Wouldn’t it be amazing to wave a magic wand over your face and watch fine lines vanish, skin plump up, and your youthful glow return? While it may sound too good to be true, thanks to cutting-edge technology and advanced formulations, achieving smoother, more radiant skin and shaving years off your face is entirely possible—if you know what to look for. Keep reading for my top seven most effective approaches for game-changing results, along with my go-to product recommendations to help you look your best at any age.
GAME CHANGER #1: SKIN BLURRING TECHNOLOGY
Skin-blurring technology has become a staple in everything from skincare to primers, foundations, concealers, and powders. The result? A flawless, diffused complexion where pores and fine lines seem to vanish, makeup glides over deep lines, skin looks plumper, more hydrated, and luminous—basically, you look years younger.
The science behind skin blurring is all about light manipulation and smoothing. Light-reflecting particles scatter light to create a soft-focus effect that blurs imperfections like lines and wrinkles. Delicate powders and silicones help makeup apply more smoothly, filling in pores and preventing it from settling into creases. Lastly, hydrating and plumping ingredients create the illusion of volume and radiance, enhancing that youthful glow. This powerhouse combination delivers an instant, optical illusion of smoother, more refined skin that’s hard to miss.
My favorite go-to blurring products…
Primer
Il Makiage’s No Filter Poreless Base Smoothing Primer
I’ve tried countless blurring primers, but this one is definitely a standout. It glides on like a dream, feels lightweight and velvety once it dries, and not only delivers airbrushed perfection—it also extends the wear of your makeup for hours. A total keeper!
Foundation
Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint
With its wide range of shades, buildable coverage, and gorgeous skin-like finish, this lightweight fluid delivers everything you could want in a foundation—and then some. It’s a must-have essential to kickstart any look.
Powder
Givenchy Prisme Libre Loose Setting and Finishing Powder
This finely milled powder feels like a dream on the skin and works its magic with 4-color correction technology. Once applied, it leaves your makeup looking smooth, polished, and luminous—lasting up to 24 hours of flawless perfection.
GAME CHANGER #2: FAUX BROW BLADING
Perfectly shaped brows are the ultimate frame for your eyes, instantly enhancing your facial features. Too much hair can make eyes appear smaller and tired, while too little creates an unfinished, imbalanced look. Sometimes, a hair or two added or removed makes all the difference.
Enter the brow blade pen—a true game changer in brow enhancing. Offering a sheer, lightweight formula, it delivers the most natural-looking, hair-like strokes. Unlike liquid liner, which can be harsh and opaque, brow blade pens use a softer, more diluted ink that subtly defines without looking overdone. With a little practice, you’ll master the art of barely-there yet noticeably improved perfection.
For flawless results, match the pen to your natural brow hair color and follow the direction of your hair growth. Want a more tousled, effortless vibe? Add a few random strokes to the top of your brows for that perfectly undone finish.
Once you’re happy with your hair placement, softly blend your faux strokes with a brow brush to make them as seamless as possible. Lock everything in place with a clear brow gel, and enjoy your effortlessly perfect, natural-looking brows.
My favorite…
Urban Decay’s Brow Blade 2-in-1 Eyebrow Pen + Waterproof Pencil in Blackout
This is my go-to pen for virtually every client, thanks to its game-changing precision, natural results, and incredible versatility. With both a pencil and pen option, it allows you to achieve the exact look you’re after every single time.
GAME CHANGER #3: PAINTING WITH LIGHT
If I had to choose just one technique that has been a consistent game-changer over the years, it’s adding light to the face. Highlighters are, without a doubt, the most powerful tool for creating a youthful, radiant glow. They brighten the skin, open up and lift the eyes, accentuate cheekbones, and even make lips look fuller. Light is everything—it’s your best friend and a magic wand all in one. The moment you apply it, the transformation is immediate, stunning, and timeless. Highlighting is the foundation of every makeup look I’ve ever done because it instantly revitalizes the complexion, making everyone look luminous, no matter their age or skin tone. Highlighters will forever be my number one go-to in any kit—end of story.
My rule of thumb? Add a touch of glow at key points: the inner eye corners, center of the lids, top and bottom lash lines, upper cheekbones, brow arch, bridge of the nose, and cupid’s bow. As for the rest of the face—especially the center of the forehead, sides of the nose, and chin—I dial back the shine with a bit of translucent powder. A glow everywhere can end up looking greasy, especially on camera, so controlled radiance is the goal. The texture you use doesn’t matter as long as it blends seamlessly into the skin.
When it comes to shades, think of a sheer wash that mimics your natural skin tone. For deeper complexions, avoid stark white highlights that can be too harsh; instead, opt for sheer bronze or warm golds. Fairer complexions shine best with translucent hues that reflect their natural undertones. The key is to enhance, not overpower, your glow.
A few of my favorites…
Cream
Natasha Denona Face Glow Cream Shimmer
A literal golden wand that brightens everything it touches. Its creamy texture glides effortlessly across the skin, leaving behind a radiant glow and a beautifully enhanced satin finish. Simply gorgeous.
Liquid
Chanel LES BEIGES Sheer Healthy Glow Highlighting Fluid
A luminous liquid that is as decadent and luxurious as it looks, delivering an undeniable radiance. Dewy, glowing skin is just a drop away.
Powder
Rare Beauty Positive Light Silky Touch Highlighter
This powder is as flawless and delicate as rare pearls, with a silky texture that feels like pure luxury. Its fine, reflective particles add a luminous accent wherever you want to glow. Utter perfection.
GAME CHANGER #4: DISAPPEARING EDGES
The secret to ageless eye makeup? Perfectly blended edges. Softening lines until they virtually vanish is the trick to a more youthful, radiant look. Whether you’re after a barely-there natural finish or a smoldering smoky eye, eliminating harsh lines instantly elevates the softness of your features.
The technique varies with the product texture. For liquids and creams, I swear by the heat from my fingertips to effortlessly melt and diffuse the product. When working with powders, a fluffy blending brush is your best ally for creating that smooth, airbrushed finish.
A great brush to try…
This is a must-have brush for your collection. Its short, tapered shape gives you ultimate control, allowing you to reach even the smallest areas with ease. It creates ultra-soft, blended edges that will have you looking like a pro.
Triclone Skin Tech Concealer Brush
This versatile, lightweight vegan brush works its blending magic under the eyes and anywhere else you crave a flawless finish. Its cleverly designed shape offers ultimate control, delivering seamless, airbrushed results every time.
GAME CHANGER #5: REVERSE ROSY GLOW
Cheek color may not seem like a game changer, but when applied correctly, it can work wonders. The key is to mimic that natural, rosy glow we get from within. Too often, blush is applied in harsh, linear strokes along the cheekbones, creating a more sculpted, contoured look. But for a youthful, fresh-faced effect, opt for a sheer, luminous pink tone. Gently apply it to the apples of your cheeks and a touch across the bridge of your nose, and voilà—instantly younger, naturally flushed skin, as if you just finished a workout.
I love these….
Glossier Cloud Paint Gel Cream Blush
Creating a fresh, flushed look is effortless with this ultra-sheer, buildable color gel. No matter which shade you choose, it leaves you looking healthy, vibrant, and lit from within.
Patrick Ta Major Headlines Double-Take Crème & Powder Blush Duo
A versatile duo that gives you the convenience of both powder and cream options at your fingertips. Each compact is thoughtfully curated with shades that naturally complement every skin tone, leaving you with just the right touch of color.
You simply can’t go wrong with this brilliant face balm. Its transparent, reflective texture looks incredibly real, making it one of my all-time favorites. It enhances your natural beauty effortlessly, delivering instant radiance without any fuss.
GAME CHANGER #6: LIP MAXIMIZERS
If fuller lips are on your wishlist but the thought of injections makes you cringe, lip maximizers are the perfect alternative. These lip-plumping formulas work wonders by enhancing volume, smoothing texture, and adding a vibrant, youthful finish. Infused with ingredients that temporarily boost blood flow, they can leave a slight tingling or numbing sensation—think of it as a mini “wake-up” for your pout. No needles required, just a noticeably fuller, more defined smile.
Good ones to try…
Each tube delivers a juicy, much-welcomed plumping effect. Available in a range of finishes and shades, it leaves your lips looking fuller and dazzling for up to 24 hours.
Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Lip Plumper
Just a quick swipe of this moisturizing formula will leave your lips looking ultra glossy and voluminous in seconds, thanks to it’s superior technology. So get ready to pucker up!
GAME CHANGER #7: FINISHING SPRAY
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to maintain a youthful, radiant glow is to hydrate—hydration is key. Moisture not only plumps the skin but delivers an instant, healthy glow. A refreshing mist of the right finishing spray can give you that hydrating boost and a cooling, pick-me-up feeling—whether applied before or after makeup.
But not all sprays are created equal. Always check the ingredients list to make sure yours is alcohol-free, or at least very low in alcohol. If it’s listed toward the end of the ingredients, it means there’s minimal content, so the product won’t dry out your skin. Choose sprays with clean ingredients that hydrate and soothe, like Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, Rose Water, Niacinamide, Aloe, Green Tea, Chamomile, Witch Hazel, and Shea Butter for skin-loving benefits.
My favorites are…
Cosmedix Benefit Balance Antioxidant Infused Toning Mist
I’m constantly asked what gives my skin that radiant healthy shine, and this is the secret—it’s literally glow in a bottle. Packed with calming ingredients like Green Tea and Chamomile, it soothes the skin while keeping you looking dewy and fresh for hours after application.
Back To Earth Skin Glow Facial Mist
The moment this ultra-fine mist touches your skin, your senses are awakened by the refreshing scent of rosewater and other soothing, nourishing ingredients. With a delicate balance of just 10 clean and 100% natural ingredients, it’s all you need for luscious, hydrated skin.
d’Alba White Truffle Vegan Spray
My clients can’t get enough of this premium Italian white truffle-infused vegan spray. Its delightful aroma is just the beginning, packed with soothing and skin-quenching ingredients like antioxidants, niacinamide, avocado oil, and vitamin E. Simply shake and mist to your heart’s content, and your skin will reward you with healthier skin and a radiant, healthy glow!
Makeup Artist & Beauty Expert @robinschoenmakeup
Learn more about Robin’s talented work at RobinSchoenMakeup.com
Ocean Blue World may receive a small commission from the purchase of some of these products online.
