“Moonlight drowns out all but the brightest stars.” —J.R.R. Tolkien
Opalescent moonstone resembles a tiny planet or a luminous mini-moon. Moonlight and moonglow wrap the world in radiant light that glows like a pearl.
All things related to the moon have long been among my favorites, which is not surprising, I suppose, since the first thing I notice about my surroundings is the light. But here’s a surprising truth about the moon: Unlike the sun or stars, it does not radiate its own light. Rather, it reflects the sunlight that hits its surface, just like when light strikes a mirror.
In fact, although the moon magically looks pearly white to us, it is actually quite dull, with a massive gray surface similar to that of a dusty rock. Still, the light of the moon appears preternaturally beautiful. It seems to wrap itself around us in a warm, radiant glow that creates luminescence in anything it touches, especially the skin. In mythology and folklore, the moon is imbued with magical powers. But in truth, it’s a fraud.
No matter what it looks like or how you explain it, moonlight is an illusion, which in some ways serves to make it even more compelling, mysterious, and alluring. We strive to appear bathed in a moonlit glow—radiant, luminous, and lit from within. Here are a few secret ways to evoke the light of the moon on your face and body, with the help of makeup and skin care.
MS Beauty EyeLights
Cream Eyeshadow No one knows how to get a glow going like clean beauty guru Rose-Marie Swift, founder of RMS Beauty. Swift has worked with Sports Illustrated cover models and top celebrities, and RMS Beauty EyeLights Cream Eyeshadow has a slavishly devoted following—for good reason. A little dab on the lids lights up the entire face and creates a subtle look when you’ve got somewhere really special to go. It’s creamy but it stays put, and it includes organic green tea extract and ethically sourced mica. EyeLights won’t crease or smudge, and it reflects light so beautifully that your eyes radiate moonbeams! rmsbeauty.com
Soft Services Buffing Bar Miniature Collection
Any bookworm will be drawn to this collection of four mini buffing body bars, microcrystal exfoliants shaped like Lilliputian bars of soap. The bars are packaged in what looks like a book, and they’re perfect as a gift, great for travel, or as a special treat for yourself. With mineral-derived microcrystals tucked into bars that feature a moisturizing base, the collection features four flavors—Original (fragrance-free), Green Banana, Debaser (by D.S. & Durga), and Affocato L’Orange (espresso, vanilla, and coconut cream). Designed to smooth and buff rough spots and leave the skin looking luminous. softservices.com
California Naturals Glow Oil Body Wash
Owen Wilson is an investor in California Naturals, and also an adviser: His official title is “chief shampoo officer.” The Glow Oil Body Wash is a light gel that softly foams in the shower, leaving a fine mist of moisture lingering on the skin to keep it glowing. Loaded with lubricious botanical oils, including evening primrose, guava seed, sunflower seed, and aloe, it’s designed to soften and feed the skin. thecalifornianaturals.com
Live Tinted Born to Shine
A makeup and skin-care hybrid, Born to Shine is a skin hydrator, with hyaluronic acid, squalane, and sunflower seed oil that all nourish and hydrate, with an added bonus: a dollop of micro-shimmers that create a halo of light that looks like a lit-from-within glow. It’s perfect on its own, or blended into moisturizer or foundation, in three shades that radiate warmth for all skin tones. livetinted.com
