Makeup tricks to fake glowing skin

We’re not all #blessed with glowing skin. For many of us, it takes a lot of work and a whole team of skincare products and professional treatments to get our skin to play nice. And some days, no matter how diligent we were with removing our makeup the night before or slathering on that brightening vitamin C serum, our skin just doesn’t feel like glowing. That’s when it’s up to our makeup routine to step in and pick up the slack.

But here’s the secret: you don’t need copious amounts of highlighter to bring back the glow. We spoke to Australian makeup artist Ross Andrewartha for his insider secrets to faking radiant skin with makeup.

1. Prep your skin

Okay, so technically this isn’t a makeup step, but it will make a big difference to your glowing results. “I know you’ve heard this 1,000 times but skin prep is key,” says Andrewartha. “I love using a liquid exfoliator as it eliminates dullness so the skin naturally reflects lights, tightens pores and creates a smoother appreciation to the skin. A goodie I love to use is Alpha-H Liquid Gold with Glycolic Acid.”

2. Create a lit-from-within glow

Before you reach for your foundation, you need to do one more prep step to up the ante on your glow. Andrewartha swears by an illuminating primer. “Mecca Cosmetica Lit From Within Primer is the ultimate cheat primer. It’s great!” reveals Andrewartha. “Don’t use too much - a pearl size amount is all you need. Once applied you will understand what I’m talking about!”

“Glowing skin is an Australian staple, we are known for barely-there dewy skin. We love to see freckles and each other’s skin.”

Ross Andrewartha, Australian Makeup Artist

3. Apply your foundation with a wet sponge

“Makeup is about enhancing your natural complexion,” says Andrewartha. “Skin should be one tone, we want to see the real you.” Skip the heavy layer of foundation and instead use a wet makeup sponge to really melt the foundation into your complexion for that ‘second skin’ effect. A damp sponge helps create a dewy finish and blend your foundation seamlessly into skin. If you feel the need for full coverage, you can simply layer your foundation using this technique without running the risk of your makeup looking caked on. Always use a bouncing motion rather than dragging the sponge across the skin. Try MCo Beauty Magic Makeup Blender.

4. Add light to the face

Andrewartha notes that concealer should always be applied on top of your foundation. “Concealer is there to chase away any shadows on your face, under the eyes, smile lines and around the nose,” says Andrewartha. “Add a little on the centre of the forehead and chin,” he advises. We like Ere Perez Arnica Concealer.

5. Healthy flush of colour

Put down your contouring and bronzing palettes - glowing skin is all about recreating that healthy flush of colour that your skin naturally radiates. “A multitasking cream blush or balm will make you look alive within seconds,” explains Andrewartha, who recommends adding the blush to where the sun would naturally kiss the skin: the tips of the cheeks, under brows, and the bridge of the nose. When choosing your blush formula, look for something with a soft sheen or very subtle shimmer to keep your radiant glow looking au naturel. We adore Luma Just A Touch Lip & Cheek Tint.

6. Lather your skin in hydration 

“I cannot live without my hydration mist,” confesses Andrewartha. “A few mists literally restores the skin's natural glow, you can use this throughout the day too.” He recommends Aesop Immediate Moisture Facial Hydrosol; “It smells incredible and leaves your skin looking fresh, radiant and ready to face the day.”