How to get that natural summer glow

If radiant skin is top of your wish list this summer, a clever mix of skincare and makeup will set you on your way. All you need to do is choose the perfect products and master the right techniques. Here, pro makeup artist Daniel Martin – the man behind Meghan Markle’s wedding-day glow – tells us how it’s done.

Glow isn’t just about makeup – your skincare is just as important. And, while exfoliation is the fastest way to slough off dead skin cells, which otherwise cause dullness and prevent light reflecting off your skin, most of your daily beauty products are able to help create that glow. “Essences, serums (not acids) and moisturizers will give you a glow that’s healthy and less makeup-like,” says Martin. “I like using a more transparent emollient base because it gives you the texture you want, and radiance without shimmer or a metallic finish.”

When it comes to makeup, highlighting products are the quickest way to add glow. While liquids are easy to blend for beginners, powders are generally good for oily skin types and cream textures add a flattering waxiness to drier skin. If you are oily and worried about glow reading as shine, set where necessary with a light dusting of translucent mattifying powder. Lighter skin tones should stick to pale, icy shades like champagne and opal, while deeper skin tones should avoid anything too cool, as it could look ashy. Instead, let your skin sing with warm, rich gold or bronze accents.

For a low-key approach to glow, it’s all about the professional technique. “I do what I call a heart highlight,” says Martin. “You start on the bridge of the nose, move above the outer brow bone, swoop around the tops of the cheek and finish down at the Cupid’s bow. By doing this you create a sweetheart outline of highlight on the face that picks up light beautifully.” Use a fan-shaped brush to sweep over your contours, and a finely milled powder highlighter, which will mitigate any heavy-handedness and avoid dragging the skin.