5 makeup tricks that’ll ensure an all-day glow
How to give your skin that always-there Instagram filter in real life
For anyone who’s ever invested their time and money in achieving the real-life glow that an Instagram or Snapchat filter can digitally bestow upon them knows there’s a difference between accomplishing that glow and actually maintaining it so that it looks just as fresh and flawless come 6pm.
Sometimes that flawless highlight suddenly turns to oily shine. Or what about when that smooth coverage becomes dry and patchy after a few hours? And then there’s always that dreaded dullness that seems to magically replace all your illuminating efforts.
But never fear. As always, we’ve got some super-easy base tips that’ll ensure your glow lasts as long as you need it to, i.e. until bedtime. Simply follow our guide below, add your bronzer, highlighter and blush as needed, and thank us in the morning.
1
Always prime
The secret to smooth, long-lasting makeup is to do the proper prep work by using a primer. While it may feel like you’re just adding another layer of moisturiser, in reality you’re actually creating a smooth canvas for your foundation (and the makeup products that follow) to adhere to for longer wear. A primer can help fill enlarged pores, blur imperfections, refine your skin texture, and generally ensure your glow stays put all day. And if you really want to up the ante on your luminosity, you can pick a primer with illuminating particles for added radiance that’ll leave your skin looking lit-from-within from the get-go.
2
Pick the right foundation
If a glow is what you’re after, then you need to make sure you’re using the right foundation formula. For example, if your go-to foundation offers high coverage with a matte finish, it’s not going to be an easy task to create a natural-looking glow. Instead, opt for a base that delivers more of a medium coverage and a radiant finish, in a formula that ideally lasts the distance. L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro Glow manages to tick all three boxes, offering a lightweight feel and fresh finish (no caking here, thanks!) that leaves your skin looking luminous and radiant all day long. Paired with a primer, you’re pretty much guaranteed to be able to take those selfies filter-free come sundown.
Good to know: Foundations that offer a dewy finish, like Infallible Pro Glow, are usually better suited to normal and dry skin types. If your skin tends to get a bit oily as the day goes on, you’re going to love the last two tips.
3
Press, don’t wipe
It may surprise you to know that how you apply your foundation can also make a difference to the finish of your makeup. Whether you’re using a sponge, your fingers or a foundation brush, using a pressing motion (as opposed to a wiping one) can help ensure the finish looks natural and skin-like – read: as if your radiance is completely natural.
4
Be tactical with your powder
Here’s a conundrum you might find yourself in, especially if you have oily skin: you want a glowing finish, but because you’re prone to shine, you like to finish your base makeup with a mattifying powder. Our solution? Ditch the all-over face powder application and save your efforts for the areas that actually need them, usually the forehead, nose and chin. That way the majority of your complexion gets the glowing benefits from your foundation, while your oily areas stay under control.
5
Keep blotting papers nearby
Have you ever noticed that as soon as the area around your nose gets shiny your whole complexion quickly goes from glowing to greasy? An incredibly simple solution is to take a sheet of blotting paper (the sooner the better) and dab on the oily areas. The powder particles in blotting paper will absorb the oil, while the size of the small sheets will make sure that you don’t ruin the glow on the rest of your face.
Now that your radiant base is sorted, make sure to read our essential guide to nailing your highlighter.
Do you have any tips for ensuring an all-day glow? Please share with us in the comments section below.
Main image: Getty
Carli was BEAUTYcrew’s Editor from launch in 2016 until May 2020. You can find her words right here on BEAUTYcrew, and previously on beautyheaven.
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