The Glowing Highlighters and Illuminators Edit
A guaranteed healthy summer glow in a bottle (or tube or palette).
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THE POWDERS
First up is, of course, the one and only Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette, which has been an impeccable addition to my beauty routine over the past year. In fact, I just treated myself to a brand new palette, since I used every inch of my last one to the point where I was just dabbing my brush repeatedly into a bare pan (tough times). If you're a highlighter newbie, then this is the palette for you, with it's trio of creamy hues to suit everyones #onfleek* goals, whether you want a touch of healthy luminosity, a wash of bright highlight or a bronzed, golden glow. Trust me, it's a beauty (and worth all the hype).
On a day-to-day basis, I like to wear a more natural glow, like the Cover FX Illuminator from Sephora Australia or the highlighter powder from the Face of Australia Glamazon Contour Kit, both of which have a beautiful skin tone base with a satin finish. If you're anything like me though, you like a little extra 'wow' factor for special occasions (or just because). I've been using the surprisingly stunning pink-based metallic Luminizer shade from the Sephora MicroSmooth Baked Sculpting Trio (which I've already raved on about here) all spring.
Then there's the warmer highlighters that give you that enviable sun-kissed radiance, like the NARS Highlighting Blush Powder in Albatross, which can be a little tricky to apply (it can look way too yellow if layered), but is well worth it when you get it right. The trick? A little goes a long way, so you only need a once-off swish of the powder to get a smouldering glow. And while I usually avoid glitter on the face, I make an exception for the Urban Decay Naked Illuminated Shimmer Powder for Face and Body from Mecca Mexima in Lit (a metallic bronze hue) and Aura (a pink-based shimmer), both of which look delightful when washed across the cheeks and collarbones.
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THE LIQUIDS & CREAMS
While I've almost always preferred a powder highlighter, there's something about these liquid and cream products that have me coming back for more. In fact, I use the Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Highlight far more than I thought I ever would. Since they're in a stick format, there's no need to get your fingers covered in product since you swipe them straight from the Chubby Stick onto your face, and then I use the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush to blend it into the skin. They're ridiculously easy to use (I mentioned that they're another great product for beginners here) and the both shades, Super Starlight and Hefty Highlight, look incredibly natural thanks to their creamy texture.
My love of the highlighter actually began with the Red Earth Secret Potion Illuminating Skin Fluid in Pearl, which became a favourite of mine last year during our first ever trip to Bali (and not the last). The liquid blends easily with a light dabbing motion of the finger and throws a fresh, dewy radiance. The champagne hued ModelCo Luminosity Shimmer Whip is another beautiful liquid illuminator that has a touch of shimmer that instantly warms the face, and can be worn underneath your foundation for a more subtle effect.
Rounding up my top 10 highlighters and illuminators is the Estée Lauder Double Wear Brush-On Glow, a BB highlighting pen that I sadly just twisted out the last drop (sob). I will no doubt be replacing it though, as the multi-tasking tool has become a daily must-have this year. Not only does it naturally brighten and highlight, it also conceals areas like underneath the eyes. It's a beauty bag favourite and is sorely missed, though hopefully not for long.
There are some truly amazing highlighting products on the market right now, so I would love to know which one/s you reach for on a daily basis?
*Okay, fine, I promise I won't say 'on fleek' again. Fleek.
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