Beauty Editor Tips for Radiant Skin in the Gloom of February

Am I the only one who thinks this is the dullest February ever?

I can’t seem to recall the sun making an appearance this month—or even last month. Besides causing a drop in our vitamin D levels, the absence of sunlight can also dull our skin, leaving it looking lifeless and drab.

Fortunately, we have several strategies to brighten up our skin during these dreary days. Continue reading for our expert-approved beauty tips to achieve radiant skin even when the weather isn’t cooperating.

Ateh Jewel: A Comprehensive Strategy

“I take my radiance very seriously and genuinely believe that effective cleansing addresses 99.9% of skincare concerns.

“I enjoy double cleansing at night, using an oil followed by a balm cleanser. While I have many favorites, a timeless duo I continuously rely on is Votary London’s ‘Rose Geranium and Apricot Cleansing Oil’, paired with Neal’s Yard Remedies’ ‘Wild Rose Beauty Balm.’

“Votary’s oil is lightweight, and the balm feels divine on my skin, effectively melting away makeup and impurities with shea butter, geranium oil, and rose hip oil.

“The delightful fragrance not only helps me practice box breathing while I massage my skin but also boosts circulation, adding to my glow.

“In terms of tech, I use my cherished Omnilux ‘Contour Face’ device, which, while it comes at £219, offers clinically proven benefits, addressing hyperpigmentation and revitalizing my skin.

“For a luminous makeup finish, I apply my Ateh Jewel Beauty ‘Blush of Dreams‘ in Radiant Rav, Love Plum Plum, and Watson Watermelon daily, as they give me an inner glow.”

Donna Francis: The Exfoliation Expert

“For that genuine ‘lit from within’ glow, it’s essential to gently exfoliate the dull, dead skin cells from your face. Given that I’m 48 and my skin’s renewal process is slowing down, I require additional assistance for this task.

“This is why I choose Alpha H Liquid Gold + Vitamin C to maintain my radiance. The latest version of this iconic liquid exfoliator, which uses glycolic acid to smooth away dead cells, also boasts brightening vitamin C.

“I use it like a toner after my night cleanse, around three to four times a week, to keep my skin looking bright and feeling smooth.”

READ MORE FROM DONNA: Dermatologists tout estrogen as the ‘exciting’ skincare ingredient for dry, menopausal skin – I tried it 

Melanie Macleod: The Supplement for Glow

“Make no mistake—I adore skincare and appreciate its magical ability to enhance my glow, as evidenced by the Glass Skin treatment with Dr. Ivy. However, I can confidently say that it’s skin-loving supplements that make a tangible difference in my complexion’s radiance.

“Currently, I’m taking Shreddy’s ‘Super Greens’ which is packed with kale, broccoli, spinach, Brussels sprouts, and more. The health benefits are endless (think reduced fatigue and balanced gut health), but it’s the skin-enhancing properties that I value the most.

“Super Greens includes 100% of your daily recommended intake of beauty vitamins and minerals—biotin, selenium, niacin, and vitamin C—all proven to aid in the growth and maintenance of healthy hair, skin, and nails.

“My skin appears rejuvenated, and this supplement is actively working to strengthen it, ensuring I can anticipate long-term benefits. Plus, it has a delicious cherry and raspberry flavor.

“Having avoided broccoli and Brussels for most of my life, I can now genuinely say my body appreciates their inclusion in my diet!”

READ: I’ve received more compliments about my skin than ever before – here’s my routine 

Laura Sutcliffe: The Miracle of Face Oil

“The secret to my glowing complexion is definitely the Tata Harper ‘Retinoic Nutrient Face Oil.’ I cannot get enough of this magical little bottle!

“It contains retinoids, a potent anti-aging element that can be tough on the skin, but this oil strikes the perfect balance. It’s rich in fatty acids and omega fatty acids to combat aging and promote skin health.

“I love that it’s lightweight, absorbs quickly, and leaves my skin feeling revitalized. It’s especially effective during winter when indoor heating can dehydrate my skin.”

READ MORE FROM LAURA: Tips to make you appear younger – why powder eyeshadow is a no-go 

Glynis Barber: The Radiance Primer

“What if I told you that achieving a glowing and dewy complexion could take just one pump of a fantastic product?

“Studio 10’s ‘Glow-plexion’ is without a doubt the most valuable find for making skin look radiant instantly. This hydrating primer has a touch of shimmer that gives the skin a ‘lit from within’ effect.

“It’s my go-to secret when I need to look my best. I use it for filming, special occasions, or anytime I need a little boost due to lack of sleep.

READ MORE FROM GLYNIS: I completely revamped my skincare routine at 60 – check out the 10 products I swear by

“You can blend a small amount into your moisturizer, but I prefer to mix it with my foundation. The results are impressive and genuinely make my skin more luminous. I receive countless compliments when I wear it.

“You can also use it as a highlighter on cheekbones or apply it to the eyelids for a brightening effect. A fantastic trick is to mix it into your body moisturizer and apply it to your shoulders and décolleté. This product is so fantastic that I’m hoping it never gets discontinued, and I’m stocking up just in case.”

Lydia Mormen: The Overnight Solution

“As beauty journalists, we continually test new skincare products and methods to achieve the perfect glow, but results typically take weeks or months to showcase. For instant results, I swear by Ole Henriksen’s ‘Dewtopia Night Treatment’—and writing this has reminded me I need to repurchase it!

“Every time I use it, I wake up to visibly smoother and more radiant skin after just one application. It’s my go-to for ‘the night before a significant event’ to ensure my skin looks its absolute best.”