Just to address the elephant in the room, melanin-rich skin can indeed carry off a sun-kissed glow. When it comes to today’s shade ranges, make-up brands are serving up a paint chart of choices. And with lockdown restrictions easing, all sun-deprived skin can benefit from a touch of radiance. “The misconception that brown skin tones can’t carry off a golden glow couldn’t be further from the truth,” says Spell editor Jemima Cousins. “Our skin is designed for the sun, so luminousity is second nature for women of colour.” So whether you’ve got a backlog of Zoom meetings to crunch through or want to show up with a luminescent glow up, we’ve got you sis!
1. Fenty Beauty Body Lava Body Luminizer, £46
A semaphore to good health, body highlighters (or luminizer in the case of Fenty Beauty) are a little underrated when it comes to darker skin tones. Thanks to its finely-infused micro pearls, adding a few drops of this gold elixir to areas of the body where the sun hits naturally (e.g the shoulders and collarbone) will give your complexion that melanin drip.
2. Iconic Ultimate Bronzing Powder in Warm Deep, £25
A leader in the I’ve-just-been-to-the-Caribbean sun-kissed make-up look, Iconic’s new Bronzing Powder is another easy and supremely beautiful way to cheat your way to a year-round glow. Buttery in texture with a soft matte finish, apply in the shape of the number three starting from the temples and then across the cheekbones before sweeping down to the chin to finish.
3. Delilah Colour Intense Palette in Damsel, £34
Although this look is about creating a sun-drenched complexion, the eyes can play a part too. To really warm things up, try Delilah’s Damsel eyeshadow palette comprising gilded gold tones and earthy browns for a translucent pop of colour. Build the shades up gradually so they sit lightly on the eyelids for an airbrushed finish. Think less sparkle, more sheen.
4. Vieve Modern Matte Lipstick in Ninetease, £19
Developed by Scottish makeup artist Jamie Genevieve, Vieve has trended on TikTok and fallen into the hands of top influencers in less than a year since launch. It’s safe to say the newcomer is doing something right, and we think it has a lot to do with the super-matte neutral lipstick tones that are perfect for modern-day glow ups. Plus, its formulas aren’t too drying.
5. Hourglass Vanish Seamless Skin Foundation in Warm Almond, £45
Yes, foundation sticks bring a sense of 90s nostalgia, but don’t be fooled – they’re still in the running when it comes to flawless coverage. This one from Hourglass has many merits. With its weightless powderlike feel and concealer coverage, you won’t need anything else. Apply with a brush (turn to page 20 for suggestions) or blend with your fingers so it melts seamlessly into the skin.
