How to Get Luminous Skin

dewy skin

Luminous, dewy skin- it’s something seen on every celebrity or runway model and something we all covet to obtain. Yes, famous people have professional makeup artists and an unlimited budget to spend on beauty products, but the truth is that you (yes, even you) can get this look at home. All it takes is a few miracle products, a stricter skin regimen and some practice. Here’s how to get the glow at home using many of the products I use daily myself.

 

glowing skin

First, moisturizing is key

Dry, flaky skin is a terrible backdrop for any type of beauty products, let alone ones that give you a dewy look. Start by moisturizing daily- which is something you should already be doing. The key here is to apply a thin layer of moisturizer (try the Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion or Simple Hydrating Light Moisturizer, which I both love) directly before applying your foundation. This gives your skin a wet base and acts as a primer. If you have trouble skin or a long day ahead of you, apply a face primer after the moisturizer and before the foundation. I love the L’Oreal Studio Secrets Magic Lumi Light Infusing Primer, which not only primes, but adds a sheer shine to your face. Some other great primers are the Nyx Cosmetics High Definition Primer and the Smashbox Photo Finish Luminizing Foundation Primer.

 

luminous foundation

Next, choose the right foundation

Look for foundations or BB creams/tinted moisturizers that have words like “luminous”, “moisturizing” and “glow” in the title or description. These have ingredients that give your skin a dewy look instead of looking cakey. Choosing the right foundation is huge here- otherwise all your prep work was worth nothing. I use the L’Oreal True Match Lumi Foundation on a daily basis and LOVE it. It gives my skin such a glow. You can also try the NARS Sheer Glow Foundation if you’re willing to spend a little more money, or Sonia Kashuk Perfecting Luminous Foundation to save.

After this, use concealer if necessary on any blemishes or dark circles. I try to skip powder since it can mattify the dewy look, but if you have super oily skin you may want to use a HD powder (like the Make Up ForeverHD Microfinish Powder) to set everything. Just go light on it!

 

best highlighters

Now it’s time to highlight and add shine

Following basic contouring directions, apply a highlighter to the following areas: on your brow bone, down the center of your nose and above your cheekbones. Benefit High Beam works wonders on lighter skin tones, while RMS Beauty Living Luminizer is good for darker skin tones). You can also splurge on Yves Saint Laurent  TOUCHE ÉCLAT – Radiant Touch or save on Hard Candy Face & Body Luminizer in “Doll Face”.

 

glowing skin

Lastly, add bronzer or blush if needed

Try to use a cream or gel version to keep with the dewy theme, like NARS The Multiple. If you prefer powder, apply sparingly and follow it up with a hint of Rosebud Salve for a little shine. To keep your luminous skin lasting all day long, set it with a makeup setting spray, like the NYX Dewy Finish Makeup Setting Spray or the Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray, which I both use.

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36 Comments

  1. I haven’t been using my highlighter lately since it’s almost gone, but it’s my favorite way to add a little glow to my skin!

  2. AHH! so many great products in one post 🙂 I really want to try that Hard Candy face and body luminizer and I just recently became addicted to the Urban Decay setting spray!

  3. I feel like my face only looks dewy for not so attractive reasons. I really need to get better with some of these things-especially remembering to moisturize!

  4. I have never actually tried a primer! Though it seems to do the trick! I might have to splurge and buy some.

  5. These are such great tips and I totally want to go to the drug store on my lunch break to buy some new products to make me “glow” 🙂

  6. I actually use a lot of these products and agree that they achieve a really nice light and fresh, while glowing look. I use a NARS illuminating power, the benefit highlighter and a primer nearly everyday. Also, Rosebud Salve is an absolute MUST for every home!!

  7. Wow..first of all, congrats for being featured on Shop at Home, secondly, great tips! I have problem skin and always get envious of people with luminous skin:-) LOL!

  8. I’ve been trying to get a dewy look, but my skin’s so dry it’s not working! I think I need to try out a new foundation and get my hands on a highlighter. Thanks for the tips!

  9. Great post! My skin is naturally kind of dry, and I am always trying to obtain a dewy look.

  10. Rachel, have you been in my bathroom??! I use at least half of these products. High Beam is my favorite though, it basically changed my entire life.

  11. I have been trying to achieve this look for years! I think I may try the Benefit hight beam and I never knew about the finishing spray. I definitely want to try that out. Great post 🙂

  12. I’m always looking to have luminous skin, it gives you such a healthy glow. I absolutely love my High Beam and can’t live without it! Love your tips Rachel!

  13. These are such great tips! I kind of want to go out and buy every product right this second?

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