I’m SO obsessed with glowing skin at all ages and on all people. It feels like no matter what your beauty philosophy, whether maximalist or minimalist, glow is the way to go - and I’m all in!
Yet sometimes in real life we don’t look wake up looking like a shiny star bursting into the universe on Monday morning. Yes, I - Lucy Revill - am a faker. But let’s be real! We all have to fake it a bit. With a little bit of help YOU CAN TOO *cheesy twinkling infomercial style finger-point*.
Over my years of fiddling around in Mecca Cosmetica and in the David Jones Beauty Hall, I’ve found that when you know the basics, it can be very easy to get glowing. You simply need to follow the right steps - and anyone can achieve this look. (Cue the really awkward rap from GLOW, the Netflix series “G.L.O.W., G.L.O.W. / That's the name / Women's wrestling is our game”).
Before you begin - apply a good moisturiser according to your skin type... I have another blog post about my picks for moisturisers here. Then proceed with the below.
Step 1: Prep Your Face With A Primer.
When it comes to making my face look awake, even if I’ve been up late, I really love slapping on a bit of Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter. It has a big doughy applicator which some people are a bit iffy on because for hygiene reasons. Frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn. It works brilliantly in my humble opinion: the content of this cylindrical bottle is like a big glass of green juice for your skin.
I like to pop some on my forehead, cheeks and chin first thing in the morning before using my fingers to blend into my face. Hollywood Flawless Filter can be worn with or without foundation. When I do wear it without, I always get compliments on my skin. (Sadly, not yet available in New Zealand, so I would suggest picking up a bottle on your travels).
I also love the more silicon-like Urban Decay Optical Illusion Primer. This primer does me a real solid every time I wear it. This has an almost furry, velvet texture and is better suited if you have skin which has more open pores or maybe if you want to use a heavier foundation, such as for an evening look. The result is it blurs your skin and creates a flawless finish. I really enjoy how this makes my skin feel under foundation.
Step 2: Add a faux-glow...
Tom Ford make a great fake suntan base/primer for your skin which is wonderful if you want people to think you’ve been on holiday when you haven’t! Cheekily called ‘Resort to Pleasure’ it is a great Winter cheat. Call it a bronzer in a mouse, if you will!
Use before applying bronzer for an enhanced radiance, or smooth it onto your cheekbones for a sheer veil of golden shimmer. The lightweight formula instantly moisturises to revitalise your skin's vibrancy. Woop woop! Love me some facial vibrancy!
Step 3: Foundation And Highlighter To Add Glow.
Foundation is optional in my opinion as it can be nice to have skin peaking out if you want to have a fresh glowing look, so I keep it simple with Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue which I’ve canvassed well in other blogs, so won’t wang on about it here.
I have tried a few highlighters but my favourite is the Tom Ford Orchid Soleil one. It just is so bright and shimmery on my cheek bones. Highlighter is the Martini Cocktail of makeup. It always makes you feel a bit more sophisticated. I also apply on my cupids bow (the bit under your nose, above your lip) and brow bone so I look extra jazzy. Just go easy as you may accidentally go too far and veer into ‘The Only Way is Essex’ territory.
Step 4: Dab On Concealer. ...
Next, I’ve tried SO many concealers and I keep coming back to NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Honey. It is a liquid formula which just melts into my skin. I need a good concealer because dark circles are one of my concerns I always have. When I haven’t slept so well, this is my cheaters go-to.
Step 5: Add your finishing touches…
Another, ‘Can’t-live-without’ has to be the NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Primer. It is the original, the best and absolutely essential to keep shadow in place no matter what occasion. Pop some golden shimmer on top, and suddenly you’ll be looking corking! With a soft powder-life texture, I can’t imagine using anything else.
Lipliner was always something I felt like was for mums but it sneaks into my glow-guide because it is the LEGENDARY Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat in ‘Pillow Talk’, which perfectly matches my lip colour. With this covering my lips, I feel very much like I can pull off the ‘no-makeup’ makeup look. Just add a dab of lip-balm.
So there you have it! A fakers guide to glow. Of course, there is no substitute for healthy tips like sleep, water, avoiding booze and eating your veggies (more on this in my upcoming newsletter) but when we have to try and get over the line and just keep going, the placebo effect can be almost as good.