5 Ways to Get the Glow

Birchbox

by Natalie Higdon, Birchbox

We tapped two of our favorite pros, Nam Vo and Neil Scibelli, to find out how to get a red carpet glow.
We tapped two of our favorite pros, Nam Vo and Neil Scibelli, to find out how to get a red carpet glow.



Celebrities would have us think that their luminous complexions and supple gams are the result of a strict vegan diet and daily meditation sessions. But we know the truth: it's products. Makeup artists have all sorts of tricks for making stars look radiant, even when they've been filming 24/7 (or partying). We tapped two of our favorite pros, Nam Vo and Neil Scibelli, to find out how to get the glow.

BRONZER
A great bronzer is your ticket to healthy, fresh skin. Not sure which shade is right for you? Makeup artist Nam Vo says, "Look for a bronzer that's about two shades darker than your powder." Liquid and cream formulas add dewiness to dry complexions, while powder bronzers like Ada Cosmetics Bronzer are great for setting makeup and for oily skin types.

Expert application tip: For a natural look, apply bronzer where the sun naturally hits your face. Check out Nam's video tutorial to see how it's done.

Related: Stila One-Step Bronze

HIGHLIGHTER
A highlighter doesn't add color or alter your skin tone, but it does make your complexion beam. We love mixing a little liquid highlighter like Manna Kadar Cosmetics Sheer Glow in with our foundation for a dewy look that lasts all day.

Expert application tip: For added dimension, makeup artist Neil Scibelli applies highlighter on the brow bone and above the cheekbones. "This technique can be applied day or night, and is great for freshening up your makeup and achieving more of a glow."

Related: VIDEO: How to Apply Highlighter

SELF-TANNER
Lightly tanned skin gives the illusion that you've been frolicking in the sun, even if you've been logging epic hours at the office. Fake it with a great self-tanner. Vo says, "I love the Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta® Glow Pads; they help gradually darken and change the skin tone, plus they have multiple skincare benefits."

Expert application tip: Exfoliation is the key to an even color pay-off. "You want your skin to be as flake-free and smooth as possible," Vo says.

Related:How To: Use Self Tanning Towelettes

TINTED MOISTURIZER
A tinted moisturizer with SPF is the summer makeup equivalent of a great maxi dress-all you have to do is put it on and you're ready to go. Try a formula with a hint of shimmer like stila's Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer Oil-Free SPF 20.

Expert application tip: To transition your tinted moisturizer from day to night, Scibelli suggests "playing up cheeks with a little more color and applying a highlighter above the cheekbones."

BODY SHIMMER
Radiant skin doesn't have to stop at your chin. Replace your winter body lotion with a lightweight oil like Nuxe's Multi-Usage Dry Oil Shimmer, which adds a subtle glow.

Expert application tip: Be sure to highlight your arms, legs and décolletage. Scibelli swears this red carpet technique looks "fab in photos".

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Healthy Summer Tips

Non-Stinky Ways to Wear SPF

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