Surprisingly, I get a fair amount of emails asking what face make-up I use. And honestly, it’s hard to give a good answer because it changes often. I have used Bare Minerals powder and Nars blush for years, but what really helps my complexion and the look of my skin is…highlighter.
I always always ALWAYS use some type of highlighter. And while I am not opposed to looking a bit shimmery/glittery, I know that look isn’t for everyone. So I’m going to go over a few different types of highlighter so you can choose your favorite.
Bronzer is really a must. I know a lot of women with a pale complexion shy away from it, but they shouldn’t. With a light hand, it gives just a hint of all over color (ever seen women with make-up on whose face is just a solid white? Not good).
I prefer Too Faced Snow Bunny because #1 see the different colors? You swipe your brush in a circle over all of them, and it gives a nice, dimensional pinky brown instead of just solid brown-orange AND #2 It has a shimmer that reflects light.
Using a large brush, swipe a circle across the bronzer, then starting at your forehead, draw a number 3 on one side of your face so that the brush hits your forehead, cheek/nose, and chin. Repeat with the other side, and do a light dusting across your neck and top of chest (so you’ll match).
If you’re someone who doesn’t mind a light bit of all over shimmer and is in a hurry when applying make-up, I recommend this bronzer.
If you’re still a bit hesitant to use bronzer, but want to achieve an all-over dewiness, I recommend this Bare Minerals Clear Radiance. I apply this all over with a Flawless Radiance Brush (invest in one of these if you use powder AT ALL), and it gives a slight hint of color and radiance, but not a ton of shimmer.
Stila Kitten. I am never EVER without Stila Kitten. It’s a gorgeous, shimmery pinky/beige eyeshadow that is perfect alone, or as a base for a smoky eye. Regardless of what eyeshadow I’m wearing, I always dab a bit of Stila Kitten around the inner corners of my eyes and under my eyebrow arch to highlight and give my eyes a brighter, more put together look. But–you can also use your Flawless Radiance Brush (because you ARE buying one, hmmm??) to apply a bit of this eyeshadow to your cheekbones. It’s super easy to do and gives you a beautiful complexion and radiant look.
Benefit Watts Up is a champagne colored highlighter that is in a cream stick form. After applying it, you can use the sponge at the bottom to blend and it dries to a powdery finish. I DO love this highlighter, but you have to have a delicate hand while applying if you’re wearing powder and don’t want to rub it off. The color is really flattering though, and it lasts a long time. I always apply this to my cheekbones, and a little bit above my upper lip on my cupid’s bow. Sounds odd, but try it!! Makes a big difference.
If you prefer liquid make-up, you should probably try Benefit High Beam. It’s a pretty, satiney pink color that you can apply to your cheek and brow bones OR mix a bit in with your liquid foundation for an all over glow. I DO use this from time to time, but it is not my favorite, probably because I’m not a big liquid make-up user. But the reviews are fab and tons of women absolutely love it, so it’s definitely worth a try.
I use Urban Decay’s Dew Me every day (*immature snicker*) after applying my make up. It’s a make-up setting spray that not only helps your make up LAST, but also moisturizes and helps you keep a nice dewy glow. It’s surprisingly inexpensive (compared to other Urban Decay products) and the bottle lasts a long time. I highly recommend it.
So, there you have it!! Those are the highlighters and complexion boosters I love the most. Do you have a different favorite you want to share? I’m always looking for new products to try, so let me know!!
Bronzer is a gift from heaven to women. If I leave the house in a mess, Im at least always wearing a bit of bronzer and at the very least some mascara. I’ve never seen the Too Faced Compact Bronzing Powder – - but it’s gorgeous!! Guess who’s going shopping
My absolute must haves are Lash Primer and Lights, Camera, Lashes from Tarte, Shadow Insurance from Too Faced and the ‘Naked’ palette from Urban Decay!
I love Benefit’s products and I’ve been wanting to stock up on that Watt’s Up (aren’t their names perfect?!) Thanks for this awesome run-down!!
What kind of brushes do you use? I use Bare Minerals brushes and they shed something fierce!
Should have said what other brushes…if any.
I use this brush and love it!! http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VWP156?ie=UTF8&tag=thswhwesa-20&linkCode=shr&camp=213733&creative=393177&creativeASIN=B000VWP156&ref_=sr_1_2&qid=1328032891&sr=8-2
Yes! A good Kabuki brush is priceless. I have a large one for all over powder and a small one for blush.
I love these post! Im such a makeup junkie and a sweets gal, so these blogs are the best!
Great, fun post! I didn’t really see you mention one with no shimmer though…I will read through again. So, does anyone have a good recommendation for a pinky/brown bronzer with no shimmer? My skin is fine, but nearing the very young “4-0″ means my pores aren’t as small as they used to be and ANY shine makes them look awful…I’d love to hear of a non-shimmery bronzer (oh, and I use Bare Minerals which is THE best to me!!)
I’ll correct that: you did a GREAT job describing each item AND you mentioned the Bare Escentials one had very little shimmer, so I’ll look into that one…I just wondered if anyone did know of a bronzer that wasn’t orangey but also has no shimmer…I’m definitely considering the Urban Decay Spray AND the Stila Kitten…did my hubby just put a spending freeze on???? I don’t think so…
Get Stila Kitten you will LOVE it. I couldn’t figure out what the big deal was until I got a sample. I rubbed every last bit off that little card then ran to the store to buy some.
Good thing I have you, I can pretend I am cool when my makeup saavy friends come over =)
To Megan who asked for a non-shimmery bronzer- Stila makes matte bronzer in two shades.(It’s the smaller compact- they also sell a really big compact but that one is shimmery)
I used to be a makeup artist for Stila and own all their brushes (which I highly recommend especially the #21 blush brush) and pretty much every shade of eyeshadow, lip glaze and lipstick they make. Kitten is definitely the most used!
Hi Kristan! I was just curious what your skin type is.
You are speaking my language! Check out the Armani Fluid Sheer too – although pricy, I have read that it’s all kinds of amazing!