If you’ve been noticing a dewy, sun-kissed glow on everyone from influencers to your best friend at brunch, you’re not imagining things. There’s a new glow-up trend that’s taking over beauty routines. And the secret? It’s all about what you add to your foundation.
Gone are the days of chalky highlighters or full-body bronzing mishaps. The newest glow-enhancing products are mix-in drops, balms, and serums designed to blend seamlessly with your foundation, delivering that “just got back from the Riviera” radiance—no vacation required.
Here’s everything you need to know (and a few must-haves to try).
The Glow-Up Formula: How It Works
These new glow products come in lightweight, buildable formulas: think illuminating drops, bronzing serums, and radiant balms. They are designed to be mixed with your go-to foundation or applied as a base underneath. The result? A customizable, lit-from-within glow that flatters every skin tone and works for every season.
You control the glow: add more for a golden goddess vibe or keep it subtle with just a drop or two.
Prime Picks for a Sun-Kissed Radiance

1. Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi™ Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops
These cult-favorite bronzing drops are like summer in a bottle. Mix with moisturizer or foundation to add warmth and radiance without shimmer or glitter. Bonus: They’re packed with antioxidants.

2. Saie Glowy Super Gel
This multipurpose gel can be used as a primer or mixed into your base for sheer, dewy luminosity. It’s light, hydrating, and makes your skin look naturally lit from within.

3. Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter
Part foundation, part highlighter, part magic—this cult product delivers soft-focus glow. Mix it with your foundation or dab it on the high points of your face for that red carpet gleam.

4. Iconic London Illuminator Drops
A little goes a long way with these ultra-pigmented drops. They blend beautifully and offer a more dramatic glow that’s perfect for evening events or when you want all eyes on you.

5. L’Oréal Lumi Glotion
This drugstore gem gives a luminous finish that hydrates and evens tone. Wear it alone or mix with your foundation for an affordable, everyday glow.
Tips for a Natural-Looking Glow
- Start small: Begin with just a drop or two—it’s easier to build glow than tone it down.
- Use the right tools: A damp sponge helps blend the mixture seamlessly into the skin.
- Don’t skip sunscreen: Even a glow-up queen needs protection! Use SPF underneath your radiant concoction.
- Glow strategically: Apply extra glow product to high points of the face—cheekbones, temples, and the bridge of the nose—for a natural, sun-kissed effect.
Final Thoughts
The glow-up trend isn’t about piling on shimmer—it’s about enhancing your skin’s natural radiance in a subtle, skin-loving way. Whether you’re after a beachy bronze or a fresh, dewy finish, there’s a glow product out there with your name on it.
And remember: no one glows quite like a woman who feels good in her skin.
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