Martha Stewart’s Radiant Glow: The Secret Behind Her Beach-Ready Skin at 81

Discover how Martha Stewart achieves her sun-kissed, radiant skin at 81 with an affordable drugstore secret used on her iconic Sports Illustrated cover.

By Medha deb
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Martha Stewart’s Secret to Glowing Skin at 81

Martha Stewart stunned fans and beauty enthusiasts alike when she graced the cover of Sports Illustrated at age 81, her complexion glowing with youthful radiance. Behind this viral, beach-ready glow is a surprisingly affordable beauty secret: the L’Oréal Paris Beach Bae Face and Body Liquid Luminizer. This multitasking serum is lauded by Stewart’s makeup artist and thousands of reviewers for delivering a sun-kissed, smooth finish without the heaviness or stickiness typically associated with liquid luminizers.

How Martha Stewart Achieves a Beach-Ready Glow

Daisy Toye, Martha Stewart’s trusted makeup artist, revealed that the versatile Beach Bae Luminizer played a pivotal role in Stewart’s historic Sports Illustrated swimsuit photoshoot—the star becoming the oldest cover model in the magazine’s history. According to Toye, everyone on set was “going crazy for it,” praising its transformative, lightweight formula and effortless blendability.

  • Multi-purpose luminizer: Developed for use on both face and body, providing a healthy, bronzed finish.
  • Blendable texture: Easily melts into the skin, ensuring a streak-free, natural glow.
  • Hydrating ingredients: Formulated with glycerin and jojoba esters for long-lasting moisture and comfortable wear.

Toye explained, “It’s unbelievable. Everybody on the shoot was going crazy for it.” This sentiment is echoed by reviewers who consistently cite its unique texture and hydrating, non-greasy finish.

What Makes L’Oréal Paris Beach Bae Liquid Luminizer Stand Out?

Unlike many other luminizers on the market that can feel heavy or leave a sticky residue, Beach Bae’s lightweight, hydrating formula is quickly absorbed, leaving skin silky and glowing without glitter fallout. The secret lies in its carefully selected active ingredients and advanced formulation:

  • Reflective liquid pearls: Instantly brighten the skin, creating a radiant, camera-ready finish on both face and body.
  • Hydration boost: Glycerin and jojoba esters help skin retain moisture through long photo shoots or hot summer days.
  • Universality: Suitable for all skin tones and types. Can be layered or worn alone for customized radiance.

“I used the Luminizer every day after a shower. It made my skin silky and smooth, and my skin was glowing like I have been in the sun for days. It is amazing,” shares one devoted user. Others have praised it for producing a true sunkissed look without feeling greasy or mask-like.

Expert Tips: How to Use Liquid Luminizer for Maximum Glow

To achieve Martha Stewart’s signature radiance, her makeup artist follows a few simple but effective techniques. Here’s a step-by-step routine to replicate Martha’s luminous finish:

  1. Prepare the skin by cleansing thoroughly and following with hydration—look for glycerin-rich moisturizers for best results.
  2. Apply Beach Bae Luminizer to the body and face. Use a foundation brush or your hands to blend, focusing on the high points such as shoulders, collarbones, cheekbones, and shins.
  3. Layer over or under foundation for added depth: Wear alone for subtle radiance, or mix a drop with liquid foundation for an all-over glow.
  4. Set with a gentle mist or a light dusting of translucent powder to lock in the dewiness without dulling the finish.

Want to amplify the effect in natural light? Top up with the luminizer on areas where sunlight naturally hits or for an extra photogenic boost in photos!

Key Ingredients and Benefits

IngredientBenefit
GlycerinDeeply hydrates, helping skin retain moisture throughout the day
Jojoba EstersConditions and softens skin without clogging pores
Reflective PearlsImpart instant luminosity and radiance for a healthy glow
Shea Butter (in some L’Oréal formulas)Further boosts moisture; soothes dry or sensitive skin

Why Fans and Reviewers Rave About This Luminizer

The Beach Bae Luminizer has quickly become a cult favorite not just among makeup artists but also among everyday beauty consumers. Here’s what makes it a standout, according to customer testimonials:

  • “Summer glow in a bottle”: Delivers a sun-kissed effect that mimics a post-vacation complexion.
  • Lightweight and breathable: “It does not feel sticky and thick like almost every other one I have tried,” says a reviewer.
  • Flattering for tanned and untanned skin: Enhances a natural tan or adds warmth to fairer skin tones.
  • Non-glittery finish: Leaves complexions illuminated, not sparkly.
  • Affordable luxury: Priced around $20, making it accessible for daily use.

When combined with good skincare practices and protective SPF, this luminizer becomes an all-season essential for glowing skin—whatever your age.

Pro Tips: Getting the Most Out of Your Luminizer

Martha Stewart’s luminous skin owes much to the application methods and the multi-purpose potential of Beach Bae and similar products, such as the L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion. Here’s how to maximize your glow:

  • As a face primer: Smooth onto clean skin to prep a smooth, hydrated canvas before foundation.
  • Mix with foundation: Combine a pea-sized amount with your foundation for a sheer tint and endless radiance.
  • Spot highlighting: Dab lightly on cheekbones, brow bones, and down the bridge of the nose.
  • Body shimmer: Blend onto shoulders, collarbones, legs, or arms for photo-ready illuminated skin.
  • In your sunscreen: Add a drop to your SPF for beach or pool days—protect and illuminate in a single step.

With four shade ranges—from fair to deep—users can easily match their luminizer to their unique skin tone and preference, ensuring every glow looks naturally seamless.

Related Beauty Essentials for Radiant Skin

Martha Stewart’s beauty routine doesn’t stop at luminizer alone. Her go-to glow includes a mix of hydrating serums, lotions, and skincare saviors:

  • L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer Lotion: Adds a daily, buildable radiance with skin-friendly hydration.
  • Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum: A potent antioxidant serum that brightens and protects against environmental stressors.
  • Mario Badescu Super Rich Olive Body Lotion: Delivers deep nourishment, softening and conditioning skin after showering or before special events.

Incorporating these products into your daily regimen can enhance the effects of a good luminizer, ensuring a luminous complexion that’s as healthy as it is beautiful.

Why Trust Martha Stewart’s Beauty Picks?

Martha Stewart’s decades-long presence in media and lifestyle isn’t just built on her culinary and homemaking prowess—it’s her credible, transparent approach to wellness and beauty. She regularly collaborates with experienced makeup artists like Daisy Toye, embracing both innovative and accessible beauty solutions. Stewart’s current recommendations, especially those spotlighted in high-profile shoots, reflect a philosophy of wellness, hydration, and natural radiance at any age.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What makes L’Oréal Paris Beach Bae Luminizer unique among body and face illuminators?

A: Its lightweight, hydrating formula absorbs quickly, provides instant radiance without greasiness, and uses reflective liquid pearls for a naturally luminous finish.

Q: Can the Beach Bae Luminizer be used on all skin types and tones?

A: Yes, it blends seamlessly on both light and deep skin tones for a subtle glow or a more bronzed effect, and is formulated to suit a variety of complexions.

Q: How long does the glow typically last?

A: The glow usually lasts throughout the day but can be refreshed with a quick reapplication, especially before evening events or photoshoots. The hydrating effects help maintain dewiness over time.

Q: Is Beach Bae Luminizer safe for use under makeup or with sunscreen?

A: Yes. It can be worn alone, layered with foundation, or mixed into SPF for a lustrous finish while protecting skin outdoors.

Q: Are there comparable alternatives if Beach Bae is unavailable?

A: Comparable luminous products include L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion and multi-purpose hydrating serums with illuminating properties.

Quick Comparison: Beach Bae vs. Lumi Glotion

ProductMain UseKey IngredientsFinishShadesPrice
Beach Bae Face & Body LuminizerFace & body highlight, all-over glowGlycerin, Jojoba Esters, Liquid PearlsBronzed, luminousUniversalAround $20
True Match Lumi GlotionGlow enhancer, hydration, primerGlycerin, Shea Butter, ShimmerNatural, dewy4 shadesAround $16

Final Thoughts: Martha Stewart’s Approach to Age-Defying Beauty

Martha Stewart’s approach champions more than a single product—it’s about layering hydration, luminosity, and confidence. From nourishing serums to drugstore gems like the Beach Bae Luminizer and the True Match Lumi Glotion, her routine highlights the importance of products that care for your skin while enhancing its natural glow. Whether for special occasions or everyday radiance, these beauty secrets are accessible to all ages and budgets. Glow like Martha and embrace radiance at every stage of life!

More Beauty Tips & Tricks

  • Always patch test new products to ensure compatibility with your skin type.
  • Combine luminizer with SPF for protection and glow during outdoor activities.
  • Hydrate from within; glowing skin isn’t just topical. Drink plenty of water daily.
  • Choose cleansers and moisturizers that don’t strip natural oils to maintain natural dewiness.

Ready to glow? Try these expert-backed beauty essentials and paint your own radiant story, inspired by Martha Stewart’s iconic moments under the sun.

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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