A 4-step guide to the perfect glowy base.

Warm weather’s arrival signals an arrival just as significant – glowy skin season. But what’s better than glassy, juicy skin? Skin that's protected, too. 

Did you know that damage from UV exposure is cumulative over years? “What’s the single best thing I can do for my skin?” I'm often asked by people when I'm doing their makeup. It’s wearing a high protection SPF, every single day, so your skin's protected from the sun's harmful UVA and UVB rays (and doubles as a handy, glowy base underneath your makeup). As a makeup artist, I know the dated rumours that sunscreen doesn't play nicely with makeup when you're after that flawless, long-lasting finish. But the sunscreen we can get our mitts on today has come a loooong way. 

Trust me, your future self will majorly thank you for it.

Glowy, juicy skin is the trending look that’s so easy to achieve, and relies on the right order of application with the help of some holy-grail products. 

So where do we even start when picking the right products to layer? Here's my 4-step glow guide to have on repeat this summer (and you know, always). 

1. The sunscreen you’ll want to wear

Whether you wear SPF solo or under makeup, there’s one thing we all look for: a lightweight formula, and invisible finish. La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+ is a lightweight, fragrance-free sunscreen that's been dermatologically tested for sensitive skin. It doesn’t clog pores and makes for a smooth finish under makeup. This ultra-lightweight fluid is also not greasy, so I won't hear anyone's excuse that your sunscreen ruins your makeup! It also comes in a tinted version if you're after some light coverage while still protecting your skin. 

This sunscreen also gives very high broad spectrum protection which blocks both UVA and UVB rays, the culprits that cause premature ageing and also increase your risk of skin cancer.

While this particular sunscreen is ideal for normal to combination skin (including sensitive), La Roche Posay’s Anthelios range has a sun protection solution for every skin type, too. The Anthelios XL Anti-Shine SPF 50+ is suited for blemish-prone to oily skin types, while the Anthelios Ultra Sensitive SPF 50+ is made with hydrating ingredients and tailored for dry skin. Apply your SPF as the final step of your skincare routine (and regularly after this! Top-ups are so important), and always give it a couple of minutes to dry before you begin any makeup.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Image: Supplied.

2. Look for comfortable coverage

I love a good foundation, but on hot days, nothing beats a skin tint for more comfortable coverage. The Huda Beauty’s Glowish Multi-Dew Skin Tint basically blends itself leaving skin radiant yet simultaneously blurred (seriously, how does it do that?!). Apply an even layer all over your face with fingers for a quick, effortless application that instantly makes skin look *chef’s kiss* without weighing it down. 

Follow up with a few dabs of NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in areas that require more coverage. By building coverage just where you need it, your skin is going to look ultra-realistic and like you’re not wearing anything at all (people will just start asking your what your skincare routine is). I love this concealer’s versatility, buildable coverage, and long wear. You can use it on the face and under the eyes, and it never looks cakey. There’s a reason that it’s a pro-MUA fave.

Image: Supplied.

3. Give your cheeks some colour

I think when people think ‘glow’, they often think ‘shine’, and while this is certainly part of it, I think glow is also the colour that looks like it’s coming from within. Glow is what makes you look healthy, well-rested and like you just got back from a Euro summer. Summer makeup should also be effortless, so cream products are going to be your unsung heroes. 

The Nudestix Nudies Matte + Glow Core All Over Face Blushes blends a matte cream blush with a cream highlighter in one making it so easy to add a flush of colour to cheeks, lips, and eyes. Just tap and warm up the product with fingers, before tapping it where you want shine and colour.

On the highest points of the face, dab a little Westman Atelier Lit Up Highlight Stick. This transparent cream highlighter looks exactly like post-facial skin and the formula contains no glitter. It just looks like wet, dreamy, dewy skin. I apply generously, but feel free to keep this one minimal if you prefer a more low-key glow.

Image: Supplied.

4. Blend, set and glow

One of the most common questions I get from people when I’m doing their makeup is how they ensure their face matches their body. My trick is to use the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Bronzer. This dreamy powder is sheer, and the formula isn't too pigmented, making it hard to be heavy-handed. I buff it lightly all over the face to gently set the skin, before amping up application where I want a more bronzed finished. This gives a realistic effect all over the skin and guarantees there’s no line of demarcation between your face and your body.  

Image: Supplied.

Finalise your glow with a good setting spray to ensure that it doesn’t melt in the summer heat. Holme Beauty’s Setting Spray promotes all-day longevity while giving a golden hour glimmer to skin leaving it looking lustrous. Skin-loving hyaluronic acid in the formula keeps thirsty skin hydrated, too. Shake well, mist generously, and you’ll glow all day.

But truly, starting with sunscreen as the first part of your glowy skin base makes the process easy and effortless, as it's already built into your routine. Now go on, glow!

Shop the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Sun Protection Range of Face and Body sunscreens for all skin types. Also find their Anthelios Wet Skin Sunscreen SPF 50+ suitable for the entire family, which can be applied directly to wet skin with 4 hours water resistance.

Follow La Roche-Posay on Instagram.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Apply 20 minutes before sun exposure. Sunscreen is only one part of sun protection so wear protective clothing and seek shade. Avoid prolonged sun exposure. Re-apply every 2 hours after swimming, towelling and perspiring in accordance with directions.

Feature Image: Supplied/Instagram/@iainjeffery