How To Create Dewy Dumpling Skin, According To Insta-Famous Makeup Artist Nam Vo

If you’re in the know when it comes to glow, then we’d hazard a guess that you’re likely already following LA-based makeup artist Nam Vo on Instagram. Her ability to create radiant, dewy skin goodness is so out-of-this-world, Vo has inspired her own movement (#dewydumplings, anyone?).

The Marc Jacobs Beauty Global Artistry Ambassador has worked with some of the biggest names in beauty from Rosie Huntington-Whiteley to Chrissy Teigen, Georgia Fowler and more. (No biggie). Recently, we sat down with Vo to uncover her tips and tricks on how to create that trademark glow.

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Source: Nam Vo

Skincare is the key to giving good glow

While many are quick to assume that the #dewydumpling look centres around highlighters and illuminators, Vo insists that a lit-from-within glow starts with a good skincare regime.

“I would say that my obsession for the glow is rooted in my childhood,” shares Vo. “My Vietnamese mother had bad melanoma and sun spots, so she taught me how to be mindful about taking care of my skin. Ever since I was a child I have cared for my skin and loved caring for other’s skin. 

“I simply love glowing, healthy skin — it is not only a sign of good health, but is also beautiful to look at!”

As for her go-to product of choice to create an even, plumped base? “I am loving the Marc Jacobs Beauty Youthquake Hydra-Full Retexturizing Gel Crème Moisturiser,” says Vo. “It’s extremely hydrating and has a unique pineapple enzyme to help exfoliate the skin as well. I love how it quickly absorbs without leaving any residue behind.”

Layering highlighters is essential

If you’re anything like us, you’ve probably spent the last few years in search of a holy grail highlighter to create glassy, dewy skin that beams brighter than your future — à la Vo’s signature look. However, it might be time we all stopped searching for the one. Nam’s trick? Layering different textures of illuminators and highlighters. “When applying highlighter to the high points of the face, I love to use a cream or liquid highlighter first (her current favourite picks being the Marc Jacobs Beauty Dew Drops Coconut Gel Highlighter and Glow Stick Glistening Illuminator), and to give the skin an extra pop, I layer a powder highlighter over the top with a medium-sized, round fluffy brush to set it!”

If you’re unsure of which highlighters to opt for, Vo’s Instagram is a goldmine of the latest and greatest in illuminating makeup — get ready for your shopping list to grow exponentially!

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Add dimension with blush and bronzer

An underrated hero of creating good glow, blush adds depth to the face, with a natural flush making your #dewydumpling look appear more believable. Choosing the right blush for your skin type and colour is vital. From there, the real trick is in the application.

“Often I see blush misplaced on the face,” shares Vo. “I love to apply blush directly on the apples of the cheeks. I always tell people to smile and pinch that meaty part of your cheek — that is where blush should be applied, blending in an upward motion towards the temple.” To add extra dimension, Vo also uses a cream bronzer to contour using her ‘burnt toast’ technique — applying colour to the outer perimeters of the face. 

Set for success

There’s no point in creating the dewy makeup of dreams if it won’t last throughout the day; thankfully, Vo has a few tricks up her sleeve to ensure a long-lasting glow. First up? Primer. “I have an oily skin type, so I know first-hand that the right prep is essential to ensuring an all-day glow,” explains Vo. “The Marc Jacobs Beauty Under(cover) Blurring Coconut Face Primer is great, as it helps makeup to keep longer by absorbing oils that your skin produces throughout the day, reducing any unwanted shine.”

For Vo, the pièce de résistance of any #dewydumpling look is setting powder. Drop your large, fluffy face brush — Vo uses a targeted technique to minimise shine without taking away from the overall glow and radiance. “My go-to technique is ‘precision powdering’,” says Vo. “I take a small, rounded eyeshadow brush and target only the ‘hot spots on my face — which is the T-zone and the sides of the nose. I like to take away oil, not glow!”

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