“I’m A Beauty Editor & I Won’t Stop Talking About This £12 Makeup Find”
There are two kinds of people in this world: those who claim they drink gallons of water and have good genes, and the rest of us who need a little bottled help. My glow comes courtesy of frequent visits to Boots to stock up on my secret weapon—L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion.
Let me cut to the chase: I’m obsessed. My shade of choice? 903 Medium Glow. It’s that sweet spot—warm but not too orange, radiant but not disco-ball sparkly, and forgiving enough that even on my dull-skin days, it makes me look like I just came back from a brisk jog (without the actual jog).
The texture
The first time I smoothed it on, I literally said out loud, “Oh, hello.” It has this lightweight, lotion-y texture that melts into skin like a moisturiser. Not sticky, not greasy, just silky hydration with a side of radiance. It’s formulated with glycerin and shea butter, so it feels more skincare than makeup, and unlike some highlighters that sit on top of your skin rather than with your skin, this blends in flawlessly.
The shades
There are five shades in the range: Fair Glow, Light Glow, Medium Glow, Deep Glow and Very Deep Glow, and each is designed to flatter different undertones without leaving that dreaded grey cast.
Fair Glow (901): Subtle pearl, perfect for brightening up winter skin.
Light Glow (902): A champagne sheen, great for cooler undertones.
Medium Glow (903): My MVP—warm, golden, the kind of shade that makes you look sun-kissed year-round.
Deep Glow (904): Rich bronze that doubles as a radiant bronzer for medium to deep skin tones.
Very Deep Glow (905): Flatters deep complexions.
How I use it
This is where the fun begins because Lumi Glotion is basically a multitasking overachiever:
All-Over Radiance: On no-makeup days, I mix a pump into my moisturiser and suddenly my skin looks alive.
Foundation Booster: I add a dollop to my foundation for that “lit from within” look without having to buy a whole new dewy base.
Highlighter Hack: I dab it onto my cheekbones, brow bones, and the bridge of my nose. Fun fact: Makeup artists love applying it this way to catch the light without adding texture.
Body Glow: I smooth it over my collarbones and shoulders if I’m wearing something strappy.
MUA tips I’ve picked up
I once saw celebrity makeup artist and BBC’s Glow Up Judge, Val Garland, apply Lumi Glotion under foundation—not over it. Genius. It gives this subtle under-glow that makes skin look expensive. Another tip Garland revealed was to tap it lightly on eyelids as a cream shadow topper. It’s understated but catches the light in the prettiest way, especially if you want to look put-together without going full shimmer.
If you’re nervous about overdoing it, start with a pea-sized amount. You can always add more
Val Garland
When & where I wear it
Morning meetings? Yes. Date nights? Absolutely. Keep my tan looking on point? For sure! The beauty is that Lumi Glotion works across all scenarios. It doesn’t cake or crease, and it plays nicely with both matte and dewy foundations. I’ve even thrown it on during a red-eye flight to give my skin a much-needed hydrated glow.
The price point
At around £11.99 a tube, Lumi Glotion feels like one of those rare beauty wins, and the tube lasts forever, even with my overzealous daily slathering. Compare that to luxury illuminators, three times the price, and it’s honestly, there’s no contest. It’s often said to be a dupe of Charlotte Tilbury’s Flawless Filter, which is 3x the price!
Why I’ll never quit
Here’s the thing: Lumi Glotion doesn’t just make you glow; it makes you feel glowy. And there’s a difference. It’s the confidence of knowing your skin looks fresh, healthy, and alive, even if you stayed up too late scrolling through TikTok.
So, while I flirt with other highlighters and tinted moisturisers (I am a beauty editor after all!), Lumi Glotion is my ride-or-die. Because at the end of the day, I don’t want to look like I’m wearing glow, I want to look like I am the glow.
Shop similar products
If, like me, you’re obsessed with the radiant-skin magic of L’Oréal Paris Lumi Glotion, here are some other glow-boosting must-haves that deliver that same lit-from-within vibe.
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.
