With a few whimsical exceptions, the current state of beauty trends can be summed up by the mantra “Less is more.” Even on the red carpets, stars are taking a break from dramatic beats in favor of ghost lashes, bare nails, and soft, dewy makeup looks that put a more elegant spin on no-makeup makeup.
Soft, dewy makeup hits the sweet spot between glazed-donut skin and a more matte, satin finish, resulting in a lived-in look with a healthy glow. Case in point: Zendaya’s viral sunkissed makeup, which took the bare-faced look to new heights with just the right amount of blush and a lived-in, natural highlight.
Zendaya attends The Odyssey premiere on July 14, 2026, in New York City.
Dominik Bindl/Getty Images
“Soft, dewy makeup gives the skin that sense of moisture and suppleness without looking overly glossy,” says celebrity makeup artist Sangwon Jeon, who believes soft, dewy skin will serve as the foundation of all your favorite beauty trends this fall. “As the weather gets cooler and drier, we naturally start paying more attention to hydration, and I think that carries into the way we approach makeup as well.”
Celebrity makeup artist Nick Barose suggests soft, dewy makeup is a “more polished” take on no-makeup makeup. “It’s a great way to look natural without being too bare,” he says. “With limitless new products for liquid, cream, gel blush, bronzer, and highlighter to help create the look easily.”
