Yes, you can extend your sun-kissed glow year-round.

Claire Harmeyer
Oct 06, 2020 @ 6:33 pm

While many of us want glowing skin à la Hailey Bieber, most of us can't afford the model's $995 skincare routine. However, we can opt for more affordable ways to give our skin a similar dewy glow. As the weather gets colder and we spend more time indoors, we're left with fewer ways to achieve a natural sun-kissed glow—but, thankfully, there are other ways to get it. We spoke to two dermatologists and two makeup artists to get their top tips on how to extend your summer glow into fall.

Dermatologists offered their advice on everything from the natural ways we can promote healthier skin to products that enhance collagen production so we can glow au naturel. Makeup artists, on the other hand, recommended products like highlighters, oils, and lotions that provide an extra shimmer so we can feel radiant this fall. Below, read these experts' tips and tricks for achieving a sun-kissed glow without any vitamin D.

1. Adopt healthy habits.

We spoke to two leading board-certified dermatologists, Amanda Doyle, M.D., and Naissan O. Wesley, M.D., and they both encourage several day-to-day habits that will benefit your skin's natural radiance and improve your overall well-being. These practices include staying hydrated, getting ample sleep, doing moderate exercise, limiting alcohol consumption, and having a well-balanced diet. It's no secret that your diet can have a major impact on your skin, so opt for high-quality lean proteins, fiber, and raw fruits and veggies.

2. Stick to a solid skincare routine.

"Using a gentle cleanser every morning and night helps remove oil, debris, and makeup," Dr. Doyle explains. "In the morning, follow up with a vitamin C (my favorites are Skinceuticals C E Ferulic and Phloretin), a good moisturizer, and, of course, sunscreen."

Skinceuticals C E Ferulic
Blue Mercury

This advanced antioxidant treatment works to create a youthful glow with three ingredients: vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid.

3. Use glow-boosting skincare ingredients.

Dr. Wesley recommends keeping an eye out for descriptions that include words like "brightening," "hydrating," and "improves skin tone" when browsing skincare products. Both Dr. Wesley and Dr. Doyle shared the six star ingredients we should look for that promote glowing skin:

  • "Bakuchiol includes antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-aging properties," Dr. Doyle tells HelloGiggles. "It increases collagen and cell turnover without the same irritation that can result from retinol and retinoids." Dr. Wesley recommends AgeWell Enriching Eye Cream with Caffeine + Bakuchiol, a "glow-inducing eye cream".
  • Vitamin B3, aka niacinamide, helps promote the skin's hydration and moisture barrier, according to Dr. Wesley.
  • "Kojic acid is a natural ingredient derived from mushrooms that works by inhibiting part of the pigment-producing pathway, making it great for brown spots caused by melasma, sun damage, or pigmentation from old acne lesions," Dr. Doyle explains. "It helps give skin a more even tone by reducing the discoloration."
  • "Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that's best when used topically to protect the skin against free radical damage," Dr. Doyle says.
  • Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) help promote skin cell turnover, according to Dr. Wesley.
  • "Arbutin is a bearberry extract that helps to prevent the formation of melanin," Dr. Doyle reveals. "It's a brightener that helps to lighten dark discoloration and even out the skin. It pairs nicely with vitamin C and alpha-hydroxy acids like glycolic acid."

4. Mix serums and moisturizers.

"In the fall and winter, I mix a hyaluronic serum with all my liquid foundations to keep my skin hydrated," says Christin Burdette, a makeup artist for Jane Iredale. She also recommends applying the hyaluronic acid serum to your face once a week before a steamy shower. "Your face will feel greasy in the shower, but leave the serum on for at least 10 to 15 minutes while you're washing your hair, body, etc.," Burdette says.

Jane Iredale Hyaluronic Serum

5. Switch up your makeup remover.

Rather than using makeup remover wipes, which can be harsh on your skin, opt for a makeup remover mit. "Use lukewarm water and a Magic Mitt at night to remove your makeup," Burdette advises.

6. Use SPF year-round.

Wearing sunscreen every day, no matter the weather, is the best way we can keep our skin healthy. "The Glowscreen SPF 40 is a glow-boosting SPF and primer in one, which is full of hyaluronic acid and niacinimde," explains Supergoop! founder Holly Thaggard. "These ingredients hydrate the skin, while the pearlescent finish helps achieve the dewy, glowy look."

7. Combat dry skin with BB creams.

If your skin is really dry, replace your foundation with a BB cream instead. BB creams are typically a combination of products, like moisturizers, skin treatments, and foundations. They will keep your skin hydrated and glowy while being lightweight, too.

8. Keep hydrating sprays on hand.

"Keep a hydration spray close by and spritz during the day," Burdette recommends. This will keep your makeup looking fresh and your skin looking revitalized.

Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Hydrating Toner Mist

9. Use a highlighter.

Highlighters have been makeup lovers' best friends in recent years, and the glowy trend isn't going away anytime soon. Thaggard recommends swiping it across your cheeks, shoulders, and even chest to give desired areas a little boost.

10. Opt for a body shimmer.

If you're looking for that all-over glow, Burdette suggests using a body shimmer and mixing it with any liquid foundation. "If you're wearing powder foundation, mix it with your primer and then apply your loose or pressed minerals. Finish with a hydration spray."

11. Try body oils.

Achieve an all-over glow by dabbing a body oil all over your body. For a bigger radiance boost, look for one that will temporarily bronze your skin.

Nars Monoi Body Glow I

12. Add a bronzer to your makeup kit.

A bronzed face gives everyone that sun-kissed look so many of us love. For the most natural-looking effect, Burdette suggests using a cream-based bronzer that melts into the skin.

13. Try unconventional techniques.

Burdette recommends steaming your skin once a week to help detox the pores. For a DIY, stand in your warm shower without getting your skin wet to allow the vapors to gently open up your pores, or use an at-home steamer.

Go get your glow on, ladies.