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You’ve likely come across these viral drops on social media. As all the influencer videos extolling their virtues will tell you, the trick is to mix them in with your moisturizer for an instant and unbelievable glow. But it’s not just the radiance they impart that has had the internet in a chokehold; they’re also packed with skin care benefits, from marula oil to peptides.
Meet the most foolproof makeup stick of all time. This easy-to-use formula by Merit glides on sheer but is completely buildable. Rather than settling into skin (which is so often the case with matte sticks or bronzing powders), microfine pigments ensure that the finish looks dewy and sheer, and never cakey. For a daily glow, simply use a fluffy brush to blend into the high points of the cheeks; the oval-shaped stick follows the contours of your face, making it completely seamless to apply.
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This isn’t your typical liquid bronzer. First comes the skin care: glycerin helps draw moisture into the skin, licorice root extract brightens, evening primrose nourishes, and silica helps soften. Second is the finish. Dot the bronzer across the high points of the face where the sun naturally catches, then blend with fingers or a brush to create a very light, soft-focus finish.
Gucci Westman is a pro when it comes to creating makeup missing from our routines. Supremely lightweight yet still buildable, these drops blend flawlessly with any base for an all-over wash of color. You can mix them with your moisturizer, use them as an eye shadow base, or blend onto the cheeks to create an instant warm glow.
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Glossier built its reputation on no-makeup makeup, and Cloud Paint—which launched in 2017—has remained one of its most popular formulas. A regular in my own makeup bag for when I need a quick instant glow pre-commute, it offers up a radiant and extra sheer finish. While it’s one to avoid if you prefer a bolder bronzed look, it’s ideal for minimalists. My top tip: Use a cream blusher alongside this and blend together to add depth and a pop of color.