When it comes to talking about skin in our three favorite words—glossy, dewy, glassy—K-beauty immediately comes to mind, which we're pretty much obsessed with. We're staunch believers that everybody deserves skin so smooth it reflects the face of who you're talking to. But, because the chok chok look has always been associated with our fair friends (K-Beauty started it, after all) who live in weather just as fair (A.K.A. cold and makeup meltdown-free), a lot of our tan-skinned sisters here in Manila are still surprisingly averse to trying the trend.
But what if we told you that you don't have to go greasy espasol-face to get that glow? Here are six things you need to achieve that moist, luminous skin that stays all day without having to sacrifice your beautiful, natural bronze of yours.
1. Skincare, skincare
Like with everything else, a clear canvas is really key. You can achieve this by investing in chemical exfoliation by acids, which renew and slough off your dead skin cells without having to rub (read: irritation, microtears, and ironically, breakouts), revealing fresh, smooth skin with no texture issues.
MARIO BADESCU Glycolic Acid Toner, P1340, Sephora.ph
2. A good foundation
Obviously, skincare does the heavy lifting when it comes to achieving glass skin, but if you're not there yet, there's always makeup for you. Off the top of your head, you may think of going for a sheer, lightweight, or moisturizing foundation but if you’re planning to keep your glow on for the entire day in this weather, then let us tell you that a hydrating, non-longwear foundation is the wrong decision. While we love that stuff for relaxed, cooler days, imagine this: you're putting something shiny on top of a layer of makeup that's already glossy. Can you say oil slick? So skip that funda type and head straight to your demi-matte or even matte longwearing types. Trust us, your highlighter will illuminate enough when you layer it properly–which brings us to the next item…
REVLON Colorstay Full Cover Foundation, P825, Watsons
3. A powder highlighter
Highlighter, check. But, double check—does your product have big glitter particles? Skip it. Is it chalky? That's a no. Go for finely milled picks that are versatile–something like a pressed powder highlighter that can be applied wet for extra shine and pigment. You apply this after you've set your foundation with a loose powder (better slip for any products you’ll apply afterwards). We prefer no glitter chunks because it looks more natural.
PAT MCGRATH Sublime Skin Highlighting Trio, P3550, Sephora.ph
4. A medium-sized stippling brush
Use this to apply your powder highlighter over your cheekbones in light circular strokes. Make sure to sweep it over your product couple times, then tap off excess to avoid caking.
REAL TECHNIQUES Stippling Brush, P650, Freyja, Glorietta 2
5. A liquid illuminator
Ah, this makes or breaks your look. For a true wet look, choose a liquid highlighter that's less sparkle and more illuminator–like your powder product, it has to be finely milled. You apply this over your powder highlighter to "seal in" the glow and cancel out that lowkey fuzzy powder finish over your skin.
BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector Liquid in Prosecco Pop, P2077, Sephora.ph
6. A blending sponge
Use this to apply your liquid illuminator. Make sure it's just damp, apply the product on the longer side, and then take it to your cheeks in a rolling, up-and-out motion. Here's a pro tip: find an illuminator that's perfect for your warm skin–choose the gold or even bronze hues so it blends seamlessly into your tone, versus if you get one that's pink or a bit too light.
BYS Precision Sponge, P599, SM Beauty
Watch the video below for a demo!
