How to get flawless-looking skin
Updated: Dec. 03, 2014
While phone apps can add filters, erase lines and brighten up photos, day-to-day life may not be as forgiving. These primers, ‘blur’ products and illuminators are your secret weapons for flawless skin
Smooth skin
Choose a primer if you are looking to smooth your skin before applying makeup. Some products contain dimethicone, a skin-smoothing silicone. A primer might also have other skincare advantages. For example, Benefit The PoreFessional ($37, 22 mL) has vitamin E, and is an oil-free formula that helps mattify the skin. Dermalogica Skinperfect Primer SPF 30 ($67, 22 mL) features pearl powder to reduce redness.
Minimize pores and fine lines
Try a “blur” product if you’re looking to minimize the look of enlarged pores and fine lines. “They act as a moisturizer and as a primer-but they offer more,” says Stephanie Wong, product manager, skincare and suncare for L’Oréal Paris in Montreal. “They are also a skin smoother that blurs the look of fine lines, pores and wrinkles while giving skin a velvety matte finish.” Blur products can be applied as the last step of a skincare routine, or on their own. “The concept of ‘blur’ is a new trend that denotes an instant fix and airbrushed results,” says Lora Spiga, Lancôme’s official makeup artist in Canada. Try L’Oréal Paris Visible Blur Foundation ($19, 40 mL); Lancôme Visionnaire 1-Minute Blur ($69, 30 mL); or Biotherm Blue Therapy Ultra-Blur Ultra-Smoothing Filler ($49, 30 mL).
Illuminate skin
Go for an illuminator if you want photo-ready skin with a healthy glow. Use this either right before applying makeup, or alone, to showcase a brighter face. Try Estée Lauder’s Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator ($73, 30 mL), with brighteners and “CorrectTone Technology” to illuminate skin and reduce uneven skin tone. It also includes vitamin C to help reduce the appearance of dark spots. For a bit of shimmer, try Hard Candy Sheer Glow All the Way ($8, 76.5 g); you can also mix it with some foundation for a recharged look.
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