Dewy Foundation for Glass Skin

The "glass skin” trend, with its focus on a healthy, luminous and ultra-smooth complexion, has become a global beauty phenomenon. While a meticulous skincare routine lays the groundwork, make-up is key to perfecting your look. The right foundation contributes to a lit-from-within, glass-like finish. Find out what to look for in a dewy foundation and how to prep your skin with L'Oréal Paris. A step-by-step make-up routine helps you achieve a flawless, glowing complexion.
November 27, 2025

What Makes a Foundation “Glass Skin-Worthy"?

To achieve a glass-skin glow, you need to look beyond traditional full-coverage, matte formulas. The ideal foundation should have a specific set of characteristics that work in harmony with your skin – enhancing radiance and not masking it.

The Finish: Luminous, Not Matte

The finish is the most important factor. Look for formulas described as “luminous”, “dewy”, “radiant”, or “satin”. These foundation products are enriched with light-reflecting pigments and hydrating ingredients that catch and diffuse light, creating a natural, healthy glow. Avoid anything labelled “matte” or “oil-free”, as such products can flatten your complexion.

The Coverage: Sheer to Medium

Glass skin is about skin clarity and texture. A sheer to medium coverage foundation evens out your skin tone and softens imperfections without masking your natural complexion. Think of it as a veil of light rather than a thick layer of pigment. Lightweight, buildable formulas allow you to add a little more coverage where needed (over blemishes or redness), while keeping the rest of your skin fresh and radiant.

The Formula: Hydrating and Lightweight

A heavy, thick formula can look cakey and settle into fine lines – undoing that smooth, glass-like effect. The best foundations for this look have lightweight textures and a liquid, serum-like consistency. Look for hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin to help plump the skin and create a naturally dewy finish. These moisture-rich formulas not only look good, but also feel good, keeping your skin comfortable and hydrated all day.

Your Glass Skin Make-up Routine with L'Oréal Paris

Creating a glowing complexion is a two-part process: thorough skincare preparation followed by strategic make-up application. Here is a step-by-step beauty routine using L'Oréal Paris products to help you achieve that coveted glass-skin glow.

Skin Preparation is Key

Before you even think about make-up, your skin needs to be prepped. A dewy, smooth canvas makes all the difference. Start with a good cleanse using the L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Filler Replumping Cleanser which will remove impurities and prime your skin without stripping it.

Next, apply the L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Clinical 12% Pure Vitamin C Serum. Its powerful formula not only brightens and evens out the skin tone but also adds a layer of antioxidant protection and a subtle glow. Follow with the L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Filler Serum, which contains hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate and help plump the skin.Finish with a lightweight moisturiser such as the L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Laser Renew Anti-Ageing Day Cream to lock in hydration and create a soft, supple base for your make-up.

Choose Your Foundation

For a perfect skin glow, we recommend the L'Oréal Paris True Match Liquid Foundation. This cult-favourite offers a natural, skin-like finish with medium, buildable coverage that is ideal for glass skin. The makeup product is also enriched with hyaluronic acid to boost that plump, hydrated look.

How to Apply your Foundation?

How you apply your foundation matters just as much as the formula itself.

  • For light coverage: Use a damp beauty sponge to gently press the foundation into your skin. This technique melts the product in, ensuring a sheer, natural finish that looks like a second skin.
  • For medium coverage: Use a flat foundation brush and apply in gentle, circular motions. This will provide a more even, polished finish while maintaining a healthy luminosity.

Start with a small amount and build up coverage only where needed – around the nose or over blemishes. The aim is to let your natural skin shine through.

Add a Touch of Radiance

To amplify the make-up glow, a touch of highlighter is a must. The L'Oréal Paris Lumi Glotion highlighter can be mixed into your foundation for an all-over luminous effect, or applied on top to the high points of your face. Dab a small amount onto your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, and your cupid's bow. The light will catch these areas, giving you a beautiful, reflective finish.

Set with Care

To make sure your dewy foundation lasts all day without looking greasy, be selective with powder. Avoid setting your entire face, as this will reduce the glow. Instead, use a tiny amount of translucent powder, like the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Loose Powder and lightly press it onto your T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) with a fluffy brush to control shine. This keeps your skin dewy where you want it and matte where you need it.

Other Make-up Products for the Glass Skin Look

While foundation is the core of the glass skin look, other make-up products can also help you perfect the finish.

Concealer: For a truly flawless complexion, choose a lightweight, hydrating concealer, such as the L'Oréal Paris True Match Radiant Serum Concealer, which delivers the coverage of a concealer with the skincare benefits of a serum to enhance your skin's glow.

Blush: A healthy flush of colour adds to your youthful look. Opt for a cream or liquid blush for a natural, dewy finish that melts into the skin. Apply the product to the apples of your cheeks and blend for a fresh, radiant result.

Setting Spray: To complete your beauty routine and lock in the glow, use a hydrating setting spray. The L'Oréal Paris setting sprays fix your make-up and add a final veil of luminosity. Spritz them on after your entire make-up application for a radiant, long-lasting finish.

Embrace Your Natural Glow

Achieving a glass skin look with make-up is all about working with your skin, not against it. By choosing the right products, such as a hydrating dewy foundation, and following a strategic make-up application, you can create a complexion that looks naturally healthy, effortlessly radiant, and perfectly luminous. With L'Oréal Paris' range of scientifically-backed formulas, you have got everything you need to find the perfect match and embrace your natural make-up glow.