Hands up if you fancy an instant fix to visibly refresh dull, tired skin?
Every face can benefit from a little extra radiance and while I'm a huge advocate of nourishing skin at a deep level - with a nutritious diet, hydration and great skincare - there are times when a girl gotta fake it til she makes it.
We all get dull skin days (or weeks!), whether we've been burning the candle at both ends, have neglected our diet and skincare or are recovering from illness. The beauty industry is on the ball - and with an ongoing trend for glowing, radiant skin, many tools are at hand to add an instant faux glow.
I'm not talking traditional highlighter... think subtle sheen rather than visible-from-Venus cheekbones (GUILTY!). Products formulated to make skin look radiant and juicy - a skincare:make-up hybrid if you like, with complexion boosters and radiant primers for that ever aspirational lit-from-within gleaming skin.
Here are a few of my favourites for glossy, dewy skin, bottled... Tired, dull complexions, be gone!
GLOW ON
Bobbi Brown Extra Illuminating Balm, Bare Glow - complexion-enhancing balm with pearl particles for immediate radiance and hydration.
Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter - a customisable complexion booster for super starlit skin in seconds.
Glossier Futuredew - a silky water in oil emulsion that feels instantly moisturising and cushiony and looks glossy.
Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer Illuminating - Infused with porcelain flower extract and micronized pearls for a healthy glow.
Becca Backlight Priming Filter - blurs imperfections and prolongs make-up wear with a lit from within glow
NYX High Glass Face Primer - infused with light-reflecting pearls to create the illusion of translucent glass skin
HOW TO GLOW
If you're new to instant radiance enhancers, don't feel you have to follow the rules - choose one of the above and use it in a way that works for you to achieve a subtle or glass-like effect.
1. Go it Alone - if you're blessed with flawless skin, this may be all you need. Add a little touch of concealer where required and you glow girl!
2. Make Up Underwear - Mix with moisturiser or apply over it, depending on your skin's needs, for a subtle ‘lit from within’ glow.
3. Foundation Cocktail - add a drop or two to foundation for a slightly more sheer base with built in radiance.
4. The Grand Finale - pat a little onto the high points of your face after applying foundation... tops of cheekbones, brow bones and the bridge of your nose. Less is more.
And now… it’s cheesy but I have to end with: ‘You glow, gurl!’