Glowing Makeup That Actually Works for Real Skin (Not Just Filters)
There’s a fine line between a lit-from-within glow and “Did I accidentally deep-fry my face?” Luckily, achieving that glowing makeup aesthetic without looking overly shiny is totally possible—we might even say easy—with the right products and expert-approved steps.
To help us nail the glowing makeup look (you know the one: radiant, hydrated, healthy), we tapped celebrity makeup artist Brandy Allen for her step-by-step routine, glow-boosting faves, and skincare secrets that make all the difference. Whether you're prepping for a glam night out or just want to look like you drink eight glasses of water a day, consider this your go-to guide to glowing makeup.
Meet the Expert
Brandy Allen is a celebrity makeup artist based in Los Angeles. Her clients include actress Skai Jackson, actor and producer Tika Sumpter, and WNBA star A'ja Wilson (to name a few).
How to Do a Glowing Makeup Look
Ready to shine (in a good way)? Here’s how Allen builds a radiant, dewy base that stays fresh—not greasy—all day.
1. Start With Skin Prep That Supports the Glow
Allen is all about prepping the skin before reaching for your makeup bag. “Using hydrating skincare products is especially important when it comes to achieving a glowy complexion,” she says. “Water-based moisturizers with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide help even out texture and hydrate without leaving behind any greasiness.” We love the newly launched DEW OF THE GODS H-DEW-O Blue Spirulina Daily Gel Moisturizer, which cools and refreshes, infusing your skin with hyaluronic acid and glycerin to lock in moisture.
2. Prime With a Purpose
Once your serum and moisturizer are fully absorbed, go in with a primer that grips. Bonus points if it also has SPF. Allen recommends one that adds subtle radiance without slipping around. “It should help your glowy base last all day without making you look oily.”
3. Use a Hydrating—but Not Oily—Foundation
Radiant-finish foundations seem like the obvious choice, but Allen says they can actually make your skin appear greasy. Instead? “Go for a hydrating, lightweight, and buildable foundation that gives radiance in all the right places without overdoing it.” Pair it with a creamy, brightening concealer to lift under the eyes (use sparingly—too much can go cakey real fast).
4. Cream Blush and Bronzer FTW
“For blush and bronzer, look for cream formulas that melt into the skin and give you that natural, sunkissed glow,” says Allen. You want that I-just-came-back-from-a-long-walk-and-drank-green-juice look. Cream products add dimension and dew without caking.
5. Highlight Strategically
Here’s where the glow really happens. Allen’s favorite move: tapping a cream highlighter on the high points of your face (think cheekbones, brow bones, bridge of nose, and Cupid’s bow). We love the BENEFIT COSMETICS Dew La La All-Over Glow Liquid Highlighter in Luna. “Use a small brush or makeup sponge to gently buff it in and diffuse any harsh lines. Start light, you can always build.”
6. Glossy Lips + Setting Spray = Finishing Touch
“Glossy lips are always a good choice to complement a glowy base,” says Allen. Top it off with a hydrating setting spray to lock everything in and add that last layer of radiance.
Expert Tips for Nailing the Glow (and Avoiding Common Mistakes)
Allen’s seen it all—and she’s got some quick tips to help you avoid glow-gone-wrong moments:
Don’t skip skin prep. “Skipping cleansing, moisturizing, or priming can lead to dry, flaky skin, and your glow will fall flat.”
Less is more with concealer. “Too much leads to cakiness. Apply lightly, and blend upward for lift.”
Matte foundations are a no-go this time around. “They’ll counteract your glow. Stick with hydrating, buildable options that leave skin fresh—not flat.”
The Glow-Up, Summarized
Glowy makeup isn’t just about the highlighter. It’s a full-face strategy that starts with skincare and ends with a luminous finish that looks effortless (even if you followed every single step).