On social media and in makeup trends, there's a constant: the obsession with natural, ultra-luminous skin. From "glazed donut skin" and "glass skin" to the increasingly popular illuminating makeup, current beauty standards value radiant skin with minimal coverage. Star products, such as liquid highlighters and glow-effect serums, are selling out because they help create that fresh and dewy look on the skin. This style enhances the skin by boosting its natural beauty with a subtle and translucent finish that provides a radiant and renewed appearance. Below, we'll tell you how to master this viral trend using your favorite Twelve Beauty products.
Illuminating makeup: Its origin and charm
Inspired by the Korean beauty routine, the concept of illuminating makeup seeks even and luminous skin. It's not about covering, but about perfecting the skin so it shines from within. Achieving this look requires a disciplined care routine and minimalist makeup, prioritizing hydration, correcting blemishes, and a good dose of luminosity to give the skin a radiant look.
How to achieve ultra-luminous and 'glowy' skin?
For those new to this trend, illuminating makeup combines essential skin care with strategic makeup applications, blending harmoniously to achieve a natural glow. Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving the coveted "glass skin" look:
- Start with a good skincare routine: Illuminating makeup begins with well-cared-for skin. Daily cleansing and sun protection are essential. Use purifying masks and effective cleansers to remove irregularities in skin texture. Then, apply high molecular weight hyaluronic acid to create a hydrating film that allows for optimal makeup application.
- Even skin tone: Opt for a light foundation or a natural-finish BB cream that evens out skin tone without overloading it. The secret is to use low-pigmentation formulas to achieve a fresh and radiant look.
- Controlled shine: To avoid excessive shine in oilier areas, apply a thin layer of translucent powder or use a setting spray. This keeps makeup in place without altering the skin's natural glow. To regulate oil production, we recommend daily use of a facial oil rich in linoleic acid, which improves sebum quality. Hydrating and rebalancing serums are a must for oily skin.
- Liquid highlighters and glow-effect serums: The popularity of liquid highlighters and bronzing serums makes it easy to add a natural glow to any look, giving the skin a luminous and warm effect.
- A touch of blush: A soft, subtle blush adds warmth and vitality to the face. Apply it to the cheeks for a healthy blush and blend well to achieve an even finish.
The benefits of illuminating makeup
Beyond visual appeal, illuminating makeup offers benefits that make it even more desirable:
- Fresh appearance: The natural luminous finish of this viral trend gives the skin a healthy and vibrant look, adding a touch of freshness.
- Enhancement of natural beauty: Unlike traditional makeup, which often seeks to cover imperfections, illuminating makeup focuses on highlighting and celebrating natural features, emphasizing the unique beauty of each skin.
- Versatility: This style adapts to all skin tones, types, and ages. You can adjust the level of glow and coverage according to your preferences, making this makeup a versatile option for both everyday wear and special occasions.
The boom of highlighters and glow drops
With the rise of illuminating makeup, liquid highlighters and bronzing serums have become the stars of social media. These products are gaining popularity among influencers and celebrities, who showcase dewy and luminous skin, achieving a glamorous look that is accessible to everyone. Illuminating and bronzing serums or drops provide natural warmth that intensifies the "healthy glow" effect of illuminating makeup, especially in winter. Their success lies in their easy application and the immediate results they deliver.
Liquid highlighters vs. Traditional highlighters
To achieve the perfect 'glow' effect, choosing the right highlighter is key. Liquid highlighters have become a beauty favorite, as they offer a natural and even finish that enhances radiance without exaggeration. Here's why liquid highlighters are the best option for achieving a natural glow:
- Easy to apply: Liquid highlighters blend effortlessly with the skin, achieving a smooth and radiant finish that mimics natural luminosity. Unlike powders, which can sit on the surface and create an artificial shine, liquid formulas melt into the skin for a more even and natural look.
- Long-lasting glow: Liquid highlighters maintain their luminosity throughout the day without the risk of looking uneven or patchy. Their hydrating properties help keep the skin fresh and luminous, essential for the dewy effect that characterizes illuminating makeup.
- Natural and subtle finish: Unlike powder highlighters, which can be too intense, liquids enhance the natural reflection of light on the skin. The result is a soft and effortless glow, ideal for a fresh and natural look.
How to use Glow Island as a highlighter
Glow Island serves a dual purpose: it adds instant warmth to your skin while providing the luminous finish of a highlighter. This multitasking self-tanning serum is perfect for achieving a natural glow and highlighting your features. Here's how you can use it to achieve a luminous and healthy finish:
- As a standalone product: For a completely natural 'good face' effect, apply Glow Island as the last step in your facial care routine (after your sunscreen).
- As a primer: Before applying foundation, add a layer of Glow Island for a smooth and luminous base that enhances your makeup.
- Mixed with foundation: If you prefer to shorten steps in your routine, mix Glow Island directly with your foundation to improve both coverage and luminosity.
- As a highlighter: After applying foundation, identify the key points of light on your face (chin, bridge of the nose, cheekbones, and brow bone). Apply small amounts of Glow Island to these points and blend with gentle circular movements. Remember, less is more: gradual application is a must to control the intensity of the shine and achieve a natural finish. For longer duration, set the look with our Ultra Revitalising Elixir as a final spray.
Expert tips
To achieve a natural and radiant look, we have compiled tips from some of our trusted makeup artists. Their recommendations are the professional advice you need to recreate this look at home with your brand favorites:
- Patri del Moral, celebrity makeup artist specializing in SFX and art, recommends starting with Clementine Cleansing Balm followed by Purifying Cleansing Beauty Cream for a deep hydrating, flash-effect cleanse. "I like to mix Intelligent Frontier Facial Oil with Ideal Moisture Level Serum and then apply Nutritive Repair Emulsion to prep the skin. As a final touch, apply a bit of Clementine Cleansing Balm to high points like cheeks, chin, and nose for an extra boost of luminosity."
- Alex C Keating, one of the makeup artists trusted by today's leading men for the most important magazine covers and exclusive red carpets, including the Oscars, comments: "For a healthy glow, I love to mix a few drops of Intelligent Frontier Facial Oil with a liquid or cream foundation. It provides a uniform luminosity that is perfect for both the red carpet and everyday wear."
- Sarah Matia, one of the most acclaimed makeup artists in Spanish cinema, states: "The combination of Glow Island with Tint & Glow in Mulberry Hue seems wonderfully spectacular for this season."
- Sjaniël Turrell, a conscious beauty and health expert, holistic makeup artist, and nutritional therapist, highlights: "Skin preparation is key to achieving luminous skin. My first step is to use Purifying Cleansing Beauty Cream. For photo shoots, I always apply Ultra Revitalising Elixir and then a generous amount of Ideal Moisture Level Serum or Brightening Serum, massaging them well into the skin. This not only provides an ideal base for makeup but also keeps the skin fresh and radiant throughout the day."
The magic of illuminating makeup lies in its ability to enhance natural beauty simply. By focusing on skin care and using glow-effect formulas, anyone can achieve a fresh and radiant look whenever they wish.