You have probably seen images of people sporting glowing skin floating around the internet. Suddenly it is as if the harsh cold doesn’t exist as people’s facing are glowing with luminance that welcomes the spring weather. Now, we are not all that fortunate to be able to live somewhere where the sun and weather can give us this natural dewy glow. But there’s no need to fret, spring weather is just around the corner and here is how you too can perfect the dewy makeup look (on a budget!) that’ll make it seem like you haven’t been hiding in layers of sweaters for the past few months from the Boston cold.
Step 1: The Base
Regardless of your skin type or skin texture, prepping your skin before applying makeup will not only make the application smoother, but it is key for giving your face that “lit from within” glow that we are going for. Although everyone’s skincare regimen is unique to their specific needs, the basic steps to incorporate are to cleanse, tone, moisturize, and protect. I like to start off with a gentle cleanser such as this one by Cetaphil to start off my routine. Next, to remove any lingering oils and to prep my skin for moisturizer I reach for an alcohol free toner such as this Thayer’s Witch Hazel one. On days where my skin is feeling more on the combination/dry side, I go for a heavier moisturizer that will really sink into my skin and give me a natural looking glow such as Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentre. For days when my skin is feeling more oily, I go for a water-based moisturizer like Neutrogena Hydro Boost. Finally, it is important to protect your skin with some sunscreen. I like to reach for this one by MISSHA as it sits well under makeup.
Step 2: The Brows
Before applying any makeup to your skin, give your skincare products some time to sink in and start off by working on your brows. Give your brows a natural look by using products that work to enhance your brows rather than shape them. I like to use a pencil such as this e.l.f. one paired with a clear gel such as this one by NYX to give your brows a fresh look. As an alternative to make your brows look naturally fuller, try out a tinted brow gel like this NYX one.
Step 3: Optional Coverage
This step is totally optional, but if you want to add any coverage to your face but still keep it looking glowy, go for products that have a natural looking finish such as the Maybelline Fit Me Foundation or Fit Me Concealer. I find that even the “Matte and Poreless” version of the foundation provides more of a natural finish rather than a matte one. For a flawless application, try using a damp beauty sponge rather than a brush to keep it looking dewy but not streaky. To set any products that you have used so far, lightly dust on a bit of loose powder, such as this one by ColourPop, in the areas that tend to get the most oily throughout the day.
Step 4: The Flush
Although blush may seem daunting at first, it is essential for giving your face a healthy glow and it is something that I have fallen in love with. For a glowy look, try out some cream or liquid based blushes. Although it may seem like they will be insanely pigmented, work with a little at a time and don’t be afraid to pick up your damp beauty sponge to help blend the product in. A liquid blush to try out is this one from Flower Beauty that comes in a range of shades perfect for spring. If liquid still seems to be a bit much, try out this blush from e.l.f. that has a cream to powder formula and is a bit more beginner friendly.
Step 5: The Glow
Popping on some highlighter on your cheekbones, brow bone, tip of your nose, and cupids bow will really help to give the highpoints of your face luminosity as the sunlight hits it. Again, try to stick to cream or liquid products so that they are easier to blend into your skin and leave a glowing finish. For a creamy highlighter, I like to use one of ColourPop’s Super Shock Highlighters that feels like butter and melts onto the skin. For a more intense glow, try out this liquid highlighter from Makeup Revolution.
Step 6: The Gloss
Lip gloss is my essential to complete any glowy look. For a pop of color, try one of ColourPop’s So Juicy Plumping Gloss. If you want some sparkle on your lips to glimmer in the light, try out this lip topper from Makeup Revolution.
Step 7: The Final Touch
Now that your skin is looking luminous and glowy, it’s time to make it last all day! I personally like to mist this Milani setting spray all over my face before heading out. For days where I really want my highlighter to pop, I apply some powder highlighter after applying my setting spray.
And that is it! Now go get your glow on :)