Top Products + Tips To Achieve Complexion Perfection

With brighter days ahead, now’s the perfect time to give your complexion a glow up. Blooming with options, the latest beauty launches make it easier than ever to put your best face forward. “Regardless of age, race, skin type or gender, everyone deserves to feel seen when looking for complexion enhancers,” says Amy Harper, a Toronto-based makeup artist. The ultimate starter pack includes concealer, highlighter and blurring formulas. Here are three key ways to ace your base. —Emily Macculloch & Ingrie Williams

Conceal to Reveal

From dark undereye circles to unwanted blemishes, concealer is the MVP of your makeup lineup that will instantly even out your complexion. The pro approach is to have a roster of products at your fingertips. “We all love a multi-tasking formula, but you’ll get the best results when you’re specific about the area you’re looking to target,” says Harper. For the most natural-looking finish, work in thin layers. “Because concealers have a thicker consistency, it’s easy to over apply and have it look heavy.” She advises starting small, assessing your level of coverage, then adding more if needed. 

We like:

• Haus Labs by Lady Gaga Triclone Skin Tech Hydrating + De-puffing Concealer, $43.50 at Sephora 
• NYX Pro Fix Stick Correcting Concealer, $17 at Shoppers Drug Mart 

Activate Blur Mode

Looking for a filter in a bottle to camouflage textured skin? A blurring formula is the product you never knew you needed. The key to maximizing the skin-enhancing benefits is choosing the right formula and only applying where needed. “For the delicate eye area, try a blurring powder, as it tends to be more lightweight and for larger pores, a primer might be your best bet,” says Harper. For a lightweight and seamless look, take your time blending the product into your skin. “Apply where desired with your fingers, and then diffuse the product with a denser makeup brush so that it’s buffed into the complexion.” 

We like:

• Estée Lauder Double Wear Smooth & Blur Primer, $56 at Esteelauder.ca 
• MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Pro Set + Blur Weightless Loose Powder, $45 at Maccosmetics.ca 

Boost Your Highlight Reel

Nothing gets you glowing like a high-performance highlighter—and these days there’s no shortage of textures to choose from. As an easy rule of thumb, if you have dry skin check out liquids and creams, and if you’re oilier, seek out a powder. “Much like with a foundation or concealer, for a natural glow, you want your highlighter to look like it’s part of your skin,” explains Harper. “Pick a highlighter that’s one to two shades lighter than your skin tone.” Scan labels for key words like dewy and/or radiant for the ultimate lit-from-within glow. 

We like:

• Keys Soulcare Gleam On Highlighting Balm, $26 at Keyssoulcare.com 
• Sephora Collection Colorful Powder Luminizer in Sparkling Honey, $19 at Sephora