If there’s one thing almost everyone covets, it’s a complexion that seems to glow from within. But let’s be honest, the pursuit of luminous skin can feel like a never-ending maze of products, regimens, and advice. That’s why we’ve turned to the experts—beauty influencers who’ve mastered the art of radiant skin—to guide us through the fog of information and help us decode the secrets to achieving that lit-from-within look.
Why should you listen to these beauty gurus? They’re in the trenches daily, experimenting with routines, critiquing products, and sharing their wins and losses in real time. They’ve honed their skincare wisdom through trial and error, so they know what truly works and what’s simply marketing hype. The insights provide an invaluable shortcut to a more glowing you, without the overwhelming jargon or confusing detours.
So, what’s the scoop on radiant skin? You’ll have to read on to find out. We’ve gathered wisdom from eight beauty influencers who offer a variety of perspectives—from minimalist approaches to high-tech treatments. Whatever your skin type or lifestyle, there’s advice here that can make a meaningful difference.
Hanah Bae
Can you walk us through your beauty journey so far?
I remember my very first zit at 13 years old — a bright red pimple at the tip of my nose. I felt like Rudolph the Reindeer! I used all the drugstore acne products I could find: Neutrogena, Stridex, and Clean & Clear. My skin was the worst when I started birth control pills and I would cake on foundation and concealer to hide my acne.
I started dating my current boyfriend nine years ago and he suggested trying Korean skincare, which he found out about through Reddit. I discovered the importance of double cleansing, skin cell turnover, and maintaining a hydrated skin environment, which has helped tremendously with my confidence.
What are your go-to steps for keeping that radiant glow on good skin days?
Double cleansing, a serum that promotes cell turnover, a hydrating layer—I love the COSRX Snail Mucin Essence—and moisturizer! And of course, sunscreen when I’ll be in the sun.
When it comes to beauty, what’s one daily habit that you think makes a big difference in your complexion?
Double cleansing! I can’t stress enough how much this: Cleaning with a cleansing oil then a cleansing gel has helped me keep my pores clean and my skin soft. I used to use makeup wipes, but once I learned how it makes your skin develop fine lines faster and it’s bad for the environment, I kicked the habit for good.
Considering all you’ve learned, what advice would you give to beginners regarding skincare or makeup?
When you’re beginning, all the steps can seem overwhelming. How I think of it is to start with clean skin, then layer with lightest to heaviest in formula. So a good order is cleanser -> serum -> moisturizer.
Morgan Rohan
For those who haven’t had the chance to follow you yet, would you mind sharing a bit about who you are and what got you started in beauty?
My name is Morgan, I’m 25 and based in Queensland, Australia. I really started to get into beauty a few years ago after trying to manage really dry, eczema-prone skin and it quickly became a bit of an obsession, so I turned to socials to connect with other beauty lovers!
Professionally I have a background in chemical and materials engineering, so I also love to get into the nitty gritty of product formulations and packaging decisions.
Especially being someone that deals with dry skin, what’s your advice when it comes to achieving a radiant look?
I know we all love to reach for exciting actives like retinol, but for me, prioritizing hydration has always been key to keeping my skin feeling and looking it’s best.
My best advice is to think of making sure each skincare routine has two things: a way to rehydrate your skin and replenish your water levels and then a way to kind of seal that in and prevent water loss.
In terms of beauty tools and products, do you have a go-to for keeping your skin glowy?
Yes! I’m a big believer in using a face oil and I think they’re a really great way to give that glow to your skin — I use one every day, even in summer. I think the key to making a face oil work for you is realizing you probably need to use less than you think you do — a few drops, not a whole dropper, is a good place to start! For me, you really can’t beat the Go-To Skincare Face Hero. It’s a blend of 10 oils, it’s quite lightweight and feels so nourishing on the skin. I’ve been buying it since 2017 and it’s such a holy grail product in my routine.
I’m sure many people can relate to this, but how do you deal with days where your skin just won’t cooperate?
I have a lot of these sort of days because eczema can be pretty unpredictable, so I am no stranger to calming temperamental skin. First, take three deep breaths and remember you’re just a human with skin – rough days happen. If you’re dealing with irritation or redness or an aggressive breakout, it just means your skin needs a little extra support to do its job.
Second, I like to keep things minimal and avoid makeup if I can (but don’t ditch your SPF!). Finally, I reach for my emergency skin kit. It has a bottle of the SOS mist from Tower28 and the Cicalfate cream from Avene.
I try to focus on exfoliating and hydrating the skin when my skin is looking dull or even breaking out. By minimizing the products to the ones I know and trust, my skin always looks better after.
Ozy Anele
Would you mind sharing a bit about who you are and what you do in the beauty world?
My name is Ozioma. I am a Nigerian editorial glam content creator and beauty influencer. My content emphasizes elegant editorial aesthetics suitable for daily wear. I am believe that my contents elevates editorial glam to an everyday standard. I also share beauty tips and tricks to my audience who are makeup beginners.
Your skin always looks so glowy! What skincare or makeup steps help you get that look?
I have a combination skin yet I typically opt for hydrating products. The cornerstone of my radiant base is the Paula Choice C5 Super Boost Moisturizer enriched with Vitamin C. Following this, I apply the Msmetics Sunscreen SPF 50+; a Nigerian-owned product that offers a luminous finish without leaving a white cast on darker complexions.
For makeup application, I employ a pore-minimizing primer and prefer foundations with hydrating or luminous finish. I gently set my makeup and consciously avoid the baking method.
When it comes to beauty, what’s one daily habit that you think makes a big difference in your complexion?
Unpopular opinion, but I believe eating healthy, drinking enough water and maintaining good personal and environmental hygiene always makes a difference in complexion. I notice my skin becomes dull when I am sick or in a new environment despite my effective skincare routine.
When your skin’s not behaving, how do you tackle issues like uneven tone or dullness?
I practice skincare cycling a lot however, I never skip vitamin C serums and moisturizers or ferulic acids to prevent dull skin.
Charlotte Bird
For those who are unfamiliar, can you tell us more about yourself?
Sure! My name is Charlotte and I’m a full time content creator, makeup artist, and business owner based in London. I found my love of makeup and skincare when I was studying abroad at university in the US many years ago, and haven’t looked back since. I focus on creating more natural makeup looks that anyone and everyone can achieve!
What makeup tricks do you use to make your skin look naturally glowing?
There are a few little tips and hacks I have for super glowy makeup! First, I do want to say that the most important thing for glowy makeup is hydrated skin, so always start with a hydrating serum and moisturizer. My favorites are the Glow Recipe Dew Drops, Ole Henrikson Strength Trainer Moisturizer, and Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream.
Can you share your favorite at-home remedies or DIY treatments for achieving radiant skin?
Facial massage is something I do daily whenever I’m doing my skincare routine, always massage upwards and don’t forget the jawline and neck! I use facial razors to gently remove facial hair and dead skin cells on the surface of my skin. Although if you have acne, I wouldn’t recommend this.
Lastly, I love the slugging technique at nighttime! Essentially slugging is a moisturizing technique where you slather your face in a hydrating moisturizer as the last step in your skincare routine. I do this two to three times a week before bed. It’s amazing for deep hydration, protecting the skin barrier and skin radiance
How do you tackle issues like dullness or uneven skin tone to maintain a fresh and healthy complexion?
I focus on two things: chemical exfoliation and daily SPF! My favorite chemical exfoliants are the Wishful Skin Yo Glow Enzyme Scrub which I use twice a week and the Ole Henrikson Dark Spot Toner which I use daily, both keep my skin even and radiant. The daily SPF is essential for me not just to protect me from the sun but also to prevent my hyper pigmentation and keep my skin tone as even as possible!
Joules
Quick intro—who are you and why should we be beauty besties?
I’m Joules, and I’m an editorial makeup influencer! I love to get inventive and creative with makeup. I’m actually in search of some beauty besties to talk about things like OG YouTube beauty gurus and new products hitting the market right now.
What’s your go-to trick for radiant skin?
My go to trick for radiant skin is slugging at night time. I have dry skin so I love to drench my skin before I go to bed.
If you had to choose, what’s one skincare product you can’t live without?
One skincare product I cannot live without is a nice thick moisturizer. My dry skin cannot survive otherwise. My OG moisturizer is old school, Ponds. However, lately I have been loving The INKEY List’s Omega Water Cream.
How do you approach days when your skin isn’t looking its best?
When my skin isn’t looking the best, I love to give It a revamp. I like to use the oat cleansing balm from The INKEY List as a shaving cream to then shave my entire face with a small razor. This immediately smoothes my skin. Next, I will use a hyaluronic acid and follow with moisturizer.
Ellie Tat
Would you mind sharing a bit about your journey in the beauty industry?
My interest in the beauty industry all started on YouTube about 10 years ago. I loved watching people test out different products or organizing their collections. So a couple years ago, I started taking pictures of the products I had and wrote reviews on Instagram.
It took me awhile to experiment with different angles and editing styles, but I just wanted to express my love for beauty with others.
On days when your skin wants to cooperate, how do you maintain a radiant complexion?
On good skin days, I primarily focus on a good moisturizer and sunscreen whether I wear face makeup or not. It’s important to have a hydrated and smooth base to last through out the day.
When it comes to beauty, what’s one daily habit that you think makes a big difference in your complexion?
Double cleansing every night has made such a difference in my complexion. With buildup, sunscreen and makeup, sometimes one cleanser is not enough. I love to use an oil or balm first then follow with a foaming cleanser. My skin is never stripped but much cleaner.
What’s your approach when your skin isn’t looking its best?
I try to focus on exfoliating and hydrating the skin when my skin is looking dull or even breaking out. By minimizing the products to the ones I know and trust, my skin always looks better after.
Lauren C
Would you mind sharing a bit about who you are and what got you interested in beauty?
Hello! My name is Lauren and I’m from Northern Ireland! I’m a mum to two young children so as much as I love makeup, I don’t really have the time to wear it every day. Having a good skincare routine allows me to get a little bit of relaxing me time and gives me a confidence boost in my own skin without relying on makeup.
There’s so many amazing products out there, I love the different scents and textures, it’s an obsession really!
What’s your go-to product for achieving radiant skin?
My favorite product for radiant skin in the Heimish Artless glow base! It’s SFP 50 and leaves a stunning glow, perfect worn alone or underneath makeup.
What are your thoughts on skincare vs. makeup when it comes to achieving a radiant look?
I think they definitely go hand in hand! For me personally, I found it hard to achieve a radiant look without having a good skincare routine in place first!
Do you have any tips for making glowy makeup last all day?
Use a good primer! I love a slightly tacky primer to hold my foundation in place. A small amount of powder to set any areas that you find oily and finally a good setting spray to lock in the glow.
