Yes, wrinkles come with the “aging” territory—but there are ways to keep your skin from looking its age. Of course, it goes without saying that healthy skin and a solid skincare routine are key. But even with that in place, you might still want that elusive youthful glow back. Right away. And you can get it.
Note: This post was previously published on March 21, 2024, and is being shared again today with updated product information.
Pro-Aging Beauty: Glowing Skin
Our skin tone, texture, and elasticity change as we move beyond our 20s and 30s, which means your makeup might need a little updating, too. Try to avoid overly matte formulas and heavy powder blushes whenever possible.
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You may also want to read my post10 Beauty Mistakes That Make You Look 10 Years Older! for more easy tweaks.
How To Get Your Glow Back
My secret to getting my glow back? Highlighter and liquid illuminator.
These products instantly brighten skin by attracting light, creating the illusion of being well-rested while delivering that youthful, lit-from-within radiance. The key is subtlety—you want to look like you’re glowing naturally, not like you applied glitter to your face.
Where To Add The Glow
Where do you place the illuminator? Well it depends on what look you are trying to achieve. Personally, I like to add a little glow to my foundation for an all-over brightened effect. Then I strategically add highlighter to:
- The tip of my nose
- Above the bow of my lips
- The inner corners of my eyes
- My brow bone
Basically, anywhere you want light to reflect and enhance your features.
If contouring and highlighters have you stumped, be sure to check out this post: Get Sculpted! How to Contour and Highlight Your Face.
11 of the Best Highlighters and Illuminators
There are so many products on the market right now, but here are 11 of my favorites to help you get your glow on:
1. e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter, $15
I was so blown away by this $14 product I did a Reel using it. This multi-purpose complexion booster creates a glowing, soft-focus finish and contains skin-loving ingredients like squalane and hyaluronic acid. Use it alone, under or over makeup, mixed with foundation, or as a highlighter. I personally mix it into my foundation for an all-over glow.
2. Osmosis Beauty Luminous Treatment Primer, $58
This primer hydrates, supports the skin barrier, and protects against blue light and free radicals. It creates a radiant, candlelit glow while blurring fine lines and uneven texture. Wear it under makeup, over makeup, or on bare skin.
3. Laura Geller Spackle Skin Perfecting Primer: Original Champagne Glow, $38
Designed with midlife skin in mind, this lightweight primer minimizes the look of pores and fine lines while delivering a subtle glow. Antioxidants soothe and brighten, while squalane helps maintain moisture.
4. L’Oreal True Match Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer, $17.99
A true multi-tasker—it can be used as a primer, light foundation, highlighter, contour, or even body luminizer. Dab a little extra on cheekbones for instant radiance.
5. Supergoop! Glowscreen Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++ with Hyaluronic Acid + Niacinamide, $38
I discovered this after complimenting a friend’s glow—and yes, it was her sunscreen! This hydrating SPF doubles as a luminous primer with a pearlescent finish. Plus, it protects against blue light.
6. e.l.f. SKIN Suntouchable! Whoa Glow SPF 30 Sunscreen & Primer, $15
A more affordable alternative to Supergoop! While the SPF is slightly lower, the glow is very similar—at a fraction of the price.
7. Jones Road Miracle Balm, $38
There’s a reason everyone is obsessed with this light-reflecting superproduct. It’s that good. Miracle Balm is the epitome of no-makeup makeup. It delivers a sheer wash of moisture and glow for that perfect no-makeup makeup look. Use it on cheeks, lips, or anywhere you want a subtle glow. It comes in 9 fantastic shades.
8. Kevyn Aucoin Beauty Glass Glow Liquid Illuminator, $35
This one leans high-shine, so use it cautiously. The glow-gel can be used on the face and body, leaving skin appearing clear, radiant and seemingly transparent. The formula is 50 percent gloss, 50 percent pearlescent sheen, which totals skin that’s 100 percent reflective. Available in 5 shades.
9. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Light Revealer Natural Skin Illuminator Broad Spectrum SPF 25, $54
This one product has it all! It’s an illuminating tinted moisturizer that delivers sheer, natural coverage for a no-makeup makeup look. This illuminating tinted moisturizer offers sheer coverage with a natural glow. It includes antioxidant protection and SPF—perfect for everyday wear.
10. Milk Makeup Bionic Glow Illuminating Liquid Highlighter with Hyaluronic Acid, $36
This weightless liquid illuminator is 90 percent natural, clean, vegan, and cruelty-free. It can be worn all over your face for an illuminated glow, on your cheekbones, collarbones, and eyes as a highlighter, or combined with foundation or moisturizer for a lit-from-within effect. It contains skin-loving ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, Snow Mushroom and Reishi Mushroom to hydrate and plump skin.
11. Ogee Contour Collections Three-Step Glow Routine, Now $99 (use code LAURENDW15 to save 15% on your order.)
Yes, it’s a splurge—but I’m obsessed. (See my Reel here). I have not stopped using all 3 of these products which are certified organic, cruelty-free, not tested on animals, gluten-free, all-natural, GMO-free and made in the US…since I got them. Each set includes three crystal-inspired balmy sticks in shades to bronze, blush and highlight your way to an epic glow. And yes, I use them on top of one of the products mentioned above. What can I say? I really want that youthful glow!
A glowing complexion isn’t about looking younger—it’s about looking fresh, healthy and radiant at any age. The right products (and a light hand) can make all the difference.
Do you have a favorite product that gives you that lit-from-within glow?
Read some of my other beauty posts like The Top Spring 2023 Nail Trends To Try Right Now and 11 of The Best Creams To Try for Skin Barrier Repair.
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I have to be honest–just clueless about how to use them.
Well this post should help! Or ask me!