No, seriously, if you and I get J-Renn’s permission to open a spa called “Deep-Tissue Massage by Jeremy Renner” we would make GAZILLIONS. We could even have, like, a rewards card, where you “Book nine deep-tissue massages with J. Renn and get the tenth free!”
It would be almost as rad as these cat lady shoes by Vans…
But I digress…
I’ve been using this technique to get glowing, “you just got a really, really, really great facial at a fancy-schmancy spa” skin with liquid highlighter and a foundation brush lately that I think you might like. It’s like getting an entire spa day in 60 seconds or less. 🙂
1. Start with a good liquid highlighter
First, grab a good liquid highlighter, and there are lots of ’em out there, like MAC’s Lustre Drops, the NARS Illuminators or Benefit’s Highbeam, to name a few.
I use a variety, but my current favorites are the Shimmering Skin Perfectors by BECCA ($41, available in four shades).
BEYOND obsessed with these, for so many reasons. I love the way their pearlescent, natural-with-a-kick finish catches the light, and yet isn’t frosty, so it doesn’t emphasize my fine lines or pores. Because they contain just the right amount of shimmer, they glow without looking oily.
Just as importantly, I love that I can layer them on top of foundation and/or powder without them breaking up or disturbing whatever makeup I may already be wearing.
So, yeah…we’re talkin’ highlighter makeup GOLD.
2. Grab your favorite flat foundation brush
I prefer applying liquid highlighter with flat — ideally clean, because it makes blending easier — brushes, as opposed to other brushes, fingers or sponges, because I just think they apply more evenly. (I like the MAC 190.)
A previously used (also known as grimy) foundation brush will work, too, but the cleaner the better. Even quickly rubbing a brush head across a clean paper towel a few times, if you don’t have time for a proper cleaning, will dislodge some of the built-up product from the bristles.
3. On your mark, get set, PAT!
Now it’s time for the fun part. 🙂
After applying your face makeup — in my case, that’s usually primer, foundation or tinted moisturizer, powder, blush and bronzer — load a smidgen of highlighter on the back of your hand.
Dip your foundation brush lightly into the highlighter, then gently work the liquid into the fibers of the brush between your thumb and forefinger. I find that this makes the coverage more even/less patchy.
Now, right on top of whatever other makeup you’re wearing, swipe your brush along a clean portion of your hand to remove some of the excess highlighter, and pat it on your upper cheekbones, in the center of your forehead between your brows and down the bridge of your nose (just like the pic below).
Your liquid highlighter will slightly temper/dial down the powdery effect of whatever makeup you happen to be wearing, while highlighting those areas we targeted, giving you that post-facial glow. 🙂
Pat one more layer on if you’d like, but be careful. It’s pretty easy to go overboard (at least for me).
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Katherine says
March 28th, 2014 at 2:40 pmCool! I’ve never really known what to do with liquid highlighters, but I might have to give one a go now. On a related note, would the 190 be good for applying MAC CCBs? I have Diamonds, and I love the colour, but I can’t get it to apply evenly on my dry skin, using my fingers. Any hints would be fantastic!
Kelly says
March 28th, 2014 at 3:26 pmKaren you are SUCH an enabler, and not in the way you might think. I totally just bought those Vans! LOL! 😀
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Cindy says
March 28th, 2014 at 3:58 pmI think it’s an excellent idea to pair them under your foundation because some of them like the MAC lustre drops are hard to blend.
MonicaP says
March 28th, 2014 at 4:01 pmI’ve always wanted to pick up the Becca illuminator, so glad to know it isn’t oily. I really like Moonstone.
Monica
PS: those vans are cute!
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Erin says
March 28th, 2014 at 4:29 pmI love Becca Highlighter! I recently reviewed the pearl!
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Chelsea says
March 28th, 2014 at 6:11 pmLove highlighters! Glowy skin is the best.
Rhea says
March 28th, 2014 at 7:05 pmBECCA seems like a really rad brand but it isn’t available anywhere nearby!:(
Glossedonbeauty.blogspot.com
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Vineetha says
March 28th, 2014 at 8:08 pmThe Becca Highlighter looks really good! Now I might have to pick tis up!
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Gowthami says
March 28th, 2014 at 8:33 pmSounds good and nice that’s it isn’t oily!
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Vanessa says
March 28th, 2014 at 9:23 pmGood tips. I have the skin perfector, so I’ll try it.
Also,Karen, you’re on a roll. All your articles are making me laugh out loud.
Ankita@corallista says
March 28th, 2014 at 11:06 pmI wish I could get my hands on Becca! Have heard so much about their highlighters.
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Bella says
March 29th, 2014 at 5:59 amI’ve kind of gone crazy for Becca since your top 5 video. I bought the things sight unseen from SpaceNK. I’ve loved everything I bought, except that for the Radiant Skin Satin Foundation I need to mix Olive and Bamboo to get my perfect shade.
The Shimmering skin perfector is on its way to me in Moonstone; I didj’t choose Opal because of the pinkish undertones….they would be very obvious on me.
Now to hope that it works out!!
Fran says
March 29th, 2014 at 8:01 amThanks for the tips, Karen! I’m always afraid of going overboard with highlighter and so rarely use it. Now I know what to do with that deluxe sample of High Beam that’s been sitting in my makeup bag.
Alison M says
March 29th, 2014 at 11:11 amWoohoo! Love me some highlighter! I haven’t used it recently due to unfortunate sugar-induced spots, but I’ve got my eye on getting back into it. I’ve never tried to apply with a flat foundation brush before as I more often use my fingers. Definitely will give that a go.
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Madeleine says
March 29th, 2014 at 1:05 pmYour skin looks amazing! I’ve never tried a liquid highlighter before, looks like something I’ll have to check out! x
http://www.madeleineslittleblog.blogspot.co.uk
traci bender says
March 29th, 2014 at 1:22 pmHave a great day:)
Fancie says
March 29th, 2014 at 1:29 pmI always use my fingers for liquid illuminators but I’m going to try this method instead. That way I can avoid having messy hands lol
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Michelle says
March 29th, 2014 at 2:43 pmHeaded to get one of these highlighters this afternoon….you get me in so much trouble 🙂
Sylirael says
March 29th, 2014 at 4:11 pmAwesome tips, Karen! I’m always a bit lost when it comes to highlighter because I glow in the dark already (very pale), but I’m gonna try this out!
Wish I had some Becca SSP in Pearl to try it out with, hehe!
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Amber says
March 30th, 2014 at 1:32 pmI’ve been wanting to check out BECCA, but have yet to buy anything. Love the look! And I LOVE your Walking Dead shout out!