I need more glow!

[Shallysally]

I’m naturally pale, and have used same make up forever, currently use Revlon Candid foundation, some under eye lightener style concealer, blush, pale grey eye shadow.

I look washed out, not very confident with highlighter and bronzer due to both not knowing which colours to use and also where to put it in my face!

Any tips please. I’m early 50’s so steer clear of any product with shimmer.

Is it make up you need or just brightening up? I’m a couple of years younger than you and find exfoliating a couple of times a week makes me look loads better, fresher and brighter. I don’t wear much make up though so can’t help with that

I’m not sure! Recently gone back to using my faithful St Ives apricot scrub and have to say my skin feels so much better.
I’d been using the Drops of Youth peel from body shop which is nice but not fantastic.

That’s what I use, couldn’t get on with the drops of youth.

Ive invested in
Sunday riley good genes which is expensive but fab .
Id either use a chemical or manual exflloliater as when we age our skin turns over less effectivwly and can reduce glow? The ordinary have cheaper but similar products, some of which have v good reviews.

I add a dot of this to what we I’m using (foundation. Bb cream, cc cream etc) , it’s the best thing ever -

utan.co.uk/products/skin-idol?variant=15700060340267&currency=GBP&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&keyword=&matchtype=&network=u&adposition=&device=m&utm_source=source_name&utm_campaign=campaign_name&gclid=CjwKCAiAiKuOBhBQEiwAId_sK9aMAfY3XWAhTCL0TxCs67j-asawaWNFhiQTWT_5rvUn3wIM4Sh9HxoC4C0QAvD_BwE

I wear it on its own in summer, it’s fantastic.

I’ve taken to adding a few drops of liquid highlighter to my foundation. I’ve gone between a pearlescent one and a golden one and both give a nice glow to my skin without being shiny.

Thanks for the tips! I’ll have a look at the suggestions

@Yellow85, do you mean like the Iconic liquid highlighters? I’ll raid my daughters stash

Charlotte tilbury flawless filter both under foundation or on its own is absolutely amazing

Laura Mercia have a new translucent powder called ‘glow’. It is amazing. I also steer clear of shimmer but this is lovely. Also I rate the Hourglass powders and blushers, leave a lovely glow finish.
If you are wearing foundation try a primer underneath. I use estee Lauder illuminator and that is really nice.

I nearly posted about the same issue a couple of days ago after looking in the mirror - thanks OP.

I'd step away from the St Ives, it can scratch and damage the skin. Try an AHA exfoliant like Pixi Glow/REN Ready Steady Glow/Alpha H liquid gold instead. Do you use serums/moisturisers?

As for make up, look up Andreea Ali's videos on YouTube. They're very clear and will show you where to place products on the face.

Isle of paradise tanning drops , put the tiniest amount in your face cream ! Takes the edge of my pale face !

I've found a vitamin c serum to be unbeatable for a glow. I use paulas choice.

@Shallysally

Thanks for the tips! I’ll have a look at the suggestions

@Yellow85, do you mean like the Iconic liquid highlighters? I’ll raid my daughters stash

That’ll work. Although I do use a much cheaper revolution one from Superdrug!

Supergoop Glow Screen is a great moisturiser, glow primer and spf (30 or 40), I wear it under foundation. Or, Glossier Future Dew is also good for a dewy finish. You can use either on their own or under foundation.
I have Charlotte Tilbury flawless finish but am decidedly luke warm about it...

I am very pale and suit cool tones, so use a subtle cool pink blusher rather than a bronzer. Benefit Dandelion is a good one.

I think the glow comes from good skin prep.

I don't like scrubs personally, I use AHAs to exfoliate.

Well hydrated skin and vitamin c create amazing glow.

You'll get more of a glow from upping your skincare game instead of your make up.

From experience, HRT also really helps.

I agree with pp about St Ives, can be harsh on skin. Good glow from a liquid exfoliant, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. There are cheap and spendy versions of all -Inkey list, Revolution, Drunk Elephant and so on.
I’m nearly 50 and make up wise, Nars tinted moisturiser, Chanel bronzer (not sparkly) and a drop of tint from Isle of paradise really upped my game skin wise.

Lots of options, thanks all

Re the liquid exfoliants, are there sensitive skin options please? I tried the Pixie Glow exfoliating toner (I think!) a few years ago and had a reaction so it’s put me off a bit.

😂 anything other than st Ives just doesn’t seem to make the blindest bit of difference to my skin, I’ve got so many exfoliators with one or two bits out where I’ve given up and gone back to St Ives. I do love the sun though so I’ve probably got skin like a rhino’s hide 😂

The Ordinary do a mandelic acid serum for sensitive skin which is a chemical exfoliator. If you like a physical exfoliator, Cetaphil do an extra gentle scrub. I make my own scrub with caster sugar and lemon juice, or olive oil. I can alter how 'scrubby' I want it to be then.

Elemis Kombucha Glow moisturiser. Also Ilamasqua Beyond Veil primer. Both products give a lit-from-within glow. Almost like soft candle light on the face.

But agree skin prep and vitamin C amp up these products even more.

Have you considered revisiting what colour clothing you wear OP? My skin/hair colouring has dulled a little as I've aged and I eventually realised that the (brighter) clothing colours I used to look good in now make me look washed out. I've started buying more muted shades of clothing (ie more muted versions of the brighter colours I used to wear) and it's made an enormous difference to the appearance of my face / skin / eyes.