Genius Tips for Glowing Skin

Ask any beauty pro and they'll tell you: You won't find the secret to glowy skin in the pan of a highlighter palette. That's not to say there aren't products that melt into your skin to fake that dewy, lit-from-within look. (If you've ever tried Pat McGrath's Skin Fetish line, you know her highlighter duo is the next best thing to being born a Hadid.) Rather, getting skin that permanently looks like you're fresh off vacation—which is to say, healthy, radiant, and clear—is a combination of product, practice, and patience. The good news is that if you're short on the latter, there are still plenty of quick-fix solutions.

A quick face massage goes a long way :

Using your fingertips, massage a serum [try Neutrogena Hydro Boost Serum] or oil into your face before applying makeup. The stimulation can help get the blood moving to wake up your whole complexion.

Try a microcurrent treatment :

When my complexion looks dull ­after a long flight or late night, I use the ZIIP ­device, which delivers electric currents into your skin. Twelve minutes leaves my face luminous and much firmer.

Bend over :

Hanging my head upside down for three minutes a day is my long-term strategy for getting that lit-from-within glow.

Upgrade your usual face mask :

The Själ Kashmir Saphir Perfecting Mask [$150, sjalskincare.com] is unreal! It’s my jet lag antidote, or for when I want my skin to look as if I’ve had a facial when I haven’t.

Give your foundation a boost :

Mix a few drops of luminizer [try L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glow Amour Glow Boosting Drops] with your moisturizer or foundation, then apply the mixture with a damp sponge. It will create an even, sheer layer of sheen that looks more natural than a highlighter.

Master this backstage technique :

My Skin Fetish highlighter stick works amazingly as a body shimmer. The trick is to hunch your shoulders forward so your collarbones pop out; that’s where you want it. Add powder on top for even more glow. It photographs beautifully!

Use toner before serum or moisturizer :

Think of it as a glass of water for your skin. Serums and creams can penetrate deeper if your skin is hydrated.

Strengthen your skin barrier :

Protecting the outermost layer of your skin is key. To do that, use an overnight multitasking treatment like Thank You Farmer Back to Relax Soothing Gel Mask.

Add vitamin C to your routine :

Apply five drops of vitamin C serum [like Avon Anew Vitamin C Brightening Serum] underneath SPF each morning to target free radical damage, help lighten brown spots, and even out your skin tone.

Switch to a chemical exfoliator :

Exfoliate at night with a glycolic acid peel like Cane + Austin Retexture Pad 10% Glycolic Facial Treatment. It leaves your skin instantly smoother and brighter!