I've been writing about magnificence for a number of years now, a lot in order that I've a psychological submitting cupboard filled with first-impression swatches, long-wear exams, and odd shade-matching mishaps.
I've tried high-end luminizers, tinted moisturizers masquerading as foundations, and just about every little thing in between that may be examined with a basis brush or sponge. After I first noticed the L'Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion (sure, I'll hold saying the total identify; it's value it), I used to be curious.
There's no query about it — the glow market is totally saturated. Might this one genuinely stand out? Spoiler: sure, in some ways it does.
Why is everybody hyped about Lumi Glotion?
Professionals:
- The end is genuinely luminous and healthy-looking
- The method feels comfy on the pores and skin (for me, no heavy movie or bizarre tackiness)
- It performs properly below different make-up
- Glorious worth, contemplating the end
- Doesn't clog pores
Cons:
- Protection is minimal to none; it's not designed to cowl blemishes, redness or darkish spots (in case you depend on basis to even out texture, you'll nonetheless want one thing additional)
- Shade vary could possibly be extra intensive, particularly for deeper pores and skin tones
This radiant elixir, infused with glycerin and shea butter, hydrates your pores and skin whereas gifting it a liquid gold glow that immediately transforms “simply rolled away from bed” into “glow goddess in full impact.”
Whether or not you clean it throughout for an all-day luminosity, dab it in your cheekbones as a highlighter, or combine it into your moisturizer for that easy sheen, the Glotion delivers a radiant, lit-from-within end that by no means seems overdone. It's sheer, hydrating, and endlessly versatile.
Measurement: 1.35 fluid ounces | Key components: Glycerin (for hydration), Shea butter (for moisturizing) |Shade vary: 4 shades
There's a cause you might need seen a well-recognized face or two utilizing it. For instance, the “beach-glow” routine of Bethenny Frankel contains Lumi Glotion as her savior product for when she wants a radiant, wholesome sheen. Then there's speak that the glamorous pores and skin of Martha Stewart owes at the least a part of her glow recreation to this very product.
And whereas my solely 30 seconds of fame comes from me carrying my Statue of Liberty skincare-testing headband on the New York Post Instagram account, I'm one other religious fan — with a journalism diploma and a knack for all issues magnificence.
What makes the hype actual is a mix of things: the way in which the product straddles skincare and make-up (a “glotion” that hydrates and glows moderately than solely covers), the buildable nature of the end (you are able to do a refined “I awoke like this” glow or layer for extra impression) and its versatility (face, physique, below make-up, over make-up).
It is available in a variety of shades, so you possibly can choose one to match your pores and skin tone or for various software wants; I really like that you would be able to go for a lighter shade for prime factors and a deeper one to bronze some areas. Key components embrace glycerin and shea butter, which ship hydration and softness moderately than simply sparkle.
The product suite can also be beneficiant: you obtain the usual 1.35-ounce full-size tube, and also you'll discover it offered as an “illuminating glow lotion” that can be utilized throughout. That is true, by the way in which.
My Evaluation
I approached this with typical magnificence author suspicion: OK, you say you glow. However make me glow.
I selected the shade that matched my neutral-cool undertone (“902 Mild”) and tried it in a number of methods: alone on naked pores and skin, below a tinted moisturizer, and combined into a light-weight basis.
First impression: clean and light-weight texture, leaning extra in the direction of a lotion than a cream. It unfold simply with my fingers, which I want as a result of I felt extra answerable for placement.
On naked pores and skin, the Lumi Glotion gave me a delicate, dewy sheen. Neither glittery nor in your face, however undoubtedly extra polished than a moisturizer used solo.
One of many joys of this product is the buildable glow: I began with a skinny layer throughout after which added a dab to my excessive cheekbones and down the bridge of the nostril. It made me look lke “me, however higher”— a bell-shape of radiance with out trying greasy. Beneath basis, it labored superbly as a luminous base; I adopted with a light-weight tinted basis, and the end nonetheless glowed by way of.
How I Use Lumi Glotion
I discovered the most effective technique is to deal with it as each skincare and make-up. On no-makeup days, apply a skinny layer everywhere in the face (and neck in case you like) after moisturizer, earlier than sunscreen. For make-up days, apply it after moisturizer and earlier than basis, or combine a small quantity into your basis or tinted moisturizer to amplify glow.
You can too use it as a highlighter or concealer various: a dab on cheekbones, bridge of nostril, collarbone, or tops of shoulders if you'd like physique glow. I particularly appreciated mixing a drop into my basis for a moisturized-glow end.
Moreover, I really like buffing it out with a dense brush to function my bronzed contour. I take advantage of the “903 Medium” shade for that, and it offers that pure or “delicate” definition many want to the cruel traces contour sticks can create.
How Lumi Glotion Compares to Extra Costly Options
I simply ran out of my Yves Saint Laurent tinted basis (that luxe one that gives medium‐to‐full protection). The Lumi Glotion doesn't present the identical protection; the YSL tinted basis “covers” whereas Lumi is shine and lightweight. Nevertheless, the buildability (layering glow, mixing with mediums) is analogous in spirit, and at a less expensive value level, the Lumi wins for budget-friendliness.
Impressively, it stands aspect by aspect with the Drunk Elephant B-Goldi bronzing drops that took TikTok and everybody's wallets by storm. While you combine the fan-fave bronzing drops with a dollop of moisturizer, you obtain almost the identical glow as Lumi Glotion. It's giving the identical lit-from-within really feel at a fraction of the associated fee.
And, I discovered that not like another well-liked drug-store model foundations, the Lumi didn't clog my pores or really feel heavy on the pores and skin. I wore the Lumi Glotion and solely the Lumi Glotion out to dinner on a date night time — the place I often put on a tinted moisturizer on the very least — and I felt absolutely assured. These things is wonderful, and I swear it's value each hype it receives.
Who's Lumi Glotion greatest for?
The rundown: who's Lumi Glotion greatest for? In my opinion, anybody who values light-weight, buildable glow, a budget-friendly value, and an possibility that doubles as primer or glow enhancer is a winner. It's particularly fitted to regular to dry pores and skin varieties who love that dewy end, however it additionally works for mixture pores and skin.
Should you're after full protection or heavy mattes, this isn't for you. On the flip aspect, if you'd like that wholesome pores and skin radiance, this could possibly be your go-to. If I might give it an award or label, I'd name it the most effective price range glow whisperer as a result of it doesn't scream highlighter, it whispers, “you glow, naturally.”
Is it value it? My closing verdict
Sure, it is value it.
For the worth (which is dramatically decrease than many prestigious glow or bronze drops), the impact is luminous, flattering, and versatile. Lumi Glotion received't substitute your full-coverage basis if that's your fashion, however it can elevate your base, your no-makeup-makeup days, and your glow recreation general.
If I had been recommending one single glow-lotion for somebody new to the class, I'd choose this. The layering prospects, the texture on pores and skin, and the “you look radiant” impact are sturdy.
Caveats: when you have very oily pores and skin, you could must powder the T-zone; when you have extreme texture or blemishes, you'll nonetheless want a concealer or basis on prime; when you have very deep pores and skin tones, you would possibly wish to swatch rigorously to make sure the undertone and depth match you properly.
However general, it's a wonderful worth, glorious end, and I'll be protecting a backup in my drawer.
How I Examined
I wore the Lumi Glotion over 7 consecutive full days (together with one humid NYC subway commute, one outside lunch, one indoor air-conditioned coffeeshop workday with vibrant lighting, and one night out). Nevertheless, I've been donning this explicit method for years, and determined to place it to my magnificence experiment for the needs of this assessment.
Every morning, I utilized it in one in all 3 ways: alone on naked pores and skin, below a tinted moisturizer and combined into basis.
I noticed the end instantly after software, after 4 hours, after 8 hours, and once more after 12-plus hours (when related). I famous the way it felt on my pores and skin (weight, consolation, any stickiness), the way it held up (shine, separation, texture accentuation), and the way my pores and skin responded (pore look, any breakouts, the way it layered with different merchandise).
I additionally in contrast it to per week the place I used no glow-lotion (my traditional base) to see the distinction.
Lastly, I did side-by-side pictures (identical lighting) of naked pores and skin versus Lumi base versus customary base to visually assess the glow impact.
This text was written by Victoria McDonnell, New York Submit Commerce Journalist & Content material Strategist, who has spent numerous hours researching, testing a whole lot of merchandise and evaluating the most recent make-up, skincare, hair and wonder gadgets and tendencies to find out what's really value your hard-earned money. She evaluates formulation, textures, components and extra, along with consulting medical and business specialists. A few of Victoria's newest conquests embrace testing the most effective vitamin C serums available on the market, and a rinse-and-repeat assessment of the most effective shampoos of 2025. Victoria, who obtained a magnificence business necessities certification from the Trend Institute of Expertise, has been creating procuring guides for the New York Submit since 2021 and beforehand held positions at Insider Critiques and CNN Underscored.
 
 

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 