Highlighters

Posted on March 1st, 2009 / Filed under Beauty , For the Body:

Highlighters — or luminizers — are one item in the makeup arsenal that you can do without, although some might argue differently. Why? Well, because when used correctly, they can brighten your entire face, provide a healthy glow and blur imperfections. Use them wrong, however, and you’ll end up looking like a greasy, ghostly mess.

The form of highlighter — liquid, powder or stick — depends on what you prefer, although powder highlighters are often on the glittery side, so they’re better left for evening looks. And unless they’re subtle, I’d recommend using them on the décolletage, not the face.

If you use a cream or stick highlighter, don’t smear it across your cheeks. Swipe your finger lightly across and dab wherever you want it, then blend gently. These tend to contain silicone, which can be problematic for those prone to breakouts. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, try an oil-free liquid luminizer instead.

Liquid highlighters can get messy if you don’t use them properly. The trick is to use a very light hand. Dot a tiny amount on the tops of your cheekbones and then blend with your finger, a sponge or brush. You can also mix a small amount into your tinted moisturizer or foundation to brighten your complexion.

Suggested Products

BeneFit High Beam ($22, sephora.com)
Bare Escentuals All-Over Face Color ($18, sephora.com)
Lorac Oil-Free Luminizer ($28, beauty.com)
MAC Strobe Cream ($27.50, maccosmetics.com)
Nars The Multiple ($36.50, beauty.com)
Origins Halo Effect ($16, gloss.com)
Revlon Skinlights Instant Skin Brightener ($11.99, drugstore.com)
The Body Shop Shimmer Waves ($17.50, thebodyshop.com)

Tips and Tricks

  • Highlighters should always be sheer. They can emphasize lines and pores if you use too much. The idea is to give a subtle glow to cheekbones and browbones.
  • Highlighters can call attention to flaky, dry patches, so make sure you exfoliate regularly and moisturize first.
  • Apply shimmer last (unless you’re mixing it with foundation or moisturizer).
  • Don’t apply shimmer all over your face and don’t put any on your t-zone (forehead, nose and chin).
  • Look for formulas that are tinted pink or golden. They tend to look more natural since they’re meant to blend with your skin’s undertone.
  • If you’re going to be photographed, avoid white or silver highlighters. They’ll end up making you look chalky.
  • Dab a tiny bit of liquid highlighter to in the bow above your top lip, to make them look fuller.
  • Adding a little highlighter to the inner corners of the eyes brightens the area and makes you look more awake.