Need to some help to give me a glow

[Welshheart]

Hi all. Just wanted some ideas as to how to transform a pasty face into well, just a bit more healthy and glowy looking...i dont wear much make up ..am 45 with a toddler so don"t have much time to faff about.

Don"t do foundation and hate feeling of it..tried BB cream but hated how that felt too..am trying to look after my skin by eating healthily getting some fresh air etc but that doesnt seem to make much difference right now..
looking at makeup but really dont know what colours suit me, as in lipstick etc...have dark brown hair, brown eyes and am quite fair with sensitive skin which is prone to redness on cheeks.

Have been looking at some mascara for sensitive eyes, but need something else to just perk me up i suppose...should i try blusher? tho anything powdery just sinks straight in and just sits on my skin as its dry...again, no idea what colours to go for as i said im already prone to redness, but i just look pasty and well, old when i look in the mirror and its getting me down.

I know we"re not going anywhere right now but would just like some tips to help me improve my appearance to make me feel a bit better if anyone could help at all.

If your skin is dry the main thing that is going to make a difference is a skin care routine to improve it - Google if it’s dry or dehydrated or both (like me). Superdrug vit e cleanser and b nourished range are good if on a budget, and many others of course. Loads of threads on here for products and Google Sali Hughes guardian recommendations.

Once you have that sorted out a light reflecting tinted moisturiser and/or primer, plus blusher creme or powder will make the main difference. Also shape and fill in eyebrows. Bobbi brown do v good counter makeovers when shops open again.

Trinny London BFF is good.

I would look at your skincare. I began to really take care of my skin when my son was a small baby and I was very sleep deprived, it's amazing how much it changed how fatigued I looked. What do you do currently?

Laura Geller Balence and Brighten, available from QVC has been like a miracle for me! I hate the look and feel of foundation. This is a baked, pressed powder, and just makes me look nicer, almost airbrushed, and I can’t feel I’m wearing it. Highly recommend, and because it’s QVC, if you don’t like it you can send it back 😊

Vit C serums give me the biggest glow. It's not instant but over the course of a few weeks my skin looks glowy

Another one for vitamin C. If you don’t want to wear foundation or use glowy creams abs powders then the two things that I’ve found take care of my skin are tretinoin (I have a Dermatica prescription) and a Vit C serum, with a good SPF50 on top.
Pigmentation and discolouration have gone, my skin is more even, firmer and much more healthy looking.

Toddlers are hard work! I’m mid 40s and use Vitamin c serum, sunscreen, then a tinted moisturiser. I use Laura Mercier in winter as they have good colour selection and one that’s really close to my skin tone. In summer I tan a little so use No7 city light. Tinted moisturisers are light and you can still see your skin but they take the grey out of my skin which helps it look less dull. I also started using no.7s serum concealer which goes well with the tinted moisturiser and makes me look less tired.

I gave up on powdered blush years ago. Try Daniel Sandlers liquid blusher in glow (a bronzer) or so pretty (pink). Both lovely colours that suit many skin tones and brighten the cheeks without sinking into fine lines. I use them together on the cheeks by layering, glow first then so pretty dabbed on the apples then on the eyelids. Mascara is usually waterproof as it’s the only type that won’t run all over my eyes and lastly a pink lip.

Vitamin C definitely helps, keeping your skin moisturised and a healthy diet.

In terms of make up I really like Drunk Elephant D Bronzi. A drop mixed in with sunscreen/moisturiser gives a nice tint to skin without looking like noticeable make up. It’s maybe not suitable for all skin tones though - eg if you’re very fair.

I also really like Glossier Cloud Paint as it’s super easy and quick to apply and really perks my skin up.

Agree with Glossier cloud paint. I use it and it helps me look "brighter" without the powdery effect of regular blusher. I also like their skin perfecting tint if you don't want to wear 'traditional' foundation, and their super bounce/super pure/super glow serums are wonderful (in my opinion). I had very dull, tired, spot prone skin until I discovered their products, and they don't take long to put on (I also have a toddler). Futuredew works well for me when applied sparingly, but can make me look like an oil slick if I'm over enthusiastic. I realise I sound like a walking Glossier ad, which is totally unintentional, but their products have given me the "glowy" skin I aspired to!

I also find regular dermaplane facials really help perk my skin up. Plus a decent moisturiser (I use Prai) and drinking lots of water (I'm still working on that bit).

If you’re not keen on foundation or bb creams Origins VitaZing moisturiser might be worth trying