What Is the Wet Makeup Look and Why Is It Trending?
The wet makeup look has become one of the most talked-about beauty trends, gracing red carpets, runways, and editorial spreads alike. This aesthetic focuses on luminous, hydrated, and glass-like skin with a radiant sheen on the eyes, cheeks, and lips. Unlike matte makeup, this look embraces glossy skin, fresh finishes, and radiant light reflection—making it ideal for both day and evening wear.
At its core, this dewy makeup trend is about enhancing your natural beauty with a high-shine, moisture-rich finish. With the right products and techniques, achieving the glossy skin look is simple—and Laura Mercier has everything you need.
Step-by-Step Guide to Achieving the Wet Makeup Look
Step 1: Prep with a Radiant Base
The foundation of any wet makeup look is hydrated, healthy skin. Start with a lightweight, radiant skin tint that evens out your tone without covering up your natural glow.
Product Pick:
Tinted Moisturizer Natural Dewy SPF 30
A cult-favorite, 88% skincare-based formula that delivers 16-hour buildable coverage and 24+ hour hydration for softer, smoother, brighter skin. This dewy base is the perfect canvas for radiant skin makeup and natural glowing skin.
Step 2: Brighten the Under-Eye Area
A little brightening goes a long way. To maintain glow without adding heavy layers, opt for a light-reflective setting powder that keeps the under-eye area luminous.
Product Picks:
Real Flawless Weightless Perfecting Serum Concealer
Secret Brightening Color Correcting Under Eye Setting Powder
Concealer precisely covers imperfections and brightens skin tone. Secret Brightening under eye setting powder is perfect for setting concealer without dulling the radiance. It's a must-have for those seeking coverage without compromising the glow.
Step 3: Glossy Eye Look
Your eyes should shimmer with light. Apply cream shadows with pearl or shimmer finishes create that coveted wet look eyeshadow effect.
Product Pick:
Caviar Stick Eye Shadow (in shimmer and pearl shades)
These easy-to-use cream sticks give glossy eyes a whole new meaning. Blendable, buildable, and perfect for dewy eye makeup that lasts.
Step 4: Wet Look Lips with Shine
Glossy lips are essential to completing this trend. Layer a hydrating lipstick with a high-shine gloss for the full effect.
Product Picks:
Caviar Hydra-Crème Refillable Lipstick
Lip Glacé
This lipstick provides high-impact color and all-day wear with 16hrs of moisture. Layer Lip Glacé for a plush, glossy lips finish with hydration and comfort. The combo creates that perfect wet lip look without stickiness.
Step 5: Lock It In Without Losing Glow
Setting is key—but with the wet makeup look, your spray should preserve hydration and softness, not mattify.
Product Picks:
Translucent Hydrating Setting Spray Ultra-Blur
Our new dewy setting spray with long-lasting hold. Ultra-blur provides a subtle blur with hydration, ideal for perfecting the finish without compromising the glow.
Step 6: Touch Up Through the Day
The glow doesn’t have to fade.
Tips:
- Mist mid-day to refresh dewy makeup.
- Gently blot oily zones, then reapply glow-enhancing products.
- Touch up lips with gloss for that midday makeup touch-up moment.
Additional Products That Support the Wet Makeup Look
Want to customize your glow even further? Try:
Pure Canvas Primer Illuminating
Layer under tinted moisturizer for an extra glow-boosting prep step.
RoseGlow Liquid Highlighter
Liquid highlighter infused with a unique mix of pearls that provides a lit-from-within glow to your cheekbones.
FAQs
What shade of tinted moisturizer suits the wet look best?
Laura Mercier offers over 20 shades in the Tinted Moisturizer Natural Dewy SPF 30, ensuring you’ll find the best tinted moisturizer shade for your skin tone. Choose one that matches your undertone for a seamless, skin-like finish.
Can I layer Caviar Stick under powder?
Yes—technically you can layer cream eyeshadow powder, but it can take away from the wet look. To maintain the wet eyeshadow look, apply the Caviar Stick Eye Shadow first, then softly set with a minimal powder if needed. This balances the look while keeping the glow.
Is Lip Glacé sticky?
Not at all. The Lip Glacé formula is known for its non-sticky, plush texture and rich hydration—perfect for a comfortable, high-shine finish.
Is the new Ultra-Blur spray safe for sensitive skin?
Yes. The Translucent Hydrating Setting Spray Ultra-Blur is alcohol-free and formulated with hydration and skin comfort in mind—ideal for those looking for a sensitive skin setting spray.
Can I use the dewy look for evening wear?
Absolutely. To turn up the shine, apply an extra layer of gloss or add a cream highlighter to high points. The evening dewy makeup version is all about intensity and dimension.
Is the wet makeup look suitable for oily skin?
Yes—with some smart product choices. Use Tinted Moisturizer Blurred Matte in oil-prone areas and balance with glow products elsewhere to make wet makeup for oily skin wearable and long-lasting.
Can I use cream and powder together in a wet look?
Yes—just layer lightly. Use cream first for glow, then gently tap on powder only where needed. This is the key to layering cream and powder without losing radiance.
How long does this look last?
With proper setting and light touch-ups, your long-lasting wet makeup can go the distance. Use setting spray in the morning and refresh throughout the day for all-day shine.
The wet makeup look is more than a trend—it's a statement of confidence, hydration, and modern beauty. Whether you're headed to brunch or the red carpet, Laura Mercier's expertly formulated products make it easy to master this editorial aesthetic.