One of the greatest (and most comical) beauty compliments I have ever received was from a friend who is not too fluent in the English language. “Your skin always looks so… so… succulent!”

Thanks to many great features, largely influenced by sultry summer days and the Burlesque craze, we are all armed with bronzers and highlighters and kabuki brushes and even the novices under us can recreate a healthy looking glow. But, alas, the pretty powders must come off at night, so this guide focuses on how to actually have glowing skin without your make-up kit.

Clean slate

Make sure to properly cleanse you skin daily. A pre-cleanser (like Environ’s Aquatrol) is a great idea if you wear more make-up, followed by your cleanser of choice.  I tend to go for the creamier varieties lately, in order not to disrupt skin pH. If you use toner, make sure it is alcohol free and also pH balanced.

Scrub-a-dub-dub

Exfoliation is probably the most important step for skin radiance. I do not use any form of granules for fear of damaging my more delicate skin – only AHA’s and enzymes make the cut. Personal favourites are Nimue Exfoliating Enzyme, REN Glycolactic Skin Renewal Peeling Mask, and Elizabeth Arden’s Peel & Reveal. Used once or twice a week, these products get rid of dead skin buildup, and leave you with smooth, even skin.

Serum

Serums are intensive treatment products, and you need to find one that addresses your skin concerns – be it hydration, anti-ageing,  pigmentation or oil control.  Serums are thinner in texture, and are meant to penetrate a little deeper. I like Kanebo Sensai Cellular Performance Hydrachange Essence – light in texture and immediately hydrating!

Crème de la crème

Your day and night creams will complete the regime. I do not mind a bit of a shine after I have applied my creams – to me it looks healthy. If your skin seems a bit dull even after you have applied moisturizer, it is time to move on to something a bit richer. If, however, you are prone to breakouts, stick to something light and oil free. And remember the sunscreen!

Now your skin is ready for the day or night. Do remember that we don’t always need to cover up immediately – if you work on skin health you will be surprised how good one can look without a trowel-load of foundation. I’m definitely not suggesting a board meeting or a night on the town sans make-up, but a Saturday morning coffee with a girlfriend does not require full face armour. Also make sure you pick the right cream for your skin type, and do take it easy with the mattifying powders… my pet hate is dull, pasty faces CAKED with powder – this makes skin imperfections seem worse than they are, and it just looks plain scary.

Go on girls, get your natural beauty glow on… to radiance and beyond!

Article By: Chantelle Bester