Everyone loves that naturally radiant, lit-from-within glow. You know, the kind where people are asking you, “What’s your secret?” without realizing it’s carefully chosen products doing the work. The good news? Achieving that glow doesn’t have to involve hours in front of a mirror or a full day at the spa. With the right beauty stash, you can transform dull, tired skin into something luminous and fresh in no time.

Here are 12 incredible skincare and makeup favorites that enhance your natural beauty and give you that effortless glow. From hydrating creams to shimmering highlighters, these products are like little jars (or tubes) of magic for your skin.

1. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops

This hybrid product is part skincare, part makeup, and nothing short of a glow-giver. Packed with niacinamide (a fancy term for Vitamin B3) and watermelon extract, it brightens dull skin and hydrates at the same time. Use it alone for a natural sheen or mix it into your foundation for a dewy finish. Bonus? It smells like a slice of watermelon on a summer day.

2. Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter

This product is like Instagram’s “soft focus” filter bottled up. It blurs fine lines and evens out your complexion while delivering a no-sparkle glow. Wear it under foundation, mix it in, or use it alone for that “my skin, but better” vibe. It’s so flexible, you can also dab it on cheekbones as a subtle highlighter.

3. Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Oil

If your skin is looking tired or thirsty, this rich, lightweight oil is like giving it a long, cool drink of water. Marula oil is packed with antioxidants that help protect your skin from oxidative stress (aka damage caused by UV rays and pollution). With regular use, your skin will look plump and radiant, with that coveted glow-from-within effect.

4. L’Oreal True Match Lumi Glotion

This drugstore gem is a go-to for lovers of budget-friendly beauty. It hydrates like a moisturizer but delivers a luminous glow that doesn’t feel greasy or fake. Apply it all over as a base, mix into foundation, or use it as a targeted highlight on cheekbones and collarbones. It’s a multitasker at heart.

5. Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream

Perfect for anyone with dry or combination skin, this luxurious cream won’t just hydrate your face, it’ll leave it with a glass-like finish. Packed with botanicals like Japanese purple rice and algae, it works to lock in moisture while giving your skin a silky texture. Expect compliments when people see your subtly glossy glow.

6. Rare Beauty Positive Light Liquid Luminizer

For those who prefer a little shimmer, this liquid luminizer is a dream. Rare Beauty has mastered formulas that melt into your skin rather than sitting on top and looking obvious. Just a drop or two on your cheekbones gives a candlelit glow that lasts all day. With multiple shades, there’s one for every skin tone.

7. Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

Glow isn’t only about makeup. Exfoliation is key for removing dead skin cells that can dull your shine, and this gentle chemical exfoliant works wonders. With salicylic acid (a favorite for clearing pores), it smooths your skin’s surface and reveals a brighter complexion. Use it a few times a week and say hello to glowing skin that needs less makeup.

8. MAC Strobe Cream

A backstage favorite for its ability to mimic great lighting, MAC Strobe Cream is legendary. This moisturizer-illuminator hybrid instantly brightens dull skin, thanks to finely milled light-reflecting particles. It’s perfect for the high points of your face or mixing into foundation for an all-over glow.

9. NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer

This product has been a fan favorite for years, and for good reason. While it delivers solid coverage for dark circles or blemishes, it still reflects light beautifully to give your skin dimension. The finish is natural but radiant, making it a must-have for that glowing, wide-awake look.

10. The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

Another skincare glow-booster, this toner is a cult favorite for a reason. Glycolic acid gently exfoliates your skin to slough off dull, dry patches and reveal a fresher, brighter layer underneath. It’s affordable, effective, and gives you that fresh-faced look over time.

11. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder

This powder isn’t your typical mattifying product. Instead of absorbing light, it works to actively reflect and diffuse it, creating a soft, lit-from-within glow. Brush it lightly all over your face as a finishing step, and you’ll look like you (but slightly more angelic).

12. Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

Don’t forget about your lips! A glowing look is incomplete if your pout is dry or cracked. Laneige’s overnight lip mask gives lips an intense hydration boost and a shiny, soft finish by morning. Just prep your lips before bed, and wake up with a smooth, moisturized base that’s ready for gloss or color.

Glowing skin is all about balance. When you combine the right skincare with smart makeup choices, it all works together to bring out your natural radiance. Remember to care for your skin first (glow starts with hydration and exfoliation) and use makeup that enhances rather than hides your features.