Quick! Grab my hand! Guuuuurl, we’re making a prison break. I’m busting you out of this shimmer-free solitary confinement, Shawshank-style, with theBalm’s Cindy-Lou Manizer ($24).
Super shiny highlights without the drama of a finicky frost
With peachy pink Cindy-Lou, theBalm got it totally right. You can wear this powder as a highlighter, an eyeshadow or a blush. The fabulous finish is unconditionally Unsung Heroes worthy.
The otherworldly opalescent sheen lifts dull skin, making your mug look fresh, bright and alive. The effect is like a Broadway spotlight manned by the best lighting guy in the biz — dramatic, but still soft and flattering, and without the harshness of a high-shine frost.
A little goes a loooong way…
It’s important to use just a smidgen, though. A little definitely goes a long way with this.
I like to load a skinny tapered eyeshadow brush like the MAC 224 by running it lightly across the pan. Then I’ll gently buff that on my upper cheekbones, down the bridge of my nose and on my Cupid’s bow, where it lasts from 8-9 hours (without touchups) on my combination dry/oily skin.
I’ve been wearing it a ton lately for “KA-POW!” highlights on my upper cheekbones, and the best thing about it? — it doesn’t settle into my fine lines or embiggen my pores.
Teams up well with matte foundation
The highlighting effect is definitely stronger than I usually wear (throughout much of the summer, I was more into Hourglass Radiant), but lately I’ve been wearing an uber-matte foundation by Laura Mercier, and when I do, I feel like if I don’t wear bolder highlights with it, my skin looks kind of one-dimensional…
The long-running Unsung Heroes series features some of my favorite permanent collection products from a variety of bodacious beauty brands.
As fall approaches (and as we’ve been unseasonably cool so far this summer), I’m already starting to gradually transition away from minimal summer makeup into more full-on fall looks, and Cindy-Lou is perfect for that.
It’s great for getting that dramatic glow (you know the one), which should come in handy for any fall or holiday parties, and it’s forgiving as all get out, too (even on mature skin)!
Cindy-Lou is part of theBalm’s permanent line, and it’s available now online and at theBalm counters.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Alison M says
theBalm highlighters belong in the makeup hall of fame. Seriously amazing stuff.
Teri says
This shade works so well with your skintone Karen! I tried it too but found it a bit too peachy on me. I eventually went for Mary Lou Maniser. It’s soo good! I really love the formula of these highlighters, they are intense! It already made it’s way in my daily make-up routine! ^^
Fancie says
This looks very pretty on you! I think it might be too light for me but I definitely want to try the darker one. That one is beautiful too!
ali says
Hi..
Was is the lipstick u r wearing in the photo?its amazing!
Annie says
I still need to pick this up – had been meaning to during one of their website sales but didn’t and I thought my local Super Walgreens that carries The Balm would have it but they don’t yet. I have the Mary Lou-Manizer… it’s crazy how much product you get! I dropped the compact though so it is all broken inside now 🙁 I got a sample from Birchbox some time ago though and seriously, even that sample will last forever so I guess I can’t be too sad about the broken powder! I’m not big on bronzer but I also have Betty Lou Manizer and I love the warm glow it gives 😀
Divya says
I love Hourglass Radiant light too for a more “golden” highlight! This one’s really pretty but reminds me a lot of benefits sugarbomb? may be lighter?
Ankita@corallista says
I’ve heard so much about this! I love myself a good highlighter though I have so many at the moment!
Jen says
Sigh. Just when I convinced myself that I don’t need this… Maybe the next time Hautelook has a sale, I’ll pick this one up. I’ve been hemming and hawing over this one for awhile!
Carolyn @ The Makeup Writeup says
This looks amazing and so glowy on you, Karen!
Kaleigh says
I love this look. What are you wearing on your lips?! It looks great 🙂