Glow, minus the layers: Ankush Bahuguna is making a strong case for skin-first makeup

Fresh off his win at the Cosmopolitan Blogger and Creator Awards, beauty influencer Ankush Bahuguna is leaning fully into a beauty philosophy that feels right for right now. Think breathable bases, skincare that actually does the work, and makeup that enhances instead of masking. It is less about covering up and more about letting your skin show up.

At a time when heavy glam is slowly making room for softer, more lived-in looks, Bahuguna’s approach feels both practical and refreshing. For him, skin prep is not something you rush through. “I start my skin prep really early, maybe half an hour before I do my makeup,” he says. The idea is simple. Let your skincare actually sink in before you go in with makeup.

He points out that a common mistake is applying moisturiser right before starting makeup. “It hasn’t really seeped into your skin, it’s sitting on top, and that’s when makeup starts to slip,” he explains. His fix is to use just the right amount of hydration and give it time to absorb. If his skin still feels dry, he goes in with another light layer instead of piling everything on at once.

For those wanting to get their hands on a light, makeup-friendly moisturiser, the Colorbar Miracle Glow Moisturiser is your go-to product.

On what makes a good base

When it comes to base products, Bahuguna keeps it very clear. Shade match comes first. “No matter how good your skill is, if your products are not matching your skin tone, you are always going to look off,” he says.

But it does not stop there. He is big on how products work together. “My concealer has to sit well on top of my colour corrector, my foundation has to sit well on top of my primer.” For him, it is all about finding the right combination so everything blends seamlessly. It is less about one hero product and more about how your entire base routine comes together.

The Colorbar Perfect Match Primer is one such product that promises a flawless base, allowing makeup to blend seamlessly without leaving any creases.

On why he loves lightweight, serum textures

If there is one thing Bahuguna keeps going back to, it is serum-textured products. “The whole experience is just nicer, it feels more lightweight,” he shares.

He likes that these formulas absorb faster than heavier creams, which makes layering easier. “You can apply one layer and be done with it, or build it up if you need more hydration.” This flexibility works across skin types. Whether you are oily, combination, or dry like him, you can adjust the amount without your skin feeling weighed down.

If you are looking for the right product in this category, worry not, because your search ends here. The Colorbar Crystal Glow Serum Concealer and the Colorbar Crystal Glow Serum Foundation might just be the serum-based products you are looking for.

On the shift to skin-first makeup

While he acknowledges that makeup is a personal choice, Bahuguna naturally leans towards a skin-first approach. And a big reason is climate. “We live in a country that is so hot and humid, sometimes it can feel very uncomfortable wearing a full face of makeup,” he says.

He also calls out a myth that social media often pushes. More makeup does not always mean smoother-looking skin. “Sometimes, it can actually add more texture,” he explains. That is why he focuses on improving his skin quality over time. He believes that when your skin is in a good place, even a little makeup can elevate your look.

In the long run, he believes this approach does more than just simplify your routine. It encourages you to take better care of your skin. And that is where the real glow comes from.

Lead image: Collective Artists' Network PR

Also read: Your guide to building a hot girl gym bag

Also read: Your ultimate SPF wardrobe decoded for every skin mood