I was never big on highlighting. And then the whole strobing thing happened and while I'm not going all out like the makeup campaigns and runway models, I still enjoy pretending to be a Victoria's Secret Angel going undercover as a normal person. I've decided to be a nice person today and break down (strategically speaking) my small army of highlighters to give you a better idea of what you might be looking for.
the cream option
I'm not usually one for cream anything as I find them to be quite fickle sometimes. But cream options are perfect for layering under your base and resulting in that 'from within' glow. My pick has definitely got to be the Topshop Glow Pot(£9) - it's shimmery but not glittery. It has a creamy, slightly oily texture, but it won't slip and slide throughout the day. I would keep notice that your foundation should be patted, rather than rubbed over this highlighter though, as it will move around.
the budget one
I've talked about this before and it's even made it to a monthly favourites, but the Collection Gorgeous Glow Palette(£3.99) is definitely one that you should keep on your radar if you like a serious highlight. Kicking up quite a bit of product when you tap your brush in it (and I do say tap for a reason), this highlight packs a mean punch when it comes to highlighting. More sheen than glittery, this offering that costs less than lunch is one that's able to compete with higher end offerings.
I was debating on including this one since it was limited edition but if you can still track down the Catrice Pure Shimmer Highlighter than I would strongly encourage you to do so. Unlike the Collection offering that packs a punch, this one is more subtle, but the results are just as beautiful.
the undereye appropriate one
Not usually one for loose powders, the Bourjois Java Rice Loose Powder (£9.99) is an exception that I'm happy to make. Finely milled and with a slight pink undertone, this loose powder does an exceptional job at brightening the under eye area. It does look like it's almost glittery when swatched, but it translates to a light reflecting ability upon application, glitter nowhere in sight. Plus, the stopper device prevents a loose powder cloud forming every time you open the lid. It should be noted that there is a strong rose scent. I'm not the biggest fan, but I can overlook it as it does wear off after a couple minutes.
the 'not quite highlighting but definitely brightening and could technically be used as a highlighter' one
Labelled as a setting powder, the Bobbi Brown Brightening Powder(£42), while outrageously priced, is perfect for finishing your base makeup with a radiant glow. The different coloured powders have the overall effect of correcting the discolouration while the white block adds a beautiful glow. My favourite thing about this? Using a smaller brush, you get to use the different shades to do area colour correcting. Red cheeks peeking out from the concealer? No problem, aim for the green shade. Under eye area still looking a bit dull? Mix the red and the highlighting shade.
the cult favourite
How could this be a highlighter round up without theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer (£17.49)? The fact that I still keep my full-sized shattered Mary-Lou despite having it in two other palettes is the testament to how much I adore this product. A white champagne shade that has unicorn horns mixed in, the finely milled highlight packs a heavenly glow that even angels would sing to. Definitely use a light hand with this one, and by that I mean when you use it and in a 'handle with care' way as it's one that's prone to shattering if not treated with kiddy gloves. However, the high maintenance is worth putting up with as the results are out of this world.
I think it's safe to say that I'm a highlighter convert. Highlighter is something that should be considered a makeup essential in my humble opinion. Even for those that have oiler skin types, properly mattify your base with primer/powder and then you can add some subtle dimension and glow back with a highlighter. Don't mark it off as nonsense just yet. Try it out first. Go on, I know you want to.
Are you a highlight convert? What's your favourite one?
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