How to Give Your Face a Creamy Glow (Makeup)

Know your skin., Pay attention to what you look like when you’re flushed., Purchase a primer., Purchase a concealer., Buy a good foundation., Buy a highlighting product., Get a bronzer., Buy some brushes (optional)., Start with a freshly washed and...

32 Steps 9 min read Advanced

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Know your skin.

    Exactly what you’ll need to achieve a healthy glow will depend on the quality of your skin:
    If your skin is already quite clear, you may prefer to use a BB cream or tinted moisturizer, which are lighter than a foundation.

    If you have heavy acne, you may want to opt for a dual concealer that contains both green and skin-tone hues, as green can help neutralize the red of your pimples; in addition, you’ll definitely want to use foundation.
  2. Step 2: Pay attention to what you look like when you’re flushed.

    Knowing the natural colors of your skin when it’s flushed (i.e. red/pink) will help you choose which blushes and lip colors to use for a natural glow.

    To find out what you look like when you’re flushed, jump up and down or run around for a few minutes until you feel a bit out of breath; your cheeks and lips should look darker than normal.

    This is the color you want to aim for in your blush and lipstick. , A good primer will minimize fine lines and pores, and leave your skin feeling velvety smooth.

    It will also help your makeup stay put.

    There are different types of primer, so choose one that matches your skin type
    -- for example, for oilier skin, you’ll want to use a gel primer.You can purchase a good primer at most stores that carry makeup.

    Aim for a store that carries a lot of makeup; that way you can experiment with different options to see which primer works best for you. , If you already have clear skin, you needn’t use a concealer.

    If you have any dark spots, under-eye circles, or pimples, a concealer can help you cover them up.

    Choose a concealer that matches your skin as closely as possible.

    It may take some experimentation on your own skin to find the concealer that’s right for you. , The ideal shade of foundation for you will be one that disappears into your skin.

    If you have young, healthy-looking skin, you can either skip the foundation all together, or try a tinted moisturizer or BB cream.

    Tinted moisturizers and BB creams are much lighter than foundations.

    These provide sheer coverage, giving you a more natural look.

    Look for foundation, BB creams, and/or tinted moisturizers with an SPF included. , Highlighters come in liquids, creams, and powders, and are great for adding a little glow to your skin.

    Some makeup artists recommend avoiding highlighters with silvery or champagne tones, as these can make your skin look frosty — instead, seek golden tones.If your skin is mature, avoid using powders as they will sink into and highlight any fine lines or enlarged pores.

    Liquid highlighters are a safer choice., Choose a translucent bronzer that will give your skin a bit of a glow without looking unnatural.

    Avoid bronzers that are too sparkly or too matte.

    To choose the right shade for you, hold the bronzer up to your face as you look in a mirror.

    The bronzer should only be one or two shades darker than your skin tone.Sun-kissed is the look you’re going for. , It’s possible to apply makeup with your fingers and any applicators that come with your makeup; however, proper makeup brushes can help you achieve more professional-looking results.

    Most drugstores and beauty supply shops will carry a variety of brushes and basic sets.

    These will vary greatly in price.

    A good-quality brush will have strong bristles that do not fall out.

    It will also have a strong ferrule, which connects the bristles to the brush handle.

    Key brushes for glowing skin: concealer, foundation, powder, blush, bronzer, and shadow. , After washing your face with a gentle cleanser and patting it dry, apply a moisturizer.

    The moisturizer will create a smooth base that will help your makeup stay on.

    Ensure that the moisturizer has had time to sink into your skin so that you’re not applying makeup over a wet base., Once your moisturizer dries, apply a very light layer of primer to your face.

    With your fingers, add a few dabs of primer to the centre of your face (nose, forehead, chin) and then work your way out.

    Be sure to allow the primer to dry for a few minutes before applying any makeup on top of it., Use a small brush to apply concealer over any dark circles or spots on your face.

    Dab the concealer with your ring finger to help blend it into your skin.

    If your skin is free of blemishes such as pimples or dark circles, you can skip this step. , Foundation will help even out your skin’s tone and texture.

    Using a makeup sponge, dab some foundation on your nose and chin, then blend it outward.

    Some makeup artists suggest using only four dots of foundation and then blending them outwards with your hands or a brush.

    In this method, you would apply 1 dot in the centre of each: your forehead, your cheeks, and your chin.For a more natural look, apply foundation everywhere but your forehead and cheeks.If your skin is already quite clear, you can use a BB cream or tinted moisturizer instead of a foundation. , A matte powder will help set your foundation, giving you a good base for additional makeup.

    It will also help give your skin a velvety texture. , A highlighter is key in giving your skin a glowy look.

    Apply it to the bridge of your nose, your cheekbones, the corners of your eyes, and in the dip of your upper lip.

    You can also apply a bit of highlighter to the skin just below your eyebrows, and to the center of your chin.

    You can apply the highlighter using a foundation brush, or by dabbing it on to your skin with your ring finger., Once you’re done applying everything else, finish it off with a sheer powder.

    This will help set your makeup and give you a little extra glow.

    Use a big brush to apply the powder, and go very very light on it.

    Apply it to your T-zone and outward.Some makeup artists recommend using a pale yellow translucent powder so as to avoid looking pasty., To give your skin a natural flushed look, you can apply blush on top of the translucent powder.

    Apply the blush to the apples of your cheeks, drawing the brush upwards towards your hairline.

    Two-blush method:
    Starting at the apples of your cheeks, pull the brush upward toward your hairline, then down slightly.

    Then, just on the apples of your cheeks, apply a lighter shade of the same color., Pinks, golds, and plums are great shades for highlighting your eyes and keeping them looking fairly natural.

    For a natural look, ensure that your eyeshadow doesn’t cake or clump in the lines of your eyes.

    Creamy eyeshadows may be a better choice than powdery ones.

    You can also dab some highlighter on your eyelids to give them an extra glow. , You can keep it pretty natural or very dramatic depending on which eyeliner you choose, and how you apply it.

    Natural:
    Apply a light, feathery line of eyeliner in a neutral shade (brown, soft black) to your lash line.

    You can smudge it afterward to make it look less intense.

    Dramatic eyes and a glowing face with neutral lips are a classic look.

    Draw a classic cat’s eye with black liquid liner, or do a gold smokey eye lined with a smudged black liner. , Use a non-clumping formula in brown or black to keep your makeup looking natural.

    You may want to curl your eyelashes using an eyelash curler beforehand.

    If your eyelashes are already dark and you only want to help define them more, you can also use a clear mascara. , Well-moisturized, soft lips will complement your dewy, glowing skin nicely.

    You may want to use only a lip balm.

    If you want to wear lipstick, stay within the natural shades of your skin (particularly when flushed) for a natural look.

    If you do decide to wear a more dramatic color (for example, reds or rich berry tones), go easy on the eye makeup, otherwise you may look overly made up. , Use a gentle cleanser that’s tailored to your skin type — for example, sensitive, combination, oily.

    If you don’t have acne, you can also exfoliate your face twice a week to help remove dead skin cells and brighten your skin.

    Avoid exfoliating your skin if you have acne, as the exfoliating beads can cause acne to spread. , A toner will help balance your skin’s pH and remove anything the cleanser missed.

    Many dermatologists recommend applying a toner to your face after washing it.

    Avoid toners that contain alcohol, as these can dry out and irritate your skin. , Use a moisturizer designed for your skin type: dry skin will require a richer moisturizer than oily skin, which benefits from light creams or gels.

    Seek a moisturizer that contains an SPF, which is important for protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. , Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day, regardless of whether it’s sunny or cloudy.

    Aim for an SPF 30, and reapply every 2 to 3 hours that you’re outdoors., You might use an oil-free moisturizer in the hotter months when your skin is more likely to be oily, but in the winter, you may need something richer to combat indoor heating and cold weather, which can dry your skin., Using too many products on your skin can cause irritation.

    According to some dermatologists, the only products you need for beautiful skin are a simple cleanser, sunscreen, and moisturizer.For mature skin (with fine lines and enlarged pores), add a retinoid or retinol to your skin care regimen., When you’re dehydrated, your skin can appear dull and fine lines may look deeper.

    To calculate how much water you need each day, divide your body weight (in pounds) in half, and drink that amount in ounces.If you exercise or live somewhere hot (i.e. if you sweat a lot), you will need to drink more than half of your body’s weight in ounces.A 150-pound woman would drink between 75 and 150 ounces of water each day, depending on her level of activity. , Aim for a diet rich in fruit and vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and unprocessed foods.

    Keep your sugar intake low., Getting enough sleep on a regular basis keeps the skin healthy by optimizing the secretion of human growth hormone (HGH).

    HGH promotes cell renewal and collagen production, which will help the skin look its best.Adults need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per night; teenagers need
    8.5 to
    9.5 hours of sleep per night.
  3. Step 3: Purchase a primer.

  4. Step 4: Purchase a concealer.

  5. Step 5: Buy a good foundation.

  6. Step 6: Buy a highlighting product.

  7. Step 7: Get a bronzer.

  8. Step 8: Buy some brushes (optional).

  9. Step 9: Start with a freshly washed and moisturized face.

  10. Step 10: Prime your skin (optional).

  11. Step 11: Apply a concealer to your problem areas (optional).

  12. Step 12: Apply foundation on to your skin.

  13. Step 13: Apply a dusting of matte

  14. Step 14: translucent powder (optional).

  15. Step 15: Apply a highlighting liquid

  16. Step 16: or powder.

  17. Step 17: Apply a sheer bronzing powder.

  18. Step 18: Apply blush.

  19. Step 19: Apply a creamy

  20. Step 20: neutral eyeshadow.

  21. Step 21: Apply eyeliner.

  22. Step 22: Apply mascara to your eyelashes.

  23. Step 23: Apply a balm or lipstick to your lips.

  24. Step 24: Wash your face each morning and night.

  25. Step 25: Apply a facial toner to your skin (optional).

  26. Step 26: Apply a moisturizer to your face after washing.

  27. Step 27: Wear sunscreen.

  28. Step 28: Tailor your products to the season.

  29. Step 29: Avoid using too many products.

  30. Step 30: Drink enough water.

  31. Step 31: Eat healthily.

  32. Step 32: Get enough sleep.

Detailed Guide

Exactly what you’ll need to achieve a healthy glow will depend on the quality of your skin:
If your skin is already quite clear, you may prefer to use a BB cream or tinted moisturizer, which are lighter than a foundation.

If you have heavy acne, you may want to opt for a dual concealer that contains both green and skin-tone hues, as green can help neutralize the red of your pimples; in addition, you’ll definitely want to use foundation.

Knowing the natural colors of your skin when it’s flushed (i.e. red/pink) will help you choose which blushes and lip colors to use for a natural glow.

To find out what you look like when you’re flushed, jump up and down or run around for a few minutes until you feel a bit out of breath; your cheeks and lips should look darker than normal.

This is the color you want to aim for in your blush and lipstick. , A good primer will minimize fine lines and pores, and leave your skin feeling velvety smooth.

It will also help your makeup stay put.

There are different types of primer, so choose one that matches your skin type
-- for example, for oilier skin, you’ll want to use a gel primer.You can purchase a good primer at most stores that carry makeup.

Aim for a store that carries a lot of makeup; that way you can experiment with different options to see which primer works best for you. , If you already have clear skin, you needn’t use a concealer.

If you have any dark spots, under-eye circles, or pimples, a concealer can help you cover them up.

Choose a concealer that matches your skin as closely as possible.

It may take some experimentation on your own skin to find the concealer that’s right for you. , The ideal shade of foundation for you will be one that disappears into your skin.

If you have young, healthy-looking skin, you can either skip the foundation all together, or try a tinted moisturizer or BB cream.

Tinted moisturizers and BB creams are much lighter than foundations.

These provide sheer coverage, giving you a more natural look.

Look for foundation, BB creams, and/or tinted moisturizers with an SPF included. , Highlighters come in liquids, creams, and powders, and are great for adding a little glow to your skin.

Some makeup artists recommend avoiding highlighters with silvery or champagne tones, as these can make your skin look frosty — instead, seek golden tones.If your skin is mature, avoid using powders as they will sink into and highlight any fine lines or enlarged pores.

Liquid highlighters are a safer choice., Choose a translucent bronzer that will give your skin a bit of a glow without looking unnatural.

Avoid bronzers that are too sparkly or too matte.

To choose the right shade for you, hold the bronzer up to your face as you look in a mirror.

The bronzer should only be one or two shades darker than your skin tone.Sun-kissed is the look you’re going for. , It’s possible to apply makeup with your fingers and any applicators that come with your makeup; however, proper makeup brushes can help you achieve more professional-looking results.

Most drugstores and beauty supply shops will carry a variety of brushes and basic sets.

These will vary greatly in price.

A good-quality brush will have strong bristles that do not fall out.

It will also have a strong ferrule, which connects the bristles to the brush handle.

Key brushes for glowing skin: concealer, foundation, powder, blush, bronzer, and shadow. , After washing your face with a gentle cleanser and patting it dry, apply a moisturizer.

The moisturizer will create a smooth base that will help your makeup stay on.

Ensure that the moisturizer has had time to sink into your skin so that you’re not applying makeup over a wet base., Once your moisturizer dries, apply a very light layer of primer to your face.

With your fingers, add a few dabs of primer to the centre of your face (nose, forehead, chin) and then work your way out.

Be sure to allow the primer to dry for a few minutes before applying any makeup on top of it., Use a small brush to apply concealer over any dark circles or spots on your face.

Dab the concealer with your ring finger to help blend it into your skin.

If your skin is free of blemishes such as pimples or dark circles, you can skip this step. , Foundation will help even out your skin’s tone and texture.

Using a makeup sponge, dab some foundation on your nose and chin, then blend it outward.

Some makeup artists suggest using only four dots of foundation and then blending them outwards with your hands or a brush.

In this method, you would apply 1 dot in the centre of each: your forehead, your cheeks, and your chin.For a more natural look, apply foundation everywhere but your forehead and cheeks.If your skin is already quite clear, you can use a BB cream or tinted moisturizer instead of a foundation. , A matte powder will help set your foundation, giving you a good base for additional makeup.

It will also help give your skin a velvety texture. , A highlighter is key in giving your skin a glowy look.

Apply it to the bridge of your nose, your cheekbones, the corners of your eyes, and in the dip of your upper lip.

You can also apply a bit of highlighter to the skin just below your eyebrows, and to the center of your chin.

You can apply the highlighter using a foundation brush, or by dabbing it on to your skin with your ring finger., Once you’re done applying everything else, finish it off with a sheer powder.

This will help set your makeup and give you a little extra glow.

Use a big brush to apply the powder, and go very very light on it.

Apply it to your T-zone and outward.Some makeup artists recommend using a pale yellow translucent powder so as to avoid looking pasty., To give your skin a natural flushed look, you can apply blush on top of the translucent powder.

Apply the blush to the apples of your cheeks, drawing the brush upwards towards your hairline.

Two-blush method:
Starting at the apples of your cheeks, pull the brush upward toward your hairline, then down slightly.

Then, just on the apples of your cheeks, apply a lighter shade of the same color., Pinks, golds, and plums are great shades for highlighting your eyes and keeping them looking fairly natural.

For a natural look, ensure that your eyeshadow doesn’t cake or clump in the lines of your eyes.

Creamy eyeshadows may be a better choice than powdery ones.

You can also dab some highlighter on your eyelids to give them an extra glow. , You can keep it pretty natural or very dramatic depending on which eyeliner you choose, and how you apply it.

Natural:
Apply a light, feathery line of eyeliner in a neutral shade (brown, soft black) to your lash line.

You can smudge it afterward to make it look less intense.

Dramatic eyes and a glowing face with neutral lips are a classic look.

Draw a classic cat’s eye with black liquid liner, or do a gold smokey eye lined with a smudged black liner. , Use a non-clumping formula in brown or black to keep your makeup looking natural.

You may want to curl your eyelashes using an eyelash curler beforehand.

If your eyelashes are already dark and you only want to help define them more, you can also use a clear mascara. , Well-moisturized, soft lips will complement your dewy, glowing skin nicely.

You may want to use only a lip balm.

If you want to wear lipstick, stay within the natural shades of your skin (particularly when flushed) for a natural look.

If you do decide to wear a more dramatic color (for example, reds or rich berry tones), go easy on the eye makeup, otherwise you may look overly made up. , Use a gentle cleanser that’s tailored to your skin type — for example, sensitive, combination, oily.

If you don’t have acne, you can also exfoliate your face twice a week to help remove dead skin cells and brighten your skin.

Avoid exfoliating your skin if you have acne, as the exfoliating beads can cause acne to spread. , A toner will help balance your skin’s pH and remove anything the cleanser missed.

Many dermatologists recommend applying a toner to your face after washing it.

Avoid toners that contain alcohol, as these can dry out and irritate your skin. , Use a moisturizer designed for your skin type: dry skin will require a richer moisturizer than oily skin, which benefits from light creams or gels.

Seek a moisturizer that contains an SPF, which is important for protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. , Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day, regardless of whether it’s sunny or cloudy.

Aim for an SPF 30, and reapply every 2 to 3 hours that you’re outdoors., You might use an oil-free moisturizer in the hotter months when your skin is more likely to be oily, but in the winter, you may need something richer to combat indoor heating and cold weather, which can dry your skin., Using too many products on your skin can cause irritation.

According to some dermatologists, the only products you need for beautiful skin are a simple cleanser, sunscreen, and moisturizer.For mature skin (with fine lines and enlarged pores), add a retinoid or retinol to your skin care regimen., When you’re dehydrated, your skin can appear dull and fine lines may look deeper.

To calculate how much water you need each day, divide your body weight (in pounds) in half, and drink that amount in ounces.If you exercise or live somewhere hot (i.e. if you sweat a lot), you will need to drink more than half of your body’s weight in ounces.A 150-pound woman would drink between 75 and 150 ounces of water each day, depending on her level of activity. , Aim for a diet rich in fruit and vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and unprocessed foods.

Keep your sugar intake low., Getting enough sleep on a regular basis keeps the skin healthy by optimizing the secretion of human growth hormone (HGH).

HGH promotes cell renewal and collagen production, which will help the skin look its best.Adults need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per night; teenagers need
8.5 to
9.5 hours of sleep per night.

About the Author

E

Emily Hamilton

Committed to making lifestyle accessible and understandable for everyone.

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