Beauty News

Three steps to radiant skin

A dewy, lit-from-within complexion is a popular look on fashion runways right now and ideal for the warmer months.
Three steps to dewy skin

A dewy, lit-from-within complexion is the hot look on fashion runways right now and is ideal for the warmer months. For those of us who don’t have model-perfect skin, here are three steps to getting a glow on.

Step one… prep

Start by improving the condition and texture of your complexion. Skin looks radiant when it’s smooth enough to reflect light. The issue is that as we age, our cell turnover slows right down and the dead cells sit on the surface diffusing the light and making the skin look dull. Regular exfoliation is the answer.

From left: Trilogy Age Proof Active Enzyme Cleansing Cream, Pure Fiji Exfoliating Scrub, and Neutrogena’s new Hydro Boost Water Gel.

Choose an enzyme-powered product such as Pure Fiji Exfoliating Scrub $50, which contains pineapple and papaya as well as micro-granules.

If scrubs leave skin feeling dry and tight, then try Trilogy Age Proof Active Enzyme Cleansing Cream $45.90. It’s a useful two-in-one product that is gentle enough to be used daily.

If you’re troubled with blemishes or sunspots and you’re prepared to invest time and money, consider a course of light chemical peels. Dermalogica’s new Bio Surface Peel is a four-step salon treatment that uses acids and fruit enzymes. It’s not painful, although there is a tingling, bubbling sensation, and there’s no recuperation time. For best results, you’ll need three to six peels at $175 a time – and be super-careful about sun protection afterwards.

After exfoliation comes hydration. Neutrogena’s new Hydro Boost Water Gel $29.99 is light enough even for the oiliest skins and rich in hyaluronic acid, which attracts water from the atmosphere to keep the complexion looking smooth and plumped. Just give it a minute to sink in before applying make-up.

Step two… prime

The natural, dewy look is all about only touching your face lightly with foundation and concealer, so primers are more important than ever.

From left: L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Magic Blur, Manuka Doctor ApiRefine CC Cream SPF20, L’Oréal Paris Nude Magique Blur Cream, and Revlon Age Defying CC Cream.

Blur creams are the latest thing. These contain micro-pigments to even out imperfections and reduce the appearance of pores, leaving skin feeling super-smooth. The idea is to apply a thin film all over the face to create a soft focus effect and provide a base for a lightweight foundation. Two that I’ve tried and like come from L’Oréal Paris. Revitalift Magic Blur $29.99 will mattify high-shine complexions and Nude Magique Blur Cream $29.99 is good for mature skins.

BB and CC creams are fancy tinted moisturisers with extra skin benefits and they offer variable amounts of coverage. Revlon’s CC Cream SPF30 $28.50 can be worn alone instead of foundation and I also rate the Manuka Doctor ApiRefine CC Cream SPF20, $39.95.

From left: Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Correcting & Highlighting Pen, MAC Strobe Cream, and Nars The Multiple.

Step three… perfect

A dewy skin is youthful so don’t blot away all the shine. Once you’ve touched up any problem areas with a light fluid foundation or concealer that matches your skin tone exactly, create some natural-looking highlights on the cheekbones, the bridge of the nose and the bow of the lips. Creams are better than powders for this. Dab on MAC Strobe Cream $70 or Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Correcting & Highlighting Pen $53. For a hint of colour on the cheekbones, try Nars The Multiple $62 – you can use it on your lips too!

For more expert beauty tips, take a look at five ways to make your eyes pop here.

Top images: bauersyndication.com.au

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