Face-Off: 6 R29 Staffers Share Their Secrets To The Perfect Natural Glow

The staffer: Annie Tomlin, beauty director
Her pick: Alima Pure Bronzer Shimmer Powder, a mineral bronzer and highlighter.

Try it if: You want a natural-looking glow that still manages to turn heads. 

What do you love about it? I'm not one to apply a ton of makeup in general, especially since I favor a more natural look. The luminous shimmer powders are staples in my makeup bag because they add that "candlelight" look without being disco-ball shiny. I use them to highlight my cheekbones and the inner corner of my eye — they're incredibly easy, and they last forever." 

How did the product feel? Was it easy to use?  Getting the hang of mineral makeup takes some time, but once you know how to use it, you're golden. You need just a tiny bit to create good color payoff, and these powders layer really well — either alone or together. (The matte bronzer, for instance, is pretty on its own, but at night I might add some shimmer on top.) I also like putting some powder in my body lotion, which gives an all-over glow. And who doesn't want that?"

Alima Pure Bronzer Shimmer Powder Duo, $40, available at Shops (with a free mini kabuki brush!).

Product photography courtesy of Alima Pure; Annie Tomlin photographed by Sarah Balch

The staffer: Amanda Keiser, commerce editor
Her pick: Dr. Jart Premium Beauty Balm, a one-shade-fits-all BB cream.

Try it if: You want a sheer, even glow that really looks natural. It doesn't bronze per say, but it gives your complexion that boost that'll have people asking what you did differently (A good night's sleep? A hair cut? A little nip tuck?). It's like a tinted moisturizer with a magic touch.

What do you love about it? "When I first learned about the whole BB cream phenomenon, Dr. Jart's was the first I tried. I absolutely loved how it appeared so sheer (freckles and natural blushing shine right through), but it also did a great job covering acne scars and evening out tone. I was so impressed with the idea of BB cream that I tried four more brands, thinking they would all be equally as magical — not so! For me, nothing gave my skin that je ne sais quoi glow like Dr. Jart's without looking cakey."

How does the product feel? Is it easy to use? "It's super easy to use, though I would recommend moisturizing lightly before applying if you tend to have dry skin. I noticed that during the winter months that I needed a little extra moisture before applying the BB cream — otherwise, it would stick to any dry areas and appear a little chalky. Other than that, it's a dream — SPF 45, moisturizer, foundation, and anti-aging cream all in one? What could be better?"

Dr. Jart Premium Beauty Balm, $39, available at Sephora.

Product photography courtesy of Dr. Jart; Amanda Keiser photographed by Julia Finch

The staffer: Shawna Strayhorn, director of business intelligence
Her pick: Ben Nye Luxury Powder, a brightening, highlighting powder.

Try it if: You're headed for a night out and want to offset tired-looking eyes.

What do you love about it? "I love that bright-eyed look, and this product is one of the only ones I've found that can recreate that effect when it's not happening naturally. The powder catches the light in a magical way and really makes you feel more glamorous. Plus, it looks great in photos."

How does the product feel? Is it easy to use? This product requires a little trial and error. If you go overboard, you can risk looking like a raccoon. I suggest setting the powder under your eyes with a makeup blender, making sure to build the product slowly. Once you get comfortable, you'll find yourself highlighting all kinds of contours."

Ben Nye Banana Luxury Powder, $19, available at Amazon.

Product photography courtesy of Ben Nye; Shawna Strayhorn photographed by Julia Finch

Staffer: Charlene Chang, senior manager, commerce partnerships
Her pick:  Mai Couture 2-in-1 Blotting/Bronzing Papier, thin facial papers that soak up facial oil and add a bronze glow.

Try it if: You want an easy, quick summer glow that'll take care of shine and add a little bit of color.

What do you love about it? "Oil can really accumulate on your face in the heat of summer, and these blotters totally take it away. Plus, they double as the perfect on-the-go bronzer for a little extra glow."

How does the product feel? Is it easy to use? "The papers are definitely easy to use — just rub the papers on your skin and go! I like to use my fingers to pull the product off the paper for a more accurate application."

Mai Couture 2-in-1 Blotting/Bronzing Papier, $24, available at Shops (with a free full-size lip gloss!).

Product photography of Mai Couture; Charlene Chang photographed by Guang Xu

The staffer: Megan McIntyre, senior beauty editor
Her pick: Josie Maran Argan Color Stick, an all-natural cream blush stick that gives skin a healthy, subtle flush.

Try it if: You want to avoid a makeup meltdown this summer, or if you're not a fan of the way powder blushes settle into your skin's cracks and crevices.

What do you love about it? "I've been anti-powder blush ever since talking with celebrity makeup artist Jake Bailey, who told me that he stopped using powders because cream blushes give skin a natural, dewy flush that powders just cannot duplicate. Rather than sitting dully on the surface, cream blushes blend seamlessly into the skin, making your blush look au naturel, rather than bestowed by a makeup brush. One quick swipe of this on the apples of my cheeks, a quick second to blend it outwards, and my face looks perked up and prettified."

How does the product feel? Is it easy to use? "I've tried a LOT of cream blushes over the years, some good and some not so good. One of my biggest complaints with the rejects is that they felt too greasy on my skin. This one didn't suffer from slick syndrome — it deposited just the right amount of color and was easy enough to blend, but it didn't feel like an oil tanker had just run aground on my cheeks. It's also the epitome of lazy girl beauty: It literally takes me two minutes to apply because you just dot it on and then blend it out. No brushes, or annoying swirling-and-tapping technique required. And, if all that wasn't enough, it's infused with Maran's signature argan oil, so it helps hydrate and treat the skin as it beautifies. Add to that a drop-dead gorgeous shade selection — I'm obsessed with Rosy and Pink — plus a multi-use option (it can be applied to the lips, too) and you've got the makings of one blockbuster of a blusher."

Josie Maran Argan Color Stick, $22, available at Josie Maran.

Product photography courtesy of Josie Maran; Megan McIntyre photographed by Sarah Balch