Time To Glow
Beauty products to flatter your complexion and put your best face forward.
Radiance, not a lack of wrinkles, is the key to looking younger. That doesn’t mean plastering your face with mother-of-pearl make-up that looks odd in natural light. Rather, it’s about using moisturisers, cleansers and masks that act as launch pads for a brighter visage, followed by glow-from-within enhancers.
1 Clarisonic Smart Profile Uplift ($499, not shown)
Sonic cleansers have revolutionised make-up removal by dislodging far more dirt and grime from pores than you ever could by hand. This new model from Clarisonic, a pioneer in the category, features the cleansing brush heads of its Smart Profile model plus a Firming Massage Head. The vibrating head uses 27,000 micro-firming motions to treat the 15 major signs of ageing on the face, neck and décolletage. It boosts circulation, radiance and firmness, as well as reducing the appearance of fine lines. The results are cumulative for up to 12 weeks, though you may see a difference within a day or two. Using the Uplift cleanser three minutes per day should do the trick.
2 Estée Lauder Genuine Glow Eyelighting Creme for Eyes and Face ($35)
Highlighters should be approached with caution to avoid that frosty, vintage look. Inspired by Korean moisture balms and colour washes, this multi-tasker is from the popular Genuine Glow Collection. Use on eyes for a more wide-awake appearance, or on your face to disguise shadows and enhance cheeks and lips. It comes in three shades: Gleam Glow, Bare Blush and Sweetest Thing. 3 Clinique Fresh Pressed 7-Day System with Vitamin C ($45) Vitamin C is a powerful ingredient for clarifying the complexion and enhancing radiance. The first step of this week-long treatment involves prepping with a powder cleanser to refine and smooth. Next, add two drops of the Daily Booster to your moisturiser in the morning and evening. The vitamin C powder is inside the twin-chambered vial and activated just before use for maximum potency.
4 Bourjois City Radiance Skin Protecting Foundation ($29)
Pollution and damaging UV rays rob the skin of vitality. This barely-there foundation contains an anti-pollution screen and SPF25 for all-day protection from the elements. Radiance-boosting particles deliver added glow and a fresh, moisturising finish that lasts for hours. Available in six shades.
5 Natio Face & Eye Palette in Illuminate ($20)
Part of a collection dubbed the ‘radiant edit’, this portable palette perks up the complexion with two shades of the brand’s blusher and a highlighter. Six earth-hued eyeshadows create a finished but naturally healthy impression. Also available in Glow. Value for money.
6 Trilogy Mineral Radiance Mask ($32)
Based on kaolin clay, this all-natural mask revitalises the complexion with a potent blend of botanicals. Evening primrose and certified organic oils are teamed with pohutakawa extract to hydrate, nourish and add radiance. If you have dry skin, use once or twice a month; oilier skin types can use weekly.