Skip to main content
Learn It

PRO TIPS: HOW TO BUILD A GLOWING BASE 

PRO TIPS: HOW TO BUILD A GLOWING BASE 
Krista Thurrott
Writer and expert4 years ago
View Krista Thurrott's profile

We all deserve to get a bit of a glow after the year that was 2020. Whether you’re wearing makeup to do the food shop, honing your artistry 

skills or simply doing it for yourself (and your virtual meetings), one of the most popular current trends is building a glowing base (to pair with this eye makeup look).

At Illamasqua

, we get asked daily on our social channels and Instagram Q&A’s how to create a glowing base to suit

 any makeup look. The good news? A radiant base suits almost every makeup look. The even better news? We have everything you need

(including our Beyond Christmas collection) at Illamasqua.com.

glowing makeup base

While we all know a good highlighter does the trick in a pinch, these refined tips by our professional makeup artists will help you achieve a truly lit-from-within look. 

 

1. It’s all in the primer

Head of Professional Development Frankie McKernon recommends an Illamasqua

 cult-favourite: Satin Primer. Pre-mix it with foundation or 

focus solely on the high-points of the face, Frankie’s tip will help you achieve a natural glow. 

My go-to product to create glowing 

skin is Satin Primer

. Its super versatile and easily added into your everyday makeup routine for a little more glow, especially during the winter months. Apply all over or concentrate on the high points of the face to add a natural dewy highlight. You can even mix with Skin Base Foundation to create a sheer, bespoke look.” 

2. Just keep blending 

For Head of Training Mel Barrese, her top pick for a radiant finish is our Gleam Highlighter

. When it comes to achieving the ultimate glow, a fully blended highlight makes for a natural finish 

In order to get naturally glowy

skin, I love to use our Gleam Highlighter

 in Aurora for fair to medium skin tones or Supernatural for deeper skin tones. 

After perfecting skin with Skin Base Foundation, I use a soft fluffy brush and

in circular motions buff not just onto the cheekbones, but also bringing the highlighter

 down onto the apples of the cheeks, for a healthy radiance. I then dab Colour Veil onto cheeks to add some warmth, before going back in with more Gleam 

Highlighter to blend the blusher and add more glow. 

3. Mix products for a lit-from-within look 

Director of Artistry Pablo Rodriguez suggests pre-mixing your products ahead of application to ensure your skin is glowing. This way your final finish looks truly lit from within. 

“I like pre-mixing products more than adding a finish on top. Add 

a couple drops of Beyond Liquid Highlighter

mixed with Skin Base or Beyond Foundation

 and apply as usual. To finish, you can add accents of highlighter as the finishing touch, but the overall glow should look like it comes from the skin, not added on.” 

Krista Thurrott
Writer and expert
View Krista Thurrott's profile
When I’m not writing or perusing the beauty section, I'm usually applying skincare or trying a new eyeliner. Most confident in minimal makeup with a bold lip, I invite you to join me on my journey to find the perfect mascara and red lipstick!
illamasqua