Want perfectly luminous skin? Known as queen of the glow, makeup artist Nikki Wolff shares her best looks for a radiant, dewy finish and the features that make it pop.
The look: Pretty pastels
“This look is a wearable take on the trend of “blush draping” (contouring with blush). Prep the skin with Clinique Moisture Surge Intense Skin Fortifying Hydrator, £36, and Clinique Even Better Glow Light Reflecting Makeup, £28. Using a brush in circular motions, apply a veil of blush high on the cheekbone. I used Clinique Pop Matte Lip Colour + Primer, £17, mixed with Clinique Chubby Stick Cheek Colour Balm, £20, as a base for cheek colour, and Tom Ford Sheer Cheek Duo, £59, to intensify the tone. I also used the Cheek Duo as an eyeshadow for this look – don’t be afraid to use products in unexpected places as lots of formulas are multi-purpose.”
The look: Bronze ambition
“A sun-kissed glow is easy to achieve – even without a tan. Use a brush to buff product into the skin, layer by layer, to keep application light. First, I used Estée Lauder Perfectionist Wrinkle Lifting/Firming Serum, £62, to create a smooth base, followed by a light layer of Estée Lauder Double Wear Light Foundation, £34, in a slightly warmer shade than the natural skintone. For a natural highlight, I followed with Estée Lauder Perfectionist Youth Infusing Brightening Serum + Concealer, £29 – this really brightens the high points of the face. Accent the eyes by mixing a little gold pigment and eye gloss together and smooth across lids. For bronzed glossiness on the body, use Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Hair & Body Shimmer Oil, £39.”
The look: All natural
“For a fresh glow with a scattering of freckles, first make sure your skin is well moisturised. I used La Mer The Moisturizing Soft Lotion, £195. Then, create a beautiful, even base with La Mer The Soft Fluid Long Wear Foundation, £90, covering any under-eye shadows with La Mer The Concealer, £65. Apply cream blush for a naturally flushed, youthful look and set the T-zone with a light dusting of La Mer The Powder, £75. Next, fake the freckles if you need to – eyebrow pencils are best for this. I used a lighter shade first with MAC Eye Brows Styler, £16, covering the skin in a generous amount of little dots, using a finger to tap over the application to soften them. I then used a darker, warmer shade with MAC Eye Brows Styler, £16, to add a few more, concentrating on the bridge of the nose. The slight variation in colour really helps to keep the freckles looking natural.”
The look: Strong brows
“Strong, full, textured brows really help to frame a face. Brush brows up using Bobbi Brown Waterproof Brow Shaper, £19.50, to add hold and texture, then use Bobbi Brown Perfectly Defined Long-Wear Brow Pencil, £30.50, to draw fine hair-like strokes going upwards in any gaps you see to add volume and definition. Add a smoky brown eye with lots of mascara, plus a nude lip for extra glamour.”
The look: Block colour
“Eyeshadow can be ultra bold and graphic. With the MAC 266S Small Angle brush, £16.50, I used MAC Chromaline in High-Def Cyan, £15, to create this solid colour. First, sketch out the desired shape, then fill in the centre. Starting smaller than you intend to go with your shape allows for mistakes and it helps to go back and forth between both eyes simultaneously to keep symmetry. I kept the skin fresh and glowy, applying BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector Liquid Highlighter, £30, on the high points of the face. For an extra polished-looking glow, I brushed a powder highlighter – BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter, £30 – on top of the liquid highlighter. The neutral tones on the face complement a strong eye look perfectly and keep it looking clean.”
The look: Sixties redux
“The 60s Mod look was given a spin on recent catwalks. Update the classic cat-eye by first sketching out a few small lines under the bottom lash line (to replicate the shadow that big lashes would give) with Tom Ford Shadow, £32. Fill in the space between the lines with Tom Ford Eye Kohl Intense, £29. Line along the top lash line with Tom Ford Eye Defining Pen, £46. Create Twiggy style lashes with three coats of Tom Ford Extreme Mascara, £38, and add a set of fake lashes to top and bottom for extra drama. Finish with a pastel pink lip – I love Tom Ford Lip Color in Spanish Pink, £40.”
The look: Glass skin
“This trend from Korea is all about luminous glowing skin, and it starts with great skincare. Prep with BECCA Skin Love Glow Elixir, £34, to help brighten and nourish the face, and BECCA First Light Priming Filter, £28, which gives a soft focus gleam. For a flawless, dewy base, apply BECCA Aqua Luminous Perfecting Foundation, £32, with a brush. To highlight, apply BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector Liquid, £30, to all high points of the face, then follow with BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter, £30, for a really amped-up glow. Reflective skin is perfectly complemented by a statement matte red lip.”
The look: Disco daze
“Modern, sophisticated and surprisingly wearable, glitter has had a makeover of late. First, apply Smashbox Photo Finish 24-Hour Shadow Primer, £20, over the eyelids and apply Smashbox Photo Edit Eye Shadow Glitter Trio, £20, as a base all over lids, then with a fingertip, press on Mac 3D Platinum Glitter, £16.50, focusing on the centre of eyelids. To intensify the sparkle, press the glitter into the eyelids with your fingertip or apply it with a slightly wet brush.”
