The Trend: A Lit-From-Within Glow
The movement towards soft, glossy beauty is a departure from the heavily contoured and baked looks that once dominated social media. Instead of masking the skin, this trend is about enhancing it. Think of it as the ultimate “no-makeup makeup” look, elevated
with a sophisticated, dewy sheen. The goal is to achieve a complexion that appears effortlessly healthy, plump, and luminous. This aesthetic, sometimes called “glass skin” or “glazed donut skin,” focuses on a radiant, almost reflective finish that starts with skincare. It’s not about looking oily or wet, but rather showcasing skin that is so hydrated and smooth that it glows from within. This trend prioritizes cream and liquid formulas over powders to create a seamless, fresh finish.
Step 1: Prep for Plump, Soft Skin
Achieving this coveted glow begins long before you pick up a makeup brush. A consistent skincare routine is the foundation of the entire look. The primary focus should be on hydration and creating a smooth canvas. Start with a gentle, hydrating cleanser that won't strip the skin of its natural oils. Following cleansing, incorporating gentle exfoliation two to three times a week is key to sloughing off dead skin cells that can cause dullness. The next and most crucial step is layering hydration. Look for serums containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid to plump the skin and lock in moisture. Finish your prep with a reliable moisturizer to seal everything in and create a supple base for makeup. This dedicated prep work ensures your skin is naturally radiant, requiring less makeup to achieve the final glossy effect.
Step 2: Build a Dewy, Lightweight Base
When it comes to makeup, the mantra is “less is more.” Choose products that will enhance your skin’s texture, not hide it. Start with a hydrating or illuminating primer to add an initial layer of radiance. Instead of a full-coverage, matte foundation, opt for a lightweight skin tint, tinted moisturizer, or a luminous-finish foundation. Apply it with a damp sponge or your fingers to keep the finish sheer and skin-like. For any areas that need more coverage, use a lightweight, creamy concealer and tap it gently into the skin. The key is to even out your skin tone while letting your natural complexion shine through. Many experts even suggest mixing a drop of liquid highlighter into your foundation for an all-over, subtle glow from the start.
Step 3: Add the Glossy Finish
This is where the “gloss” comes to life. To maintain the dewy effect, stick to cream or liquid formulas for colour and dimension. Swap your powder blush for a cream blush, tapping it onto the apples of your cheeks for a natural, flushed look. For that signature glossy highlight, use a liquid or stick highlighter on the high points of your face: the tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, your brow bone, and your cupid's bow. The final touch is the lips. A high-shine lip gloss or a tinted lip oil completes the look, tying together the glossy theme. Some makeup artists even recommend dabbing a non-comedogenic glossy balm on the eyelids and cheekbones for an extra touch of editorial sheen. To set your look, use a dewy-finish setting spray, which will lock everything in place without sacrificing the glow.
