Who doesn’t want that illusive lit-from-within glow? Dewy skin looks feminine, natural and totally refreshed.
We’re all guilty of slathering on all things shimmery, luminous and sparkly to try to get a hint of that J.Lo glow, but it can be hard to replicate. Here are some cool tricks to amp up your glow, without having to chug down 1,000 litres of water or accidentally looking like a human disco ball.
Where did the trend start?
Performing artists in ancient China used pearl powder on their faces when applying stage makeup. In the West, it was discovered in the 1950s that the addition of titanium could tone down the brightness of cosmetics – and that it could also provide a pale shimmering gleam.
The breakthrough for lustre effects came in the 1960s with the invention of mica metal oxide pigments, which matched the modernist space-age vibe of the era. During the next couple of decades these effects were used mostly for nail varnish, lipsticks and metallic and pearlised eye shadows. Then in the 1980s luminescent bronzing face powder beads were launched, paving the way for the light-reflecting makeup trends of the 1990s to now.
At the same time, mica-based formulations were being increasingly refined. The body glitter of the early 90s evolved into subtle veils of shimmer, luminescent face powders and highlighters that could be blended into foundation or bare skin, metallic eye shadows were spun gossamer light. Today’s illuminating makeup products bind light-reflecting particles into their formulas to provide an all-over glow when applied.
How to get the look
There a few simple rules for making luminescent makeup work. Opt for powder formulations for staying power, as creamy products tend to crease. Keep in mind that some areas of the face are no-go zones – always powder your T-zone, and apply your luminiser to the tops of the cheekbones. For blush, first use matte powder and then lightly sweep luminising colour on the cheeks up to the temples.
For eyes, the secret is to use a feathery sweep of colour to the upper lid only, not under the eye, which can get messy, and never above the eye socket, which can make you look like a Las Vegas showgirl. You can flick the shadow up at the corners or smudge it out, or wet the brush and draw a fine line close to the lashes. Remember, less is more and, as you get older light, pinky colours are going to look better than dark or silvery ones.
Tips
• Try mixing a little liquid shimmer into your regular foundation for a dewy glow, or stroking highlights onto the tops of your cheeks, your upper lip, forehead and the bridge of your nose. It makes a matte finish look more natural.
• Use a light-coloured pearlised eyeshadow in the inner corner of your eye and extend to the first third of the lid to open your eyes up and banish dark shadows. Or apply a light swipe of metallic shadow on the outer part of your eyelids.
• For nighttime, using a pearlised shadow all over the lid and then wetting the brush and painting a band of eyeliner in a contrasting colour gives a glamorous, pretty effect. If you love sooty eyes, use a dark metallic shadow on the lid with black eyeliner for low-key contrast.
• No highlighter? No worries! Blend two shades of lipstick together—one creamy but matte and one with a little shimmer—then dab onto your cheekbones with clean fingertips or a beauty sponge. Voila! It’ll stay put AND it’ll give you a sexy glow.
