Ah, May is the transitional time to update our skincare routine to match the season’s energy. As it is also Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, I’m thrilled to feature two standout products that promise to deliver that coveted summer glow while nurturing your skin: Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Hue Drops and Cloudberry Bright Essence Toner. The brand was founded by Christine Chang and Sarah Lee, two beauty veterans who bonded over their shared Korean heritage and launched Glow Recipe in 2014.
Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Hue Drops: Sun Glow ($35)
For those who love a sun-kissed base without the harmful effects of UV rays, the Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Hue Drops are a dream come true. They’re the classic viral dew drops – with a warm twist. This multi-use serum not only gives a sheer tint but also targets dullness and uneven skin tone. The key ingredient, niacinamide, is one of my favorite skin care ingredients for its brightening and hydrating properties, making it ideal for achieving a more even complexion over time. The formula is infused with a warm hue that flatters a wide range of skin tones, ensuring a natural glow that’s neither streaky nor patchy. It can be used in many scenarios; mix it in with your foundation for some added warmth, highlight or contour the top points of the face, or even use the Ophthalmologist-approved eyelid technique to create some depth on your lids.
The serum’s texture is lightweight, absorbing quickly without leaving any residue. As someone who is quite strict with my sunscreen application, I love using this serum to cancel out any white cast from my mineral sunscreens. One of my concerns with this product was if the tint would look flattering, or appear as an overused fake tan. However, I couldn’t be more happy with my skin’s natural glow and overall brighter complexion after using it. It’s also sustainably packaged, with 100% recyclable and FSC-Certified paper packaging. An everyday summer staple, for sure!
Cloudberry Bright Essence Toner™ ($38)
Next, we have the Cloudberry Bright Essence Toner™, a concentrated essence toner that further evens skin tone and brightens dull skin. This product harnesses the power of Cloudberry, a super fruit rich in VitaminC, and CoQ10, a powerhouse antioxidant to protect the skin’s surface from the environment. These ingredients work in harmony to reduce hyperpigmentation and hydrate the skin, leaving it soft and radiant. If you’re sensitive to Vitamin C, this is a great product to drop into your routine a few days a week.
Like the glow drops, this essence is a multitasker, acting as a serum booster to maximize the absorption and benefits of the following skincare steps. I love to use this in my skin prep routine when I’m trying to achieve a natural, yet enhanced makeup look.
Remember to support AANHPI owned brands not only in May, but all year round! There are so many to choose from – starting with these new Glow Recipe essentials. So go ahead, enjoy the sun safely and let your skin do the glowing!
Get 10% off your first order on Glow Recipe’s official website or find them in Sephora.
