February 01 2022

There are certain makeup looks that take up permanent residence in our brain. 

Think: an ever-revolving door of Euphoria makeup looks and Adele’s eyeliner (it gets weird in there). 

But comfortably nestled in between all the glitter and liquid eyeliner is the idea of dewy makeup.

However, until now, it’s always just been an idea. Because try as we might, we just can’t seem to get the hang of all that glow. 

But that’s where Australian makeup artist and beauty entrepreneur Christina Sikalias comes in. 

Sikalias is so obsessed with radiance-enhancing beauty products that she created a makeup collection of her own – the Christina Sikalias Luce Del Sole Collection – that bottles the lustrous shimmer synonymous with the Mediterranean. 

Plus, she’s agreed to pass on the proverbial torch of knowledge so we can finally nail the whole dewy makeup look thing. Seriously, where have you been all our lives?

A good base is fundamental

When it comes to dewy makeup, you need to seriously reconsider your base products and the finish they give the complexion. 

Sikalias recommends starting with “a luminous base… by prepping your skin with an emollient moisturiser – this will help even out any dryness, [and] smooth and soften the skin.”

“After applying your skin care, go in with other hydrating products to boost your glow levels before applying any makeup, like a face primer,” says Sikalias. “If you have naturally oily skin, opt for something with shine control and you can make up for any lost dew with other products.” 

“[But] if you have dry skin, go for a luminous-based primer that contains subtle pearls in it – this will add that ‘lit from within’ glow and make you look extra hydrated,” she assures. 

As for foundation, Sikalias says to “stick to cream or liquid foundation.” 

However, if you’re inclined to heavier coverage, she recommends dialing down the cake-factor by mixing “a little moisturiser into your foundation.”

Why? Well, according to Sikalias, “it will dial down the coverage and give skin a dewier, natural finish.” And that’s exactly what we’re after here, folks.

Next on the agenda is a powder highlighter

Naturally, Sikalias is a fan of the Christina Sikalias Beauty Luce Del Sole Illuminating Powder ($58 at Christina Sikalias) for this particular job. 

“This highlighter will give you the mega glow you're looking for,” says Sikalias.  

“It is a finely milled and creamy formula that melts into the skin [and] it makes it easy to achieve that "glass skin" effect!” 

We’re also partial to the Ciaté London Christine Quinn Highlighter ($40 at MECCA) for a subtle skin shimmer and MAKEUP BY MARIO Soft Glow Highlighter ($43 at Sephora) for its range of flattering shades.

Christina Sikalias Beauty Luce Del Sole Illuminating Powder

Ciaté London Christine Quinn Highlighter

MAKEUP BY MARIO Soft Glow Highlighter

Tend to get a little trigger happy with your powder formulations during application? Fret not, Sikalias has the antidote for that too. “[Use] a lightweight mist like the Chanel Hydra Beauty Essence Mist ($87 at MYER) to help rehydrate the face after applying makeup.” 

“It also really helps the makeup sink into the skin and makes it look less powdery, more vibrant and gives the skin more of a natural glowy finish,” says the pro.

Don’t let texture or oil get in the way of your glow

Got textured skin and want to cover any texture or bumps? “Opt for a satin foundation (right between matte and dewy finish) over a matte foundation,” says Sikalias. 

The Aussie makeup artist loves using “the Nars Sheer Glow Foundation [because] it gives the skin a smooth appearance and dewy finish.” 

Our top picks in the category? The fresh-to-death finish of M.A.C Cosmetics Studio Radiance Face & Body Radiant Sheer Foundation ($56 at M.A.C Cosmetics) and the brand spanking new Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Foundation ($65 at Charlotte Tilbury).

Nars Sheer Glow Foundation

M.A.C Cosmetics Studio Radiance Face & Body Radiant Sheer Foundation

Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Foundation

“Typically, I’ll go in with one layer [of foundation]”, explains Sikalias. “[And] then add more wherever you can still see any redness. The result each time is glowy, healthy looking skin.”

Afraid your oily skin is going to get in the way of your dewy makeup dreams? Never fear.

According to Sikalias, simply “set your makeup lightly just down the T-zone and anywhere where the bigger pores are and any other areas that are likely to get greasy.” Sorted.

Add a little *spice* to your eye makeup

We’re not about just dipping our toes in when it comes to dewy makeup, so whatever you do, don’t forget to amp up the shimmer when it comes to your eye look. 

“Apply shimmer in the inner corners for a subtle look that will illuminate your eyes,” says Sikalias. But she also recommends a bit of play depending on what tones “you use and how you frame your eyes.” 

“Neutral tones are honestly some of the best colours in the world for daytime wear,” she goes on to say. “[But] the browns, the beiges, the soft champagnes, golds and the caramels are perfect for an everyday look [too].”

Just remember to “use light and soft shimmery textures instead of any heavy glittery formulas,” says the pro. The shimmer will act to “bring your eyes out and make them pop,” she explains. 

“The perfect day to night time palette (according to Sikalias) is the Christina Sikalias Luce Del Sole Eye Palette ($128 at Christina Sikalias) – a vibrant, rich versatile palette of sparkling, shimmering golds, soft and intense neutrals.”

But we also have a tendency to reach for the purse-friendly NATASHA DENONA Mini Nude Eyeshadow Palette ($38 at Sephora) and the impressively versatile Dior Backstage Eye Palette in ‘Warm Neutrals’ ($88 at Sephora).

Christina Sikalias Luce Del Sole Eye Palette

NATASHA DENONA Mini Nude Eyeshadow Palette

Dior Backstage Eye Palette in ‘Warm Neutrals’

More of a cream texture kind of makeup wearer? These are the cream eyeshadows we trust to stay crease-free throughout the day. 

Main image credit: @christinasikalias

Briar is the Beauty Editor at BEAUTYcrew. Her 'down for anything' attitude has resulted in more than a handful of hair transformations, and she doesn't mind being used as a guinea pig for the industry's most unusual products and treatments. Her work has also appeared on Refinery29, Girlfriend and beautyheaven.