I think we all know by now that 'good genes' come in a bottle and fine lines are erased by botox and lasers. And we also know that a sun kissed summer glow has nothing to to do with the actual sun. I feel like I need to hand out SPF at the mere mention.
However, today it's easier than ever to achieve that enviable luminescence, that youthful, fresh out of the womb radiance, that post-coital illumination if you will - without makeup, rebirth or sex. Although I'm sure they'd add something to the experience.
Through years of experimentation, I've found what really works as far as hydrating, plumping and brightening. These are the products I use and trust me, they deliver the goods. Always sample before buying, if you can, to ensure a good fit.
FIRST, THE CLEANSERS
All of these will leave your skin radiant.
Listed in order of least to most expensive.
bareMinerals
OIL OBSESSED TOTAL CLEANSING OIL
$30
This mineral rich, milky emulsion will dissolve even waterproof makeup. After rinsing your skin will feel soft and supple.
Origins
PLANTSCRIPTION ANTI-AGING CLEANSER
$33
This gentle foaming cleanser sloughs off dead skin cells, revealing a smoother, more radiant complexion.
Sunday Riley
CERAMIC SLIP CLAY CLEANSER
$45
This one removes pore-clogging oils & impurities to visibly tighten pores while balancing, soothing and brightening skin.
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THE TREATMENTS
nothing like scrubbing off years of
impurities to keep your skin fresh and new
Origins
ORIGINAL SKIN RETEXTURIZING MASK WITH ROSE CLAY
Using Mediterranean rose clay and exfoliating jojoba beads, it refines skin's texture and will give you a nice glow.
$17.50
Tatcha
RICE ENZYME POWDER
$65
A rice and pearl polish that leaves your skin silky smooth.
Drunk Elephant
T.L.C. SUKARI BABYFACIAL
$80
It's a 20 min leave-on facial treatment containing AHA, BHA, glycolics and salicylic acids. It's going to dramatically improve your skin texture, lightening hyperpigmentation while brightening and reviving. It's supposed to work well with most skin types, and you're only supposed to use it once a week.
Sunday Riley
GOOD GENES
$105
This is a high potency lactic acid that plumps the skin, improving texture, fine lines and hyperpigmentation while intensifying brightness and radiance. I leave it on all night. Every night.
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THE SERUMS
for deeper penetration ..
Origins
MEGA MUSHROOM RELIEF
My all time FAV, I’ve been using it for over 10 yrs and nothing gets rid of redness and uneven skin tone better than this serum. It takes a few days to get the maximum benefit so give it more than a night. You won’t regret it.
$74
Bare Minerals
SKINLONGEVITY VITAL POWER INFUSION
An extra level of dewiness. How glow can you go.
$58
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THE EYE CREAMS
I've pretty much tried every eye cream
with a cult status and these two are the
only ones I've found worth following.
Bare Minerals
AGELESS GENIUS EYE CREAM
Extremely hydrating, making the eye area more radiant - and really does make fine lines more difficult to see. Don’t use too close to your eyes because it can burn and cause redness. But it works so well, it's worth it.
$48
Sunday Riley
AUTO CORRECT EYE CONTOUR CREAM
I would say all the same benefits of Ageless Genius but even more plumping and it practically erases fine lines.
$65
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THE MOISTURIZERS
and when the heads turn you'll hear them
whisper 'she's not from around here'
Origins
PLANTSCRIPTION YOUTH RENEWING POWER NIGHT CREAM
The least expensive of the three creams I recommend, but super high performance, restoring elasticity and drenching your skin with hydration while you sleep. I also use it in the morning because the plantscription day cream isn’t nearly as potent.
$60
Sunday Riley
TIDAL BRIGHTENING ENZYME CREAM
Full of hydrating, skin plumping hyaluronic acid, this cream not only immediately restores a youthful appearance, it corrects dark spots, sun damage and discoloration, brightening and tightening your skin. Tidal is illuminati in a bottle.
$65
La Mer
CREME DE LA MER DEEP MOISTURE
Are you a goddess? You are now.
from $85 - $2160
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THE OILS
I use oils as the final step in my night routine and as primer in the morning.
It makes the best primer because of the way it hydrates, plumps and fills in
fine lines, creating a flawless canvas (thanks for the pro tip Kendall) Any of
these will finish you off with an intensely dewy glow. If it's too much, you
can use a matte foundation or loose powder to tone it down.
Pixi
ROSE OIL BLEND
A blend of sweet almond, rosehip, jojoba, pomegranate and geranium oils which improve skin's elasticity.
$24
Farsali
UNICORN ESSENCE
This one's actually oil-free but has the same effect as an oil. It also protects your skin from free radical damage and will leave you smelling like a vintage 'my little pony'.
$54
Lancer
OMEGA HYDRATING OIL
Using the fermented oils of argan, olive, shiunko and licorice, it's formulated to absorb quickly and lock in hydration. It smells nice and feels luxurious. My skin is soft and absolutely radiant the morning after.
$75
BONUS TIPS
HYDRATE - Hydration really does start from the inside. Click here for tips on how to drink more water without gagging.
SILK PILLOW CASE - If you haven't tried this yet, you're really missing out. Sleeping on silk is not only a luxurious experience you owe yourself as a grown adult who can give a gift to yourself, it will also keep your skin from drying out and creasing. Those creases can turn into permanent wrinkles btw. If you travel a lot, I recommend not getting white as they're easy to leave in hotel rooms.
BEAUTY SLEEP - It's a thing. It's real. The better you rest at night, the better your skin will look in the morning.
What are your tips or fav products for glowing skin? Tell us in the comments!
