Highlighter has become a ‘I can’t live without’ in my makeup regime. Every day I use it, every single day, no matter what I am doing that day, if I am doing something or if I am doing nothing, it is on my face. Why? Because it makes me look youthful, fresh, glowy, awake, happy, healthy, confident and put together…all the good stuff.
If you haven’t tried highlighter yet, or you don’t typically wear it in your makeup routine, I highly recommend you do, for all the reasons above. If you have tried it and it’s not for you, as long as you have tried many shades and formulas and you think it still doesn’t work, that’s ok too. Just know, that you have to try a few, to find the right one for you that could work. You may not get the perfect one on the first try, it is a matter of trial and error.
The trick is finding the right shade and the right formula that works for you. If you are of a younger age, you have lots of choices, all you need to look for is a highlighter that is the shade you like and the right formula you prefer ie: liquid, powder or cream. If you are not of a younger age, the main consideration is the formula and maybe intensity. You want to find a formula that does not enhance fine lines and wrinkles or is too over-powering. But really, no matter your age, you have to find the right formula if you have larger pores or textured skin. Some highlighters can enhance pores, texture and lines, so you have to be mindful of finding one that doesn’t. I have provided examples of highlighters that do not below.
Drugstore Highlighters:
You can find amazing highlighters at the drugstore. In fact, drugstore highlighters are all I have at the moment because they work just as well, if not better than high end. Nothing wrong with high end highlighters, however, if you are trying to find the right colour and formula, drugstore brands won’t break the bank account if they don’t work out for you (while you search for your favourite). One thing to note also, because you need to use so little highlight, the product will last forever, unless you drop it like I have in the past.
Highlighter Considerations:
- Intensity. Do you prefer a subtle glow or more obvious and blinding, or in between? The good thing is, you can build up a more subtle formula or use a light hand on a more blinding highlight to achieve the intensity you seek.
- Colour. Highlighters come in many colours and undertones ie: golden, white and icy, champagne, pink, lavender, peach, green etc. The possibilities are endless. I think it is nice to have a few different choices you can apply depending on your makeup that day. You can wear a more golden highlight with warm-toned makeup and a peach or pink highlight with pink makeup or lavender with purple eyeshadow etc. If you want just one in your collection, choose a basic such as champagne as this can work more universally.
- Formula. As mentioned above, formulas to choose from are liquid, powder, cream, cream to powder etc. All work well, it just depends on personal preference. Definitely powder is the easiest to apply with a brush which I find easier and more precise than applying creams or liquids with a finger.
- Price. You get a lot of product in a highlighter so if you love a particular high-end brand or the shade you love is high-end, it will still be a decent investment as the product will last for quite a bit of time. Liquids and creams can dry out, so powder is a safer bet for longevity.
- Natural. The goal is a glow from within look. There are some highlighters that are quite chunky and glittery. Be wary of these, study the product closely before buying or check on-line reviews.
- Shade. You want to find a shade that is not too dark and not too light for your skin tone. This is where you may have to try a few to find the right one. I have made this mistake while learning. I bought a golden highlight but it was too dark for my skin so when I looked straight ahead, it darkened my skin where I applied it and cast a shadow, and another one I bought was too light and looked almost grey on my skin, not what you want. Conversely, if you have medium skin to deep skin, too light or icy of a shade can look unnatural.
For all of these considerations, this is why there are so many choices in highlighters! Everyone has different wants, skin tones, skin types, etc.
Here are a couple of my favourite subtle highlighters. One is from Essence, its about $4.99. It’s subtle but pretty. I also like the Revolution SophX Highlight. It is $16, the quality is good and you get many shades to choose from from icy to peach to lavender, this is an excellent palette. I have this and use all of the shades, depending on my makeup and mood.
For other options, here are some other favourites in my collection. These are amazing and do not enhance texture or fine lines.
Highlighter is my love. Can you tell? You can use it wherever you want that works for you. You can apply on the high part of your cheekbones, under the brow bone, down the centre of your nose or on the tip of your nose, forehead, temples, collar bones, cupids bow, inner corner of your eyes or even as an eyeshadow. Lots of options and it is fun to play! I recommend you try to make highlighter a part of your everyday routine, it can enhance your skin and make you look fresh and youthful.
All the best and until next time…
