50 Best Products For Achieving Flawless, Glowy Skin

22nd September 2024

Summer shouldn’t be the only time of year when you’d desire that glowy, tanned and sun-kissed look. In fact, obtaining that ‘glow-from-within’ look should be at the top of our bucket list even in the chillier months! Sun exposure and pollution can result in lacklustre skin, but we’ve rounded up the best of the best for that tanned glow.

Whether you’re looking for a subtle glow, or positively radiant sheen – we’ve rounded up the best products for glowing, healthy-looking skin. From prep that will work to nourish and hydrate, to the highlighters with light-mimicking abilities, and powders that will add a little post-production dazzle, here’s our pick of the best.

Hydrating Masks

There are plenty of products you can add to skin to achieve a natural-looking glow, but it’s always better to start with thoroughly moisturised skin. Sea air and the sun can often cause skin to feel weathered and dry, so a face mask every now and again will help replenish the skin and give it the nourishment it needs. Generally speaking, masks are designed to deliver high concentrations of active ingredients, so should be used intermittently to increase your skin’s natural exuberance.

Vitamin C

When used on a daily basis Vitamin C works to brighten and protect skin, leaving you with a natural glow. It’s also a powerhouse in the fight against pigmentation and acne scars. Most serums can be applied twice-daily under moisturisers. We’ve rounded up six of our favourites, and there’s something for every budget. These expert-approved products are an easy way to upgrade your daily skincare routine. Think minimum effort and maximum results. 

Hyaluronic Acid 

Don’t be put off by the name! Although it sounds harsh, hyaluronic acid is revolutionary in the way it can smooth and hydrate skin. If it’s not already in your skincare routine, it’s definitely time to get acquainted with this hero. It’s a naturally occurring collagen in our bodies which lubricates joints, and just a single gram of hyaluronic acid can hold up to six litres of water. The man-made stuff we use harnesses the same powers- it is key in achieving hydrated radiant skin. 

Illuminating Primers

If you’re looking for an instantly glowy, dewy complexion then an illuminating primer can fast-track you there. Primers don’t just work as a base for your make-up, they blur pores, fade lines, even skin tone, brighten and add moisture. Some have pearl pigments for extra luminosity, or light-reflecting micronised pearls, and they have the ability to shine through your foundation, too. 

Dewy Foundations

Foundations can be tricky. Apply too much, or the wrong product for your skin type, and they can strip it of life and lustre, and no one wants skin flat and dull-looking skin. We all want to achieve natural-looking radiance. Thankfully, there are now plenty of lighter-formula bases that work with your complexion to give you healthy-looking, dewy and glowing skin. 

Highlighting Palettes

If you’re looking for an instant shine-giver, then pick an illuminating cream or powder palette that can dusted over your base for immediate shimmer. Whether its intense iridescent shine or a subtle and natural look you’re after, these enhancing highlighters will leave you gleaming. Dust them over areas you’d like to draw attention to, like your cheekbones, brow-bone and down the centre of your nose. 

Tanning Drops

The final step in getting that lit-from-within, just back from the Maldives glow comes from a fresh tan. With hundreds in the market, we found that the most straightforward option to achieve that subtle but gorgeous tan is with tanning drops. Mix with your nighttime moisturiser to wake up with a golden glow.

Shimmer Body Oils

It can be easy to focus on just the face when it comes to that dewy summer look, but don’t forget that body glow. Channel your inner JLo and swipe on some shimmery body oils to give your skin a gorgeous lift and sheen.

The products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, The Handbook may make a small commission on some products purchased through affiliate links.


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