Glow-giving products that work on all skin tones
Inclusivity at its most shimmering: our favourite universal highlighters and products for glow-getters of all skin tones
Fenty Beauty Beach Please
Pre 2017, to say someone was 'glowing' evoked notions of pregnancy, exercise, health and youth. Fast-forward to 2018, and instead, reflective powders, glow drops, spot-lighting creams and radiance oils are the phenomenons that come to mind. This is because the beauty industry has fallen hopelessly in love with the 'glow', a trend which has cemented it's position in the industry lexicon, and is a buzzword that won't be shifting any time soon.
Indeed, it's easier to get on board with trends that simulate inner-health than with ones named after rituals that seemingly belong in the kitchen or a warehouse rave (baking and strobing, anyone?) What we love so dearly about this trend is it's inclusive and border-crossing credentials. Beauty lovers from London to Seoul ('glassy skin' is the latest Instagram trend to hit South Korea) are all after the 'glow', and beauty brands are standing to attention to make products accessible to all ranges of skin-tones.
The generally accepted rule is: those with a dark skin-tones should opt for rich, warm variations of gold and bronze highlighters; those with medium/olive skintone should choose peachy, warm gold highlighters and; those with fair skin should opt for pearlescent, icy, ivory ones. But, there are plenty of inclusive products on the market which cater to all skin tones, and we've picked our favourite of the dew, shimmer, and glow-givers.
Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick
This versatile compact from Bobbi Brown houses five different highly pigmented shades, each of which can be used as a highlighter on differing skin tones, as well as doubling up as a shimmering eyeshadow.
Buy it here for £35.50
Marc Jacobs Beauty Glow Stick Glistening Illuminator
'Instant. Universal. Portable Spotlight,' is the brand's chosen caption for this product. It is the first of Marc Jacob Beauty's highlighters that imparts a natural, radiant glow and flatters all skin tones, thanks to a mix of pearlescent golds and silver pigments. The cream-like formula leaves a healthy looking sheen rather than leaving specks of sparkle on one's cheeks.
Buy it here for £28
Fenty Beauty Beauty 'Beach Please' Collection
Rihanna has done it again. It's hard to believe that her beauty line only launched in September of 2017, and yet has already outsold both Kylie Jenner and Kim Kardashian's beauty lines. This summer, Fenty Beauty gives us the 'Beach Please' trio, which consists of 'Body Lava Luminzer' and a special brush to apply it, and the 'Fairy Bomb' pom pom which is a serious throwback to the nineties.
Shop the range here. Prices range: Body Lava Luminzer £32, Face & Body Kabuki Brush £30, Fairy Bomb Glittering Pom Pom £34
Kevyn Aucoin Neo Elixir Weightless Beauty Oil
A hydrating and glow-giving oil that comes in three phases – squalane oil, highlighting mica, and water. Mix in a drop or two with your choice of foundation for a natural glow that doesn't feel heavy or look greasy.
Buy it here for £39
Tom Ford Shade & Illuminate
The duo's illuminating cream is incredibly sheer and very hard to overdo. It is more of a glassy veil than a pigment, and only becomes apparent when the light catches your skin in a particular guise. If you are one who doesn't 'do' highlighter but may want to experiment, this Tom Ford palette is a nice starting point. A cheaper alternative with a similar affect is RMS Beauty's Living Luminzer.
Buy it here for £58
Chantecaille Liquid Lumière Anti-Aging Illuminator
We've long been fans of Chantecaille's 'Anti-Aging Face Illuminator', and we can confidently say it has won an uncontested position as a staple in our makeup bag. Just the right amount of sparkle for show stopping illumination, The product comes in three shades to suit all skin tones.
Buy it here in 'Luster' for £36 o find the fuller range of tones here
Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Glow Shot
This liquid highlighter from YSL is the glamorous, glittering cousin of the original 'Touche Eclat' formula. Coming in three shades to cater to all skin tones, application forms a dramatic, buildable highlight and can be mixed with foundation for an all-over dewy effect.
Buy it here for £23
Mac Strobe Cream
The beauty of MAC's strobe cream moisturiser, bursting with vitamins and botanicals, is that it achieves the same iridescent glow on all skin tones. Use under foundation or spotlight on high-points of the face. Buy it here for £25
Indeed, it's easier to get on board with trends that simulate inner-health than with ones named after rituals that seemingly belong in the kitchen or a warehouse rave (baking and strobing, anyone?) What we love so dearly about this trend is it's inclusive and border-crossing credentials. Beauty lovers from London to Seoul ('glassy skin' is the latest Instagram trend to hit South Korea) are all after the 'glow', and beauty brands are standing to attention to make products accessible to all ranges of skin-tones.
The generally accepted rule is: those with a dark skin-tones should opt for rich, warm variations of gold and bronze highlighters; those with medium/olive skintone should choose peachy, warm gold highlighters and; those with fair skin should opt for pearlescent, icy, ivory ones. But, there are plenty of inclusive products on the market which cater to all skin tones, and we've picked our favourite of the dew, shimmer, and glow-givers.
Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick
This versatile compact from Bobbi Brown houses five different highly pigmented shades, each of which can be used as a highlighter on differing skin tones, as well as doubling up as a shimmering eyeshadow.
Buy it here for £35.50
Marc Jacobs Beauty Glow Stick Glistening Illuminator
'Instant. Universal. Portable Spotlight,' is the brand's chosen caption for this product. It is the first of Marc Jacob Beauty's highlighters that imparts a natural, radiant glow and flatters all skin tones, thanks to a mix of pearlescent golds and silver pigments. The cream-like formula leaves a healthy looking sheen rather than leaving specks of sparkle on one's cheeks.
Buy it here for £28
Fenty Beauty Beauty 'Beach Please' Collection
Rihanna has done it again. It's hard to believe that her beauty line only launched in September of 2017, and yet has already outsold both Kylie Jenner and Kim Kardashian's beauty lines. This summer, Fenty Beauty gives us the 'Beach Please' trio, which consists of 'Body Lava Luminzer' and a special brush to apply it, and the 'Fairy Bomb' pom pom which is a serious throwback to the nineties.
Shop the range here. Prices range: Body Lava Luminzer £32, Face & Body Kabuki Brush £30, Fairy Bomb Glittering Pom Pom £34
Kevyn Aucoin Neo Elixir Weightless Beauty Oil
A hydrating and glow-giving oil that comes in three phases – squalane oil, highlighting mica, and water. Mix in a drop or two with your choice of foundation for a natural glow that doesn't feel heavy or look greasy.
Buy it here for £39
Tom Ford Shade & Illuminate
The duo's illuminating cream is incredibly sheer and very hard to overdo. It is more of a glassy veil than a pigment, and only becomes apparent when the light catches your skin in a particular guise. If you are one who doesn't 'do' highlighter but may want to experiment, this Tom Ford palette is a nice starting point. A cheaper alternative with a similar affect is RMS Beauty's Living Luminzer.
Buy it here for £58
Chantecaille Liquid Lumière Anti-Aging Illuminator
We've long been fans of Chantecaille's 'Anti-Aging Face Illuminator', and we can confidently say it has won an uncontested position as a staple in our makeup bag. Just the right amount of sparkle for show stopping illumination, The product comes in three shades to suit all skin tones.
Buy it here in 'Luster' for £36 o find the fuller range of tones here
Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Glow Shot
This liquid highlighter from YSL is the glamorous, glittering cousin of the original 'Touche Eclat' formula. Coming in three shades to cater to all skin tones, application forms a dramatic, buildable highlight and can be mixed with foundation for an all-over dewy effect.
Buy it here for £23
Mac Strobe Cream
The beauty of MAC's strobe cream moisturiser, bursting with vitamins and botanicals, is that it achieves the same iridescent glow on all skin tones. Use under foundation or spotlight on high-points of the face. Buy it here for £25
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