Social media has given makeup applications new terms, to make content in their feeds relevant. One of these terms we refer to is Highlighting which is now termed Strobing or Reverse Contouring, thanks to Instagram and Youtube. Both terms mean the same thing which is a makeup application that accentuates the high points of the face, the top of the cheekbones, underneath the brow bone, inner corner of the eye, middle of the nose and the Cupid s bow the area on top of the lips using products with high amounts of shimmer or shine .
I discovered this product from a colleague and she considers this her Holy Grail of highlighters. Mary Lou Luminizer is an American product under the label The Balm Cosmetics. Packaging has that retro feel similar to Benefit Cosmetics which makes it appealing to makeup junkies.
Final thoughts on these two highlighters:
Use them sparingly and the key to not making you gleam like a greasepan is to blend it with your fingers, brush or sponge.
When applied too much, highlighters can sometimes look oily and sweaty in photos. Do not use this on oily skin, it will look like a disco ball.
Apply them with ample lighting or across a window with natural light streaming so you’ll know how much to use.
Apply on the inner corner of the eye or tear duct to make close set eyes bigger or when you want to highlight that corner a la Korean pop star.
Layer this on top of your lipstick and tap a little amount on your ring finger and apply on the centre of your bottom lips to give the illusion of a fuller mouth.
Apply to the collarbones for a glowing sheen that makes everyone look good in photos.
Benefit Cosmetics is available at Greenbelt 5, Trinova, Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, Alabang Town Centre, BGC Central Square, Rustan’s Makati, Rustan’s Shangri-la and SM Seaside Cebu. Watts Up Highlighter is priced between P2500.00-2700.00 (Online or at the store)
MaryLou Lumber is available at all Beauty Bar outlets. Priced between P1200.00-1700.00 depending whether its bought online or at the store.
I love Benefit Cosmetics. They are friendly and they have this eyeshadow palette wherein theres already cheat sheets inside. One just needs to follow the diagrams and viola, she could achieve the look she wants – may it be for date night or for everyday or even for red carpet. Love the tips on contouring. Ihihi, i will practice that today when my boy sleeps.
Thanks! I Love Benefit Cosmetics too! They make applying makeup foolproof with their product inserts. I call it brilliant.
Nice post. I ‘m don’t contour that much, but try to a little here and there. I recently started using a highlighting powder, but it sits like a streak on my face. Might try this one, because it looks gorgeous and seems to blend very well.
Hi Kimberly try applying your highlighter sparingly. Tap away any excess on your setting or highlighting brush and apply on on your cheekbones and blend it until it remains like a glow on your face. Do this with natural light streaming across your face so you ll know when its enough.
This is nice but a bit expensive I must say. I am not into make ups but I guess this can be used when I go in a party or special events.
You may try NYX Cosmetics, Lorea’l at SM store for a more affordable dupe of Benfit’s Watts Up. Just look for a creamy gold champagne hue. Remember to blend and apply it on the high points of the face like in the diagram of this post. Let me know how it turns out.
Nice post but all of them combined is a little expensive for me. I have used Watt up before and loved it. xx
Hi Anna – Choose what works for you, sometimes it can be much but it is all in the application and amount of product that is used. I also love Watts Up, there are days I prefer to use cream based products because it is easier to blend. Makeup is expensive but it is a guilty pleasure of mine. 🙂
Actually I love highlighting than contouring. I have tried MaryLou Luminizer before and I’m quite impress. Will definitely buy MaryLou soon after I finished my Celeteque highlighter.
Hi Dorothy
Highlighting can also make your face look slimmer. By focusing on the high points of the face, you make your features stand out and light bounces from these areas creating a narrow illusion.