Glow Getter

A List of My Top 10 Product Picks to Give Your Skin the Ultimate Glow

I've always coveted a dewy, lit-from-within complexion. Matte skin has never been my thing. If a product contains the words "Illuminating" or "glow" I'm in. Seriously, I've tried just about every makeup and skincare product out there that promises to give you an irresistible candescence. I equate glowy skin with being healthy and youthful looking. Not to mention, it helps to hydrate the skin and reflect away from fine lines and wrinkles. Don't get me wrong, matte skin looks great on some. However, as a makeup artist who has worked on women of every age, dewy skin is by far the most flattering. Now, I'm not talking greasy. No one wants to look oily, or like they rubbed chicken grease all over their face! I'm referring to a subtle reflective and hydrating-looking glow. To narrow it down to 10 products, 5 skincare, and 5 makeup, was quite the challenge for me but I managed to do it for all of you out there! Now, as I try new products this list may change and if it does I'll be sure to post an update. But for now, here are my top 10 products that'll give your skin that oh-so-coveted glow.

Skincare Glow-Getters

I love a multi-tasking product. So for me, a skincare product that gives your skin a beautiful radiance with the added benefit of effective, active ingredients is a win-win. Below, you'll find my top 5 skincare products that'll give your skin the perfect dewy glow.

Tatcha The Dewy Serum

Tatcha The Dewy Serum $89 www.tatcha.com

I've been a Tatcha fan since the brand first came out. This serum is appropriately named, as it gives your skin a beautiful dewy finish. I use this serum, before applying my moisturizer and sunscreen. It will leave you feeling moisturized and plumped and is a great way to get a subtle dewy look when applied under your makeup. I would categorize this as more of an uber moisturizing and plumping serum vs an illuminating skincare product as it contains nothing reflective. It has a creamy, gel-like texture that absorbs nicely into the skin leaving a light layer of hydration on the surface. With ingredients like lactic acid, hyaluronic acid, and squalane, no wonder skin feels so hydrated after applying. The lactic acid resurfaces the skin gently which is a nice added bonus. I would recommend this serum for those with normal to dry skin.

Chantecaille Sheer Glow Rose Face Tint

Chantecaille Sheer Glow Rose Face Tint $77 www.chantecaille.com

I LOVE Chantecaille. It is a luxury brand with a luxurious price tag to match, which is why I was so pleasantly surprised by the cost of this product. The sheer glow rose face tint is one of the brand's newest launches and I have found it to be one of my favorites. The product itself is a pale shimmering rose color and has a gel-like consistency. I use it almost as you would a primer, right before applying my makeup or you can mix it directly in with your foundation or tinted moisturizer of choice. The gel absorbs into the skin beautifully, leaving behind a gorgeously smooth under-makeup canvas. This can be used in place of foundation as it blurs and perfects the skin. I find that it brightens a bit as well, which I attribute to the subtle pink tone. The addition of powerful botanicals makes this beauty a makeup/skincare hybrid.

Ilia C Beyond Triple Serum SPF 40

Ilia C Beyond Triple Serum SPF 40 $64 www.iliabeauty.com

This serum by Ilia Beauty combines essential skincare ingredients and SPF in a tinted moisturizer-type product. I mean, what's not to like? I appreciate the addition of SPF in any skincare or makeup product as it lessens the steps in my skincare routine, and ladies and gents, SPF is a must, completely non-negotiable if you want to preserve the collagen that you have left in your skin. After all, the sun is the number one aging factor. So, although I know it seems optional and it's a pain in the ass, your skin needs it and will thank you for it! I have added this serum to my glow list due to its major dew factor. The skincare ingredients that Ilia has chosen to add to this serum are damn good ones. First off, it contains Vitamin C which is an essential ingredient everyone should be using. Vitamin C boosts collagen production and improves skin texture like nothing else can. So if you're not using it, you need to start....like NOW! This serum also contains Niacinamide which protects against sun damage, helps treat hyperpigmentation, and smooths lines and wrinkles as well as Allantoin which helps to promote cell regeneration. This lovely trio combined with SPF 40 and a sheer coverage tint is a dream come true for those who are time-restricted or just don't like a lot of steps in their skincare routine. Personally, I use this product the most when I'm not going to be wearing makeup and want a bit of coverage, i.e. a day at the pool or the beach. The serum gives the skin a beautiful healthy glow. Nothing sparkly about this one, just super hydrated, extra dewy skin.

Natura Bisse Diamond Cocoon Sheer Cream

Natura Bisse Diamond Cocoon Sheer Cream $235 www.naturabisse.com

Natura Bisse's skincare line is gorgeous. It is on the pricey side, but I must say as far as this cream goes, this is a large jar that will last you a long time. You only need about a pea-sized amount to cover the face and neck. The cream is very creamy and leaves the skin looking hydrated and moisturized without feeling heavy. The glow is unbelievably pretty and I get compliments every time I wear it. It provides a decent amount of coverage and makes you glow without the glitter. This cream is ideal for those who like a little more coverage than a traditional tinted moisturizer. Included in this one are some major hydrating and plumping ingredients including Hylaraunic acid as well as a cocktail of anti-aging antioxidants.

111 Skin Rose Gold Radiance Booster

111 Skin Rose Gold Radiance Booster $135 www.111skin.com

111 Skin is a London-based skincare line developed by Dr. Y. Alexandrides. I was first introduced to this company a few years ago and have loved every single one of their products I have tried since then. Don't even get me started on their undereye patches, but sadly that will have to wait for another article. This multitasking radiance booster is amazing. The golden liquid gel is iridescent and leaves the most subtle shimmer on the skin, which I happen to love, leaving behind no residue whatsoever. This can be used directly on freshly cleansed skin or mixed into your moisturizer. This is another makeup/skincare hybrid as it contains some powerhouse ingredients such as Niacinamide to reduce inflammation and even out skin tone and rose flower water to calm, hydrate, and protect.

Makeup Glow Getters

I am telling you, I am the queen of shimmer, glitter, sparkle, and illumination. Seriously though, I have tried pretty much every product out there in the makeup world that touts the ability to bestow the wearer with an irresistible radiance and luster. Read on for my top 5 radiance-enhancing makeup picks for the ultimate light-reflecting visage.

Lune+Aster HydraGlow Serum Primer

Lune+Aster HydraGlow Serum Primer $36 www.amazon.com

From the first use, this primer by clean makeup brand Lune+Aster really impressed me! Their products are paraben-free and formulated for sensitive skin. I purchased this primer right after it launched and I have to say, it's a winner. This primer is a light champagne color with a bit of shimmer to it. It creates the perfect canvas for any foundation and can also be used alone. The product glides on and leaves absolutely no residue behind. Word of caution, a little goes a long way so don't use too much. I found out early on that if too much of this product is applied, it can cause your makeup to pill up. This primer is super-charged with some majorly effective skincare ingredients including good old vitamin c and hyaluronic acid for plumping and anti-aging and licorice and squalane to soothe any redness that ails you. The shimmer factor is very subtle and leaves a pretty, candle-lit finish on the skin.

Jones Road Shimmer Face Oil

Jones Road Shimmer Face Oil in Pink Opal $50 www.amazon.com

Jones Road is a fairly new makeup line whose creator is no newbie to the makeup scene. This gorgeous makeup line was founded by no other than makeup guru Bobbi Brown! This could be my favorite illuminating product on this list as it is truly versatile. I mix this into everything from moisturizers and sunscreens to foundation. I also use it alone right before applying foundation or to highlight target areas of the face. It comes in different shades but this color is EVERYTHING!!! I love a pink-hued product as it counteracts and brightens yellow tones in the skin and this one in Pink Opal is the prettiest of rosy shades. It's a very light product with high fluidity, so you don't need a lot. Even though it's marketed as an oil, it is by no means oily. It sinks into the skin leaving just a bit of hydration behind. I would say this illuminator is definitely for the shimmer obsessed. Give this pretty pearly pink one a try, you won't be disappointed.

Kosas Glow I.V. Vitamin-Infused Skin Enhancer

Kosas Glow I.V. Vitamin-Infused Skin Enhancer $70 www.amazon.com

Sparkle is at the forefront of this multitasking illuminator by the clean makeup brand Kosas. Created using 91% natural-origin ingredients, this product is GORGEOUS when applied all over the face. It does contain bigger pieces of sparkle so if you're not into rocking a little bit of glitter, this may not be for you. However, this is right up my alley. The light reflects beautifully off of the face when wearing this product. Continuing with the trend of skincare-infused makeup, this illuminator contains glutathione, vitamin d, and vitamin k to hydrate, brighten, and boost your complexion. Wear it alone or mix it in with any moisturizer or foundation-type product to soften the shimmer effect. I chose to purchase this one in the shade Spark which is described as a light champagne but it is also available in a wide range of other shades so there's sure to be one to match your skin tone.

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder - Light Catcher

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder - Light Catcher $43 www.lauramercier.com

Laura Mercier is a tried and true brand with a wide variety of complexion-enhancing products. Known the world over for her setting powders and tinted moisturizers, the makeup pioneer has created the first light-creating setting powder. Ms. Mercier states that the skin smoothing and pore blurring effects created by this product last 12 hours and give zero photo flashback. As a lover of her original cult-favorite translucent setting powder, I just had to give this one a try. I have to tell you, it is truly a unique product. It can be used all over the face, but I especially like it under the eyes to reflect away from fine lines and undereye hollows, while simultaneously setting your concealer. It is a very finely milled powder so make sure to tap off the excess before you get to glowing. I also like to use it on the high points of the face including the cheekbones and cupid's bow. This product creates a major glow factor and sets your makeup beautifully. Pretty genius if you ask me!

Huda Beauty N.Y.M.P.H. All Over highlighting Powder

Huda Beauty N.Y.M.P.H. All Over Highlighting Powder $55 www.hudabeauty.com

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, this is my favorite highlighter. I buy new highlighters all the time and I always return to using this one. The shade is universally flattering on all skin tones and produces a magazine-worthy highlight like no other in a beautiful rose gold tone. I think the reason that I like it so much is the fact that it is not too light. The color creates a very natural-looking highlight and can be used all over the face. I've even used it as an eyeshadow and it is stunning. This product has a super fine texture to it, so no glitter or sparkles found here. I don't know what else to say...if you don't have it, you need it, trust me.

And there you have it! My current list of favorite products to illuminate your beautiful face in the most gorgeous ways possible. Give some of these a try, you won't be disappointed. Have questions? Feel free to send me a message!