I’ve realised that I enjoy my makeup much more when I stop expecting one product to do everything. Some days I want radiance, other days I need extra setting around the centre of my face, and sometimes a little bronzer is enough to make the whole look feel finished.

These are the combinations I’ve been reaching for depending on what my skin and makeup need that day.

Glow First, Coverage Second

Sephora Best Skin Ever Glow Foundation, e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter and the liquid concealer in this trio cover most of what I want from an everyday base. I like the foundation when I’m aiming for a fresh finish rather than something completely matte, while the Halo Glow works well when I want to push the radiance a little further. I’ll either use a small amount underneath foundation or concentrate it on the areas where I naturally want more light. The concealer is what I keep for more targeted coverage, especially around the under-eye area or anywhere I don’t want to add another full layer of foundation. Together, they let me adjust the finish without making the whole face equally covered.

Setting Without Flattening

Huda Beauty loose powder, Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder and the pressed powder compact give me three slightly different ways to set my makeup. I tend to reach for loose powder when I want more control around the T-zone or under the eyes, while a pressed formula feels easier for quick touch-ups later in the day. What I like most is being able to powder only where I need it instead of taking all the glow out of my base. That small change makes the finished makeup look much softer on me.

Adding Warmth Back In

Kevyn Aucoin bronzing powder, SHEGLAM Sun Sculpt Liquid Bronzer and the Kevyn Aucoin bronzer compact are the products I use when my complexion needs more dimension after foundation. The liquid bronzer is my choice when I want something that blends into the base with a softer edge, while the powder options are easier when I want to build warmth gradually. I usually keep the application light around the cheekbones and perimeter of the face rather than creating a very sharp contour.

What Works for Me

The biggest difference for me comes from mixing finishes rather than using one texture everywhere. A luminous base, selective powder and a little bronzer give me a more balanced result while still keeping the skin looking like skin.