The Best Skin Enhancers, According to Makeup Artists

Level up your complexion game.

Britt Fallon

Published: Mar 24, 2025

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Gone are the days when base makeup was restricted to foundation and concealer. Skin enhancers have made a name for themselves as of late, and offer a versatile way to boost glow and dimension—and it’s about time you jump on the trend.

“When it comes to modern complexions, skin enhancers have completely redefined the way we achieve radiance, dimension and flawless skin with minimal effort,” says makeup artist Lauren D’Amelio. “Unlike traditional foundations or highlighters, the right skin enhancer blurs, illuminates and enhances natural beauty. Whether I’m perfecting a bride’s complexion for an ultra-luxurious wedding or prepping an A-list client for camera-ready skin, the right skin enhancer will make anyone look effortlessly luminous. They are more than just a makeup trend; they are a luxury essential that transforms how we approach complexion makeup.” Here, makeup artists share the best skin enhancers to take your complexion to the next level.

Featured Experts

Ashley Maurin Rodden, a makeup artist and founder of LOVER Cosmetics
Brielle Pollara, a makeup artist and licensed aesthetician
Kat Dorn, a makeup artist and brow expert for LRN Beauty
Lauren D’Amelio, a makeup artist and licensed cosmetologist
T. Cooper, a celebrity makeup artist and hairstylist, and founder of Major Face

The Best Skin Enhancers Recommended by Makeup Artists

1 / 9

Saie Glowy Super Gel ($28)

“This clean beauty favorite is my go-to for clients who want a more skin care–infused approach to glow. The gel-based formula is packed with vitamin C and hydrating extracts that make the skin look naturally radiant rather than shimmery or metallic. It’s weightless, breathable and layers seamlessly under or over makeup. It’s perfect for minimalists, no-makeup makeup lovers, and summer skin that craves hydration and glow.”—Lauren D’Amelio

“This is a sheer, hydrating skin illuminator for a fresh glow. It doesn’t emphasize texture or fine lines. It’s very subtle and natural.” —Brielle Pollara

2 / 9

CoverGirl TruBlend Skin Enhancer ($13)

“This is a great way to add overall sheen and glow under your foundation. Or, add it to your foundation and take away a step in your morning makeup routine. This isn’t great for an oily complexion, but it is especially great for drier skin that needs a drink and shimmer. These CoverGirl pumps come in a few shimmery shades and four corrector shades, helping combat sallow skin and redness. Plus, all are vegan and cruelty-free.”—Ashley Maurin Rodden

3 / 9

L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion ($17)

“I keep this in my kit in both Light and Rich shades because they work beautifully across all skin tones. It gives the skin a natural, lit-from-within glow without looking metallic or glittery—something I literally hate! It enhances the complexion with a subtle glow, making the skin look healthy and dewy rather than overly shimmery. I think 2016 was an amazing time for beauty, but I want absolutely nothing to do with that makeup style in 2025.” —T. Cooper

4 / 9

Makeup by Mario SoftSculpt Transforming Skin Enhancer ($32)

“This hybrid bronzer, tint and glow product is revolutionary for sculpting while enhancing radiance. The balm-like texture melts into the skin to create a seamless warmth that’s never flat or muddy. I use this for adding dimension to fair skin without harsh contour lines; soft, sun-kissed warmth on deeper complexions; or a natural, blurred-skin effect that makes makeup look effortless.” —Lauren D’Amelio

“This skin enhancer is a three-in-one cream bronzer that warms, shapes and evens skin tone with light-to-medium coverage and a dewy finish. It comes in a large compact and touts a creamy, bronze glow with no shimmer or pearlized finish. These skin enhancer colors come in six shades and start fairly dark, so word of caution if you have a fair skin tone. They’re best applied with a foundation brush, and the finish adds that dewy, youthful glow we all want!” —Ashley Maurin Rodden

“This compact enhancer has a lightweight, creamy, medium-coverage formula that provides a radiant finish. It’s great for a quick touchup and to glow up in the morning. It also blends flawlessly!” —Kat Dorn

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makeup by mario soft sculpt skin enhancer

5 / 9

Kosas Glow I.V. Vitamin-Infused Skin Enhancer ($38)

“If you want shimmer, THIS skin enhancer is your product! This ultra-shimmery pump can be mixed in with or under foundation. Or, apply a tiny dot to highlight a finished makeup look. With 10 shades, the product caters to most skin tones. Added bonus: the product is clean, with 91-percent natural-origin ingredients, vitaglow-D to hydrate, glutathione to brighten, and algae extract to nourish skin.” —Ashley Maurin Rodden

“I love that this product comes in a range of different colors, so you can use the best-suited shade for your individual skin tone. It provides extra moisture while the pearly liquid delivers luminosity and 3-D light reflectors shine through foundation and powder.” —Kat Dorn

6 / 9

Pacifica Sunny Glow Bronzing Drops ($16)

“While they are marketed as a bronzer, I absolutely love using these bronzing drops on women of color as the final step in my makeup application. Applied on top of blush and other complexion products, they enhance the skin’s natural beauty with a gorgeous, luminous glow. They’re perfect for adding warmth, dimension and a radiant finish without overpowering the makeup.” —T. Cooper

7 / 9

ONE/SIZE B12 Base Thinner Luminous Vitamin Pearl Serum ($36)

“This pro-artist secret weapon completely transforms the way skin enhancers work. The serum thins out full-coverage foundations while locking in long-wear benefits and sweat resistance, making it a game-changer for hot, humid climates or long event days. What makes this product even more special is its versatility. In warmer months, it’s the ultimate no-makeup makeup essential, giving the skin a fresh, breathable glow. In colder months, it combats dullness by adding hydration and luminosity, preventing that flat, wintery complexion.” —Lauren D’Amelio

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8 / 9

Drunk Elephant O-Bloos Rosi Blush Drops ($39)

“These drops add a rosy flush to your face and give a youthful glow. Rosi Blush Drops are part of my everyday makeup routine!” —Brielle Pollara

9 / 9

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter ($49)

“This cult-favorite is the ultimate skin enhancer because of its versatility and universally flattering glow. I use it in three ways: as a radiance-boosting primer under foundation, mixed into complexion products for a soft-focus effect and tapped onto high points of the face as a finishing touch to sculpt and highlight. The lightweight formula delivers a soft-focus, candlelit glow that never looks greasy, making it ideal for both bare skin lovers and full-glam enthusiasts.” —Lauren D’Amelio

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter

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