To achieve the coveted golden hour glow, it’s important to start with a flawless base. Begin by prepping your skin with a hydrating moisturizer to ensure a smooth canvas. Next, apply a lightweight, illuminating primer to add a subtle radiance to your complexion. This will help your skin reflect light and create that golden hour glow.
Once your base is ready, it’s time to focus on your complexion. Opt for a lightweight, dewy foundation that will give you a natural-looking finish. Use a damp beauty sponge to blend the foundation seamlessly into your skin, ensuring there are no harsh lines or streaks.
To further enhance the glow, reach for a liquid highlighter in a warm, golden shade. Apply it to the high points of your face, such as the cheekbones, brow bone, and down the bridge of your nose. Gently blend it in with your fingertips or a brush for a soft, diffused effect.
Now, let’s move on to the eyes. For a golden hour-inspired look, choose warm, earthy eyeshadow shades. Start by applying a light, shimmery shade all over your lid as a base. Then, take a medium-toned shade and blend it into the crease to add depth and dimension. Finally, apply a pop of a metallic gold shade to the center of your lid to mimic the sun’s golden rays.
To make your eyes appear even more radiant, don’t forget to curl your lashes and apply a few coats of lengthening mascara. This will open up your eyes and make them look more awake and refreshed.
Complete the look by adding a touch of warmth to your cheeks with a peachy blush. Smile and lightly dust the blush onto the apples of your cheeks, blending it upwards towards your temples. This will give you a healthy, sun-kissed flush.
Finally, finish off the golden hour glow by applying a glossy, nude lip color. Opt for a lip gloss or a creamy lipstick with a hint of shimmer to add a touch of luminosity to your lips.
And there you have it – a stunning golden hour glow makeup look that will make you feel like you’re basking in the warm, captivating light of the sunset. Whether you’re heading out for a special occasion or simply want to add a touch of radiance to your everyday makeup, this tutorial has got you covered. So, go ahead and embrace the magic of the golden hour in your makeup routine!
Step 1: Prep Your Canvas
Before diving into the makeup application, it’s important to prepare your skin to ensure a smooth and flawless finish. Start by cleansing your face and applying a moisturizer that suits your skin type. This will help to hydrate your skin and create a smooth base for your makeup. Don’t forget to apply a primer to minimize the appearance of pores and help your makeup last longer.
Once you have cleansed your face, it’s important to assess your skin’s needs and choose a moisturizer that will provide the necessary hydration. If you have dry skin, opt for a rich and creamy moisturizer that will deeply nourish your skin. On the other hand, if you have oily skin, look for a lightweight and oil-free moisturizer that will hydrate without adding excess shine.
After applying your moisturizer, give it a few minutes to fully absorb into your skin before moving on to the next step. This will ensure that your skin is properly hydrated and ready for makeup application.
Next, reach for a primer. Primers are essential for creating a smooth and even canvas for your makeup. They help to fill in fine lines and pores, creating a flawless base for your foundation. Choose a primer that suits your skin type and concerns. For example, if you have large pores, opt for a pore-minimizing primer. If you have dull skin, go for a brightening primer to add radiance to your complexion.
To apply the primer, take a small amount and gently pat it onto your skin, focusing on areas where you have visible pores or texture. Allow the primer to set for a minute or two before moving on to the next step. This will ensure that the primer has time to work its magic and create a smooth base for your foundation.
Prepping your canvas is an essential step in any makeup routine. It not only helps to create a smooth and flawless finish, but it also ensures that your makeup lasts longer throughout the day. By cleansing, moisturizing, and applying a primer, you are setting the stage for a beautiful makeup application that will leave you feeling confident and ready to take on the day. So take the time to prep your canvas, and you’ll be rewarded with a flawless and long-lasting makeup look.
Step 2: Illuminate Your Base
To achieve that radiant golden hour glow, it’s essential to start with a luminous foundation or tinted moisturizer. Look for a formula that has a dewy finish and provides a natural-looking glow. Apply it all over your face using a brush or a damp beauty sponge, blending it into your skin for a seamless finish.
If you have any imperfections or dark circles, use a lightweight concealer to spot conceal and brighten those areas. Remember, the goal is to enhance your natural beauty and create a lit-from-within glow.
When choosing a foundation or tinted moisturizer, consider your skin type and the level of coverage you desire. If you have dry skin, opt for a hydrating formula that will give your complexion a healthy, dewy look. Those with oily or combination skin may prefer a mattifying foundation that controls shine throughout the day.
Before applying your foundation or tinted moisturizer, make sure your skin is clean and moisturized. This will create a smooth canvas for your base and help it adhere better to your skin. Use a gentle cleanser to remove any dirt or oil, then follow up with a lightweight moisturizer to hydrate your skin.
Once your skin is prepped, you can begin applying your foundation or tinted moisturizer. Start by dispensing a small amount onto the back of your hand or onto a clean palette. This will allow you to control the amount of product you’re using and prevent wastage.
Using a brush or a damp beauty sponge, start applying the product to the center of your face and blend it outwards. This will ensure an even application and prevent any harsh lines or patches. Take your time to blend the foundation or tinted moisturizer into your skin, paying extra attention to the areas that need more coverage.
If you prefer a lighter coverage, you can mix your foundation or tinted moisturizer with a few drops of your favorite facial oil or illuminating primer. This will give your skin an extra boost of hydration and create a luminous, glowing finish.
After applying your foundation or tinted moisturizer, take a moment to assess your complexion. If you feel like you need more coverage in certain areas, go ahead and apply a second layer. Just make sure to blend it seamlessly into your skin to avoid a cakey or heavy look.
Once you’re satisfied with your base, it’s time to move on to the next step of your makeup routine. Whether you’re going for a natural, everyday look or a more glamorous evening look, a luminous base will give you that coveted golden hour glow and make your skin look radiant and healthy.
Step 3: Embrace Warmth with Bronzer
Now it’s time to bring some warmth and dimension to your face. Choose a bronzer that has a golden undertone and is a few shades darker than your skin tone. Using a fluffy brush, apply the bronzer to the areas where the sun would naturally hit your face – the temples, the hollows of your cheeks, and along the jawline. This will create a sun-kissed effect and further enhance the golden hour glow.
Remember to blend the bronzer well to avoid any harsh lines and ensure a natural-looking finish. You want to achieve a subtle warmth, not an obvious contour.
In addition to adding warmth to your face, bronzer can also be used to create a more sculpted appearance. If you want to define your cheekbones or slim down your nose, you can use a matte bronzer to contour these areas. Simply apply the bronzer slightly below your cheekbones and blend it upwards towards your temples. For the nose, use a small brush to apply bronzer along the sides, starting from the bridge and blending towards the nostrils.
When choosing a bronzer, it’s important to consider your skin tone. If you have fair skin, opt for a bronzer with a lighter shade and a hint of shimmer to add a subtle glow. For medium to deep skin tones, a bronzer with a deeper shade and a matte finish will provide a more natural look. Remember to always test the bronzer on your skin before purchasing to ensure it complements your complexion.
Another important tip when applying bronzer is to start with a light hand and build up the color gradually. It’s easier to add more product than to remove excess, so start with a small amount and blend it well. You can always add more if needed.
Once you’ve applied the bronzer, take a step back and assess the overall look. If you feel like you’ve applied too much or the color is too intense, you can use a clean brush or a makeup sponge to blend and soften the edges. This will help create a seamless transition between your bronzer and the rest of your makeup.
Lastly, don’t forget to extend the bronzer to your neck and décolletage if you’re wearing an outfit that exposes these areas. This will ensure a cohesive and natural look.
Step 4: Add a Touch of Radiance with Highlighter
No golden hour glow is complete without a luminous highlighter. Choose a highlighter shade that complements your skin tone and has a golden or champagne undertone. Apply it to the high points of your face – the cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, the cupid’s bow, and the inner corners of your eyes. This will give your skin a beautiful, lit-from-within glow that mimics the radiance of the setting sun.
Remember to apply the highlighter with a light hand and build it up gradually. You want to achieve a subtle glow, not a disco ball effect.
When selecting a highlighter, consider your skin type and the finish you desire. If you have oily skin, opt for a powder or gel highlighter as they tend to be more long-lasting and less likely to make your skin look greasy. On the other hand, if you have dry skin, a cream or liquid highlighter can provide a dewy, radiant finish that adds a youthful glow to your complexion.
When applying the highlighter, use a small, fluffy brush or a damp beauty sponge for a seamless and natural-looking finish. Start by picking up a small amount of product on your brush or sponge and tap off any excess. Gently sweep the highlighter onto the high points of your face, using a light hand and blending it outwards towards your temples. This will ensure that the glow is concentrated on the areas where the light naturally hits your face, creating a subtle and ethereal radiance.
For an extra touch of radiance, you can also apply a small amount of highlighter to your collarbones, shoulders, and down the center of your legs. This will give your body a luminous sheen that enhances your overall golden hour glow.
Lastly, don’t forget to set your highlighter with a setting spray or a light dusting of translucent powder. This will help to lock in the glow and ensure that it lasts throughout the day or evening. It will also prevent the highlighter from looking too intense or shimmery, giving you a more natural and effortless radiance.
Step 5: Define Your Eyes
For the eyes, opt for warm, sunset-inspired shades to complement the golden hour theme. Start by applying a soft, neutral shade all over your eyelids as a base. This will help to even out the skin tone on your eyelids and provide a smooth canvas for the rest of your eye makeup.
Next, choose a warm-toned eyeshadow that matches the colors of the sunset. Think shades of oranges, pinks, and golds. Apply this eyeshadow to the crease of your eyelid using a fluffy blending brush. This will add depth and dimension to your eyes, making them appear larger and more defined.
Blend the eyeshadow well to create a seamless transition between the shades. Use a clean blending brush to soften any harsh lines and ensure that the colors blend together seamlessly.
To make your eyes pop and catch the light, apply a shimmery eyeshadow to the center of your lids. Choose a shade that complements the warm tones you have already applied. Using your finger or a flat eyeshadow brush, gently pat the shimmery eyeshadow onto the center of your lids. This will create a beautiful highlight and enhance the golden hour glow.
Finish off your eye look with a coat of mascara. This will define your lashes and open up your eyes. Start at the base of your lashes and wiggle the mascara wand back and forth as you move it upwards. This will help to separate your lashes and prevent them from clumping together.
For an extra touch of glamour, you can also add false lashes. Choose a pair that is natural-looking and complements the shape of your eyes. Apply a thin line of lash glue along the band of the false lashes and wait a few seconds for it to become tacky. Then, carefully place the lashes as close to your natural lash line as possible. Press them down gently to secure them in place.
With your eyes beautifully defined, you are now ready to move on to the next step in your golden hour makeup routine.
Step 6: Get that Golden Pout
To complete the golden hour look, choose a lip color that complements the warm tones of your makeup. Opt for shades like peach, coral, or a soft nude with a hint of shimmer. These colors will add a touch of radiance to your lips and tie the whole look together.
When selecting a lip color, consider your skin tone and the overall color palette of your makeup. For fair skin tones, a peachy nude shade can add a subtle warmth to the lips. If you have a medium skin tone, a coral shade can give a vibrant pop of color. And for deeper skin tones, a soft nude with a golden shimmer can create a stunning contrast.
Once you’ve chosen the perfect lip color, carefully apply it to your lips using a lip brush or directly from the tube. Start from the center of your lips and work your way outwards, ensuring an even application. If you prefer a more precise look, you can use a lip liner to outline your lips before filling them in with color.
To add an extra dose of shine and dimension to your lips, top off your lip color with a clear gloss. The gloss will reflect light and give your lips a plump, luscious appearance. Apply a small amount of gloss to the center of your lips and blend it outwards using your finger or a lip brush.
Remember to choose a clear gloss that is non-sticky and lightweight to avoid any discomfort. You want your lips to feel hydrated and comfortable throughout the day.
By following these steps, you can achieve a stunning golden hour look that will make you feel radiant and confident. Your lips will be the perfect finishing touch, adding a touch of glamour to your overall makeup look.
Step 7: Set and Refresh
Once you’ve achieved the perfect golden hour glow, it’s important to set your makeup to ensure it lasts throughout the day. Use a setting spray to lock everything in place and give your skin a dewy finish. This will also help to refresh your makeup and keep it looking fresh and radiant.
Throughout the day, you can touch up your glow by using a facial mist or a hydrating setting spray. This will revive the luminosity of your makeup and keep your skin looking radiant and glowing.
When it comes to setting your makeup, it’s important to choose the right product for your skin type. If you have oily skin, opt for a mattifying setting spray that will help control shine and keep your makeup in place. On the other hand, if you have dry or combination skin, look for a hydrating setting spray that will add moisture and give your skin a healthy glow.
To set your makeup, hold the setting spray about 6-8 inches away from your face and mist it evenly all over. Be sure to close your eyes and mouth to avoid getting any product in your eyes or mouth. Allow the setting spray to dry completely before touching your face or applying any additional products.
In addition to setting your makeup, using a facial mist throughout the day can help refresh your skin and keep your makeup looking fresh. Look for a mist that contains hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin to replenish moisture and give your skin a boost of radiance. Simply spritz the mist onto your face whenever you feel your skin needs a pick-me-up.
Another option for refreshing your makeup is to use a hydrating setting spray. These sprays not only help set your makeup, but they also provide an extra dose of hydration to keep your skin looking plump and glowing. Look for setting sprays that contain ingredients like rosewater or aloe vera, which are known for their hydrating properties.
When using a hydrating setting spray, hold the bottle about 6-8 inches away from your face and mist it evenly all over. Allow the spray to dry before touching your face or applying any additional products. You can also carry a travel-sized bottle of the setting spray with you throughout the day for quick touch-ups whenever you need a boost of radiance.
By following these steps and incorporating setting and refreshing products into your makeup routine, you can ensure that your golden hour glow lasts all day long. Whether you’re heading to work, running errands, or going out for a night on the town, your makeup will stay fresh, radiant, and glowing, giving you a confidence boost and making you feel like a true golden goddess.
Final Thoughts
By following these steps, you can capture the radiance of the golden hour in your makeup and bring a touch of magic to your everyday look. Remember, the key is to enhance your natural beauty and create a subtle, glowing effect that makes you feel like a goddess.
So, embrace the warmth, add a touch of radiance, and let your inner glow shine through. With this golden hour glow makeup tutorial, you’ll be ready to conquer the world with your luminous beauty.
However, it’s important to note that the golden hour glow is not limited to just makeup. The concept of the golden hour extends beyond the realm of beauty and into the realm of photography. The golden hour, also known as the magic hour, is a period of time shortly after sunrise or before sunset when the light is soft, warm, and diffused. It is highly sought after by photographers due to the flattering and ethereal quality it lends to photos.
During the golden hour, the sun is positioned low in the sky, resulting in longer shadows, rich colors, and a warm, golden hue that casts a beautiful glow on everything it touches. Whether you’re capturing a stunning landscape, a portrait, or even a still life, shooting during the golden hour can elevate your photography to a whole new level.
So, while the golden hour glow makeup tutorial focuses on enhancing your natural beauty, it’s worth considering how you can incorporate the golden hour into other aspects of your life. Take advantage of this magical time of day to capture breathtaking photos, create a serene ambiance in your home, or simply take a moment to bask in the warm glow of the setting sun.
In conclusion, the golden hour is a truly special time that can inspire and uplift us in various ways. Whether you’re using it to enhance your makeup or to create stunning photographs, embracing the golden hour allows us to connect with the beauty of nature and infuse our lives with a touch of magic.