Grace Fodor, founder of pro-age make-up brand Studio10, shares how to create a gorgeous dewy makeup base for a glowing complexion

Words: Grace Fodor | Images: Shutterstock & various brands

Best products for a dewy makeup base

Exfoliate with acids

To achieve a radiant complexion, use an exfoliating toner containing hero ingredients AHA or BHA acids. One option is Skin in Motion CLEAR IT Wipes. Use these gentle yet powerful pads in the morning after cleansing to help exfoliate all day.

Skin In Motion Ltd Clear IT Wipes

Top Sante verdict

Perfect for people that are prone to the look of excess oil and shine, these innovative wipes utilise Salicylic Acid and Pomegranate Enzymes to encourage a more mattified illusion
Pros
  • Boosted by gentle Aloe Vera, which promotes the appearance of deeply moisturised skin
  • Creates a balanced and luminous complexion
  • Practical and hassle-free

Moisturise your skin

Dry weather can dehydrate your skin, so it’s important to use a moisturiser. I recommend SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 each morning to hydrate and nourish. For an extra boost, try its cult favourite C E FERULIC Vitamin C Serum. Although pricey, it’s renowned for creating a radiant and healthy-looking glow.

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Vitamin C Serum 

Top Sante verdict

An antioxidant-rich serum that helps to fortify the skin’s defences against environmental aggressors as well as helps improve the look of fine lines, uneven tone, and visible firmness
Pros
  • Ideal for normal, dry and sensitive skin types
  • Triple-antioxidant formula
  • Provides an excellent complement to sunscreen, for advanced protection
  • Helps to reinforce skin’s natural protection against environmental aggressors

Protect from UVA

UVA rays are stronger in the summer months, and if you are using an exfoliating toner, your skin may be even more sensitive to UV rays.

6 vitamin C skincare brands to help prevent sun damage this summer

Prep with a primer

As we age, our skin tends to become drier, less luminous and more textured. To create an even base for make-up, use a primer to smooth texture and add radiance. I would opt for a primer with gold tones rather than silver ones, as gold will give your skin a more natural finish. Studio10 Youth Lift Glow-plexion is great as it preps your skin for make-up and creates a lit-from-within radiance.

Studio 10 Youth Lift Glow-Plexion

Top Sante verdict

This silky skin enhancer contains tiny light-reflecting particles, to lend skin believable radiance, and brighten your face when it’s looking fatigued
Pros
  • Ultra-long lasting and kind to all skin types
  • Immediate lifting and firming effect
  • With skin plumping hyaluronic acid and vitamins C and E to provide antioxidant protection

Choose a hydrating foundation

To achieve a flawless, dewy complexion, I recommend a cream foundation that will provide coverage without caking. I developed a capsule collection that features a hydrating super creme foundation, Studio10 Skin Repair Perfect Canvas SPF30 Foundation, which
comes in two shades you blend together to match your skin tone all year round. For a lighter coverage, try Erborian CC Cream, which creates a dewy finish.

Erborian CC Creme

Top Sante verdict

For long-lasting hydration and protection, the Erborian CC Cream is powered by a plethora of skincare actives and SPF 30 to visibly blur, prime and balance the complexion
Pros
  • Formula unifies the skin tone and reduces the look of redness
  • Rich in hyaluronic acid and centella asiatica
  • 24 hours of hydration with a soothing feel

Use a cleansing balm 

It’s important to always remove make-up at the end of the day to maintain a dewy makeup base for your next application, so I tend to use a cleansing balm to clarify congested skin.