This post is sponsored by Nordstrom & ShopStyle.

I’ve found that I’m wearing less makeup lately. Part of that is COVID and part of it is just sticking to quality products that really work. Foundations that let your skin breathe, bronzers that give you a sun-kissed glow (without the sun) and SPF that prevents damage. I’m all about trying to make my skin look as healthy as possible–especially as I’m getting older–and nothing says healthy skin like that lit-from-within glow.

Taking the time to create a really good canvas (your skin) makes a huge difference and allows you to spend just a few extra minutes on the details (mascara, lip gloss, maybe some eyeshadow) for when you want to get really fancy. Because skin that glows makes any mascara look better.

The Best Products For Glowing Skin In Just 5 Steps

And speaking of quality products, Nordstrom is pretty much a one-stop-shop for all of my favorite beauty products, all in one place. I SO appreciate their free shipping and free returns (I would totally take advantage of the curbside pickup if I lived near one) and I can’t wait to see the exclusives they’re going to have as a part of their Anniversary Sale! (If you aren’t yet a part of the Nordy Club, make sure you sign up before the sale starts!)

1. Start With A Good Foundation

I used to be able to slap on whatever foundation I had laying around and call it a day. As I get older, though, makeup that’s too thick or heavy can settle into fine lines and wrinkles and bring them out even more. My goal now is to even out my skin tone without masking it…almost like taking a blurring brush to my face. My favorite way to achieve that look? Charlotte Tilbury’s Hollywood Flawless Filter. This stuff is amazing, you guys. (We’ve used it with a lot of the contributors here at TME and we all agree!) You can use it on its own or mix it with a bit of foundation (in these pics I mixed it with Giorgio Armani’s Luminous Silk Foundation because of its buildable coverage, blend-ability, and luminous finish) for a bit more coverage. You see how you can still see my freckles? It’s because these two formulas are lightweight enough to let your actual skin shine through, but also help to even out discolorations and redness…so it still looks like your skin, but better.

**I wanted to include a quick note about concealer. Some people can get away without it while others swear by it: I’m in that latter group because I have discoloration under my eyes that makes them appear darker. I use YSL Touche Eclat All-Over Brightening Pen to brighten them up and a super-small amount of NARS Soft Matte Concealer when I want a bit more coverage.

2. Pick The Right Powder

I know some people who are afraid of using powders because they think it will make them look older (ahem, Mom?). The key, like foundation, is picking the right ones. For example, MAC’s Mineralize Skinfinish Natural is a powder that has pearlized pigments in it to set your makeup without overly mattifying it. It knocks the shine from your t-zone without destroying the luminous finish of the foundation. If that’s still more shine than you’d like, I recently discovered this Hyaluronic Hydra-Powder from by Terry–it. is. amazing. It’s a super-fine, lightweight powder that has Hyaluronic Acid so it’s non-drying, fills in pores and wrinkles and controls shine. I’m really impressed by how good this stuff is.

3. Warm Up Your Face With Bronzers

Bronzers not only help to avoid that whole face-and-body color difference many of us have in the summer, but they add warmth to skin and make it look more youthful. The key to using bronzers? Picking one that’s lightweight and glitter-free with undertones of browns and reds. Bobbi Brown’s Bronzing Powder makes it easy. Here I’m wearing the shade natural, (it comes in 6 different shades) which basically creates a realistic day-at-the-beach glow. And because Bobbi Brown is known for skin-flattering colors and formulas, I was also really intrigued by her Illuminating Bronzing Powder–a bronzer that has micro-pearls (not glitter!) that reflect the light and gives skin a beautiful luminosity. Here I’m wearing Maui as a blush and a little bit on my forehead and nose (where the sun would naturally hit)… it adds a gorgeous glow that’s not overly shimmery or sparkly and the pink is surprisingly versatile.

4. Make Your Features Pop

Eyes, lips, cheekbones…I have a couple of favorite makeup products that make them pop with minimal effort (and maximum payoff). HOURGLASS Scattered Light Glitter Eyeshadow is one of them. This shadow is gorgeous, you guys. Dab a little bit onto your finger, blend onto your lid (no brush required–I’m wearing reflect in these pics) and finish with a good mascara like Benefit’s They’re Real! Mascara (check out customer pics in the reviews!). Make your lips pop with a bright gloss like Chanel’s Rouge Coco Gloss Moisturizing Glossimer in bitter orange (on me) or amuse-bouche (a bright coral) to keep them hydrated and glossy. (Gloss is more mask-friendly than lipstick because it’s easy to apply and wipes away easily with a tissue.) Finally, use a highlighter like MAC’s Mineralize Skinfinish Powder Highlighter (I’m wearing soft & gentle) to make your cheekbones pop–just swipe a little on top using a fan brush like this to deposit a small amount of product at a time. (It’s always easier to add more than to take off too much.)

5. Don’t Skip The SPF!

Against the advice of my mom, I spent WAY too much time in a tanning bed during my 20s, but now I always wear SPF. I start my makeup routine with Supergoop!’s Unseen Sunscreen, a primer with SPF 40 that helps makeup last (even in hot and humid conditions) and finish it with their Defense Refresh (Re)Setting Mist, a setting spray that also provides sun protection with SPF 40. Unseen Sunscreen is such an effective makeup primer that I’ll often wear it on its own (it really does make your skin look better even if you aren’t wearing foundation) but as a primer under makeup it’s every bit as good as my favorite Smashbox primer. The Defense Refresh spray is perfect to use throughout the day when I want a little touch-up or when I’m going to be directly in the sun. They both work SO well with makeup, especially in the summertime when makeup tends to melt off skin.

wearing: Loveappella Maxi Dress

Shop The Best Nordstrom Beauty Products For Glowing Skin

XOXO,

Scotti

A huge thank you to Nordstrom & ShopStyle for sponsoring this post! I love any opportunity to share my passion for makeup with others and you’re basically a one-stop shop for all of my favorites!

Amy, you’re the BEST and I love working with you! Your photography is amazing–thank you!

And readers, thank you so much for your continued support. It is so very much appreciated–especially during these times!