Who doesn't love a good glow to the cheekbones?
To be honest, about 5 years ago I didn't really understand the purpose of a highlighter. To me, it was just an unnecessary step in the makeup routine . It wasn't until about 3 years ago when I purchased my first liquid highlighter (Stila Illuminating Tinter Moisturiser). From the day I started using that product, my highlighting world got turned upside down. It finally clicked... how could I have neglected these wonderful products all my life?
Since then, I've become a highlighting fanatic. I have also finally realised the wonders it can do for a persons face and the dimensions it can add. A while ago, I posted up the following photo on my blog. This picture was taken of some of the highlighters in my collection. Today's post will be a quick review over each of these items.
1. The Balm - Mary Loumanizer
This is the latest addition to my collection. It wasn't until I watched Lauren Curtis' video on Youtube (when she used it as an eyeshadow) that I paid attention to the product. Boy have I been missing out. As you can tell In the photo above, this product provides more of a golden toned glow. With a smooth and buttery texture, it provides an intense/pigmented level of sheen on the cheekbones (or wherever you choose to put it). While it has a hint of shimmer, I can say from experience that it will not make you look like a disco ball. The shimmer in mine is quite fine and on the skin it looks like an illuminating glow. This would suit those of you with a neutral to warm undertone... but if you are looking for a similar product with a pink undertone, check out Cindy Loumanizer (this is next on my list given it shares my name haha). The lasting power is quite decent (in fact it lasts an 8 hour day on my skin), its super easy to blend and the packaging is quite cute and sturdy.
2. Nars - Albatross Highlighter
This highlighter is probably the whitest out of all of them and contains a hint of a yellow. First off, I'll start by saying that I love Nars products and this item is no different. For me the product works and would be great for those with paler warm/netural toned skin. The product itself is blendable and the lasting powder is quite nice (again it lasts throughout the day). However, there are a few things to bare in mind including the following:
- It has shimmer in it, so if you are not light-handed you may look like Edward Cullen
- It is not as buttery smooth as some of the others
- It has a tendency to emphasise pores and fine lines, so please keep this in mind
- The packaging is beautiful however it gets dirty so easily. While it is meant to be black, mine has turned an odd grey colour. Not very appealing.
O-M-G. Firstly, thank you to those of you on Instagram who enabled me to buy this. Haha. I have no regrets. Kevyn Aucoin products are hyped up and for a good reason. This product provides a beautiful champagne glow to the cheeks that makes my cheeks look luminous for hours and hours. It is very finely milled, making it super soft and blendable. However, like the Nars Albatross, this product does contain some shimmer. While I haven't had any issues with it, I have heard from various reviews that it can tend to emphasize fine lines and pores so if this is a concern for you, you may want to reconsider. The product is on the pricey end, but if you don't mind the splurge... why not?
4. MAC Beauty Powder - Too Chic
I picked this up at a CCO while I was in the USA, so I'm thinking that this might actually be a limited edition product (sorry!!). As you can see in the picture, out of the four, this highlighter has the most neutral to pinky undertone. This product comes in the classic MAC packaging that is compact and very travel friendly. There is quite a bit of product and on the cheeks, the highlighter does last a decent amount of time. On me, the end result is a nice glistening glow that is perfect for Spring and Summer. I also noted that the product contains quite a bit of fine shimmer (which emphasizes pores) and the texture feels a little harder than the other three.
Overall, which is my favourite?
My preference changes on a regular basis but as at now, I have been enjoying the Mary Loumanizer and the Kevyn Aucoin.
Do you guys have any other recommendations for highlighters? What are your favourites?
Love Cindy (Skindzmakeup)
