I’m not exactly sure when highlighting, strobing and skin-illuminating has become such a huge trend in the makeup world, but I’m pretty sure it’s here to stay. For now, at least.
When I first started using makeup, I couldn’t stand my then-very-oliy skin having any sort of illuminating glow or highlight and now I’m all like “give me all the glow and give it to me now!”
For a subtle highlight…
I love Stila’s Kitten Duo for a touch of highlight and color. It doesn’t have that over-the-top shimmer or glow so it’s perfect for makeup beginners or when going for minimal-makeup looks. Kevyn Aucoin’s Candlelight from The Creamy Glow Duo is another favorite of mine that adds just a touch of glow and works well with dry skin and blends very nicely.
For a creamy highlight..
You probably see Marc Jacobs Glowstick all over Instagram these days and I was lucky enough to have received it from Influenster. This illuminator is so beautiful and works really well with my fair skin tone, it also seems like a shade that would be universally flattering. It blends beautifully and is pretty long-lasting on my skin. One thing though, is that I do not like applying it directly on my skin- I prefer to use a beauty blender, so that my foundation doesn’t smudge off.
Becca Moonstone, Laura Mercier Indiscretion, TheBalm Mary-Lou Manizer, Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Rose, Stila Kitten Duo, Kevyn Aucoin Candlelight form The Creamy Glow duo, Marc Jacobs Spotlight Glowstick.
For a touch of color…
Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Rose is one product that I’ve been using forever (and almost daily for a while there). I skip bronzer and blush when using this, as it adds a touch of that gorgeous pink color to my skin. It can go very subtle or heavy- depending on how much you layer it. I also love Beige Shimmer Brick, just as much. Stila’s Kitten Duo is perfect for adding a little pale iridescent pink to complexion, too.
For an all-over glow..
You can’t do any better than MAC’s Strobe Cream (see my review here) or Pixi’s Glowtion (see my review right here)- both are actually good skincare products as well. They are moisturizing, without being thick, heavy or greasy and both work very well under foundation. I might like the Glowtion juuuuust a little bit more because I love the packaging and product dispenses more easily.
My three, all-time favorites…
Are The Balm’s Mary-Lou Manizer, Becca’s Moonstone and Laura Mercier’s Indiscretion. Mary-Lou Manizer is a gorgeous, gold-toned, fine highlighting powder that also doubles up as an eyeshadow- it’s not glittery and really long-lasting on my skin. Moonstone is a pale gold that is nicely pigmented, the formula is a bit on the dry side. My only complaint with Moonstone is that when layered, I can see a bits of chunky glitter pieces show up on my skin, but since I use it very sparingly, it’s not usually an issue for me. And then, of course is my all time favorite: Laura Mercier’s Indiscretion– not only is it very beautiful to look at, it’s a wonderful product. It’s a rosy copper luminous highlighter that looks beautiful on skin during summer. I use it on my collar bone as well and it’s probably one of the most long-lasting highlighters I’ve tried.
Are you a glow-getter? What are some of your favorite highlighting products?
