GlowUp — How to Look Sun Kissed From Head to Toe

We are deep into the dog days of summer and I’ve already had to change foundations twice. That’s because I spent the last few weeks of spring and the first part of summer doing a little island hopping. My tan is currently level #WesleySnipes and climbing. If you want the GlowUp associated with an island vacation and copious amounts of sun but don’t have the time or inclination to stretch out beach or poolside, here are some glow-getting tips for glistening skin, without the hassle of going through TSA.

Exfoliate

The first step to any level of glow is to exfoliate. Exfoliated skin is happy skin. We naturally shed thousands  of skin cells daily. However, as we age that slows significantly. Exfoliating helps to restore skins more youthful level of shedding.

Face

Clinique  Pep Start 2-in-1 Exfoliating Cleanser

This dual action  cleanser and scrub combine  gentle cleansing agents with powerful exfoliants.   The exfoliating cleanser contains papaya extract, silica, bamboo beads, and salicylic acid.   ($19.50 at clinique.com)

Pixi SkinTreats Glow Tonic

Many people hear “glycolic acid” and head for the hills. As your skin ages, acids (in the right formulation) are key for achieving glowing even-toned skin. This Pixi Glow Tonic uses glycolic acid and a combination of other skin loving ingredients like aloe and vitamin E to help you reach you hashtag goals of healthy, beaning skin. Pixi SkinTreats Glow Tonic is gentle enough for daily use. Be sure to follow with sunscreen during the day.   ($15 at Target.com)

Ren Skincare Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask

I have been using this twice a month for the last few months.   It applies to my  skin like honey and when it rinses off   — I   have an instant glow!    The active ingredients are Glycolic Acid,  Lactic Acid,   and Papain, combined with other ingredients that exfoliate, refine and rejuvenate skin’s texture.   ($56 at Dermstore.com)

Body

Neutrogena Body Clear Body Scrub

Neutrogena Body Clear Body Scrub foams and froths to get skin super clean.   It uses Salicylic  Acid and microbeads to sweep away dead skin cells.   Don’t worry, your skin won’t feel dry after use.   The scrub is gentle yet effective.  ($5.58 on walmart.com)

Jewlu Lemongrass Body Polish

My favorite thing about the Jewlu Body polish is the Lemongrass fragrance.   Yes, it gives great manual exfoliation and leaves behind a nice layer of moisture but the scent is just heavenly! I simply can’t get enough. ($30 at jewlu.com)

DERMADOCTOR  KP Duty Body Scrub

This is a longtime favorite. In addition to manual exfoliation, it uses glycolic acid, lactic acid, and azelaic acid and more to provide a chemical exfoliation.   The combination of manual and chemical exfoliation makes this product exceptional at smoothing and evening out the skin tone.    ($46 at Sephora.com)

Moisturize

Moisture is the second most important step to a healthy all over glow. Have you ever seen dry skin glowing or looking healthy? Exxxactly!

Face

This glowy elixir is a color correcting and radiance enhancing serum that uses white rose stem cells, cell-renewing brightening agents,   and Vitamin E to boost luminosity and protect the skin. The light reflecting prisms in the formula help to reduce the look of imperfections for a soft, radiant glow.   It’s like a dreamy face filter — without the App. ($91 at Dermstore.com)

Check out these serums from my last post.   They all help to boost skin hydration without feeling heavy.

OLEHENRIKSEN  C-Rush Brightening Gel Crème

This antioxidant-rich brightening cream uses   3 types of Vitamin C to delivery brighter more even-toned skin over time. The cream has a slight peachy tint that immediately improves the look of skin. One of the quickest and easiest ways to improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles is to hydrate skin. This cream has been clinically proven to keep skin moisturized for up to 24 hours. ($44 at Sephora.com)

Body

 

Ambi Soft & Even Creamy Oil Lotions

This is a lightweight budget friendly lotion that helps lock in moisture for up to 24 hours. It contains skin-soothing ingredients like shea butter and olive oil. The price point also makes this a no-brainer,  ($9.98 at Target.com)

Origins Ginger Souffle Whipped Body Cream

I absolutely love this cream. Origins makes amazing body products in general (hello Precipitation) but the fragrance of this one is just DIVINE.   It smells like a yummy cocktail and leaves my skin feeling silky smooth all day long. ($37 at Sephora.com)

Aveeno Positively Radiant Body Lotion

Like most Aveeno products, this lotion is enriched with Active Naturals Soy complex.   It provides hydration for up to 24 hours and includes natural light diffusers for an instant but subtle shimmery glow. ($6.99 at Target.com)

Illuminate

The illumination step is why we are all here — it’s all about the glow.   However, if you skip the steps about you can look sparkly and blotchy instead looking radiant and dewy.

Face

Danessa Myricks Illuminating Veil

For an all over face glow, mix a half a drop of Illuminating Veil into your foundation.   I use the shade ‘Goddess’ for this purpose.    To use as a highlighter, I warm it between my fingertips and press into the high points of my face. This is usually my last step when applying my makeup. ($22 at danessamyricksbeauty.com)

Felicia calls  Danessa Myricks Illuminating Veil her workout in a bottle.   Mix a tiny amount  with your favorite body lotion or cream and go from blah to boom!   Your legs will look like you’ve spent the last 30 days doing calf raises. My preferred shade on legs for dark skin is Goddess.

Covergirl Chocoholic Bronzer

This bronzer had me at ‘Chocoholic’ but won me over with the finely milled bronzing powder that smells like a chocolate bar. It has a coppery/bronze tone that looks beautiful on  dark skin.   Apply sparingly to the hollows of the cheek and gradually work into your hairline for a subtle, sculpted look. ($6.94 at Walmart)

 

 

Body

Pinrose Secret Genius Shimmer Mist  

Pinrose  Shimmer Mist gives an iridescent pinkish silver glow that’s flattering on all skin tones — it’s the way to go if you want that all over unicorn glow. In addition to an iridescent  glowup, you’ll also get a warm, yummy and spicy blend of vanilla, caramel, and sandalwood.   Use after you’ve applied your body lotion or cream.   ($42 at Sephora.com)

Melanie Mills Hollywood Gleam Body Radiance

In addition to getting the glow, this product also contains skin tightening and smoothing ingredients. It provides a rich, long-lasting, nourishing glow that is transfer resistant..so it won’t stain your clothes.   Ingredients like aloe, green and white tea extract, Vitamin E,   Jojoba Oil, Safflower Oil and olive oil make this not just great for a glow but great for skin.   Available in eight shades. ($16 at Walmart.com)

Becca x Chrissy Teigen Glow Body Oil

Few brands do “glow” better than Becca. This summer they launched the Glow Body Oil as part of their collaboration with Chrissy Teigen. This shimmering oil imparts a subtle sophisticated glow and leaves skin feeling soft and smooth. This is definitely not your vegas disco ball glow. ($42 at Nordstrom.com)

Self Tan

Do you need a quick,  safe, even tan? Yes, black girls use tanning sheets.   It is a quick and easy way to even out skin tone and give legs that “Yaaassss, I’ve been hitting the gym look” without actually hitting the gym. Be sure to exfoliate with a non-greasy exfoliator before using tanning products. It gives a more even and flawless finish.

Body

 Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pads

The Alpha Beta Glow Pads for body begins to develop within an hour.  The towelettes also contain ingredients to exfoliate the skin, making your glow more even and long-lasting. If you want to keep your glow going until the end of time, use a towelette two to three times per week. ($42 at drdennisgross.com)

ST. TROPEZ  Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse

This lightweight bronzing mouse develops within 4-8 hours.    It’s transfer resistant and doesn’t have the traditional tanning product smell. Apply before bed and wake up with a tan — it really is that easy. ($32 at ulta.com)

#TTBTip: Sunscreen is a must   365 days of the year, but it’s especially important if you are exfoliating AND using active products during the summer.   Since it’s hot as hell during this time of year, the goal is to find a lightweight sunscreen that provide SPF 30 or greater.
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1 Comment

  • I really love this post, thank you

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