that glow tho.

Who doesn't want to be glowing? What did we ever do before the invention of highlighters? And strobing? I guess we were all just a little flat. But thankfully now the market is packed with highlighters of every shape, size, and colour, and I'm going to share some of my favourite ways to get your glow on!

Top (L-R): MAC Lightscapade/MAC Soft & Gentle/MAC Global Glow
Middle (L-R): The Balm Mary Lou-Manizer/ABH So Hollywood/Benefit Watt's Up
Bottom (L-R): Kevin Aucoin Contour-Highlight Duo/Revlon Skinlights Bare Light

first, what colour should you be using?

If you haven't noticed, they come in a few different shades, and picking the right one for your skin tone (and makeup look) is key.

If Your Skin Is FAIR choose: Silvery Pearl
If Your Skin Is LIGHT choose: Peach
If Your Skin Is MEDIUM: Warm Gold
If Your Skin Is DEEP: Coppery Bronze

Now these aren't hard and fast rules... if you are fair but are going with a bronzed goddess look by all means go for a highlighter with warm/golden undertones, just make sure the tone isn't too dark.

powder vs. liquid?

Powder highlighters are so easy to use, can be blended perfectly and can be intensified (or applied subtly) depending on your desired look. Liquid highlighters (like Cover FX liquid illuminator) are nice because they can be worn alone for serious glow power, or mixed in with your foundation/moisturizer for a subtle glow, but beware: liquid can be a little less user friendly when used on their own as they can be more noticeable if not applied and blended perfectly!

where do you put it?

Unless the look you are going for is "unicorn", don't put highlighter all over your face. It should only be applied to certain areas that you want to 'pop', not only giving you a glow, but also creating angles (aka cheekbones). Highlighter should be applied to the tops of the cheekbones, inner corner of the eye, underneath the brow, and on the Cupid's bow (making the lips appear fuller).
Powder highlighters are best applied with a fan brush or small tapered brush.
Cream highlighters can be applied with a small fluffy brush, beauty blender, or your fingers.

my faves

POWDERS
- Anastasia Beverly Hills Illuminator in "So Hollywood" (warm gold) $28 USD, anastasiabeverlyhills.com
- MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in: "Lightscapade" (silvery pearl), "Soft & Gentle" (peach), "Global - Glow" (bronze) $25, maccosmetics.ca
- Kevin Aucoin The Celestial Powder in "Candlelight" (champagne) $53, sephora.com
- The Balm Cosmetics "Mary-Lou Manizer" (light gold) available at petite&sweet beauty boutique (shop local!)
- Nicole Guerriero Glow Kit x Anastasia Beverly Hills (multi-colour palette) $52, sephora.com

LIQUIDS/CREAMS/STICKS
- Benefit Watt's Up Cream-to-Powder Highlighter (silverly pink/peach) $40, beautyboutique.ca
- Cover Fx Custom Enhancer Drops (various colours) $52, sephora.com
- L'Oreal Photoready Skinlights Face Illuminator (various colours) $15, Walmart


Shine on my beauties! 

- Lianne
xo