India’s top salon owners tell Stylespeak how they are delivering the growing demand of radiant glow over heavy makeup
Words | Shweta Dravid
For years, beauty meant hiding skin imperfections under layers of makeup —foundation to perfect the complexion, concealer to erase imperfections, and highlighters to sculpt and define the face. In 2026, that narrative is shifting. Glow has officially taken centre stage, with women choosing luminous, healthy-looking complexions over heavy coverage. The shift is being driven not just by changing beauty ideals but also by the growing influence of wellness and skin health.
And salons are meeting this demand with a new generation of skin-focused services. From collagen-boosting facials to microcurrent technology, professional treatments are now at the heart of the glow movement. StyleSpeak spoke to experts and salon leaders to decode this glow revolution.
Why is glow replacing heavy makeup?
The modern beauty consumer is no longer chasing a perfectly sculpted, makeup-heavy look. Instead, the focus has shifted toward healthy, radiant skin that looks good even without layers of product. The rise of skincare awareness, wellness culture, and minimalist beauty routines has pushed glow to the forefront of beauty trends.
Celebrity and HNI makeup artist Shrruti Saraff believes the change reflects a deeper shift in how women approach beauty today. “There’s a larger wellness wave shaping beauty right now. Looking glowy feels more aligned with that mindset than spending an hour creating a heavy, structured makeup look. It’s not that women have stopped wearing makeup – the intention has simply evolved. The focus today is on feeling healthy and confident in your own skin, so makeup becomes about subtle correction and enhancement rather than making a dramatic statement.”
She adds, “Glow feels modern because it looks effortless. It suggests good skin, good habits, and balance. When the skin looks alive, you don’t need layers.”
How are salons responding?
As clients prioritise skin health over makeup coverage, salons are adapting their services to deliver results that go beyond surface-level beauty. Treatments that stimulate collagen, improve skin tone, and enhance natural radiance are becoming central to salon menus.
Samir Srivastav, CEO of LOOKS Salon, says the change in consumer behaviour is clear. “We are witnessing a decisive shift in consumer behaviour. Women today are prioritising skin health over temporary surface enhancement. The modern consumer is seeking treatments that improve skin quality at a structural level and deliver a visible, healthy glow — without downtime.”
To meet this demand, salons are investing in advanced, non-invasive skin technologies designed to strengthen the skin at a cellular level. “The focus is no longer on quick cosmetic fixes. It is about long-term skin performance, preventative care, and natural radiance. Glow is becoming the new definition of beauty — driven by science-backed results and conscious skincare choices”, adds Samir.
Salon treatments powering the glow trend
The Radiance Ritual – Created in partnership with Dermalogica, this treatment combines red LED therapy with Dermalogica’s Light Energy Masque to activate fibroblasts in the skin. This stimulation encourages the production of ATP, collagen, and elastin, helping improve firmness, refine texture, and restore a healthy, radiant glow.
MyoLift MD Microcurrent Facial – Powered by US FDA-cleared True Microcurrent™ technology from 7e Wellness, this treatment replicates the body’s natural electrical currents. The microcurrent stimulates ATP production, the key energy source for skin cells. It also tones facial muscles, boosts circulation, and supports collagen production, resulting in firmer, lifted, and more energised skin.
Oxygen Infusion Facial – Designed to revive tired, dull skin, oxygen facials deliver a stream of pressurised oxygen along with vitamin-rich serums deep into the skin. This process boosts hydration, improves circulation, and helps the skin look instantly refreshed and luminous. Because it gives the complexion a quick radiance boost without downtime, it has become a favourite pre-event treatment.
Dermaplaning Facial – This exfoliating treatment involves gently gliding a sterile blade across the skin to remove dead cells and fine facial hair. The process reveals a smoother, brighter surface and allows skincare products to penetrate more effectively. The result is skin that reflects light better, creating a naturally radiant finish.
Expert Tips: How to Achieve a Natural, Lit-From-Within Glow
Celebrity and HNI makeup artist Shrruti Saraf says glowing skin begins long before makeup is applied. The secret, she explains, lies in thoughtful preparation and skin-friendly techniques.
- Prep with a collagen mask
“The simplest way to get that fresh, lit-from-within finish is proper prep,” says Saraf. A collagen mask applied for even 10 minutes can make a visible difference. “It works far better than quickly applying a sheet mask right before makeup, which can sometimes interfere with product layering.” - Choose cream textures for a natural glow
Instead of heavy shimmer products, Saraf recommends cream-based formulas. “Press it gently into the high points of your face,” she says. “Pressing, not swiping, allows it to melt into the skin for a seamless finish.” - Use cold therapy to refresh the skin
Lowering the skin’s temperature can instantly tighten and revive the complexion. “Dipping your face in ice water, gently rubbing an ice cube over the skin, or even doing a cold oxygen blast can instantly tighten and refresh the complexion,” she explains. - Double the benefits with chilled skincare
Saraf often combines cold therapy with skincare treatments. “I keep my Biossance collagen mask in the freezer before applying it at night. It gives you the benefits of the mask along with that firming, de-puffing effect — almost like a two-in-one treatment.”
