The Secret to Long-Lasting Makeup That Looks Glowy (But Not Sweaty)
Erin Cook is a beauty and lifestyle journalist who has been slinging words for magazines, such as marie claire, ELLE, Harper’s BAZAAR, Cosmopolitan and Body+Soul, for the better part of a decade. As part of this role, she's had the pleasure of interviewing countless experts, such as dermatologists, trichologists, makeup artists and brand founders, to get their two cents on the latest beauty trends or to answer consumer questions. She loves a good hyaluronic serum, tinted moisturiser or glossy lipstick almost as much as she loves her cats. Almost.
Glowy makeup is bang on trend – just ask Hailey Bieber.
But while Ms Bieber makes dewy makeup look easy, truth be told, it’s a bit of an artform.
For a long time, I thought that glowy skin was a matter of more equals more.
I’d apply a mist, a serum, a moisturiser, an oil, and any other skincare within reach.
Then I’d throw on some foundation and voila, dewy skin!
The trouble, though, was that when it was hot and humid outside, this glow would slide off in minutes, turning my dewy foundation into a greasy mess.
Turns out, I’m not the only one making this error.
The secret to long-lasting glowy makeup that lasts all day? “It comes down to the products you use,” says Bonnie G, makeup artist and founder of Basics By B.
“The most common mistake I see is when people use products that don’t dry down and look too wet… it’s not practical at all.”
Let’s uncover the secret to a long-lasting glow together, shall we?
The Best Makeup Products For Glowy Skin.
Oil Free Moisturiser.
Before you layer on foundation, keep your skincare light to avoid turning into an oil slick. A good oil-free moisturiser should do the trick by sinking into your skin, rather than sitting on top.
AB LAB by Adore Beauty B3 Balance Water Gel Moisturiser 50mL with Niacinamide and Hyaluronic acid is great for oily, combination and dehydrated skin and contains skin-loving ingredients niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and ceramides to impart lightweight moisture.
SPF (Sunscreen is Non-Negotiable!).
SPF is a must-wear on all days ending in y. Fortunately, SPF has come a long way in recent years and there are plenty of skin-priming formulas that sit well under makeup. So there’s no need to avoid it, okay?
Some of our favourite SPFs that play well with makeup include La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+ (for oily skin types), Bondi Sands Hydra UV Protect SPF 50+ Face Lotion (for dehydrated skin types) and Ultra Violette Preen Screen SPF50 Reapplication Mist SKINSCREEN 75ml (for touch ups when you’re out and about).
Liquid Glow Drops.
Bonnie’s top tip for a glowy base that won’t look sweaty or greasy? “Add a few drops of your favourite liquid highlight to your foundation.”
“Liquid highlighter, like my Basics by B Liquid Glow Drops, add a stunning radiance but they dry down after application,” She adds, “So they look dewy, but they don’t move at all. By adding a few drops into your foundation you will get a soft radiance that will last all day without looking greasy.”
Skin Milk.
If you want a base that is lightweight but still glowy, take a leaf out of the book of Hailey Bieber and try sheering out your foundation with a few drops of skin milk.
Hailey does this using a product from her own line, which isn’t available in Australia, but TikTok has kindly pointed out that tbh Skincare rebound skin milk activated cica toner 100ml is a spot-on alternative.
Radiant Setting Powder.
After you’ve nailed your base, it’s time to call in reinforcements to ensure it stays in place all day long. Bonnie shares: “If you’re prone to oily skin choose a setting powder with a soft radiance to make your makeup last, yet still look glowy.”
A light dusting of MCoBeauty Miracle Flawless Pressed Powder or elf Cosmetics Halo Glow Setting Powder - Light is all you need.
Body Glow.
During summer, body glow products are an easy way to extend the glow down to your decolletage. Bonnie recommends steering clear of anything too heavy. “When people choose a glow body oil rather than a glow body lotion (like Basics by B Body Glow) they end up looking sweaty and their clothes get greasy residue.”
Now, go on and get glowing.
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