The Great Glam Shift
For years, the red carpet and Instagram feeds were dominated by a specific makeup aesthetic: full-coverage matte foundation, sharp contouring, and a technique called “baking,” where loose powder is left to sit on the face to create a flawless, shine-free
finish. While effective for photography, the look could often feel heavy. This year, however, the BET Awards showcased a collective pivot toward something new. Celebrities like Keke Palmer, Latto, and Teyana Taylor opted for complexions that were luminous, dewy, and reflective—a style often called “glass skin” or “glazed donut skin” that prioritizes a healthy, hydrated glow over a perfectly powdered face. This move celebrates real skin texture and a more natural, yet incredibly polished, radiance.
It All Starts With Skin Prep
According to celebrity makeup artists, achieving that red-carpet glow isn't a one-step process; it begins long before any makeup is applied. The secret is intensive skin preparation focused on hydration. This involves layering products to create a plump, moisturized canvas. Start with a hydrating serum containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid to draw moisture into the skin. Follow that with a rich moisturizer to lock it in. Some artists even incorporate a facial massage at this stage to boost circulation and reduce puffiness. For an extra dose of luminosity, a liquid illuminator or an illuminating primer can be applied all over the face, creating a base that glows from within.
The Glossy Skin Toolkit
Once the skin is prepped, the key is to use products that enhance shine rather than diminish it. Ditch the heavy foundations and opt for lightweight alternatives. A sheer skin tint or a dewy-finish foundation will even out the skin tone without masking its natural luminosity. Cream and liquid products are your best friends for this look. Swap powder blush and bronzer for their cream-based counterparts, which melt into the skin and contribute to the overall dewy effect. A liquid or balm highlighter is crucial; apply it to the high points of the face—cheekbones, brow bone, the bridge of the nose, and cupid's bow—to catch the light.
Technique and Finishing Touches
Application matters just as much as product choice. Many makeup artists recommend using a damp beauty sponge to press foundation into the skin, which helps create a seamless, second-skin finish. When applying blush and highlighter, use your fingers or a brush to tap and blend the product in, avoiding any harsh lines. The goal is a diffused, natural-looking flush and glow. If you have oily skin, you don't have to sit this trend out. Be strategic with powder, applying a light dusting only to the areas where you tend to get shiniest, like the T-zone, while leaving the high points of your face free to glow. To lock everything in and amplify the radiance, finish with a generous spritz of a dewy setting spray. This final step melts all the layers together for that coveted, expensive-looking gleam.
