Glowy, Luminous Skin Without Highlighter

This post contains a PR sample

I'm not sure there are many people out there who aren't fans of glowy, luminous, healthy-looking skin, but depending on your skin type, achieving it can be a struggle. Dry-skinned gals may find their skin drinks up product (and the glow), while oily-skinned ladies may find themselves tiptoeing the line between luminous skin and greasy skin. I can only speak for myself and my combination skin type (normal with an oily t-zone), and these are a few of the products I've been loving lately for helping me to perfect this look so flawlessly, I've forgotten all about highlighter.

For my base, there are two that have won over my heart: IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream Illumination* and Physicians Formula Nude Wear Touch of Glow Foundation. I've spoken about the CC+ Cream Illumination here (I have shade Medium), and I actually love it even more now than when I originally reviewed it. Although it's absolutely hydrating enough on its own that I could skip my moisturizer, I find I achieve a more dewy finish if I apply it over already prepped skin. I prefer applying it with my fingers, as I would my moisturizer, and I can have my base done in 30 seconds flat. It has high coverage, but its finish is what keeps it from looking cakey or mask-like, always maintaining a look that's natural. It's quite dewy, so I have to make sure my t-zone is powdered to keep it in place.

Physicians Formula Nude Wear Touch of Glow Foundation was recommended by Jenny (sistergolden on Instagram), and it's goooood. Like the CC+ Cream, it has a dewy, luminous finish, but it sets a bit more that I don't have to powder if I don't want to, and unlike the CC+ Cream, it doesn't contain any shimmer. The major pitfall of this foundation, however, is the pitiful shade range (there are only two (!!)  shades), and I have shade Light/Medium, which is the darker shade and about NC27-30. It's too dark for me, but still try to make it work because I love how it makes my skin look. If you can find a shade match with this one, I'd definitely recommend it, as it's one of the nicest drugstore foundations I've tried.

For cheeks, I've been loving IT Cosmetics CC+ Radiance Ombre Bronzer. I picked it up because I can't resist a good ombre design, but the product itself is also beautiful. Not only does the ombre go from light to dark, but it also goes from shimmery to matte, making it an incredibly versatile product. Swirled together, it warms up my complexion with the perfect amount of glow thrown in.

For a pinch of color, the Clinique Cheek Pops (pictured is Heather Pop) are perfect for those who want the glow without the shimmer. The BECCA Beach Tint Shimmer Souffle is one of my more recent acquisitions that I've fallen head over heels in love with (I have shade Lychee/Opal). If you love their Shimmering Skin Perfectors, these are a must-try. Some of the shades are quite light, but if you can find one that speaks to you, they are beautiful. It's shimmery and glowy without being over the top, and it blends into the skin so nicely. Lastly, a longtime drugstore favorite: Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso. This glowy peach blush is a must-have. The BECCA and Milani blushes essentially function as highlighter and blush in one, while the Clinique blush is more subtle on the glow front, but still gives the skin just enough, if you know what I mean.

Wearing Physicians Formula Nude Wear Touch of Glow Foundation, IT Cosmetics CC+ Radiance Ombre Bronzer and BECCA Beach Tint Shimmer Souffle in Lychee/Opal

Highlighter, who?

So, those are the products I currently have on rotation for giving me the glowy, luminous skin I've been craving. See what I mean when I say you don't even need highlighter? I'm not sure how many times someone can say 'glowy,' 'luminous' or 'dewy' in one post, but I might have set the record. My apologies :)

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*PR sample

Posted in: Makeup-2