Beauty
Top 10 tips for using an illuminator for a healthy glow
Gigi Hadid
Beauty
Top 10 tips for using an illuminator for a healthy glow
Dewy, glowing skin is the must-have beauty look for summer—and liquid illuminators (aka highlighters and strobing products) can help you achieve it. These products are easy to wear, look natural and—best of all—they don’t feel heavy on your skin even at the height of summer heat. What you may not know is that liquid illuminators are one of the most versatile products in the beauty industry. We’ve compiled a list of our top ten ways to use a liquid illuminator and included our favourite product picks.
1. Spot placing
The easiest way to wear a liquid highlighter is on its own over foundation, powder or even bare skin. Dab the product only in areas you want to emphasize. Think: cheekbones, centre of the forehead, tip of the nose and Cupid’s bow.
2. With skincare
If you want to skip makeup on a hot, summer day but you still want a bit of radiance, mix a few drops of illuminator with your favourite moisturizer or SPF lotion. Remember to use non-greasy skincare to avoid too much shine.
3. With foundation
You may own a high-coverage matte or satin foundation but you want a sheer, dewy finish for summertime. Mix a few drops of illuminator with your foundation to get a dewy, subtle radiance.
4. With concealer
Mix a drop of illuminator with a cream or liquid concealer to reflect light under the eyes. This will create the illusion of a bright, well-rested face.
5. As a primer
Use your illuminator as a primer under your foundation or mattifying powder. This will diffuse the glow and the creaminess will also anchor makeup to stay in place. Perfect for those with oily skin.
6. On the eyes
No time for makeup in the morning? Use an illuminator on your eyes. Skip eyeshadow and dab your illuminator—of different colour—on the brow bone, eyelid and inner corners of the eyes for a brightening effect.
7. With blush
Layering a liquid illuminator under a blush can alter the finish of the blush and provide a whole new dimension to your face makeup. Just remember to use a light hand and blend well.
8. With liquid/cream bronzer
To add extra oomph to your sun-kissed look, mix a drop or two of illuminator with your liquid bronzer. Or do the opposite and mix a little cream bronzer into the illuminator for sheer, all-over colour.
9. Collar bones and décolletage
Emphasize your collarbone or enhance your bust by applying illuminator to the highest points (or where the light would naturally hit). It’s a trick makeup artists swear by for red carpet events.
10. On the lips
Instantly plump up your pout by dabbing the highlight to the centre of your lips after you've applied your colour. Or mix your liquid illuminator with lipgloss for extra dimension.
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