Forget matte faces. Show off shiny, happy skin instead.
Beyoncé did it. So did Heidi Klum and Rihanna and Cameron Diaz and Miley Cyrus and…There’s no dearth of chic, stylish women baring their un-made, glowing-n-gorgeous faces on Instagram, stunning the world with their radiant, shiny complexions. In fact, shining, glowy complexions are all the rage. Think warm, sun kissed skin, with just a hint of blush or lipstick. For those of us who live in hot, sweaty climes this new skin trend is a blessing to put it mildly. After spending a mini fortune on blotting tissues, shine absorbing compacts, powdery foundations and oil absorbing face washes it’s time to do something radical. Embrace the sheen!
So what’s a girl supposed to do? Move the Olive Oil from the kitchen to the dressing table? Not quite. Start smaller and adapt dewy fresh makeup tricks for skin that’s warm, sexy and healthy. Learn to embrace illuminators, your skin’s new BFF and pat some on eyelids, nose and cheekbones. Then all you’ll need is a splash of color on lips to lighten the mood and voila, you’ll look all set for hippest fashion ramp. In fact, check out any Spring/Summer ’14 fashion show and you’ll know that natural glowing skin-pulled back hair is the biggest trend of the season. And what about gals blessed with less than even toned complexions who needs a little help from trusty foundations and concealers? Help is at hand thanks to some marvelous skincare and dermo-cosmetic brands. Now everyone can look fresh faced with a little help.
Try a skin resurfacer.
Glycolic Acid to the rescue! And other gentler exfoliants that use a special combination of powerful actives, enzymes and bioactive complexes to rejuvenate, resurface, and refine skin. As Nykaa skin care expert Dr. Dhimant Goleria says, “The best way to revive a dull complexion is to treat it with exfoliating ingredients like Glycolic Acid because it helps to eliminate skin dulling cells and encourage skin renewal.” Nykaa likes Sesderma Acglicolic Liposomal Serum, a concentrated anti-aging serum containing Glycolic Acid, Vitamins C and E, and Hyaluronic Acid to refresh and regenerate skin from within. Sensitive skins are better off using non-abrasive formulas containing Lactic Acid and Hydroxy Acid like Dermalogica Gentle Cream Exfoliant. Use this two-in-one masque/exfoliation treatment regularly for magically transformed smoother skin.
Retinols to the rescue.
For long a darling of celebrities, retinoid creams are now making waves as the go to for the well-informed and discerning girl around town. In fact, what started as an effective anti-acne remedy in the ’70s has now transformed into a gold standard age defying, glowing skin ingredient making its way into a host skin care creams and serums. So what exactly is retinol? “It’s a weaker, over-the-counter version of tretinoin, a prescription vitamin A derivative that works marvelously to reverse sun damage and signs of aging,” says Dr. Goleria. If fine lines, pigmentation and adult acne are stopping you from going bare faced, it’s time to jump on the retinol bandwagon. Take your pick of Vichy LiftActiv Retinol Ha Total Wrinkle Renovating Procedure Care - SPF18 and Lakme Youth Infinity Skin Firming Day Crème in the a.m. or H2O+ Sea Results Deep Sleep Recovery Serum at night.
Slather on some vitamins .
We all know every gal needs her daily multi vit to glow from within but what about the glow from without? Dr Goleria says that without large quantities of Vitamin A skin tends to age much faster. Also make sure you get adequate amounts of Vitamins B. C and E to get that sun kissed glow. Start using vitamin infused skin creams like Dot & Key Glow Revealing Vitamin C Serum Concentrate or Himalaya Herbals Revitalizing Night Cream. It’s also a good idea to try the natural hydroxyl fruit acid enriched Lotus Herbals Frujuvenate Skin Perfecting & Rejuvenating Fruit Pack. The VLCC Gold Peel Off Mask is great as well for delivering moisture and active ingredients to dull, dehydrated skins. It’s enriched with 24 Carat Pure Gold, Lemon Peel and Vitamin E.
Cheat your way to a glow ASAP.
In this instant age, every girl needs to know how to flaunt bare faced perfection right away. A creamy blush is a great way to get a natural glowing flush. Stay away from pinks and corals and go with caramel hued shades like Max Factor Flawless Perfection Blush, Shade Natural Glow to get that bronzed, healthy flush. “It’s about faking an outdoorsy tan,” laughs Nykaa makeup expert Ojas Rajani. “To brighten your look while keeping full coverage for a less than perfect complexion, add an illuminating formula to your foundation to create a sheer base,” she adds. Nykaa loves Colorbar Radiant Glow Face Illiminator. You could also cheat that glow by using a golden, shimmery eye shadow (try Revlon Colorstay 16 Hour Eye Shadow, Shade Brazen) over temples, cheekbones, bridge of nose and your Cupid’s Bow.
