How to Create a Dewy, Glowy Look Without Looking Like a 12 Year-Old

Get Glowing

I love the look of fresh, healthy and glowing skin.  That’s why I drink a ton of water, eat my weight in kale and slather on sunscreen even if I never leave the house.  But it’s also why I’m beyond obsessed with skin highlighters and illuminators that help create a dewy, glowy look.  Don’t believe me?  Just take a peek at my Sephora receipt.  I went a wee bit crazy during the big spring sale and scooped up a whopping NINE products in a search for the perfect glow maker.

My requirements?
1) Smooth consistency
2) ‘Wet’ finish
3) Easy application
4) Minimal pigment

I find those formulas tend to not accentuate fine lines and pores. And absolutely no glitter.  After all, I have no interest in looking like a 12-year-old.  I added two more products that weren’t available at Sephora.  I’ve reviewed a total of 11 amazing highlighters with great tips on how to create a dewy, glowy look you will love!

swatches on arm create a dewy glowy look, how to create a dewy, glowy look

How & Where Do I Apply It?

Liquid & Cream Formulas

Liquid and cream formulas can be worn alone or mixed with your moisturizer, sunscreen or even foundation.  This works especially well with a pigmented highlighter.  The result is really natural and gives a more all-over glow.  If that’s not your thing, you can just apply it on top of your makeup, after blush (great blush choices here), as a highlighter.  Just apply a teeny bit at a time to the tops of your cheekbones, brow bone, cupid’s bow and chin for a dewy, glowy look.

Balms & Sticks

Balms and stick formulations work best when applied directly on top of your skin (not mixed) whether you’re bare-faced or wearing makeup.  Again, aim for the high points – the spots on your face where the light would naturally hit.  Think the tops of your cheekbones, your brow bones, the center of your top lip and down the bridge of the nose. And, if you want to add a touch to the very tip of your nose, too, go for it!

Please let me know which highlighters you love – and don’t love – in the comments below. Besides, since I’m always ready to stretch the limits of my Amex card, I’ll happily road test your favorites! If you haven’t already, make sure you subscribe to the newsletter to get more beauty inspiration here.

Team Busbee

Maybe you have a friend who would enjoy this post too!?

 Just use any of the buttons below to share it! And if you aren’t already a newsletter subscriber, make sure you sign up here for our invaluable style and beauty resources!

 Thanks for reading!

  1. […] driver who noticed the near-daily Sephora deliveries. And August…well, let’s just say that ‘dewy skin tint’ is now a verb in the Harris household.  (Stay tuned for an upcoming post all about the skin […]

  2. Addison says:

    Love this post – exactly what I’ve been looking for.

    Which is your absolute favorite?

    • Francine Harris says:

      Hi Addison – So glad you liked the post! In terms of favorites, I have the say that the Saie product is pretty perfect. Because it’s a gel, it vanishes into the skin so it’s great on top of makeup. I also really love the Kevyn Aucoin product but only wear it alone or mixed with sunscreen since it’s so creamy. (Tip: if your sunscreen gives you a white cast, mix it with a bronzer or any illuminating product!) Let me know what you end up trying!

      xoxo-Francine

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Receive Our FREE Wardrobe Basics Checklists, Capsule Wardrobes & More!

Sign up and instantly receive our FREE Wardrobe Basics Checklists, Closet Editing & Organizing Checklists, Zoom Call Tips, Capsule Wardrobe Shopping Suggestions and a Lookbook of outfit ideas!