How to look radiant

Radiance: it’s possibly one of the most over-used words in the beautysphere and with good reason. After all, who doesn’t want to look like they’ve just stepped off a Mediterranean beach? But looking ‘radiant’ isn’t quite as easy as going on a mini-break or diving face-first into a highlighting palette. The holy grail of beauty – namely a dewy, luminous complexion that glows with health – takes a little more effort. Skincare is the place to start so we’ve asked Dr Murad, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of the self-named beauty brand to share his expertise in creating that lit-from-within look. Plus, makeup artist Dani Guinsberg explains how to use makeup to replicate the excellent lighting we all wish we could bottle.

According to Dr Murad, the three pillars of radiant skin are exfoliation, vitamin C and hydration. This triple skincare cocktail is your free pass to emulating good genes regardless of your age. 

Exfoliation
‘As we age, the process of cell regeneration slows down and as old skin cells start to pile up, it can leave skin looking dull, rough and dry. Proper exfoliation removes this barrier of dead skin cells to reveal fresh new cells underneath simultaneously preparing it for optimal treatment results. Aim to exfoliate at least once a week with multi-acid peels and cleansers to increase cell renewal and keep your complexion looking radiant and smooth.’

Vitamin C
‘Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant which, when applied topically, helps to neutralise toxins and free radicals, protecting skin against environmental damage while keeping it moisturised, radiant and bright. These effects are increased when vitamin C is combined with UVA/UVB protection. It has been shown to promote collagen and elastin (the main building blocks of the dermis) so it’s also an effective anti-ageing ingredient that gives skin strength and resiliency.’

Hydration
‘When your skin is hydrated, it looks healthier, more youthful and glowing. Properly hydrated skin is plump and juicy which can minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,’ says Dr Murad. He advises looking for heavy-hitting hydration ingredients such as hyaluronic acid as well as using a rich night cream to lock in moisture as you sleep.

With the groundwork laid in the form of a radiance-boosting skincare regime, it’s time to apply some creative finesse. Just as the great painters had a firm grasp on the interplay of light and dark, Dani Guinsberg explains that there’s an art to honing a glowy complexion and it’s not as simple as hitting the strobe cream.

Prep
‘Always prep your skin properly before makeup as this is key to achieving an all-round glow. I usually start by cleansing the face with a gentle balm followed by a glow cream as a moisturiser which helps even out the skin and leaves it with a natural sheen.’

Lay the foundations
‘Choosing a foundation that’s illuminating will add natural highlights to the face and help to achieve an overall dewy effect. My favourite is the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation which allows you to build up the level of coverage from a sheer finish to more of a perfected, flawless face.’

Gleam team
‘Highlight the tops of the cheekbones and brow bones to give lift to the face and add a youthful glow. Be sure not to bring the highlighter too close to the centre of the face as this can make skin appear oily.

‘Look for highlighters that are opalescent rather than sparkly so that they look more like natural, healthy skin and team with a cream blusher applied to the apples of your cheeks using your fingers. Creamy, balmy textures help to give the skin a beautiful sheeny flush whereas powdered blushers can look a little more makeup-like.’

Turn up the contrast
‘Makeup is all about playing with texture; to achieve the optimum effect of glowing skin, the eyes and lips should be matte. I love creating contrast so if the skin is glowy and dewy, I’ll set it off with matte eyeshadow or a deep matte lip.’