It’s no surprise that healthy-looking skin radiates with an enviable glow, so why not get your skin back on track as it becomes even more exposed to the cooler weather?
This month, BD road-tested a number of products that aim to deliver luminosity to dull, lackluster skin.
Editor's pick: DB Cosmetics Rise & Prime Illuminating Primer - Aja
What it is: A primer that preps the skin and provides a smooth, glowing base for the dewy application of foundation.
My experience: Coming into the cooler weather, I’m all about that extra glow (I mean, let’s be real, I’m all about upping the glow-factor all year round), and this primer ticks all my boxes. The illuminating formula contains green tea, vitamin A, C and E, as well as peach and rose light diffusing pigments. The primer not only helps your makeup stay on all day, but it acts like skincare, hydrating and plumping skin.
Editor's pick: Swisse Argan Youthful Facial Oil - Aja
What it is: A certified organic argan oil serum.
My experience: This argan facial oil from Swisse has been scientifically proven to be rich in antioxidant compounds, providing your skin with all the goodness from vitamin E, ferulic acid, as well as omegas 6 and 9. My skin just drinks this stuff up and I’m left with hydrated and glowy skin come morning. Also, I’m loving the redesign of the Swisse skincare range, it looks uber-chic on my bathroom counter.
Nutrimetics Super C & Retinol Serum - Issy
What it is: A serum formulated with vitamin C and retinol to enhance skin renewal.
My experience: This serum reminded me of my childhood because it literally smelt like a lollipop, which made it even more of a reason to apply! Don’t be tricked by the consistency of the serum as when applied it feels a little sticky, but when blended with the temp of your skin it absorbs easily, leaving my skin feeling super soft, hydrated and with a matte finish. The formula is on the thicker side which is perfect to apply in the evening before bed, because overnight it recharged the appearance of my skin. I loved knowing it’s a retinol serum as well, which is great for stimulating skin renewal and smoothing fine lines, assisting with delaying the ageing process of my skin.
Blessed by Nature Multi Effect Tinted Moisturiser - Issy
What it is: A natural tinted moisturiser that hydrates the skin and offers sheer, natural looking coverage.
My experience: Since being in isolation I have been avoiding wearing any form of makeup products, but with the recent warm weather in Sydney, I have been applying this in the morning as I have been getting out at lunch for a run. Formulated with sunscreen, this has been a great protectant whilst being exposed to the sun. The coverage is light so it looks very natural which I like, however if you did want greater coverage you can always build the layers. Being a tinted moisturiser it’s hydrating but also covers at the same time which is a win-win situation. Being a natural brand and formulated with aloe vera, kakadu plum and jojoba, I feel confident applying this as I know it’s healthy for my skin, and it’s evident through my skin displaying a natural healthy glow. This would be a great addition to anyone's skincare regime throughout the warmer months.
Arbonne Starlight Glow Palette - Sam
What it is: A multi-use palette of four powders in shades inspired by the night sky.
My experience: This multi-use bronzer, blush and highlighter set comes with four colour pans within a magnetic lock flip palette. I love that the palette includes a built in mirror for on the go application. The product colours include ‘Stardust’ a sparkly light bronze, ‘Moonstone’ a powdery peach, ‘Twilight’ a deep metallic bronze and ‘Meteor’ a matte tan. The colour range means that I can use this palette all year round, selecting the appropriate shade for the season and my sun kissed or sun deprived skin tone.
Aussie Bombshell Gradual Tan - Sam
What it is: A tanning product that provides a simple and effective way to build up a tan on-the-go.
My experience: Created by a true Aussie Bombshell and one of the coolest chicks in the bus this beautiful gradual tan has been a staple in my bathroom cupboard for a number of years now. I am yet to find a gradual tan as thoughtfully crafted as this one. Between it’s unoffensive odour, colourless application and longevity of wear, you won’t find one better. I use this product year round to enhance my sunkissed skin in summer and to wade off the ‘you look ill’ queries in winter. The cream is quick and easily absorbed and never stains my sheets if I pop it on before bed. The product builds easily to create a deeper tan if needed however I find one coat works great for a natural glow that lasts.
essence crystal power blush & highlighter palette - Tamara
What it is: A palette that contains four blush and highlighter shades in gemstone inspired shades and effects.
My experience: The essence crystal power blush & highlighter palette is a sweet square palette with a lid that closes magnetically. The lid of the palette that lifts up when you open it has a mirror on the underside for easy use, and the products are vegan. The blush comes in a darker and lighter shade and the highlighter comes in a golden and white shimmer – the shades are perfect to add a shimmer or a glow to your makeup routine.
La Mer The Renewal Body Oil Balm - Tamara
What it is: A concentrated balm that is activated by the warmth of the skin, transforming into a lightweight, silken oil on contact.
My experience: This La Mer Body Oil Balm is the epitome of self indulgence, when I am not feeling myself on any given day I treat myself to this gorgeous product and it really does make me feel a whole lot better. It is influenced by the natural scents of the Miracle Broth oils combined with a stunning comforting scent involving orange flower, woody, soft floral and tea notes. When I squeeze it out of the tube the balm instantly melts upon contact with my skin, leaving virtually no mess and delivers this radiant glow. It has improved my skin texture over the past few weeks and this is definitely a product that I don’t want to run out of!
Weleda Skin Food - Deborah
What it is: A nourishing and hydrating body cream that restores and protects the skin.
My experience: With the weather cooling down, leaving my skin needing that extra hydration, it was the perfect time for this body cream to become part of my skincare. The product has a rich creamy texture, and while it felt extra luxe on my skin, it absorbed well and hydrated my skin instantly without leaving it greasy or sticky. This body cream is great for after exfoliating in the shower, and it makes my skin feel super soft and nourished with a healthy glow. It has a fresh calming scent, and the use of all natural ingredients makes it gentle enough for daily use.
Natio Desert Sands Semi-Matte Bronzer - Deborah
What it is: A super fine powder bronzer with a semi-matte finish to add glowing warmth to the face.
My experience: The pigment of this bronzer is easily buildable with a fluffy brush, and the powder is very fine and blendable without looking muddy on my face. The colour is a nice natural warm brown, and blends well when applied on top of tinted moisturiser, which eliminates the risk of looking too orange. This bronzer is great for warming up my complexion naturally as my skin gets that shade lighter in the cooler months. It makes my skin look luminous and glowy, without being too shimmery.
Saya Skincare Glow Serum - Deborah
What it is: A powerful, vitamin-C rich, antioxidant serum that brightens the complexion and deeply hydrates the skin.
My experience: This serum felt really premium, and really hydrated my skin to create the perfect canvas for layering moisturiser on top. The dropper was great for product control, and the consistency of the product wasn’t too runny, with a slight fruity fragrance. The product felt smooth on my skin and absorbed well. This serum definitely left my skin feeling smoother and tighter, with a healthy natural glow.
The Body Shop French Lavender Massage Oil - Caitlin
What it is: A massage oil that works to soothe and relax both the body and mind.
My experience: I was very excited to receive this product to trial. The relaxing massage oil comes in their iconic packaging with the top having a small hole so I can control how much oil comes out. The product smells heavenly with the lavender scent and it glides onto my skin very easily. I was amazed at how well it absorbs after a few rubs and very much hydrated my skin, giving it this beautiful glow. What was great is I didn’t feel greasy after using this and I have also started using it at night, putting a little bit on my wrists and neck to help me get a better sleep!
Bio-Oil - Caitlin
What it is: A specialist skincare oil designed to help improve the appearance of scars and stretch marks.
My experience: Bio-Oil, an oldie but a goodie that I have used since I was a teenager. Being in isolation I have decided to focus a little bit more on myself and honestly I forgot how great this product is. With its unique formula, which contains a combination of plant extracts and vitamins suspended in an oil base, I am able to find many different uses for it. Firstly on some scars on my body that I have not bothered to treat, after a few weeks of trialling I have noticed an improvement on the appearance. I also use the oil on my stretch marks around my hips, and since the last two weeks where it has gotten a lot more colder, I have been practically living next to the heater which was drying out my skin, until I started putting a few drops on my hands and pressing into my face to give it a bit more of a moisture boost. It has a subtle smell which absorbs so well, leaving a non-greasy feel. A fantastic product that I think everyone should have in their bathroom.
Minenssey Flannel Flower Absolute - Alicia
What it is: A serum with 99 per cent botanical extract containing potent phyto-actives.
My experience: I have been using the Minenssey Flannel Flower Absolute serum in my daily skincare routine and it is a game changer. I have sensitive skin which is also dry (especially coming into the colder months) but I have found that this product is the perfect balance when used twice a day before applying moisuriser. This product has left my skin looking smoother and more hydrated. It is also absorbed into the skin almost immediately after applying which is fantastic for people who are time poor in the mornings and night.
INIKA Organic Baked Mineral Blush Duo - Alicia
What it is: A mineral blush duo with a silky formula that has been baked on a terracotta tile in Tuscany, Italy, without chemical pressing agents, resulting in the colour payoff of loose minerals with the mess-free performance of a compact powder.
My experience: I had the pleasure of testing the INIKA Organic Baked Mineral Blush Duo in Pink Tickle. The product comes with two rose and peach colour variants baked in the same mould that can be used separately or mixed together. I found a little of both shades created a glowy light peach colour. The product is extremely pigmented so a little goes a long way. I also love that the product is free from chemicals, fillers and pressing agents.
Kosmea Miracle Duo Mask - Tiarne
What it is: A face mask set that contains six mask sachets that are packed with natural ingredients specifically formulated to supercharge skin cells and give the effect of a do-it-yourself facial.
My experience: This convenient little pack of face masks arrived at just the right time! My skin has been looking and feeling quite lacklustre lately in self-isolation, so to say it needed a bit of TLC is an understatement. I’ve been using the Energising Radiance Mask as an overnight treatment to give my skin a moisture boost, and in the morning it looks recharged, revitalised, bright and fresh – like my skin has a bit more life in it! I have also used the Reveal Your Glow Mask a couple of times in the morning, which is a cleansing facial mask that has left my skin softer, more radiant and much healthier looking. I have quite sensitive skin (especially coming into winter), but I haven’t had any adverse reactions to these masks.
JERGENS Natural Glow + Firming Wet Skin Moisturiser - Tiarne
What it is: A lightweight multi-tasking moisturiser that takes advantage of the skin’s peak moisture moment, when it’s damp and most receptive to hydration.
My experience: My skin has paled considerably since going into self-isolation, so this product was quite literally a god-send. I am a novice when it comes to self-tanning, as I usually tan quite naturally and struggle applying tans without becoming streaky or darker in certain areas. This one however is perfect for me because it’s so easy to use – I just apply it in the shower while wet, and then pat myself dry as per usual after getting out of the shower. It glides on instantly, and has gradually built up a perfect looking natural colour over the last few weeks. As a bonus, it also smells divine. Nothing like the usual fake tan smell I’ve become accustomed to! Thank you Jergens, I’ve always loved your products and this one is no different.
DMK Direct Delivery Vitamin C - Eleni
What it is: A serum that stimulates the cellular renewal process, reducing the amount of damaged cells and aiding the revision of ageing, scarring, skin tone and texture.
My experience: I used three pumps of this serum after cleansing in the PM on my dry face. I found it to have positive benefits and helped in the reduction of textured skin and pigmentation/scarring from years of terrible acne. It helped to refine my pores as well as bring some much needed brightness to my skin. I noticed my skin felt rejuvenated and fresh after incorporating it into my skincare routine for two weeks. I feel like this Vitamin C Serum is the most potent I have used. I will continue to use this product as I found it simple to incorporate into my nighttime routine and think the benefits are well worth it.
Medik8 Glow Oil - Eleni
What it is: A silky, dry-touch facial oil infused with high-performance vitamin C.
My experience: I used a facial massager to work it into my skin more, but I really, really love this oil because it is so light and so silky. It is not heavy or greasy at all and further, it doesn’t sit on top of my skin. I have combination skin, with quite an oily t-zone, so when using oils at night I can wake up extra greasy, however with the inclusion of geranium this oil helped to balance my natural skin oils. My skin felt super hydrated and supple after the first use, but with consistent use I have started to notice an all round smoother complexion. The Glow Oil just works so well and is my new holy grail essential! I also love that it has no artificial fragrance, no synthetic colours and is paraben, palm oil and alcohol free! The Glow Oil combines vitamin C, a blend of 23 essential oils as well as omegas 3&6 so it is a good allrounder, which helps to reinforce the skin's natural barrier for optimal hydration, as well as providing protection from free radicals. I will definitely be looking into purchasing some other products from this brand, as I am so impressed with this product.
Mellow Cosmetics Stardust Glow Palette - Rhianna
What it is: A face palette including one blush, one bronzer and two incandescent highlighter.
My experience: If you are a glow-getter like myself and are forever chasing that summery glow, then this Mellow Cosmetics Stardust Palette is for you! This palette consists of a blush, bronzer and two highly pigmented highlighters that are sure to take your glow to the next level. The highly pigmented and silky smooth formula makes these products easy to work with and very easy to blend into the skin – and a little definitely goes a long way! I love that this palette warms up my face and gives me a radiant, youthful glow! As my skin feels a little more dull due to isolation and being indoors a lot more than usual, I find applying some highlighter to the tops of my cheeks and in the inner corners of my eyes makes me instantly look awake, fresh and radiant. This product will also be great for travelling, as it has four essential products all in one slim, lightweight palette.
