Radiance is a non-negotiable in my makeup routine, and so, I'm always on the lookout for a product that will deliver that elusive, lit-from-within glow without compromising the coverage or longevity of my other complexion products.
While I do love sheer formulas, like the best serum foundations and dewy cream highlighters for creating a lived-in and glowy look, I find they're simply not enough on their own. By the end of my routine, I want my cheeks to reflect the gleam of every light source, glisten like I've just been misted with hydration and look fresh and plump from every angle. All of this, while also still striking the perfect balance between radiance and not excessively shiny or sweaty-looking. I know, I'm asking for a lot here, but after rigorous testing and hours of online shopping, I have discovered a few products that tick several of those boxes.
Until this year, any of my colleagues would tell you that Charlotte Tilbury's Hollywood Flawless Filter was my go-to for such a finish. And while it's still one of my favourites, I've since found another beauty hybrid with a similarly glowing reputation. Saie's Glowy Super Gel is a primer, foundation-booster and highlighter in one weightless formula - and it's swiftly becoming my one-stop for easy, long-lasting shine.
Why Saie's Glowy Super Gel is my affordable go-to for easy radiance
From Glossier's Futuredew to VIEVE's Skin Nova, I've tried my fair share of radiance primers but few have lived up to the gleam that Hollywood Flawless Filter affords. That said, when I found myself at the end of yet another bottle and staring at its £39 price tag, I decided that perhaps I should broaden my horizons - and try something a tad cheaper.
That something ended up being the Saie Glowy Super Gel, which retails for £22 and has swiftly won me over with its dewy luminescence.
RRP: £22
Enriched with vitamin C, papaya seed oil, squalane and glycerin, the lightweight gel primer and highlighter brings the glow, whilst nourishing your skin.
Beloved for the subtle and healthy gleam it gives the skin, as well as its weightless feel, Saie's illuminating fluid triples as a primer, highlighter and radiance-booster to your foundation (meaning you can mix a pump of this gel with your best foundations to make the finish slightly sheerer and more dewy).
It's available in four flattering shades, including Sunglow, which is a shimmering bronze and Starglow, a creamy pearl, and features skin-loving ingredients like vitamin C (to brighten the skin), papaya seed, glycerin and squalane. The latter is great for your skin barrier, making the product all the more beneficial in the wintertime or whenever your complexion is looking and feeling dull and dry.
Unlike some primers, this gel sinks into the skin quickly, leaving a slight dewy residue for your best foundations to cling to. This dewy sheen then shines through even the most full-coverage formulas, offering a gorgeous, soft-focus gleam to your complexion, without appearing too shiny or unnaturally shimmery. There are no random dots of glitter to be found here.
My verdict on the Saie Glowy Super Gel
Now, onto my verdict. As mentioned, I love a glow primer. In fact, I like to think I've made an art form of toeing the line between ethereal and oily with my makeup. Thus, I'm not an easy one to please, but Saie's offering has impressed me.
Not only does it melt into the skin immediately, without leaving an excessively greasy or tacky residue like some primers, but it also feels as light as air. It sinks in, leaving just enough of a dewy base for your foundations and concealers to glide onto and blend with. I have experienced no foundation piling or patchiness when using it, and while it absorbs quickly, it still leaves behind that lovely gleam, which as mentioned, shines through even under my go-to medium coverage foundations. Below, you can see me wearing the Saie gel under the Merit Complexion stick, which creates a natural but seamless look.
Above, I have applied it as a primer and as a highlighter on the high points of my face, which again caused no disruption, patchiness or pilling of the products underneath.
All in all, I think this product is well worth its internet acclaim and makes for the perfect everyday primer that will give a healthy glow to dry or dull complexions, without clogging your pores. Though I do admit I will be repurchasing Flawless Filter at some point, this dewy fluid is my new go-to for when I want a reliable radiance - and is set to be a warm weather favourite too, when I don't want to wear anything heavy or sticky.
How to apply the Saie Glowy Super Gel
Saie Super Gel is multipurpose. You can use it as a primer, a highlighter or to add a bit of extra glowy oomph to your foundation or favourite moisturisers.
To prime your skin, I would recommend applying it all over your face with your finger - as you would one of the best face moisturisers. Alternatively, you can use a brush but as we've established, I want every ounce of that glow on my skin and brushes can sometimes absorb too much of the product.
If you want to highlight your cheekbones or nose, I suggest adding a small pump to the back of your hand, before rubbing it in slightly and dabbing it gently on the areas you wish to glow with your ring finger. This will allow for more control and to build up the shine gradually.
