If you ask me my favorite thing about makeup- it'll be a tie between Lipstick and Highlighter. Ok.. I'm a wee bit obsessed with contouring too. But seriously Highlighting is Life! From plain jane to a Diva in 10 seconds. Yes!! a DIVA..that's how I feel after highlighting my face. I'm a lot humble usually but seriously this is the only word that explains my state of confidence after a few strokes of this magic powder.
Now, there are myriad lipsticks..100's of them..different colors..different finishes and different looks but leave me on an island and the only highlighter I'd ever need is theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer. I've had it for years (3 maybe?) and believe me this is a recent photo. I haven't even scratched the surface yet. I firmly believe this highlighter will last me a lifetime.
I do not highlight everyday but it's a must-do for any special occasion makeup. Indian Weddings top the list, specially the night ones. Oh my my! the way camera captures it truly drives me mad. I've lost it right? But seriously if you can buy one highlighter in this life..make it Mary-Lou Manizer.
It's champagne colored, intense, silky, loaded with fine shimmer, cream to powder formula, super long wearing and everything in between. If I'd have to really find a fault- Please go easy on this one..a very light hand or you'll go overboard, specially for day makeup. It can look a bit stark and fake if used more. I use a fan brush for day time occasions and Real Techniques Setting brush for night makeup. You could totally get away with a lil more shimmer for nights.
Where to apply? The rule of thumb is to highlight at high points of your face i.e. where light touches your face and Contour where shadows fall.
In simple terms, I put highlighter on my cheek bones (Above the blush and then using the Real Techniques Blush Brush to just blend highlighter, blush and contour together in 1-2 light strokes) , under my eyebrow arch (lifts eyebrow and make eyes pop) , Bridge of nose (Stopping few mm's from the tip) , Cupid's Bow (Instantly bigger upper lip!).
Btw I've also written about TheBalm Mary-Lou Manizer's dupe. Its super cheap and so so good- MUA Undress Your Skin highlighting Powder in 'Iridescent Gold'. It's a UK brand so a bit hard to get hold of (exorbitant shipping rates!) but worth it. It was one of my top products of 2014.
Bottomline- If you have medium skintone, TheBalm Mary-Lou Manizer is hands down the best highlighter. Its creamy, buttery, long lasting, has no fall out and can be used in multiple ways (Eyeshadow, highlighter, as an all over face illuminator). This one pan will last me a lifetime so its worth every cent.
Price- $36 NZD
Availability- Various Online Stores (Makeup.co.nz, Feelunique.com, Asos.com etc)
I'd have a post about my favorite contour powder next and then may be a how to Contour and Highlight post as requested by a reader. It was all too much for a single post so I've singled out each step. How does that sound?
Are you into highlighters or is it a no-go territory yet? Whats your favorite? Or any on your wishlist? I have Becca Cosmetics x Jacyn Hill Champagne Pop highlight on my wishlist. Its Limited Edition. Oh MAC's Soft and Gentle will be mine one day!
Love
Nishu xx
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