While 2018 might have been the year we were swayed to debut a Pat McGrath-inspired glitter-coated lip or metallic, mirrored nail varnish, there's one thing that never goes out of fashion – fresh and dewy skin.
Look to Chanel SS19 where make-up artist extraordinaire Lucia Pica gave models a beach girl glow that was fresh and elegant. Think bold, natural brows and lightly flushed cheeks, paired with radiant skin and a blurred coral lip, keeping the focus on the dewy, summer-time complexion we're all after this dreary, wintery season.
Inspired by Chanel, we've rounded up our expert tips on how to achieve glowing skin when the weather outside is anything but radiant.
After all, just because the sky is gloomy, doesn't mean your skin has to be.
Step 1 - You are what you eat
Sugary foods break down collagen and elastin over time, leading to a dull looking complexion.
If you can't kick it to the curb, make sure you combat the side effects with daily meals containing essential vitamins and minerals.
Foods rich in antioxidants, like blueberries, avocados and wholegrain, protect us from free radical damage to keep our skin looking plump and healthy.
Step 2 - Relieve. Repair. Reveal.
Don't let dead skin cells pile up. When you exfoliate, your skin gets smooth, which in turn helps to reflect light.
Revive dull looking skin by sloughing away any debris in the evening. That way, when you go to sleep, your skin can focus on repairing the day's damage.
Try Anthony's Exfoliating + Cleansing Bar (£14.34) which is infused with jojoba spheres that exfoliate, shea butter to soften, coconut oil to hydrate and cucumber extract to soothe. Our high street favourite? St. Ives Apricot Invigorating Scrub Scrub (£3.99) which gently exfoliates dull surface cells to create radiant-looking skin.
23 Of The Best Face Exfoliators For All Skin Types
If you've not seen the videos of this viral wonder doing the rounds, you might be thankful; Yes, when it's applied, you do look start to look reminiscent of Patrick Bateman in certain American Psycho scenes. However, we can attest that once washed off, the results are something to scream about in a good way. Leave this 30% AHA's and 2% BHA on for ten minutes or less, and you'll be left looking like you've got brand new skin.
Youth To The People Kombucha 11% AHA Exfoliation Power Toner - £33
There's been a lot of talk about overdoing it on the exfoliating recently, so it's not surprising if you're choosing to err on the side of caution when it comes to choosing your exfoliator. This super gentle toner contains 11% AHAs and packs some serious results when it comes to minimising the appearance of pores. Not just a one trick pony, it's also formulated with kombucha black tea and willow bark to enhance the protection of your skin's microbiome.
Allies of Skin Mandelic Pigmentation Corrector Night Serum - £89
While mandelic acid might not get the same fanfare as its more famous AHA counterparts, if you have sensitive skin and want something gentle that's just as effective, this is the acid for you. As well as getting rid of dead skin build-up, the salicylic acid helps to clear out sebum while mandelic acid and bakuchiol helps to minimise the appearance of melasma and dark spots. A truly multi-hyphenate exfoliating serum.
Ameliorate Resurfacing Facial Mask - £22
When it comes to body exfoliation (keratosis pilaris we're looking at you), Ameliorate is top tier at getting rid of those stubborn little bumps. Safe to say that our attention was caught when we heard they were turning their exfoliating expertise to our faces, and we weren't disappointed. Not only does this cream mask take dead skin cells and other accumulated debris to task, but it also simultaneously hits your skin with a wave of hydration, so you'll find no dry or flaky skin here post-masking.
A decent face exfoliator doesn't have to cost the earth. Wishful's fruit enzyme scrub is formulated with AHA, BHA and Cellulose exfoliants to gently buff away dull and dead skin cells whilst papaya and pineapple extracts leave your complexion brighter than ever.
SkinCeuitcals Glycolic Renewal Cleanser - £42.31
A cleanser is a great way to introduce acid exfoliators into your skincare routine if you’re on the cautious side. This cleanser gently starts to foam when massaged in with water which then works to eradicate any pesky blemishes to leave skin clear and silky smooth, without that tight-feeling dryness.
Oskia Liquid Mask Lactic Acid Micro Peel - £68
This exfoliator contains 10% lactic acid and a bunch of antioxidants to leave you with a radiant looking complexion. Apply before you snooze and this will work overnight to get rid of any unwanted skin bumpiness and leave you looking more hydrated too.
Murad Age Reform AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser - £39
This brilliant exfoliator marries both AHAs and BHAs (namely glycolic, salicylic and lactic acids - perfect for obliterating spots and bumps) with jojoba beads to make light work of chipping away at flaky, dead skin, oil and blemishes. It's perfect for prepping skin for luxe serums and moisturisers.
REN Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask - £36
Not only does this smell of oranges (not the point but an added bonus) but the powerful mix of AHA’s such as glycolic, citric, lactic and tartaric acid means any flakiness disappears in a matter of minutes and you’re left with healthy, gleaming skin.
Who said exfoliators leave your skin feeling dry and tight? Clearly, they hadn't treated themselves to a DIY facial with La Mer's oil exfoliator aka the finest sugar scrub formulated to leave your face feeling seriously soft. Let the crystals buff away dead skin whilst the legendary Miracle Broth brings a major dose of hydration to the table.
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant - £31
For those that are blemish prone, which of course leads to redness that needs to be addressed too, Paula Choice's 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant will address all your skincare woes. Formulated with salicylic acid, this powerful liquid works to minimise the appearance of pores and unclog them, to leave you with happier looking skin.
Dr Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Ultra Gentle Daily Peel - £89
A favourite amongst beauty editors alike, Dr Dennis Gross is the king of ‘lunchtime peels’: all the glowy skin without any of the redness downtime. We challenge you to not notice an immediate difference after one swipe of these peel pads and the handy 2-step packet makes them ideal for travel or in case of any urgent exfoliator emergencies (they happen).
Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads - £40
A lazy girls solution for exfoliating, these pads are pre-soaked with pro-biotics and lactic acid to easily swipe away any dead skin cells, without irritating skin. The gentle exfoliation will stimulate the skin’s surface renewal cycle to brighten and boost radiance. Ticks all our boxes
Zelens PHA+ Bio-Peel Resurfacing Facial Pads - £70
From wrinkles, to crater-sized pores, these pads can aid in all of your anti-ageing skincare worries. Packed with AHA’s and BHA’s, these swipe away any uneven skin texture, without leaving skin sensitive and red.
Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask - £50
A cult classic for a reason, apply this mask for a few minutes and watch the magic happen. Skin will tingle but afterwards you’ll be left with instantly brighter, glowier skin. Ideal for when skin either isn’t behaving or just looking a bit meh, this will give it an instant boost.
Caudalie Deep Cleansing Exfoliator - £21
Grapefruit, mint and sweet orange give your daily exfoliation a refreshing twist, while natural micro-grains (derived from corn) offer physical exfoliation to leave skin smooth and clear of impurities. And with 97% natural ingredients, this is one for the earth lovers out there.
Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Brightening & Exfoliating Daily Cleanser - £29
Formulated with the natural exfoliant pearlstone, this clear gel gently scrubs off dead skin cells whilst drawing out oil and dirt from your skin. Ideal for any city dwellers feeling the effects of the smog.
Shiseido WASO Soft + Cushy Polisher - £29.51
Forget rough, scratchy scrubs, this super fine exfoliator uses micro granules to slough away old skin cells, and sebum-absorbing powder to remove impurities. Those with dry or sensitive skin, this is a once a week situation to treat yo'self to, rather than a daily scrub.
Medik8 Pore Refining Scrub Dual-Action Exfoliator - £29
Medik8's Pore Refining Scrub delivers a three-pronged attack on rough and oily skin. It boasts gentle, biodegradable jojoba particles to really slough away that paste-like mixture of sebum, dead cells and make-up, Salicylic acid, which reduces inflammation, pigmentation and redness caused by acne, and L-Mandelic acid, an AHA that deeply penetrates the pores to exfoliate even further. A pea-sized amount goes a really long way.
Pai Virtuous Circle Kukui And Jojoba Bead Eco-Bead Exfoliator - £29
Skin-friendly jojoba seeds are suspended in a hydrating gel texture to instantly lift away dry, flaky patches without scratching, so it won't leave you red raw. The added vitamin E in the 100% natural, vegan formula makes skin feel seriously soft and moisturised - even after one go.
Gallinée La Culture Face Mask & Scrub - £23
There's a good reason why Gallinee's mask-come-scrub is always selling out. The brand's skin-perfecting duo of prebiotics and probiotics (they can speed up cell repair, protect against environmental aggressors and even treat acne) are combined with powerful AHA, lactic acid, which works wonders to smooth skin texture and to de-congest pores. Flawless complexion? Yes please.
Step 3 - Stimulate your skin
We're all aware that moisturiser is a daily need (it combats pollution, stress, dehydration, the list goes on), but do you pay attention to what's in the pot?
Look for ingredients that will energise, and protect your skin.
We suggest trying the Body Shop's Vitamin C Glow Boosting Moisturiser (£16). It's packed with the goodness of Camu Camu Berries which contain up to 60 times the vitamin C power of an orange.
Vitamin C Serums: 13 Of The Best For Your Brightest Skin Ever
If you haven't heard of Naturium then it's time to get to know the name. An affordable brand with excellent formulations, this vitamin C serum seriously rivals similar products that cost double – sometimes triple – the price.
Using a potent vitamin C complex – made up of l-ascorbic acid, a bioactive fruit blend and sodium ascorbyl phosphate – it promises brighter, more radiant looking, healthier skin over time. It's vegan and cruelty-free, and best of all, it costs a little over £20.
You can always rely on La Roche-Posay to formulate effective products suitable for even the most sensitive skin, and that's why we love its Pure Vitamin C10 serum.
Lightweight and non-sticky in texture, it's packed with pure vitamin C alongside hyaluronic acid and salicylic acid to help brighten and restore dull, pigmented skin.
Bubble is the new kid on the block and it's already making waves on social media. Its kind-to-skin formulations, fun packaging and excellent price point make it appealing in various ways.
We love that this lightweight serum combines vitamin C with niacinamide to help even out skin tone, reduce scarring and dark spots whilst providing skin with antioxidant protection. It also uses plant-derived ceramides to help protect the skin barrier and improve overall skin health.
This clever, oil-free vitamin C serum helps reduce the appearance of both dark spots and hyperpigmentation. It's formulated with 10% l-ascorbic acid and uses waterless technology which not only helps keeps it stable, but helps maximise its efficacy, too.
It absorbs into skin quickly and easily, and it won't ever feel tacky or sticky, either. Plus, staying true to Farmacy's ethos, this serum uses upcycled tangerine peel and sugar beet for its antioxidant-rich benefits.
This serum really does tick every box, helping to visibly improve skin tone while keeping your complexion looking brighter and more radiant. Over time, it'll help combat pigmentation, scarring and wrinkles and it shouldn't cause irritation or sensitivity, either.
However, the recommended dosage is a sizeable full dropper, so be warned that you might get through this 30ml bottle quicker than expected.
A powerful formulation that's suitable for sensitive skin types, this Kiehl's serum is formulated with a 12.5% blend of l-ascorbic acid and ascorbyl glucoside (two of the most stable forms of vitamin C). It helps plump and hydrate skin without causing unwanted flare-ups, and a little goes a long way.
Plus, we like that it layers well underneath other products, including moisturiser and foundation, without pilling.
It's safe to say that a lot of vitamin C serums sit at the more expensive end of the spectrum, but The Inkey List is a brand we can rely on for affordability and effectiveness, and this serum is no exception.
Formulated with a highly stable form of vitamin C, it promises a potent hit of antioxidants, while the EGF (epidermal growth factor) promotes collagen production – all for £15.
If you’re suffering from dull, uneven skin after the last long, cold winter, then this is the product for you. The ultra-concentrated formula is rich in skin-brightening actives (such as red clover extract, mullein extract and a Swiss Alpine blend) which, together with a highly stable vitamin C derivative, will leave skin looking dewy, radiant and ready for summer.
Expensive, yes, but we love the unique, milky texture of this vitamin C serum. Formulated with a potent, stable form of the ingredient, it melts beautifully into skin, and the added hyaluronic acid ensures lasting hydration for glowy, vibrant-looking skin. Plus, we love that it's suitable for oily, acne-prone skin, too.
Whether applied directly or mixed into your daily moisturiser, we're big fans of the adaptability of this serum. It's formulated with a 15% stabilised concentration of vitamin C, alongside ferulic acid and peptides that work to smooth and brighten the skin.
Think of this serum as a pep-up shot that'll leave skin feeling firmer and looking brighter.
Combining the anti-ageing and antioxidant properties of vitamin C with the exfoliating properties of glycolic acid for maximum absorption, there's no denying that this Murad serum works quickly.
As well as having an immediate improvement in skin texture, the lightweight formula leaves skin hydrated without any sticky residue, making it easy to incorporate into a morning skincare regime.
Enriched with rose petal extracts, this concentrated vitamin C serum will leave skin replenished, hydrated and smelling great – as is the way with so many of our must-have Aesop products.
The glass pipette is a dream to dispense and apply — especially when followed by an enriching facial moisturiser — and the semi-matte finish it leaves in its wake is worth noting, and is especially good for those with oil-prone skin.
Ole Henriksen's Banana Bright serum combines vitamin C, exfoliating acids and banana powder-inspired pigments to instantly brighten and plump the skin, while hydrating with hyaluronic acid — a notorious moisture magnet.
This serum packs a real punch, and we love the citrus scent it has. It'll work to add instant glow, and over time skin will look brighter.
Step 4 - Get glowing
By now, you'll be beaming, but if you want to boost your glow, brush the high points of your face (your cheekbones, cupid's bow and bridge of your nose) with a highlighting powder.
Try out blogger-favourite Becca: Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed (£30) which works so light bounces off the powder, providing the perfect glow without the sheen.
The fine particles pick up the light and reflect it to make you look more radiant.
Are you ready for the glow?
ELLE Edit: 15 Of The Best Highlighters For A Glassy Glow
Hermès' make-up line is every bit as sublime as you're likely imagining. A bestseller, the Plein Air powder gets it just right: think brightened skin without a single fleck of giveaway glitter. The formula is incredibly finely milled and blended with emollient squalane, so it never dries or settles into pores. A super-luxe investment that truly is worth it.
I've been so impressed with everything I've tried from buzzy Stateside brand Saie (especially this foundation) – and the brand's unique highlighter is spot-on for recreating that hyper-hydrated glossy look.
The water-based formula sits halfway between a gel and a serum, skimming straight over pores and lines to impart wet-look dewiness that never dries, yet somehow doesn't shift, either.
This vegan highlighter by Selena Gomez's beauty line, Rare Beauty, is almost never in stock: so if you see a shade you fancy, snap it straight up.
It's infused with light-reflecting particles that leave cheekbones looking extra dewy and polished without unwanted frostiness. Plus, there's a translucency to the pigments that allows each shade to suit myriad skin tones.
An elevated powder highlighter with the most subtle sheen, Dior’s Forever Couture Luminizer will become your everyday go-to. It’ll set your foundation in place and add a perky, pinky touch of radiance that wakes up tired skin in seconds. (even after the festive party marathon). Try it on the inner corners of your eyes, or to make a smoky eye really pop.
Chanel’s sublime Baume Essential will forever be one of my favourite highlighters. The Transparent shade in particular is pure genius: it’s completely free from glitter and simply bounces the light out from the highest points of your face, offering sculpting without the shimmer. It looks beautiful on bare skin, but plays well with foundation too, and can be topped up without pilling. Perfection.
Victoria Beckham’s fluted gold metal stick is the chicest option by a mile: but look beyond the packaging and you’ll also find one of the most impressive highlighter formulas on the market.
The single Pearl shade contains no pigment, yet has hollow ‘micropearl’ flecks, which create a warm, candlelit-style glow on every single skin tone. For more of a bronzed finish, the recently launched Amber shade is ideal.
Whichever you choose, the balm will be just dense enough to stay exactly where you swipe it, and stay looking intensely dewy for hours on end.
Tom Ford's fan-favourite Shade and Illuminate palette is the best choice for those who want definition and just a touch of drama.
Designed to mimic both the brightness of sunlight and the subtle glow of candlelight, it'll take you from morning to evening in a swift stroke. Brush the lighter shade onto the highest points of your face and the deeper shade where you want to create shadow: the slightly sheeny finish ensures it'll always look elegant.
Burgeoning Canadian beauty brand 19/99 is garnering quite the cult following for its age-inclusive make-up products designed to encourage real creativity.
While there are specific highlighter sticks in the line, I think this multi-use gloss does the job better: the clear gel bounces the light dramatically to create real editorial impact.
This clever little pot is the secret to Danessa Myricks' signature shining skin. It's a balm-textured product, infused with pearly pigment that lights up your complexion without leaving you soaked in sparkle. This one couldn't be easier to apply: simply tap with a fingertip over your cheekbones (and try it on eyelids, too).
Gucci Westman has created balm, stick and liquid highlighters, and while they're all beautiful, it’s the Lit Up sticks that really have my heart. The formula is intensely light-reflecting yet completely non-tacky, and leaves behind an iridescent glow with absolutely no trace of glitter. Draw it lightly over cheeks – it won’t disrupt your foundation – and pat with a ring finger to blur the edges.
It might be famed for its lamination-style Brow Sculpt, but Refy makes an outstanding highlighter too. This liquid formula may look like molten lava in the tube, but rest assured it'll sheer down on the skin to create the most incredible wet-look shine. It's definitely the dewiest option out there, so if glass skin is your vibe, consider the job done.
Glossier doesn’t bill Futuredew strictly as a highlighter, but trust me: it works. The ‘oil-serum’ hybrid can be slicked all-over for an ultra-dewy effect, but I like tapping it on the peaks of my cheekbones to create a completely transparent, wet-look sheen that feels silky, not sticky.