I think using a highlighter makes such a difference, especially as I don't have the best skin. A good highlighter will brighten dull skin, have light-reflecting pigments to cover blemishes and imperfections, and smooth over skin, hiding pores. For me, this is essential in my everyday makeup routine.
A highlighter can brighten your overall appearance, and make tired-looking skin looking full of life.
I'm going to introduce you to my five favourite highlighters, some of which are creams whilst others are powders.
MAC Strobe Cream
I'm sure everyone has at least heard of this product. I use this every day, and I love how it transforms my skin. I've been using it for a few months now and I love it. MAC say "Brightens and clarifies with iridescent particles and antioxidants. Enhances the effects of light on all skin" which is exactly what we want. It uses botanicals, vitamins and green tea to add some life to your skin. I use this all over my face, on top of moisturiser. Although it can be used on its own (I wish!) I always wear foundation on top, which gives me a lovely healthy glow. I've recently had a few compliments on my complexion and it's all down to this little lovely. If you don't already have this in your makeup bag, then I'd really recommend it. It doesn't make skin shine, just simply adds a subtle but gorgeous sheen.
Benefits High Beam
Ahh the famed High Beam. I can guarantee that everyone has this in their collection, it's just one of those cult products isn't it. High Beam is a "complexion enhancer" which creates "that natural, radiant glow you've always desired" say Benefit. I've been using this product for years now, and we've been through a turbulent relationship in this time but I've finally accepted this product for what it is. Whilst I use MAC Strobe Cream all over my face, High Beam is destined for those special areas you want to be noticed, such as your cheekbones, your brow bone or down your nose. I use this usually only on my brow bone, which I think works amazingly well. High Beam is quite pigmented, more so than MAC strobe cream I would say (but it is more of a pink undertone as the picture shows). I used to apply this over my foundation to my cheek bones, but I found that it didn't blend in so well with my foundation. I now use a powder for this area. Once I had worked that out, I began to see High Beam in a whole new light.
High Beam is a lot thicker than other liquid highlighters such as Strobe Cream, and it's also quite gloopy.
Although I do recommend this product, you really have to find out what works for you. I absolutely love High Beam just under my eyebrow to accentuate the arch but you may find other uses for this.
Smashbox Soft Fusion Lights in Baked Stardust
This is one of the first Smashbox products I've tried and I don't think I've put it down since. Smashbox say "The illuminating formula softens the way light reflects on your skin and wakes up your complexion for a radiant look" which is what it does. I apply this to my cheekbones (sorry High Beam!) to give a subtle sheen and a lovely glow. I don't use a bronzer, but this does have a slight bronzed look to it, so this sort of is my bronzer. I can't fault this product, it's less noticeable than other powder highlighters I've tried and the 5 different colours give such a nice natural glow. I'm quite pale (NW20) and happy with that, so it's nice to have a small amount of bronze added to your face which will catch the light and brighten your appearance.
I guess you could sweep this product around your face, but I find it works best with just a small amount on my cheeks.
Bourjois Illuminating Touch
I've always been a massive fan of Bourjois little pots, especially their blush pots. I found this about a year ago, and it's always been something I reach for. It's more iridescent than the other highlighters i've mentioned, and a lovely natural peach colour. Although it's a bit more glittery, it gives a subtle glow which helps to sculpt the face. I think this is a bit more natural than the other highlighters.
I'd definitely recommend this product, it goes really well with a nice pink/peach blush and really injects some glow into your skin.
Topshop Highlighter in Sunbeam
Okay so I know I only bought this a few days ago, but I am seriously in love. This product is so lovely and pigmented, Topshop say it is a "Shimmering silky golden highlighter to add lightness and radiance to face and body".
I know this will become a permanent product in my life, the lovely golden colour is gorgeous and it really does give you a gorgeous glow. I use this along my cheekbones and on my temples, but it can be used all over the body - on the collarbones or around your cleavage.
This looks amazing on my slightly pale skin, but I know it will look lovely in the summer with a tan as well.
If you don't already have this, you really need this in your life.
So there is my 5 Best Highlighters, let me know what you think. I'm thinking about making this a regular feature so if you want to suggest something for me to review, I'd definitely be up for it.
In other news, I'm selling two of my favourite dresses on ebay, which can be found here.
