How to Fake a Post-Vacation Glow
July 20, 2020
For many of us, relaxing beach retreats and vacations to far-off destinations have been put on hold this year. With COVID-19 still a concern, this summer is all about the staycation. While it may not involve spending long days on the sand (depending on where you live) or partaking in summery outdoor activities like a true vacation would, you can still achieve that well-rested and sun-kissed, post-trip glow. Read on for our favorite products to use when we want to look like we just got back from the best vacation ever.
FACE
Go for a natural, luminous base with strategic touches of color to make it appear as if you spent a week without wifi in a tropical climate — while practicing safe sun of course.
After going through your skin-care routine, reach for a lightweight, radiance-boosting foundation like the NYX Professional Makeup Born To Glow! Naturally Radiant Foundation. It evens tone and blends in seamlessly. Next, add a golden tone to your complexion by applying a bronzer up along the hollows of the cheekbones. We like the Uoma Beauty Black Magic Carnival Bronzing Highlighter because it has a creamy, shimmer-flecked powder formula and a subtle coconut scent that gives off vacay vibes. For more warmth, apply a peach- or orange-toned cream blush, like the Tower 28 BeachPlease Luminous Tinted Balm, on the apples of the cheeks.
To add color on the eyes while keeping the look relaxed and low-key, apply a wash of either your bronzer or blush on the lids.
On the lips, use a hydrated tinted balm that provides a flush of natural color. The Undefined Beauty Glow Balms are tinted with real fruit and contain CBD to condition lips.
And, of course, no summer look would be complete without a healthy dose of highlighter. The Urban Decay Moondust Glitter Liquids, which are long-lasting and contain pearlescent pigment and duochrome glitter, are a new editor favorite. Apply on the high points of the face — like the tops of cheekbones, down the bridge of the nose and on the brow bones — with fingers for a diffused yet totally eye-catching look.
Finish things off with a spritz of the Maybelline New York Glass Spray to keep your makeup in place and for a perfectly dewy — not greasy — sheen.
BODY
For a natural-looking tan, we swear by the L'Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Water Mousse. It has a light, mousse-like formula that’s easy to blend for an even, streak-free finish. It also contains real coconut water and vitamin E to moisturize skin.
Amp up your bronzed glow by applying the Urban Decay Moondust Glitter Liquid along your décolletage, shoulders and down the center of your legs.
HAIR
To mimic an effortless air-dried look that’s the mark of a beach day well-spent, you’ll need a good texturizing spray. The Garnier Fructis Style Beach Chic Texturizing Spray helps create soft, tousled waves with hold. Check out a step-by-step beachy wave tutorial here.
Read more
