Here’s a question, a genuine question: What the heck is

This is me. Sweaty. See the sweat on my hairline? 

the difference between dewy and sweaty? There are so many magazines and makeup brands that offer up tips on attaining ‘dewy skin,’ but I can’t seem to get a grip on what makes skin dewy versus sweaty, and what about looking dewy is so desirable. I’ve done a little research, and I understand that there must be a difference, because no female celebrity shows up on the red carpet with sweat drip, drip, dripping down her cheeks and gets anything but publicly shamed.

It seems to me like there’s a very subtle, fine line between dewy and sweaty/oily/greasy, and I don’t know how to determine that without consulting a makeup artist. For example, when I was visiting my boss, while she was in hair and makeup, I could literally feel sweat dripping down my legs and seeping through my white dress. While I was futzing in the mirror, because I thought I looked terrible, her makeup artist said to me, “You look so dewy!” I just didn’t get it. Maybe I simply prefer to look more matte than dewy, but what gives? Was she just paying me an extra nice compliment, or did I look perfectly misty and ethereal?

Let’s play a game. Dewy v. Sweaty! Your guess is as good as mine. (All of these women look gorgeous, by the way, and I’m going to take a leap of faith and guess that each one has earned the ‘dewy’ title. But do you see what I mean? If I were actually trying to attain this look, I wouldn’t know where to begin as a novice makeup user. Something about highlighting? Something about looking fresh and silky? I dunno. Someone, anyone, PLEASE advise.)