SL Makeover: How To Achieve A Flawless Summer Glow
First, It’s All About The Prep
“Maryam’s skin is what we’d describe as combination, but she needed hydration in most areas, so I began the look by applying Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Serum and Magic Cream – it was ideal for what her skin needed. Skin prep like this is essential – especially if you’re creating a glow-y look. You need to really massage in a formula like Magic Cream to ensure your complexion feels hydrated and smooth – this is important as dry skin will never look glow-y or radiant, just flat and lacklustre. A bit of prep also helps everything else to adhere better, too.”
You Need A Good Complexion Booster
“Light layers are key when it comes to creating a glow, as well as even coverage, and that’s exactly what we did here with Maryam. After applying the Magic Cream, I started to sweep on Hollywood Flawless Filter, taking a gentle, light-handed approach. It’s a hero product for creating glow – no matter your skin type or tone – and I often refer to it as a true complexion booster. You can use it in so many ways – for instance, underneath make-up, mixed in and on top of it, too. There are so many shades available, but it’s not glittery or sparkly, so you get a believable, lit-from-within glow, like we did here for this look. We applied a layer underneath Maryam’s foundation, and a small amount on top of it, too, on areas like the cheekbones.”
Not All Areas Need Glow
“It’s important when creating a look like this one that you keep in mind where you’re going and what you’re doing. For instance, I like to focus the glow on the outer perimeters of the face to catch the light beautifully. If you have oily skin, focus on the right areas such as the cheekbones, but avoid the T-zone and around your nose, too – this can just heighten the appearance of shine. If your skin is dry or combination, like Maryam, you can be a bit more loose and free-flowing with the application, just keep it balanced and don’t go overboard – you want to simply enhance the natural version of yourself, and that’s the key thing to remember.”
Coverage Should Be Built Lightly
“Once we’d applied the base work for Maryam, I went onto foundation. Maryam has a little bit of vitiligo, and we focused on evening out tone here, and gently building up light coverage. When you get to this base step, I recommend starting with just one or two pumps and focus on the centre of the face, working your way outwards. You can always add more coverage where it’s needed. For this look – and most of my clients – I applied less coverage on the forehead, as you don’t often need too much. On top of this, it’s an area of skin that’s darker than the rest of your face, so it can often be left alone.”
Eyes Need As Much Focus As Your Skin
“It’s not just your complexion where you can create good glow – the eyes are easy to play up, too. For Maryam’s look, I applied Luxury Palette of Pops in Queen Of The Glow with my finger, right into the centre of the eyelids. This is an easy application hack that really opens up the eyes as the shimmer veil gives a soft sparkle that catches the light well. If you’re looking to replicate the look yourself, it’s never been easier, as the palettes have a step-by-step guide on the back. Use shade one to prep, shade two to enhance, three to smoke and four to add a pop of radiance. There are different tones available, but I loved Queen Of The Glow for Maryam as it allows you to create the perfect summer look – you can smoke it up for the evening, or dial it down for daytime.”
Eyeliner Doesn’t Have To Be A Pencil Or Gel
“When you create a glow-y complexion, try using a dark eyeshadow and an eyeliner brush, instead of actual liner. Not only is this softer, it’s brilliant for those who struggle with application, too. I did similar for Maryam’s look because we wanted to maintain that lightweight, ethereal finish. I also used Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray to mist the brush, then pick up the eyeshadows for longevity. My final tip for you if you decide to replicate this look is to keep your eyes open as your draw on your flick. I always follow the bottom lash line and aim outwards.”
Glow Needs To Be Set With Powder
“Contrary to popular belief, glowing skin still needs a powder – it’s just about where you apply it. The Airbrush Flawless Powder is my go-to product and it’s what I used on Maryam’s skin. It helps your make-up and luminosity to go the distance, while not removing any dewy sheen. Focus on using it on your T-zone and around the nose only – these are the key areas that often look oily rather than luminous.”
Sofia’s Top 7 Products For Replicating Maryam’s Look…
Magic Cream, £75
“The best skin prep cream there is. It helps other products adhere better and boosts their longevity. The glow it lends is unbeatable, too.”
Available here
Hollywood Flawless Filter, £34
“If you want to create glow, this is an essential buy. It’s so versatile – whether you want to create a natural hint of luminosity, or a megawatt finish, it has you covered.”
Available here
Queen of Glow Eyeshadow Palette, £40
“Suits-all and incredibly flattering, this palette looks beautiful for summer and year-round, too. The formulas glide on so easily and are buildable for every type of finish.”
Available here
Nude Romance Lipstick, £19
“My all-time favourite lipstick – this looks beautiful on everyone and works well with just a little bit of lip liner.”
Available here
Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray, £15
“When it comes to sealing your make-up in place, nothing works better than this. I always tell my clients they need this in their life. Use it to amp up and enhance eyeshadows and to lock everything in place, without disrupting your glow. Extra points for the beautiful scent of ‘White Tea of Bali.’
Available here
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