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9 gorgeously glossy foundations for glowing skin

Glisten up

By Erin Docherty

Beauty Crew Beauty Writer / February 19 2021

Glowing skin is always in, and while it may all begin with your skin care routine, a little help in the makeup department definitely doesn't hurt matters.

But if you don't feel like layering on a zillion coats of highlighter, and you're chasing 'glowy' rather than 'glittery', it all comes down to your foundation pick.

The goal? To find a formula that will provide coverage without looking cakey, catch the light without making our faces look greasy, and actually stay on the whole day (ideally while looking flawlessly fresh all the while). Is that too much to ask?!

Okay, look, we know it's a tall order. But surprisingly (and fortunately for our faces), there are actually quite a few superstar status options that knock the bright-but-flawless brief right out of the park.

Here are our favourite foundations for glowing skin...

Maybelline New York Fit Me Dewy + Smooth

The easiest way to nab glowing skin is by opting for a super hydrating foundation like this one. The lightweight formula is totally blendable, so it gives a natural, seamless finish that looks like your real skin, only glossier.

Shop here.

It Cosmetics CC+ Cream Illumination SPF 50+

We're big fans of any version of this cult-classic CC+ cream, but damn, this dewy formula may be our absolute favourite; the light-reflecting finish works a treat for banishing dullness, and we appreciate it.

Shop here.

Revlon PhotoReady Candid Glow™ Foundation

Our favourite thing about this dewy base? It doesn't cling to dry spots at all (no seriously, it probably wouldn't even text them back). Instead, it just glides over imperfections leaving skin both concealed and brightened.

Shop here.

Zoeva Authentik Skin Natural Luminous Foundation

Rosehip oil is a friend to dull and dehydrated faces across the board (it's equal parts hydrating and luminising), and this foundation harnesses its brightening powers to give you a gorgeous lit-from-within glow.

Shop here.

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation

What’s a list of glow-worthy foundations without this fan-fave, right? Its radiant, barely-there natural finish can go undetected if you want it to, but the buildable status means you can also add coverage without losing luminosity.

Shop here.

Josie Maran Vibrancy Argan Oil Foundation Fluid

Notice how the bottle's super bright? Well, the packaging is a pretty great indicator re: the vibrant finish it provides. Guess that's what you get when you load a base up with argan oil, huh?

Shop here.

Tarte Rainforest Of The Sea Water Foundation

Featuring 20 per cent water, this is an all-round hydration-boosting, skin-brightening gem. Honestly, the glossy coverage it offers will make you look like you've just emerged from the sea (fitting considering the name).

Shop here.

Clinique Even Better Glow Light Reflecting Makeup SPF 15

Brightening vitamin C is always welcome in our world, so why not invite it to the foundation party, too? This guy also contains super subtle luminising pigments to give skin a little extra iridescence without going OTT.

Shop here.

Benefit Cosmetics Hello Happy Flawless Brightening Liquid Foundation

See the heart-eyed smile the bottle is showing off? That'll be your expression once your skin gets a serving of this hyaluronic acid-powered brightness booster. The coverage is medium, but it feels super light.

Shop here.

Image via: @allanface

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Erin Docherty

Erin Docherty is a Beauty Writer for BEAUTYcrew, Beauty Editor for Women's Health magazine and a Grooming Writer for Men's Health magazine. She has a keen interest in cosmeceutical skin care and is currently working on minimising her 9-step skin care routine – because ain’t nobody got time for that. When she’s not writing about the latest beauty news, or applying copious amounts of serum, you can find her spending all her money in Sephora.