This week the Makeup Wars members are sharing our favourite illuminating products. This is probably one of my favourite cosmetics categories for two reasons. Firstly I have very dry, dull skin and I need a lot of assistance in the glow department. Secondly I am very picky when it comes to products in this category so finding the right product is always a struggle for me. I guess I kind of enjoy the challenge and the subsequent joy and satisfaction of finding a product that meets my expectations. Why am I so picky? Well when it comes to highlighters and illuminators I do not like glitter. At all. Even shimmer is pushing it. I want the product to offer a natural glow and sheen without looking too sparkly. I want a refined finish.
Illuminating Primers – Give your complexion an all over glow with these illuminating primers. Some are quite sheer like the Burberry Fresh Glow and others more concentrated like the Dior Glow Maximizer.
Dior Glow Maximizer ($42 CAD) has quite a strong golden glow. It can be mixed with your foundation to boost skin’s radiance, patted full strength on top of your makeup as a highlighter in light catching areas, or even used sparingly as a primer all over under foundation if you are in dire need of some radiance as I sometimes do.
Burberry Fresh Glow Luminous Fluid Base – A sheer fluid with very fine champagne shimmer. An amazing primer.
Clarins Instant Light Radiance Boosting Complexion Base in Rose ($37 CAD) this opalescent pink translucent fluid feels hydrating and gives skin a lovely radiance. It feels really light and I adore the finish of the Rose shade. This is a new permanent product released with the spring collection and it also comes in Champagne and Peach.
NARS Pro-Prime Light Optimizing Primer SPF 15 ($38 CAD) has the benefit of light sun protection and it offers a very subtle, completely neutral, illumination to the skin. It contains red algae to revitalize skin as well as Vitamins A, C, and E to ward off free radicals. It really works well as a base and feels very light, absorbing quickly into the skin.
BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector Illuminator SPF25+ – This is an all over moisturizer/primer but is concentrated enough to be used as a spot highlighter as well. Pearl is more my shade but right now I only have a travel size of Opal that I use in my pro kit.
Liquid Highlighters – I love the ease of using a liquid highlighter. You can mix them into your foundation or skincare for a luminous glow or apply them to the high points of your face for a glow that blends right into your skin.
Rouge Bunny Rouge Sea of Tranquility Highlighting Liquid – A opalescent pink highlighter that is highly pigmented.
Benefit High Beam Luminescent Complexion Enhancer – I similar shade to Sea of Tranquility in a slightly sheerer finish.
Benefit Sun Beam Golden Bronze Complexion Highlighter – A warm golden glow. A only have a sample size but this is such a great way to warm the complexion.
Highlighting Pens – I don’t find these really highlight or illuminate much but they work great for brightening up the under eye area and disguising shadows and bags.
Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Radiant Touch in 1 and 2
Cream Highlighters – Like liquids these blend in so naturally to the skin for a lit from within glow on the high points of your face.
Edward Bess All Over Seduction in Sunlight – This is a sheer natural champagne shade with a refined glow. A favourite of many Edward Bess fans.
Benefit Watt’s Up! Soft Focus Highlighter – A similar champagne glow as the Edward Bess cream but in a more concentrated stick form.
Powder Highlighters – I find these are the kinds of highlighters are reach for most often as they just seem quicker and easier sometimes. It can be tricky to find ones that aren’t to sparkly and glittery for my taste. Here are some currently available ones that I adore.
Giorgio Armani Belladonna Highlighting Palette – Don’t miss out on this amazing limited edition Spring 2014 highlighter. It has the most stunning champagne sheen and is an incredibly luxurious formula.
Rouge Bunny Rouge Sweet to Touch Highlighting Powder – This more pink toned powder highlighter is incredibly refined, smooth, and naturally luminous.
Limited Edition Discontinued Powder Highlighter Favourites – Highlighters are often part of limited edition seasonal releases and here are some of my no longer available go to favourites.
Chanel Poudre Signee de Chanel Illuminating Powder
MAC Too Chic Beauty Powder
Lancome Blush Highlighter Illuminating Powder in Rose Etincelle
MAC Play it Proper Beauty Powder
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What are some of your all time favourite highlighters and illuminators. I’d love to know! Make sure to check out the other Makeup Wars blogger faves!
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