How to Make Your Skin Glow Like It's Golden Hour

“Golden hour” is a magical time for photographers, cinematographers, and selfie-takers. It’s the period just before sunset or right before sunrise. During these times, the sun provides a soft, beautiful look on your face. Your skin glows with gentle natural light, softening your features and dissolving any impurities. Golden hour makeup looks are popular right now, but if you’d rather achieve beautiful skin from within, a good skincare routine will give you that golden hour glow — all of the time!

Why is the golden hour glow so pretty?

The golden hour is around four to five in the afternoon for most people — and it’s like a natural filter. Influencers love this time because they get the best selfies without applying tons of makeup or worrying about better lighting. During golden hour, you should be able to stare into the light without squinting.

Most golden hour makeup looks feature a small amount of makeup, letting the soft sunlight do most of the work. For example, someone might use some foundation, a light sweep of bronzer or highlighter, and some clear lip gloss or nude lipstick.

However, when your skin is at its healthiest, you don’t need makeup to complement the golden hour look. You don’t even need to take selfies at golden hour to look amazing. Skincare that goes surface level is the key to achieving glowing, dewy skin at any hour. That’s what we call “golden hour skin.”

How do you get golden hour skin naturally?

Hydration is essential for keeping skin plump and dewy. Wash and gently dry your face morning and night, but don’t forget to add hydration with:

• A hydrating face serum
• A high-quality moisturizer
• A sheet mask 1-2 times a week

Use a premium face serum

The face serum should contain both hydration and skin-soothing nutrients. The Everyday Essence Face Serum provides lightweight hydration plus a hyaluronic acid complex, antioxidants, ceramides, and antimicrobial minerals. Besides protecting against the first signs of aging, the ingredients help address dark spots, acne scars, and irritation.

For added hydration and if you’re extra concerned about aging signs, follow with an anti-aging serum. (Contrary to popular belief, it’s never too early to start your anti-aging skincare routine! Taking anti-aging measures now is the best way to maintain smooth, tight, firm skin for many years to come.)

Apply a hydrating face cream

After the serum, use a moisturizing face cream to lock in moisture while providing additional hydrating benefits. Deep hydration from a high-quality product will even your skin tone and keep your face supple just in time for the golden hour.

Don’t forget the mask

Daily skin care is crucial for glowing skin all day long (and all year round). However, don’t forget about other ways to nourish your skin on a weekly or monthly basis.

Using a sheet mask is one of the best ways to deliver hydration and nutrients directly onto your skin. We recommend using a mask once or twice a week. Just remember that not all masks are created equally.

The problem with many skincare products is that their ingredients aren’t small enough to penetrate the skin’s layers. Instead, the components sit on the skin, and while they might feel great, they aren’t getting deep enough to provide genuine healing and anti-aging benefits.

 In response to this issue, FRANZ Skincare created microcurrent sheet masks with Tissue X^® technology to deliver hyaluronic acid and other amazing ingredients into your skin’s deepest layers. Use the Jet Microcurrent Dual Mask right before a photoshoot or selfie to maximize your golden hour glow.

Photo tips for showing off your skin during the golden hour

If you want beautiful skin, make skincare a priority in your life. Think about it like going to the gym for lean muscles. You must keep working out to achieve the results you want. In the same way, a skincare routine must stay consistent over time to develop gorgeous, glowing skin.

Here are some other tips for making your skin look amazing in pictures, free of filters or makeup:

• When you do wear makeup, avoid caking it on, and take it off as soon as you can. (And whatever you do, don’t sleep in your makeup!)
• Avoid taking pictures when the sun is high above you, as it can emphasize undereye circles.
• Use a face mask if your face seems puffy after sleeping.
• Drink plenty of water, and avoid overly salty foods if you know you’ll be taking pictures.
• Don’t take pictures too close up or from a low angle. Think about what’s most flattering.
• Let your natural smile shine!

If you’re struggling with blemishes, try spot-covering those with concealer but not overdoing it. Although acne isn’t entirely unavoidable for many people, a great skincare routine will minimize breakouts. Only cover the areas that bother you, and let the rest of your face breathe.

And, of course, remember that the sun is a primary reason for early aging. Tanning looks and feels great, but it can lead to fine lines, wrinkles, and even skin cancer. Wear sunscreen, stay in the shade, and protect your precious skin as much as possible. The above tips will help you embrace your natural skin in a world full of filters. Before long, everyone will be asking you for your secret!