How to Get Glowing With Skin-Care-Infused Makeup
These innovative formulas give you the best of both worlds.
The idea of mixing skin-care actives with other beauty products has been a growing trend for a few years now, and after popping up in hair and body care, it’s now makeup’s turn. And with the current demand for barely there, no-makeup makeup, these easy to use, glow-getting products are arriving just in time.
With the culmination of the complicated 10-step Korean skin-care routine, “it’s natural that fusion products, which offer convenience and simplicity, would begin to see a rise in demand,” says Dr. Danny Guo, medical director and dermatologist at Rejuvenation Dermatology Clinic in Calgary. He notes that multipurpose products appeal to those new to skin care who want to try out active ingredients without overcommitting and budget-conscious shoppers attracted by “two for the price of one,” as well as anyone who wants a streamlined, more minimalist routine.
Everything from nourishing foundations and tinted serums to hydrating blushes is getting the skin-care treatment, with formulas containing tried and tested ingredients like hyaluronic acid, squalane, and seed oils. To make the most of makeup, Guo recommends shopping for products that contain complementary actives that are independently stable and nonirritating. A few go-to ingredients in fusion products to look out for include:
Hyaluronic Acid
A skin-care superstar, this naturally occurring humectant (meaning it attracts and retains moisture) is commonly used in skin-care, hair-care, and body-care products to boost moisture levels and add plumpness to the skin. It’s gentle and plays well with other ingredients, making it ideal to add to makeup.
Niacinamide
A form of vitamin B3, niacinamide is a powerful antioxidant that contains multiple skin benefits. Known for its brightening properties as it works to even out skin tone, it helps calm inflammation (especially helpful for acne-prone and sensitive skin), along with helping repair a damaged skin barrier.
Arnica
Derived from the arnica plant, this ingredient soothes and calms, making it a must for easily irritated and sensitive skin. Traditionally used as an anti-inflammatory to relieve itching from bug bites or to reduce bruising, it can also help with muscle aches and wound healing.
Vitamin B5
Also known as pantothenic acid or panthenol, vitamin B5 has skin-strengthening and -repairing properties. It’s a natural humectant, so it will add moisture and suppleness to the skin, along with improving skin texture and adding radiance.
Squalane
Renowned as a potent emollient, squalane softens and hydrates the skin. It has a lightweight, nongreasy texture and mimics the skin’s natural oil production to minimize moisture loss.
While blending makeup and skin-care products together helps cut back on your morning routine, Guo advises keeping sunscreen as a standalone step to ensure adequate daily protection. “SPF is applied generously at baseline and reapplied every two hours. In general, makeup is not used in the same way.” Using makeup that has SPF in it is okay, he says, but be sure to also apply sunscreen in addition to that product to keep skin protected.
If you’re looking to try this new trend, here are a few go-to skin care-infused makeup products to help with glowing skin year-round.
Haus Labs Color Fuse Glassy Lip + Cheek Blush Balm Stick
This tinted serum stick combines 70 per cent skin care ingredients with saturated colour for a perfect luminous flush. Formulated with fermented arnica to soothe the skin and a goji berry complex to boost plumpness and radiance, it comes in eight ultraflattering shades to work with all skin tones.
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U Beauty The Super Tinted Hydrator
Inspired by the brand’s now popular Super Hydrator moisturizer, this next version is a sheer tint with the same skin-nourishing benefits. The formula is enriched with peptides, shea butter, and purified oat extract, and it leaves the skin hydrated for up to 48-hours.
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Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Hue Drops
If you’re looking to add a subtle golden glow to your complexion, look no further than this tinted serum. Powered by niacinamide, it also contains centella asiatica—a calming antioxidant—and hyaluronic acid for added hydration.
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This multiuse balm has a long list of fans thanks to its foolproof sheer colour and the healthy, radiant finish it leaves on the skin. Featuring jojoba seed oil, which is rich in fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, this balm can be worn on bare skin or over foundation.
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Make Up For Ever HD Skin Hydra Glow Foundation
With a formula that’s 86 per cent skin-care-based, this buildable, medium-coverage foundation works over time to hydrate, smooth, and plump your complexion. Available in 36 shades, it mimics the hydration of a sheet mask but with an ultra-lightweight texture and dewy finish.
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The ultimate lightweight lip colour, this lipstick comes in two finishes: matte and satin. The silky, moisturizing cream contains plant-derived squalane and sunflower seed oil in a hydrating formula that won’t leave lips feeling dry.
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Saie Beauty Dew Bronze Soft-Focus Effortless Liquid Bronzer
Glycerin, which helps draw moisture to the skin, and brightening licorice root extract are the hero ingredients in this new liquid-cream bronzer. The formula is buildable, blends easily, and won’t leave behind that telltale streaky orange look.
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Tower 28 Swipe Serum Concealer
Available in 20 shades, this serum-like concealer is formulated to hydrate and soothe the skin, and it won’t cling to pesky dry patches under the eyes or on blemishes. Hyaluronic acid, centella asiatica, and lysine, which boosts collagen production, make this complexion perfector an ideal pick for sensitive skin.
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Grown Alchemist Skin Defense Primer
Created to protect the skin against dehydration and external aggressors, this silicone-free primer is enriched with reishi mushroom, ashwagandha, and peptides to strengthen the skin barrier. Its weightless gel texture blends seamlessly into bare skin and under makeup.
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Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint Hydrating Foundation Stick
Providing sheer, radiant coverage in an easy and portable stick, this foundation gives skin a healthy glow in one swipe. A blend of hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and daikon radish seed oil work together to hydrate, plump, and brighten dull skin.
