How to achieve a glow-in-the-dark makeup effect?

The English word " glow" means brightness, but in makeup it refers to subtly reflecting the face's natural light. This luminous skin effect requires proper preparation, knowing where to reflect light, and choosing the right products for each step.

Glow makeup is part of visible skin health and respects its natural texture instead of covering it up. Unlike matte makeup, which absorbs light, this type of makeup reflects it on key points such as the cheekbones, the bridge of the nose, and the cupid's bow.

Radiant skin starts before makeup.

Your skin needs to be in good condition before applying foundation. Excess oil or active irritations can prevent light from reflecting evenly, and makeup doesn't always compensate for this. Preparing your skin, according to your skin type, is usually the first step in achieving a glowy makeup look .

If your skin is oily, you can benefit from a lightweight regulating cream that helps maintain a balanced complexion. For sensitive skin, we recommend a soothing balm to help calm it. Balanced skin can achieve a more even and longer-lasting result.

Bioderma

SEBIUM HYDRA crème hydratante peaux grasses

Face moisturizer

From £ 12.11

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La Roche Posay

CICAPLAST BAUME B5+ soothing ultra-repairing balm

Face moisturizer

From £ 6.80

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The best makeup base for a glowy finish

The key to a glowy finish depends on the formula and how it's applied. A fluid formula with a satin finish typically provides a natural result that reflects light without creating an artificial effect or excessive shine.

Fingers or a damp sponge help blend the foundation into the skin using short, sweeping motions, from the center of the face outwards. This allows the product to blend evenly without leaving a heavy layer on the skin. A single layer provides a light, natural finish, while a second layer allows you to gradually increase coverage.

The concealer is applied only to the darkest area under the eyes and blended gently outwards. Choosing a shade similar to your foundation helps maintain an even finish across your face.

Clinique

EVEN BETTER fluid foundation

Foundation makeup

From £ 20.00

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Yves Saint Laurent

ALL HOURS concealer

Concealer makeup

From £ 22.81

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Sculpting and coloring to define the glow

A glowy finish requires modulating the light with bronzer and blush. Bronzer is applied to areas where the sun naturally hits, such as the forehead, cheekbones, and jawline. Blush adds color to the cheeks to give depth and vibrancy to the look.

A multi-functional bronzing stick allows you to sculpt and tan with the same product. Its intensity can be adjusted with your fingers or a blending brush. The stick texture melts into the skin and blends easily over a liquid foundation.

The color on the cheeks is achieved with a cream blush, which helps to maintain skin hydration and adds a touch of natural, creamy color in just a few seconds.

Rimmel London

MULTITASKER 3 in 1 tanning stick

Bronzers

From £ 7.38

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Clinique

CHUBBY STICK tinted cheek balm

Blusher

From £ 18.67

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Highlighter and eyelashes to complete the look

The highlighter adds light to the exact points where the face needs it, and the lashes frame the eyes. Together they offer contrast, definition, and enhance the glow.

A highlighter stick offers more control than a powder, especially with liquid foundations. The tip is applied to the brow bone, inner corner of the eye, bridge of the nose, and cupid's bow, and blended with a finger in just a few seconds. It's important not to overdo it. Two or three well-placed dots usually create a natural-looking result.

Lashes complete the look and provide the contrast that luminous makeup needs to maintain definition. Two coats of volumizing and lengthening mascara help enhance the eyes, provided the first coat dries before applying the second.

L'Oréal París

LUMI LE GLOW highlighter stick

Highlighter makeup

From £ 7.66

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Maybelline

LASH SENSATIONAL SKY HIGH mascara

Mascara

From £ 6.92

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The step that prolongs the glow without extinguishing it

Setting spray is usually the last step in your makeup routine and one of the most important for the longevity of your look. This product helps to set the textures you've already applied and adds a final layer of shine that unifies the overall look.

Applying the setting spray in a crisscross pattern, from side to side and top to bottom, holding it about 20 centimeters from the face, allows the mist to fall evenly. A thin layer is sufficient. When makeup combines many textures, the setting spray helps them all blend and melt into the skin.

Urban Decay

ALL NIGHTER GLOW FINISH makeup setting spray

Makeup fixer

From £ 12.32

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L'Oréal París

UNFAILY FIXING MAKEUP SPRAY

Makeup fixer

From £ 7.51

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The mistakes that extinguish the glow

Glowing makeup can lose its luminosity due to common mistakes. Skipping skin preparation often results in an uneven finish from the very beginning.

Applying highlighter all over the face often produces a flat, unnatural glow. A glow works through contrast, and this contrast appears when the light is placed exactly where it should be.

Setting with powder can mattify and dull the satin finish of your foundation. A luminous setting spray helps maintain that glow throughout the day.

This look is built step by step, from skin prep to the final setting spray. You'll find all the necessary products in Perfume's Club's makeup selection .