Have you noticed a dewy, sun-kissed glow on everyone from influencers to your best friend at brunch — but you know they haven’t been on vacation? You’re not imagining things. The secret is actually simple: bronzing drops and other illuminating products you can add to the foundation you already use.
If you’re like me, you use a daily moisturizer with sunscreen to protect the delicate skin on your face. SPF is essential to prevent signs of aging, but it makes it awfully difficult to get that desirable sun-kissed look. Now, you don’t need to trade off between skin protection and the perfect summer glow. You can nix the chalky highlighters and enhance your natural radiance with new mix-in drops, balms, and serums.
You don’t have to worry about them looking cakey either because they’re designed to blend seamlessly with your foundation. Whether you’re after a beachy bronze or a fresh, dewy finish, we have a few Prime Picks that you should add to your summer makeup routine.
Tips for a Natural Looking Glow
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 is a customizable, lit-from-within glow that flatters every skin tone and works for every season.
First, remember to apply sunscreen before you begin your makeup routine. Even a glow-up queen needs SPF. Next, start with just a drop or two of your bronzing drops. It’s easier to build up than to tone down. Make sure to apply the pigment to the high points of your face, like the cheekbones, temples, and the bridge of your nose for a natural, sun-kissed effect.
You can also use a damp sponge to help blend the mixture seamlessly into the skin.
Prime Picks for a Sun-Kissed Radiance
1. Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi™ Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops, $39
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, $29
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. The Super Gel comes in four different shades of “glow.”
3. Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter, $50
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. It comes in eight different shades.
4. Iconic London Illuminator Drops, $40
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. It comes in four shades.
5. L’Oréal Lumi Glotion, $17.99
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. It comes in five shades.
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