How to get glowing skin in one day

Beauty is a marathon, not a sprint. In order to get the best results, you should be committed to a balanced diet, quality skin care routine and know all the make-up tricks to enhance your natural beauty.

But we’re only human and sometimes we need a quick fix, and NOW.

So if you’ve got a special occasion coming up, or just want your skin to wake up, here’s how to get it glowing in just one day.

THE NIGHT BEFORE:

> Exfoliate

Use a gentle exfoliant to remove dead skin cells, without causing any redness. This will help to smooth out any rough texture, but also stimulate blood flow to bring colour and glow to the skin’s surface. Use a light, circular motion to softly scrub your skin. “The key is to caress the skin, not treat it abrasively,” says skin care expert Sean Patrick Harrington.

We like Swisse Bamboo Face Exfoliant because of the micro bamboo particles used to create its gritty texture.

>> Apply a brightening face mask

We like Skin Republic Brightening Vitamin C Face Mask Sheet because you can simply rub the residue into your neck and décolletage afterwards. But it’s really beneficial to find a mask that suits your skin type.

>>> Followed by a night cream

Face masks should still be followed by moisturiser, particularly if you’re about to go to sleep. “At night when your skin is at rest, the skin’s permeability is at its highest, therefore allowing the action ingredients of a moisturiser to absorb deeper within the skin,” says celebrity esthetician Renée Rouleau.

We like RosehipPLUS™ Nourishing Night Cream and anumi Hydra-C Cream Night, as both have pump packaging which makes it super easy to dispense a controlled amount.

>>>> Sleep on silk

You probably never thought about your pillowcase in relation to your skin before, but sleeping on silk can help retain your skin’s moisture levels. Plus it won’t mess up your hair if you’ve had a blow-wave! Try Lilysilk Terse Silk Pillowcase.

IN THE MORNING:

> Gently cleanse

If you like to cleanse in the morning as well as at night, that’s perfectly fine. “There’s nothing wrong with cleansing the face every morning,” says dermatologist Ranella Hirsch. “As long as you’re not overstripping the skin with harsh, drying cleansers.”

Cream cleansers are generally more gentle and nourishing on the skin, so give something like Sukin Cream Cleanser or Goodness Every Day Cream Cleanser a go.

>> Drink a skin-boosting smoothie

Start your day with a smoothie full of glow-boosting ingredients. Naturopath Claire Murray says green vegetables contain antioxidants “which the skin utilises to prevent damage and premature ageing.” But don’t forget about some healthy fats as well, like avocado. “Healthy fats literally feed the skin moisture from the inside out, helping to balance oil production and prevent premature ageing,” continues Claire.

A good trick is to pre-chop and freeze the right portion size in a zip lock bag, so all you have to do is empty it into a blender in the morning. For more inspiration, check out these green smoothie recipes.

THROUGHOUT THE DAY:

> Spritz

Keep your skin refreshed and hydrated throughout the day by spritzing a facial mist every few hours. Facial mists can also target certain skin issues, so make the most of every spray by picking the right one for you.

AN HOUR BEFORE:

> Start with a strobe cream

Before applying your make-up, apply either an illuminating primer or strobe cream. They contain light-reflecting particles, to give your base an extra boost of radiance. Try M.A.C Strobe Cream, ulta3 Ready to Glow Illuminating Primer or Estée Lauder Illuminating Perfecting Primer.

>> Apply a dewy foundation

For a foundation that leaves the skin hydrated and glowing, bh members highly recommend NARS Sheer Glow Foundation ($67, mecca.com.au) and Dior Diorskin Nude Skin-Glowing Makeup SPF 15 ($50, sephora.com.au).

Make-up artist and Real Techniques co-founder Sam Chapman says, “You don’t have to powder your entire face, I like to use the Real Techniques Shading Brush to set only certain areas.” This way you can maintain a dewy finish, but still have longevity in the spots of your face that produce more oil.

>>> Bronze where the sun hits

To really make your skin glow, use a bronzer with a shimmer finish and apply it in the areas where the sun would naturally hit. Start by sweeping it across your cheekbones and temples, then use what’s left on your brush to run down your nose and chin.

We like Natio Mineral Pressed Powder Bronzer because it gives a glowing finish without looking overly shimmery.

>>>> Highlight your features

The final step to glowing skin in just one day, is highlighter. If your concern is longevity, use a powder highlighter like essence Soo glow! to lightly dust the tops of your cheekbones, browbone and inner corner of the eyes. Or if your concern is fine lines and wrinkles, use a liquid or cream illuminator like Rimmel London Good to Glow Highlighter, and gently pat it into the skin, for a subtle shimmer that won’t settle into creases.