How to achieve glowing skin without looking greasy

For a while now I have seen quite a few makeup artists and influencers work hard to perfect the look of glowing, ‘lit-from-within’ skin on both themselves and their models. Whilst, this can create the look of eternal youth, I can’t help notice that some people just look sweaty and well, a tad on the greasy side! Which begs the question… how glow can you go?

Perfecting the right amount of highlight can really separate the ‘I just came back from a 10 day yoga retreat in Thailand’ from the ‘I’ve just been sat in traffic for the last hour in 30 degree heat and I could scream’ look. So how much is too much? I’ve taken a look at some of my favourite products for various skin types, as well as provide some helpful tips on how to apply just the right amount of highlight.

First things first, in order to find a highlighter which works for you, it is important to determine which skin type you have. For example, if you have dry skin, you should be looking for a liquid or cream highlighter as this will gently moisturise the skin and will help to achieve that dewy glow. If you have oily skin, I would opt for a powder based highlighter, as this will soak up some of the moisture in your skin, but won’t leave it looking dry either! 

Once you have established your skin texture, you then have a better idea of what you should be aiming for.  Purchasing cosmetics can be quite pricey, so you want to make sure you have a product that suits your skin.

Now to achieve that ‘lit-from-within’ glow, you may want to start by using a highlighting primer or moisturiser on the skin first, or by mixing it into the foundation. This is a popular technique used by many MUA’s and one that works very well, but don’t go overkill and apply loads of the product on your face or in your foundation. Too much product will make it hard for the foundation to stay put and it can make your face look greasy. I recommend one or two pumps if you are applying it directly to your face. If mixing it with your foundation, add one pump highlight and two pumps foundation.

Illuminating primer is great if you have dry skin, and great for make-up longevity.  A lot of bridal makeup artists use this, as it provides a healthy glow, and also helps makeup stay put all day. Some of my favourites, include: 

Becca Backlight Primer

Non-greasy, elegant finish

Bobbi Brown Extra Illuminating Moisturiser Balm

Subtle yet moisturising  - and packed with vitamins!

Mac Strobe Cream

Dewy finish but non-greasy

Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Illuminating Primer 

Moisturing and light reflecting

Once the base has been applied, time to move onto the highlighting.  Now, to get optimum glow without looking like your face is melting, remember to apply a small amount and gradually buff out onto the skin. If using powder highlight, tap the powder from the brush before applying it directly to the face. Apply the highlight to the top of the cheekbones, then using a small brush add across the brow bones, inner corner of the eyes and Cupid's Bow (centre of the top lip).  Remember, don’t go brushing or dabbing your whole face sparingly with product, just stick to the areas that would naturally catch the light.

If you have dry skin and opting for a cream or liquid based highlighter, you can afford to apply slightly more than those with oily or combination skin. This is because the product will help to moisturise your skin, rather than sit there and potentially slide off after a while. 

If you have combination to oily skin, be sure to mattify the t-zone and any other shiny areas, before applying either a powder or cream highlight.

If you are prone to breakouts or acne, my advice would be to step away from powder highlighter.  The reason being, because it can accentuate your pores more than if you weren’t wearing highlighter. I would recommend using a liquid or cream based highlight (preferably oil free), so that the product can help smooth over the surface of your skin and give the illusion of a clearer complexion.  

If you have applied a illuminating moisturiser/primer beforehand, you shouldn’t need to add too much highlight to the top of the cheek bones as your face should already be brighter from the base.  Adding substantial highlight to an already glowing face seems like a good idea, but when you’re in direct light, it can look greasy… and no one wants that!

Depending on your skin type, here is a list of some of my favourite brands for both dry and combination skin types:

For dry and sensitive skin:

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector

Glossier Haloscope Highlighter

Frank Body Illuminator

Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Highlight

For oily to combination skin types:

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Beauty Light Wand

Mac Mineralize Skinfinish