Best Products to Achieve THAT Summer Glow

Best products to achieve THAT summer glow

I assume most people want the bronzed tan look that has been en vogue since Coco Chanel first came home from her vacay in 1923. Unfortunately, ever since I started actually wearing sunscreen, I came across a slight problem. My face was no longer getting color— or nearly as much as I wanted (yes, I know it’ll be worth it when I’m not already wrinkling at 25, but ya girl just wants to look less like the moon emoji and more like a Krispy Kreme donut. Let me live). So, we must adjust and adapt. Here are the products that I have found that help me look like I’m from Melbourne, not London. (No shade to my fellow pasties— pun intended. We need less shade!!) 

Soleil Tan De Chanel: What better product to start off with— either on paper or on the face. This buttery, beautiful bronzing base can be used under or over foundation, or on bare skin for those looking for a more natural look. Looks amazing on the eyes— use a quick swipe with your fingers on the crease to make it look like you’ve actually put on eyeshadow. It's amazing. An additional hack that I found from a Glossier Get Ready With Me video: subtly apply it on the bridge of your nose for an illusion of a sunglass tan— but more chic, of course. Looks like you just walked in from a day on the beach, but without the UV rays. Find it here. 

Rituel De Fille Inner Glow Crème Pigment in Delirium: As mentioned in my last post— click here— this is a fantastic creme multi-product with a subtle-but definitely there glow. The apricot reflects gold in the light— amazing on the cheeks and eyes. Find it here. 

Glossier Play Night Shine in Pale Pearl: Will there ever be a makeup post that I don’t mention Glossier?? Probably not. A beautiful champagne colored liquid highlighter. You literally can't go wrong, especially on the inner corner of the eye. I really dig the doe-foot applicator that is different than most other liquid highlighters. NOTE: it does dry down a bit matte, which is great for the summer heat, but you have to apply and blend FAST. Find it here. 

I’m about to break your heart— I believe the next product may be discontinued. Sephora Collection’s Radiant Luminizing Drops in Morning Light. One of the best liquid highlighters I’ve tried, and for sure one of my favorites. I first bought it in 8th grade, and never looked back. A beautiful, golden gleam that isn't too glittery or shimmery. I can’t seem to find it on Sephora’s website (hence why I think it’s discontinued) but it still may be in stores. A great glow for a great price. NOTE: Why didn’t I just take another picture of the products without it?? A. I’m lazy and I didn’t want to— who’s blog is this again?? And B. If it’s still in stores then I wanted to get you guys hip to it— because I’m a SAINT. You’re welcome. 

Mary Kay Illuminating Drops in Sun-Kissed Gleam: A bronzy, somewhat sheer liquid highlight. Looks better blended out on the face rather than applied in a particular part (i.e. the cheekbones) and adds a lovely tanned glow. These are limited edition and only sold by Mary Kay consultants (my mama and sister are both ones, so I got the hookup lol). So… I guess hit me up to hit up my family?? Like I said, limited edition so you better move fast. 

Glossier Lidstar in Moon: You THOUGHT we were done with Glossier for this post! No ma’am! This is a really interesting product. A liquid eyeshadow, it’s a sheer gold with a really cool blue-opalescent-y undertone. Really rad, looks great on the brow bone as well. The ultimate combo— this and the Sephora liquid highlighter mixed together and applied on the cheekbone. *chef kiss* NOTE: This is sheer— really sheer. Do not come in here expecting Urban-Decay level pigmentation, because you’re going to simply be disappointed by default. It’s a really great product IF you acknowledge that it’s sheer/subtle from the get-go. Find it here. 

Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat All-Over Brightening Pen. The og. The new love of my life. Apply it on the bridge of the nose for highlighting, under the eyes for brightening, on the lid to cover any veins or discoloration without the appearance of makeup. And, as of recently (as I discovered) carving out the brows....without ANY other face makeup. It’s that good. I could write a whole essay on this concealer-brightening-magic that Yves has created, but I won’t bore you. Just get it if you got the bread to blow. Find it here.

Obviously designer makeup is not necessary— dupes galore that can achieve the same, if not better tanned glow. But these are the ones that I find work the best for me… and there’s nothing like pulling a designer makeup item out of your bag. Subtle glow, subtle flex. 

Summer is the best time for a bronzed look— so go for it! Make Coco Chanel proud— I know you can.