Hey you guys! Thanks for dropping in and checking out this week’s post. I don’t know about you, but I’ve very much been enjoying this spring weather. There is just something about this time of year that breathes life into my daily activities. I just love all the things that come with spring, the flowers, the sunshine, and even the rain! It makes me want to escape to a tropical paradise to live my best life. The arrival of spring and the cusp of summer brings a change in my makeup routine as well. Spring/Summer makeup for me is all about glowing, beautiful skin! When the weather is hot and humid and I’m sweaty and shiny naturally, I like to go with the flow and do my makeup to complement that. That means to me a light coverage hydrating foundation, lots of bronzer and a gorgeous highlighter. So that’s what I am going to talk about here- highlighter. I have some true ride or die favorites that will give you that sought after glow and there’s one to suit everyone’s needs. In no particular order, here are my top 5 favorite highlighting products…
1. Mac Cosmetics Mineralized Skin Finish “Soft & Gentle”
I wanted to start off with this particular product because this was my first highlighting powder (at least that I can remember). When I was in high school, I had looked at this product over and over at the Mac counter, but being 15 years old and having no money of my own to buy it, I just lusted after it from afar. Then behold, a friend of mine got it for me as a Christmas present. I used the CRAP out of this product and many years later as I was building my professional kit I knew I had to add one of these to my lineup. I’ve used this highlighter on just about every client who has ever sat in my chair. It’s a gorgeous peachy bronze shade that gives the best lit from within glow. I love the mineralized skin finishes from Mac because they don’t look chalky or powdery.
2. MARC JACOBS BEAUTY Glow Stick Glistening Illuminator
If you’ve been a client of mine within the last 3.5 years than I have most definitely pulled out this deodorant looking product and used it on your face. I DIE over this product! The glow you see in almost all of my clients, especially bridal clients, come from this amazing product. I first tried out this guy when I was still working in Sephora and the Marc Jacobs beauty line had just launched. As soon as I swatched it, I knew it had to be in my kit. I apply it using fingers because it perfectly warms up the product and melts it into the skin. Because it is a cream product I like to set it in place with a powder for longevity. I use the previously mentioned Mac Mineralized Skin Finish in “Soft & Gentle” with a light hand over the top of the cream to set it in place. The result is a radiant lit from within glow that stands out in photos and in person. I couldn’t love this product more!
3. Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Baked Powders
This product is a bit newer to my arsenal in the last year, but has quickly secured itself as a favorite on my list. I was looking for an everyday highlighter that wasn’t an over-the-top-blinding highlighter. When I am wearing light, everyday makeup I just want a natural soft glow. This powder has been perfect for exactly that! I use the lightest shade “Natural” but they have 4 shades that complement a full range of skin tones. This powder is sheer yet buildable that gives a smooth soft matte radiance. This product would be great for mature skin as it won’t emphasize fine lines or wrinkles!
4. Josie Maran Argan Enlightenment Illuminizer
This product y’all…too good. It has everything you would want in a liquid highlighter and then some. It is a luxurious creamy liquid highlighter infused with skincare ingredients like argan oil, madonna lilly and vitamin e. It truly does mimic naturally radiant and healthy skin with radiance pearls that capture and reflect light. I honestly use this product every single day. Even when I am not wearing makeup I still apply this literally all over my face…
It just makes my skin look so healthy and hydrated. I always get compliments on my complexion when I am wearing this and with NO MAKEUP on! It’s my secret weapon. I also like to mix it into foundation, apply it on top of foundation and all over my body. I think it applies best with fingers on freshly moisturized skin. This is another good one for mature skin!
5. Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector
When I want my highlight to be seen from space I reach for my Becca pressed highlighting powders. They definitely are a more intense highlight for a high glam look. I really only reach for these when my face is fully beat and I need to top it on with a blinding glow. These powders have an almost creamy finish to them that is simply gorgeous. There is a full range of shades for every skin tone! I have many favorites from them, but my 2 most reached for shades would be Champagne Pop and Opal. It is easy to see why this product has been so popular during this highlighter craze that’s been happening in the makeup world the last few years. I always recommend this line when someone is looking for that wow factor highlight but that doesn’t look cheap. I probably wouldn’t recommend this product to mature skin, however. It’s a little too intense and pretty far from natural so not very complimentary to a more mature client.
What I use to apply highlighter:
Besides the products I specifically stated I apply with my fingers, I use a brush to apply powder highlight products. I have a few different brushes I like to use, but my favorite has to be the Anastasia Beverly Hills Large Tapered Blending Brush. It’s the perfect size to apply product precisely where you want it and the natural bristles pick up and distribute product beautifully.
What are some of your favorite highlighting products? Do you prefer cream/liquid or powder? This is a great time of year to freshen up your makeup routine by adding in a great highlighting product. There is one for everyone! Well, thanks again y’all for tuning in and let me know what you’d like to see next week. If you missed my live video last week on a spring/summertime eyeshadow look check it out here.
xoxo,
Elizabeth
