Shimmer is out, gloss is in: The case for glowing with gloss the modern way
There was a time when all of us collectively jumped into the highlighter rabbit hole. We were all about the shiniest, flashiest highlighters we could get our hands on at some point! We became the connoisseurs of shimmer as we waited for one highlighter collection after another from our favorite brands. But those days are gone. Now, it’s all about gloss.
Unlike highlighters of old which relied on shimmer pigments to get the shine across, gloss is about that mirror glassy shine. It’s not like the thick plasticky texture of old though - now it’s more balmy, thinner in feel, closer to the look of freshly washed or even sweaty skin. Admittedly I wasn’t into the idea at first but now that my skin is drier I find myself craving for that glowy, plump look that shimmer can’t quite fake. And so, check out the new way to achieve glass (or dolphin skin if you’re in Tiktok). Here are four products I’ve been loving to achieve the effect!
NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer (P2,550 at NARS PH). This is a hydrating base that brightens skin instantly and makes it look naturally plump. It doesn’t have a lot of coverage of course (it’s sheer), but it evens out and lifts the skin - you know, those depressed areas around the mouth, nose, etc. - well with just one layer. Despite it being a moisturizer, it surprisingly doesn’t shift around my face during the day so long as I set it with powder. Highly recommend this if you want a lightweight, hydrating, and glowy base!
NARS Illuminator. This looks like it has shimmer and tint when you squeeze it out, but that disperses to but a wisp when you blend it out. It’s closer to a glassy gloss - I like this on my lids and on my cheekbones for highlighting! At first I thought it would feel icky as hours roll by, but it sets to a semi-dry layer and doesn’t feel sticky.
Issy & Co. Hydragloss in Baywatch (P299 at Lazada). Love this hydrating gloss formula! Baywatch is the red color of well, Baywatch swimsuits but sheer. This is an easy tint to wear for when you want gloss, moisture, and color.
KVD Beauty Modcon Blush in Glowlita 10 (P1,530 at Sephora PH). This straight up feels like a gloss out of the tube, so it felt very weird to put it on my cheeks at first. I thought it was a wash, to be honest! But the more I tested it, the more I fell in love with the formula! It makes my skin look so, so nice with just one layer and the color is just absolutely flattering on me. It also stays on long - about 3-4 hours, would you believe! I wouldn’t recommend it for those who have super oily skin but for my combi skin it’s pretty comfortable once it sets. It can definitely be applied on top of foundation without ruining it.
And those are my glossy skin picks! Let me know what’s yours?
