Posts about glowing skin are definitely my favorite to write, which I'm sure you can tell because I put up some variation of one almost once a week. Having quite dehydrated skin, I'm always after products that will give me a glow. I'm constantly updating my stash with new glowy products, even though I've only got one face and would have to look like a shining beacon that's visible from space for the rest of my life to use everything up.
I always talk about skincare bits in posts like this, so I'll just get those out of the way first. I've mentioned over and over how much I love the Glossier Priming Moisturizer - it's basically holy grail by now. It's one of the best moisturizers that just instantly makes my skin glow, even though it doesn't have any shimmer whatsoever. A similar product I've been using lately is the Lune+Aster Recharge Cream* - this is basically an ultra-hydrating cream that's meant to be worn under makeup. If you've got dry skin that drinks up your makeup, you need this. It gives the same phenomenal healthy glow to the skin as the Glossier, but it's quite a bit thicker (a plus for me, because I usually layer the Glossier moisturizer with another thin moisturizer for optimum hydration). I really notice my base staying on longer than usual when I use this as my skin is well-hydrated, so it doesn't drink up my foundation. For a more obvious glow I like to pile on the MAC Strobe Cream - this has teeny tiny shimmer particles in it, just enough to catch the light and make you look like a dreamy ethereal woodnymph. I especially like this mixed with the Glossier Priming Moisturizer.
Speaking of shimmery base layers, I've also finally gotten my hands on the BECCA Backlight Priming Filter. This is even more beautiful than I ever imagined. It's similar to the Strobe Cream in that it adds a believable dewiness to the skin with the help of some shimmer, but while the Strobe Cream is more of a white pearl, the BECCA primer is more of a pale gold. This is seriously dewy skin in a bottle and I'm obsessed.
Now that we're in makeup territory, I'll move onto the piece de resistance of the post - the Tom Ford Skin Illuminating Powder Duo in Moodlight. I finally got this (for my birthday! Thanks Mom!), and I'm head over heels in love. It's quite a subtle highlight, so it's perfect for everyday. It really just enhances and perfects the skin. I assumed this was a highlighter and bronzer, but it's really pretty much two highlighters - the darker shade is more of a rose gold and is actually more shimmery than the light shade. I apply it on the backs of my cheekbones like a blush/bronzer/highlighter combo and then top it off with the lighter shade on the tops of my cheekbones. I can't even describe how stunning this product is, I know I didn't pay for it but if I ever hit pan I'd repurchase in a heartbeat.
Another palette I've been dipping into quite a bit is the Lune+Aster Moonrise Glow & Contour Bronzing Palette.* I mentioned this in my Lovin' Lately post, and it's just a perfect palette if you're in need of both a bronzer and a highlighter. The bronzer isn't totally matte - more of a satin finish really, and the highlighter is a stunning champagne gold. This really reminds me of the famous CT Bronze & Glow Palette - my sister has it, and swatched side by side, they really are quite similar. If I'm not using this palette I go for my trusty combo of the Make Up For Ever Pro Bronze Fusion Bronzer in 15I and the Anastasia Beverly Hills Illuminator in Starlight (which may have been limited edition? say it isn't so!). All of these products will give the skin the most amazing glow - I think the difference all lies in using a glowy bronzer as well as a highlighter. It really makes you look like you've just gotten back from the most relaxing tropical vacation. Since that's something I wish I was actually doing in real life, I just pile on the glowy bronzers and highlighters.
What glowy products have you been loving?
*Some of the products mentioned have been sent to me for consideration, but all opinions are my own. Please see my disclaimer for more information.