Applying a shimmering powder or cream to the top of cheekbones helps create a touch of radiance; we naturally associate radiance with youth and well-being, so a delicate sprinkle can really make an overwhelming difference to your look. Applying it as the final product (over your base and powder) will ensure it catches the light and blends in with the rest of your makeup, while maximising its ability to catch the light; I like to sweep a little on the tops of my cheeks from the inner corner and out towards the tops of my ears, as well as down the bridge of the nose. A delicate dusting is all you need (if you overdo it you could end up looking like a glitter ball, so use the 'build-up' technique to ensure it's not OTT,) giving you a sexy glamorous glow. As we move into summer I like to change up the tone of my highlighter from a colder pearl shade into a warmer champagne colour, which works so much better with a dusting of bronzer and a sunkissed glow. I've found four great options, for every budget, which will definitely help you to look healthy and radiant all summer long.
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1. Urban Decay Afterglow 8-Hour Highlighter (£19.00)
Finely milled until they 'got it just right', Urban Decay have created something special with their Afterglow highlighter. Very pigmented, incredibly soft and brilliantly reflective without overdoing it, this is such a universal shade that brings light to any complexion. I've been using Urban Decay highlighters for years and I always get complimented on them; although I've switched up my Naked highlighter for this (after I used it until there wasn't a scrap left,) this is a satisfying alternative and adds a natural but noticeable glow to skin.
2. Sleek Makeup Solstice Highlighting Palette (£9.99)
Gorgeously packaged, this palette contains a mixture of textures and tones to offer up exactly what you need every day of the week. Featuring a cream, two marble tones and a more traditional shimmer, each glides onto skin to leave a touch of light behind. If you don't want to spend a fortune, this is a great budget buy that doesn't scrimp on quality - don't be afraid of the marble shades too, as the shades mix upon application to warm the tone and blend beautifully with your base.
3. Bare Minerals Invisible Light Translucent Powder Duo (£28.00)
Not officially launching until July, this duo is actually marketed as a finishing powder but definitely helps to add a touch of light to skin. Containing a matte shade to finish a look and help absorb shine, when applied it actually catches the light and works as a highlighter; the glow shade also contains rose pigments to warm the complexion and includes some shimmery champagne elements. I personally wouldn't use this all over as a traditional powder, choosing instead to dust it on only where I want the light to catch.
4. Illamasqua Beyond Powder Highlighter (£32.00)
This is a mega highlighter for those of you knowing you need an investment piece to last all summer long. A baked highlighting powder to provide better pigment and a jam-packed pan that won't get messy, this subtly adds a warm hue to any complexion for a natural, radiant glow. As with any Illamasqua product, it works beatifully no matter your complexion (I've seen this used on Asian and black skin and it looks gorgeous,) plus it can be used wet or dry to offer up the strength of look you require. They also suggest you use it on the body (try the decollatage and down shins) to achieve a natural, bronzed skin effect.
Do you love a bit of highlighter as much as me? Do any of these catch your eye?
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1. Urban Decay Afterglow 8-Hour Highlighter (£19.00)
Finely milled until they 'got it just right', Urban Decay have created something special with their Afterglow highlighter. Very pigmented, incredibly soft and brilliantly reflective without overdoing it, this is such a universal shade that brings light to any complexion. I've been using Urban Decay highlighters for years and I always get complimented on them; although I've switched up my Naked highlighter for this (after I used it until there wasn't a scrap left,) this is a satisfying alternative and adds a natural but noticeable glow to skin.
2. Sleek Makeup Solstice Highlighting Palette (£9.99)
Gorgeously packaged, this palette contains a mixture of textures and tones to offer up exactly what you need every day of the week. Featuring a cream, two marble tones and a more traditional shimmer, each glides onto skin to leave a touch of light behind. If you don't want to spend a fortune, this is a great budget buy that doesn't scrimp on quality - don't be afraid of the marble shades too, as the shades mix upon application to warm the tone and blend beautifully with your base.
3. Bare Minerals Invisible Light Translucent Powder Duo (£28.00)
Not officially launching until July, this duo is actually marketed as a finishing powder but definitely helps to add a touch of light to skin. Containing a matte shade to finish a look and help absorb shine, when applied it actually catches the light and works as a highlighter; the glow shade also contains rose pigments to warm the complexion and includes some shimmery champagne elements. I personally wouldn't use this all over as a traditional powder, choosing instead to dust it on only where I want the light to catch.
4. Illamasqua Beyond Powder Highlighter (£32.00)
This is a mega highlighter for those of you knowing you need an investment piece to last all summer long. A baked highlighting powder to provide better pigment and a jam-packed pan that won't get messy, this subtly adds a warm hue to any complexion for a natural, radiant glow. As with any Illamasqua product, it works beatifully no matter your complexion (I've seen this used on Asian and black skin and it looks gorgeous,) plus it can be used wet or dry to offer up the strength of look you require. They also suggest you use it on the body (try the decollatage and down shins) to achieve a natural, bronzed skin effect.
Do you love a bit of highlighter as much as me? Do any of these catch your eye?
Features PR samples unless otherwise stated. To read my full disclaimer, click here.