The Nod Shop27 Oct 20253 MIN

Glow-boosting heroes that make you look alive when you are, in fact, not

No facial, no problem. These masks and serums easily fake eight hours of sleep and two litres of water

Mira Kapoor, founder of Dhun Wellness and co-founder of Akind Beauty, photographed by Sarang Gupta

Sarang Gupta

We’re in the midst of the festive season. Between late-night parties, early-morning meetings, and the alarming realisation that your “quiet weekend” is now a three-event marathon, your skin might be staging a rebellion. The dullness creeps in, the glow disappears, and you’re left looking like you locked up the bar the night before.

For when squeezing in a facial, a dermat appointment, or a 12-step routine isn’t remotely realistic, these quick fixes step in to give you glow on demand. From vitamin-C-charged serums to a rubber mask that mimics a professional treatment, these glow-getters work overtime so you can look dewy and composed (even if you’re just running on caffeine and adrenaline).

Below, five tried and tested products that’ll help you look alive even when you probably don’t feel it at all. Your social battery might be dying, but at least your skin will glow.

01

Cryo Rubber brightening face mask, Dr. Jart+, ₹1,300

Like a mini facial in a fun packet, this two-step mask is a really fun way to get a glow boost. First, you open the ampoule (included in the package) and smear it all over your face. Then you apply the rubber mask to seal in the serum (you can stick it in the fridge if you want it to feel really cool), leave on for 30 to 40 minutes and voila! The cryotherapy-inspired rubber mask depuffs, brightens skin, and floods skin with brightening vitamin C and niacinamide, making you look like you’ve been hydrating responsibly all week.

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Dr. Jart+ Cryo Rubber brightening mask
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02

Double Serum Light Texture, Clarins, ₹9,000

It’s possible you’ve seen Clarins’s Double Serum before. The original dual-phase anti-ageing treatment was first introduced in 1985—40 years ago. Now in its ninth generation, the serum is a potent blend of 21 plant extracts that gives your plumper, healthier, glowing skin. And with regular use, it also helps with the appearance of fine lines. Pump out a few drops in the palm of your hands to warm the serum and press it on the face, neck, and décolleté firmly and gently. The texture feels super luxurious, as does the scent, and there’s no greasiness, just bounce and sheen. Kourtney Kardashian is so obsessed with the product, she revealed she uses it all over her body in a Poosh unboxing video.

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Clarins Double Serum in The Nod's glow boosting skincare edit
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03

Immortelle Reset serum, L’Occitane, ₹8,600

Is your skin dull, dry, and dreary? This oil-in-serum makes the skin look immediately radiant, soothed, and like it’s glowing from within. It contains golden micro-bubbles of organic immortelle essential oil (an antioxidant that contains anti-ageing properties and helps protect skin from environmental stressors) that burst on contact, along with hydrating oils and glycerin that revive your skin overnight, so you wake up looking suspiciously well-rested. And you also get 50ml refill packs for ₹6,800. A win.

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L'occitane Immortelle Reset serum in The Nod's glow boosting skincare edit
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04

Fat Water pore-refining toner serum, Fenty Skin, ₹3,750

If you don’t believe in toner, this toner-serum-hybrid makes sure it won’t leave your routine once it makes its way in. Aptly named Fat Water, it looks watery in the bottle, but has a nice, thick viscosity when squeezed out. Infused with vitamin C and niacinamide, it helps brighten and even out your complexion, while ingredients like green tea and fig provide antioxidant benefits. The light scent of sweet cherry and fig is pleasant enough for you to want to drink (don’t drink it), and the subtle glow it lends looks great under flash.

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Fenty Skin Fat Water toner serum in The Nod's glow boosting skincare edit
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05

Pro-Heal Serum Advance+, iS Clinical, ₹9,680

If you’ve been using vitamin C for a bit and are looking for something that packs a punch, iS Clinical’s Pro-Heal Serum Advance+ combines a 15 per cent concentration of vitamin C with time-release technology and antioxidant-rich olive leaf extract. It protects the skin from sun damage, reduces inflammation, helps reduce blemishes and dark spots—all while being gentle enough for rosacea- and acne-prone skin. It leaves the skin with a natural, healthy radiance. Ideal for sensitive or post-party skin that needs calming and a glow boost.

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iS Clinical Pro-Heal Serum Advance+ in The Nod's glow boosting skincare edit
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