There is something undeniably beautiful about radiant skin. On deeper skin tones, glow isn’t about shimmer or sparkle. It’s about luminosity. It’s skin that looks healthy, hydrated and lit from within. It catches the light naturally, creating a richness and depth that cannot be replicated by makeup alone.
The good news? Achieving that coveted summer glow isn’t about following a complicated 12-step routine. In fact, according to the experts, less is often more.
Glow Starts With Skin Health
Before investing in the latest bronzer or highlighter, it’s important to remember that glowing skin starts long before makeup enters the equation.
Hydration remains one of the most effective beauty tools available. Drinking enough water, prioritising quality sleep and maintaining a healthy skin barrier all contribute to a complexion that appears naturally luminous.
For those looking to support skin health from within, collagen supplementation can be a useful addition. Ancient and Brave’s True Collagen has become a favourite amongst wellness enthusiasts thanks to its simple formulation and ability to support skin elasticity as part of a balanced lifestyle. When it comes to skincare, the goal should be healthy, balanced skin, not overloaded skin.
A simple, consistent routine is often all that’s needed to create the perfect canvas for glowing skin. Think a gentle foaming cleanser to remove impurities without stripping the skin, followed by a hydrating toner, a lightweight serum and a moisturiser suited to your skin type. Finish with a broad-spectrum SPF every single day.
“The biggest mistake I see is over-prepping the skin,” explains former Bobbi Brown Editorial Pro Makeup Artist, Amalie Russell. “Everyone wants glow, so they layer multiple skincare products, facial oils and illuminating primers before makeup. The reality is that too much skincare can cause makeup to slip and separate throughout the day.”
While makeup can enhance glow, skin health remains the foundation. Healthy glow starts with healthy skin. According to skin health specialist and holistic facialist Jacqueline Yong, one of the biggest misconceptions in beauty is that radiance comes from piling on products. Instead, she believes glow begins with a strong, healthy skin barrier.
Environmental stressors such as pollution, air conditioning, UV exposure and overuse of active ingredients can leave skin looking dull and depleted, regardless of skin tone.
“When the skin barrier is functioning optimally, it is better able to retain moisture and maintain balance,” explains Yong. “The result is skin that looks smoother, healthier and naturally more radiant.”
Her advice is to focus on gentle cleansing, hydration and daily protection rather than constantly chasing the latest skincare trend.
The Makeup Artist’s Formula For Candlelight Skin
According to Russell, achieving glow on deeper skin tones is all about texture.
“Tread carefully with textures when you want to achieve a glow for darker skin. More creams, less powder and more skincare-infused makeup,” she explains.
The first step is creating lightweight hydration. Russell recommends prepping clean skin with the c’Alba First Spray Serum, a fine mist that delivers moisture and radiance without heaviness.
From there, she suggests opting for complexion products that enhance rather than mask the skin.
“SPF works almost like a beam of light,” she says. “A skin tint such as Lisa Eldridge’s Seamless Skin Tint paired with Kosas Revealer Concealer creates a beautiful lit-from-within finish.”
For warmth and dimension, cream formulas remain king.
Among this season’s standout launches is Rhode’s Pocket Bronze. The portable cream bronzer delivers buildable warmth while maintaining a fresh, skin-like finish.
Chantecaille’s Real Bronze offers another sophisticated option, with its creamy gel-powder formula melting seamlessly into the skin for a believable, sun-kissed glow.
For cheeks, Danessa Myricks’ Dewy Cheek & Lip Palette remains a professional favourite, while Fenty Beauty’s new Shake N’ Play.
NARS Insatiable Liquid Blush is another standout for deeper skin tones, offering highly pigmented colour with an impressive 16-hour wear time and a natural second-skin finish.
The Final Touch: Strategic Highlight
The final touch? Strategic highlight.
Dior Beauty’s new Backstage Glassy Glow Stick is set to become a summer essential. The multi-use balm creates an iridescent, dewy sheen that catches the light beautifully without looking glittery. Pair it with Dior’s limited-edition Lip Glow Butter shades for a modern monochromatic finish across cheeks and lips.
For those who love a more intense glow, Fenty Beauty’s cult Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter continues to earn its place in makeup bags worldwide. The cream-powder hybrid formula delivers everything from a subtle daytime radiance to full red-carpet luminosity.
Russell’s final piece of advice is simple.
“Powder only where you need it. Focus on the T-zone and let the rest of the skin glow naturally. Bobbi Brown’s Sheer Finish Pressed Powder is perfect because it controls shine without taking away the radiance.”
The Professional Glow-Up
For those looking beyond skincare and makeup, injectable skin boosters are increasingly becoming the secret weapon behind some of the industry’s most enviable complexions.
Celebrity aesthetic doctor Dr Vincent Wong, founder of Omniere Clinic in London, recommends treatments that focus on skin quality rather than altering facial features.
“Healthy skin reflects light better,” he explains. “When we improve hydration and skin quality, we naturally improve radiance.”
One of his most recommended treatments is Profhilo, an injectable hyaluronic acid treatment designed to improve hydration, elasticity and overall skin quality. Unlike traditional fillers, Profhilo spreads beneath the skin to stimulate collagen production, creating a fresher, more luminous appearance over time.
Another treatment gaining popularity is Definisse Revitalise, which combines hydration with collagen stimulation to improve texture, firmness and overall skin vitality.
“The aim isn’t to change how someone looks,” says Dr Wong. “It’s to create healthier skin that reflects light beautifully.”
Don’t Forget The Body
Summer glow shouldn’t stop at the face.
Palmer’s Brazilian Coco Firming Body Oil has become a standout body care hero thanks to its ability to deeply hydrate while leaving skin looking glossy, smooth and healthy. Layered over moisturiser or used alone, it creates the kind of all-over luminosity that makes skin look instantly more expensive.
