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When it comes to makeup I used to always gravitate towards matte products because I have oily skin. I'd convinced myself that I couldn't get away with dewy, glowy skin - that I'd just look like an oil slick within minutes. So I stuck to full coverage, matte foundation set with matte powder.
One product changed everything for me and that was Hourglass's Ambient Lighting Powders. I'd had my eye on the powders for a long time but had been too worried with them having a luminous finish. But after reading glowing review after glowing review (see what I did there?!) I decided to take the plunge and treat myself. Me being me, I didn't do the sensible thing and order the mini travel sized powder. No, I ordered the Ambient Lighting Palette (from Space NK for £56) which contains three different shades. I figured it worked out better value. That was my excuse and I'm sticking to it. It was actually the best thing I could have done because I fell hard and fast for these amazing powders. The palette contains three shades -
- Dim Light (left) - this is the universal shade, that should suit most skin tones. It's the one I use the most all over my face to set my makeup. It gives skin the most amazing, ethereal glow, that's somehow still natural.
- Incandescent Light (middle) - this is brighter shade that can be used all over but I use it mainly for under my eyes, my nose and the centre of my forehead.
- Radiant Light (right) - this is a much warmer shade. I use it to perk my skin up. As I'm very pale, this makes a great super subtle bronzer too.
Now what makes all Hourglass powders so special, is how buttery soft and finely milled they are. They're incredibly light. This makes them perfect for top-ups in the day, as it doesn't go cakey or clumpy. They give skin such a fantastic finish. I can't recommend them enough. They're not the cheapest but they're amazing quality and last ages! For me, they're an investment.
The next few products that give a perfect glowy base are all primers. I've found that with the right primer, any foundation / base can be perked up.
My first choice is Charlotte Tilbury's Hollywood Flawless Filter (available from Cult Beauty for £30). This is one of those products that you think you won't need, until you try it. It's multi use which I love. It can be used as a primer under makeup, or mixed in with foundation, or on top of makeup as a highlighter or used on it's own for a perfect "no makeup" makeup base. The product itself is a cream that contains "airbrush polymers" (whatever they are?!). What it actually does is brighten your complexion, whilst blurring imperfections and pores and gives your skin an all round lift. It literally is like a filter. Now I know it sounds a bit much but it does actually live up to expectations. It's one of those products that when you wear it, people compliment you. It just makes skin look glowy and healthy, without being glittery or over the top. It still manages to do all this, whilst being subtle and grown up. It's fantastic. This comes in 7 shades, depending on your skin tone. This is shade 1 - the palest.
Another favourite primer of mine is Touch In Sol Feel Like Honey Moon Skin Base (available from MMCL and Debenhams for £16.50). This unique primer contains real honey along with hyaluronic acid and collagen to give skin a boost and subtle gold flakes to add radiance. It's super cooling when applied. It hydrates and plumps skin to create a perfect, glowy base for makeup.
The next primers that I recommend are By Terry Cellularose Brightening CC Serums (available from Space NK and Cult Beauty for £61). These serums are available in 3 permanent shades and 1 limited edition shade, so you've got a choice depending on your skin tone. I got a set of minis in the three permanent shades in the sale at Christmas. I really wanted to hate them, as let's face it, they're expensive! Sadly I fell in love, haha. These serums are designed to boost your complexion and leave it looking radiant. They do exactly as promised! The shades I have are: Rose Elixir which is a very pale, brightening pink, Apricot Glow which is a glowy peach and Sunny Flash which is a gorgeous bronze shade. As I'm super pale, I favour Rose Elixir although Apricot Glow suits me too. Sunny Flash is too dark for me really, although I can use it mixed it into foundation or as bronzer. They can be worn under makeup, mixed into makeup or alone. Whichever way, you're left with glowing, bright, healthy looking skin without being glittery or over the top. They have a gorgeous rose scent too - although some may find this a bit much. Excuse the messy swatches - I wanted to try and show how they look when blended and unblended. They really sheer out nicely.
Last but not least is my all time favourite highlighter - The Right Light in shade Starlight from Trinny London (available HERE for £25). I rarely use other highlighters since getting this one. It's what I'd call a grown up highlighter - it's not glittery at all. It's the most perfect shade of pale gold. It's a cream consistency that blends really well and has good staying power. It doesn't settle in pores or make any imperfections stand out like other highlighters can. It gives skin a subtle glow that still somehow stands out. It's just perfect!
And that's it - my all time favourite products for fresh, glowy skin. Have you tried any of these?
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