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Beauty

June 08, 2022

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Profile of a woman with dewy skin

The Secret to Glowing Skin

Who needs a social media filter when your complexion can look radiant all on its own.

By Tara Gardner

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We hope you find a product you love in this article. Just so you know, purchases made through links on this page may earn us a commission.

Here’s a phrase that no one has ever uttered: “Eh, I’d rather not have gorgeous, glowing skin.” After all, a radiant complexion is pretty much the ultimate beauty goal. Sure, it’s absolutely possible to fake it with certain makeup products (hello, highlighter!). But if you want to be able to go sans cosmetics and still have that glow, it’s all about sticking to a smart skincare routine. Read on for tips on how to get glowing skin.

 

How to Make Your Skin Glow

We wish we could tell you that getting a radiant complexion can happen overnight. But, the truth is, it’s all about setting up a skincare routine that works over time to keep your skin healthy and diminish dullness. These steps get you there.  

Cleanse Thoroughly

First up is assessing your cleansing routine. Ensuring you’re doing a deep and thorough cleanse in the evenings is vital to remove debris and build-up from the day—think makeup, pollution, SPF, and more. If these aren’t effectively removed, it can lead to clogged pores and dullness. If you’ve added a lot of product to your face that day, consider a double cleanse. You’ll want to start with an oil-based cleanser to help makeup and grime dissolve. Then, rinse it off and use a gel or cream cleanser to wash away any excess buildup.

Morning cleanses can be lighter. Consider a gentle face wash that also contains AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), which help brighten your complexion. 

We like:

Biossance cleansing oil

Biossance

Squalane + Antioxidant Cleansing Oil

$30 for 6.8 oz.

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Paula's Choice hydrating face cleanser

Paula's Choice

Optimal Results Hydrating Cleanser

$20 for 6.4 oz.

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SkinCeuticals gel cleanser

SkinCeuticals

Glycolic Renewal Gel Cleanser

$39 for 5 fl. oz.

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Exfoliate Semi-Regularly

The buildup of dead skin cells is one of the key culprits in dull, lackluster complexions. They can also contribute to clogged pores and a rough looking texture. Washing your face can certainly help, but an exfoliator will really slough away those dead cells.

There are two different ways you can exfoliate. A physical exfoliant, like a face scrub, has tiny particles that will help remove dead skin cells. These can be used 2-3 times a week in place of a face wash.

A chemical exfoliant, which uses different acids to help disintegrate dead skin cells, is better for sensitive skin and should be used only once a week. Try one at night after you’ve cleansed skin.

Another option is dermaplaning. It was originally an in-office procedure, but can now be done at home. The in-office procedure involved a dermatologist running a scalpel over your skin to remove dead skin cells. At home, you can use a safe-to-use dermaplaning tool. Gently run it over your cheeks and forehead for a smooth effect. 

We like:

fresh strawberry exfoliating face wash

fresh

Sugar Strawberry Exfoliating Face Wash

$33 for 4.2 oz.

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GOOP GLOW peel

Goop Beauty

GoopGlow 15% Glycolic Acid Overnight Glow Peel

$125 for 3-month supply

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Versed dermaplaning tool

Versed

Instant Gratification At-Home Dermaplaning Tool

$20

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Commit to Hydration

Once you’ve got your cleansing and exfoliation routines down, it’s vital to replenish and rehydrate your skin. Start with a hyaluronic acid serum every morning and evening. This wonder ingredient is a humectant that helps to bind moisture into the skin. Another benefit? It can help boost the protection factor of your sunscreen.  

From there, you’ll need to apply a moisturizer—both in the A.M. and the P.M. Pick one based on your skin type. If you have dry skin, a heavier cream is a good option. Tend to be on the oily side or prone to acne? An oil-free gel hydrator is a good option.

We like:

Kiehls face serum

Kiehl's

Powerful-Strength Vitamin C Serum

$92 for 2.5 fl. oz.

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Farmacy moisturizer

Farmacy

Honey Halo Ultra-Hydrating Ceramide Moisturizer

$451.7 oz.

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Summer Fridays gel moisturizer

Summer Fridays

Cloud Dew Oil-Free Cream Moisturizer

$44 for 1.7 oz.

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Always Protect 

Nothing nixes a natural glow quicker than a sunburn. So, whether it’s summer or winter, you need to apply SPF 30 or more every single day. One easy way to do this? Through a tinted moisturizer that has SPF in it. Not only will this aid in boosting your glow, it will give you sun protection at the same time.

We like:

Saie tinted moisturizer

Saie

Slip Tint Dewy Tinted Moisturizer SPF 35 Sunscreen

$35 for 1.3 oz.

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Enhance with Makeup

While you’re waiting for the skincare to kick in, you can always fake it ‘til you make it with the help of brightness-boosting makeup. Investing in a great highlighter is the perfect way to get a glow on days your skin is feeling a bit dull.

When it comes to applying it, it should be the second to last step of your makeup process. You want to add it to any spot of your face that sunlight would naturally hit—like your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, your brow bones and the top of your forehead. A little will go a long way, so dab a little on with the wand applicator (or your finger) and then blend with a sponge or fingertip. You can also give your lips a little boost by adding a dab to your cupid’s bow. 

Remember how we said highlighter is the second to last step? Your final step should be to use a setting mist so that all your makeup stays in place and keeps you glowing all day long. A hydrating setting mist will do just that while also infusing your skin with moisture for a perfectly dewy, natural glow all day long.

We like:

Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez highlighter

Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez

Positive Light Liquid Luminizer Highlight

$22 for 0.5 oz.

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Tatcha dewy mist spray

Tatcha

Luminous Dewy Skin Mist

$48 for 1.35 fl oz.

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