The £30 secret behind Beyoncé's glowing skin
When news of Beyoncé's latest visual album Black Is King first came to light, the world took a big, simultaneous deep breath. It goes without saying that Queen B's carefully curated sounds and exceptional imagery are second to none, and the likes of her former pioneering work, namely her eponymous fifth studio album Beyoncé and later Lemonade, no doubt left us wanting more.
A year in the making, Black Is King pays homage to the African diaspora and showcases the plurality of the continent's rich cultures, traditions, histories and inherent beauty. Arguably, in light of recent events this summer, the timing of its release couldn't have been better. The 85-minute visual delight celebrates black beauty through a kaleidoscopic swath of sartorial, hair and make-up choices.
From floor-length braids to Bantu knots, colourful lips, tribal markings and sheer skin, the film tells a story of power and heritage through snapshots of beauty, and serves as a stark reminder that in the world of beauty, there are no rules. And one aspect of this we're all currently talking about is Beyoncé's glowing skin. While there are plenty of scenes featuring bold hues, glittery lids and shimmery lips, for the most part, Beyoncé's skin remains in keeping with the trend for bronzed yet barely-there no-make-up make-up.
Though most celebrity complexion enhancing secrets tend to remain a mystery, we're thrilled that this glow story is more accessible than we originally thought. Beyoncé's make-up artist of five years, Rokael Lizama, recently revealed that the secret behind the singer's radiant, dewy skin in the film is ICONIC London’s Illuminator, £30.
Loved by various celebrities, including Khloe Kardashian and Jourdan Dunn, these vegan illuminator drops can be added to moisturisers, primers and foundations for an all-over iridescent glow, or placed on the high points of the face for a concentrated shimmer. Here are six more glow essentials for medium to deep skin tones...
Glow-getters
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural Powder in Gold Deposit, £27
Becca Ignite Liquified Light Highlighter in Gratitude, £32
Nars Paradise Found Bronzing Powder, £37
Fenty Beauty Diamond Bomb All-Over Diamond Veil in Cognac Candy, £31
Laura Geller Baked Gelato Swirl Illuminator in Gilded Honey, £17
Laura Mercier Face Illuminator Highlighting Powder in Sensation, £34
