I do NOT have that “pregnancy glow”. I have dry flaky patches and sporadic outbreaks of rosacea. And my epidermis is so darn dull.

I’m not going to waffle on endlessly about applying this that and the other to fake that just-been-for-jolly-lovely-brisk-walk sheen, I’m going to tell you some quick cheats that actually work. For when you feel like a sack a potatoes (or have just eaten one – that’ll be me then. All. The. Carbs.) or just want to appear that little bit more perky.

Discolouration around the eyes is going to make you look tired, and I don’t necessarily mean simply dark shadows and puffiness, I mean redness and when your eyelid skin is all a bit transparent and vein-y. If I’ve mentioned it once I’ve mentioned it a thousand times but seriously, Estee Lauder Brush-on glow BB concealer is he bomb. Dab it on your lids and blend, dot it on the inner and outer corners of your eyes and blend, then swipe some over your blue-ish circles and TA DA! Eight hours sleep/and or a day at the spa. Another brightening eye trick is to put a little gold/champagne shadow underneath your lower lash line. I use Urban Decay Blunt but it now appears to be discontinued (cue massive eye roll) but Half Baked is similar as is MAC Ricepaper.

For your face I know there are hundreds of highlighters out there (I probably own about 50% of them) but sometimes you just need to daub a pretty potion all over without too much thought on application. But without the end result being too glitter ball-esque or sweaty. I can heartily recommend Glamglow Glowstarter in “Nude”. An illuminating cream “tinted” moisturiser that some normal to oily complexions may feel they can use instead of their regular emollient. Personally I layer this on after my regular moisturiser has sunk in. It looks fabulous on collar bones and décolletage too.

For extra make-up staying power and a believable bill of health, Becca’s backlit primer is a constant sell-out for a reason, it really really works and bestows a lit-from-within gleam. I save this for evenings out when I don’t want my powder to slide off yet still want to appear fresh-faced and not as though all I want to do is lie down and have a kip (which is often the truth these days).

What quick glow tips do you keep up your stylish sleeves? tricks, advice and product recommendations most welcome in the comments box below!