Dewy skin is in, and spring is the perfect time to embrace this sought-after look. We’re sitting down with makeup artist extraordinaire Amanda Gabbard to learn how to achieve an effortlessly luminous complexion.
Gabbard is a celebrity makeup artist, licensed esthetician, and cosmetic educator with over two decades of experience in the beauty and entertainment industry. Based in New York City, she has worked on everything from red carpets to television and editorial shoots. Despite her impressive résumé, Gabbard remains refreshingly down-to-earth.
“I’ve always believed that beauty should feel accessible,” she shares. “I don’t work for a specific brand or salon, so my focus is on my clients—helping them look and feel like the best version of themselves.”
Gabbard’s credentials speak for themselves. Her work has been featured in Vogue, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, The New York Times, CNN, and Brides Magazine. She has been a beauty host for Amazon Live and Style Code Live, and her celebrity clientele includes icons like Kamala Harris and Brooke Shields—not to mention our very own February cover models. But Gabbard’s talents extend beyond beauty; she’s also a fantastic singer and a hilarious actress (her Instagram handle is below—be sure to follow her!).
“My goal is always the same,” Gabbard tells us. “I want my clients to feel like the most confident version of themselves. It’s not about changing how you look—it’s about enhancing what makes you, you.”
One of Gabbard’s specialties is providing personalized makeup and skincare tutorials, creating tailored beauty regimens for each client. Lucky for us, she’s sharing some of her go-to tips and tricks for achieving the perfect dewy glow.
Q: What’s the key to achieving naturally radiant, dewy skin?
It all starts with a solid, consistent skincare routine. Cleanse your face morning and night using a washcloth—not just your hands. The washcloth’s texture gently exfoliates while thoroughly removing excess oil and buildup. When you use your fingers, you’re essentially pushing impurities back into the skin. Mind-blowing, right?
Next, apply a vitamin C serum to tighten and brighten, followed by a hydrating serum—this is a game-changer. Serums contain smaller molecules that penetrate deep into the skin, delivering powerful ingredients like antioxidants, acids, and peptides for maximum hydration and treatment.
Moisturizer should be applied after the serums, and of course, always follow with SPF. And don’t forget—everything you apply to your face should also be massaged onto your neck, chest, and the backs of your hands!
Exfoliation is key. Keep an exfoliating brush in the shower and use it three to four times a week (not daily). The steam helps open pores for a deep clean while also sloughing off dead skin cells.
Lastly, incorporate a weekly mask—clay for oily skin (to shrink pores) or hydrating masks for dry, dehydrated skin.
Q: Is there a specific ingredient we should look for to brighten and hydrate?
Look for hyaluronic acid (hydrates and plumps), glycerin (attracts moisture for lasting hydration), squalane (a lightweight oil that mimics skin’s natural moisture), and vitamin C (boosts glow and evens skin tone).
For a healthy glow, nourishing oils like rosehip, argan, and jojoba are excellent choices.
Q: What’s your holy grail product for achieving a natural glow? Any splurge-worthy and drugstore alternatives?
My all-time holy grail is Yonka Nutri Boost Plus Serum—it’s delicious for the skin! For an affordable alternative, try 100% Pure Cold-Pressed Argan Oil (available on Amazon). There’s a reason they call it “liquid gold.”
Q: What about foundation?
The easiest trick is choosing a foundation with light-reflecting and illuminating ingredients—fake it till you make it! Look for: mica (a natural mineral for subtle luminosity), pearl or light-diffusing pigments (help reflect light for a radiant look), vitamin C or niacinamide (some foundations include these for long-term brightening).
Already have a favorite foundation? Mix in a few drops of L’Oréal True Match Lumi Glowtion or Iconic London Illuminator Drops for an instant J.Lo glow!
Q: Alright, so tell us—how do we achieve that flawless, fresh-faced “no makeup” makeup look?
Start with your skincare routine, then follow these steps:
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Apply a tinted moisturizer, BB cream, or lightweight foundation with a luminous finish—an even skin tone is key.
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Use concealer under the eyes, on the lids, and over any blemishes or dark spots, then blend.
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Apply cream bronzer to the cheekbones, hairline, and jawline, blending well. Tap a little onto your eyelids for added warmth.
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Swipe on mascara, wiggling the brush from root to tip to coat each lash and prevent clumping.
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Lightly fill in brows with a pencil or brow gel for natural definition.
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Set the T-zone, eyelids, and under-eyes with a lightweight translucent powder.
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Finish with a tinted lip balm, gloss, or lipstick for a polished yet effortless look.
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Want some extra glowiness? Dab highlighter on the high cheekbones, under and over the arch of the brow—and voilà, glowing goddess!
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Lock it all in with a hydrating facial mist to keep skin fresh all day.
To work with Amanda, visit amandagabbardbeauty.com or call 646-269-4063. Follow her on Instagram @amandasgabbard for more beauty tips—and prepare to be entertained!