Finished in December 2011

I didn't do a Finished in November post, as I didn't really finish anything, but I did finish a few things in December and I wanted to share my thoughts on those products.

1. The Body Shop Body Butter in Passion Fruit - This isn't a permanent scent, but I think it comes around every spring and summer. I usually like the formula for Normal/Dry skin, but this was a bit greasy and took a few minutes to absorb in the skin, which is why I didn't use it up in the summer and waited till winter to finish it. I do like the scent of tropical fruit so I loved the passion fruit fragrance. I really enjoy Body Shop's body butters so I will continue using them, but will skip this one due to the greasy texture. 

2. MAC Lightful Ultramoisture Creme - Do I really need to explain my love for this? I have raved about it many times on the blog. 

3. Bath and Body Works Ile De Tahiti Moana Body Wash in Tiare Flower - This is one of those discontinued lines from Bath and Body Works that occasionally pop up during the semi-annual sales. I LOVE the scent of Tiare Flower, more so after I smelled it everywhere during my honeymoon to Tahiti, but it is just so fresh, floral, and exotic. I think I have one more of these in my stock, but I will be using that preciously as it is my last.

4. Bliss Body Butter in Lemon + Sage - This is the most moisturizing body butter I have used....and I have used a LOT. It is quite pricey, at $28 for 6.7oz, but it really does lock in the moisture in the skin and keeps the skin soft until I shower the next day. That being said, I think I would only re-purchase this as a treat, or if I was loaded, since I think Body Shop and other brands make good body butters that are more affordable. My original review is here. 

5. Stila One Step Correct Face Primer - I have used this in many looks both here on the blog and for others and I have talked about it many times. In summary, I really enjoy this primer. It is my favorite non-silicon face primer and you can read my original review here. 

Did you finish up anything lately? If so, what was it and would you repurchase?

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! I hope 2012 brings you and your family lots of happiness, love, prosperity, and laughter! Personally, I don't have any resolutions because they are so hard to keep, but I wish you lots of luck with yours!

Did you do anything fun for New Year's Eve? I went to a friends place for a intimate party with good friends. Here is the look I wore for the evening:

Almost finished look, i.e. no lipstick and hair undone

Face: 

• Stila One Step Primer
• MAC Face and Body Foundation
• MAC Pro Longwear Concealer under eyes
• MAC Studio Finish Concealer on red spots and blemishes
• MAC Cream Color Base in Bronze to contour
• Laura Mercier Second Skin Cheek Colour in Citrus Spark 
• Victoria's Secret All-over Shimmer Powder in Candygirl to highlight

Eyes:

• Nars Primer on lid
• Laura Mercier Foiled Eye Colour in V.I.P. Gold on lid
• Victoria's Secret Shimmer Shadow in Golddust on browbone
• MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack to line upper lash line
• MAC Powerpoint Eye Pencil in Engraved to liner outer half of lower lash line
• Victoria's Secret Triple Drama Mascara in Blackest Black on top and bottom lashes

The above photo is the finished look, with MAC Slimshine Lipstick in Most Wanted on my lips. I didn't do anything too fancy or complicated, just a bit of gold on the eyes and a peachy-maroon lip. 

How was your New Year's Eve? What are your resolutions for 2012?

Sue Devitt Eye Intensifier Pencil in Action

Hello! How are ya? I know it has been awhile since I last posted. I was traveling and spending time with my family for Thanksgiving. How was your Thanksgiving? Did you go Black Friday shopping?

In a recent post I reviewed Sue Devitt's Eye Intensifier Pencil in the shade Kenya. A few readers requested that I show a full face shot so here it is:

In this photo I am wearing Kenya all over the lid and smudged in the crease. I also smudged the pencil in to my lower lash line to add a bit of definition. I am not wearing any other eye product except for mascara. Here is a full face breakdown:

Stila Lillium Convertible Color Review

Hey dolls! You know how I always like to switch up what products I use, and lately I have been using the Stila Convertible Color in Lillium. Convertible colors are dual lip and cheek creams that come in a mirrored compact:





This shade is actually quite similar to my favorite MAC Blushcreme in Uncommon (blushcremes are now discontinued), which you may remember was the only blush I took on my honeymoon.

L-R: Lillium, Lillium blended, Uncommon, Uncommon blended

This shade looks rosy in the pan but it transfers on to the skin as a light pink. I think this provides the most color on fair-medium skin tones, but I really like it on medium-dark skin tones because it gives a natural, just stepped indoors from the cold, flush to the cheeks. On my lips, this was a bit garish.

What do you think of Lillium? What is your favorite cream blush?

September Favorites

It's that time again....here are my faves from September:

1. MAC Lady Grey Shadow Quad - This quad is not at all special, yet so special! I was not planning to buy this, but when I swatched the colors I absolutely fell in love with the light purple and light green shades, and all 4 colors are unlike the shades I already have. Something about these colors is so magical...they complement each other and blend so seamlessly! These are the only shadows I have been using for the past few weeks! I love this quad so much I will do a separate post (including swatches) on it this week.



2. Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara - This was part of this and this set, and it fits all my requirements for a daily-use mascara. It doesn't smudge, doesn't flake, holds the curl, is a dark black color, doesn't clump even after 2-3 coats, and the brush is nice and large. Although this doesn't lengthen or thicken, you won't believe how hard it is to find a mascara that meets my requirements, so I can live with the lack of lengthening and thickening. If I really need the drama, I use a mascara base or combine this with other mascaras.



3. Stila One-Step Correct - I reviewed this almost exactly a year ago here, and I am still very much enjoying using it! I like that is doesn't break me out, provides a great surface for foundation, and helps minimize the appearance of pores. The one I have now is almost empty, and I will most likely pick up another instead of trying out any of the other great face primers on the market.



4. MAC Rubenesque Paint Pot - I have mentioned this as a staple many times, but I just can't stop loving it! I used this golden peachy base a lot this summer with nothing else on my eyes, and lately I have been using it as a base for the Lady Grey shadows mentioned above. This particular paint pot simply excels at lasting ALL day, on its own and as a primer for powder shadows. The color is simply perfect for any occasion, and it's just one of those fool-proof makeup products that I can always rely on.



September was a pretty simple makeup month for me, what about you?

Two Lip Products I am Trying To Finish Up

Sometimes I look at all my makeup and think "how did I accumulate so much!" That happened last week and I decided to try and use up some products. Here are the lippies I am trying to use up:

The first lippie is the Stila Plumping Lip Glaze in Vanilla Mint and the second lippie is the Stila Long Wear Lip Color in Flushed.

The Stila Long Wear Lip Color in Flushed is basically a lipstick but it is in a twist up tube that is halfway between the diameter of a lipliner and a normal lipstick:

Here are swatches of both products:

L-R: Flushed (one swipe), Flushed (3 swipes), Vanilla Mint gloss

The Stila Long Wear Lip Color in Flushed is a fantastic everyday lip color that is on the pink side, not too bright or too dark, so it complements many makeup looks. I really like it for summer because it adds a bit of cool pinkiness to my lips. Although this is marketed as a long wearing lipstick, it doesn't last all day on me. I get about 4-5 hours of wear when apply a sticky gloss on top. That is pretty good wear time, but I expect long-wearing shades to last the whole day... or at least 7-8 hours. 

Flushed Long Wear Lip Color

I am not as big a fan of the Stila Plumping Lip Glaze in Vanilla Mint. I like Stila Lip Glazes but from here on out I am going to stay away from the plumping ones. All plumping glosses tingle, but this one tingles for like 30 minutes after application!! That is just waaaaay too long for me. And to top it off,  my lips aren't any plumper. I also didn't like the mint taste. There is not much vanilla flavor, but the mint flavor was very strong. I prefer a mild taste or no taste at all. Some say that mint flavored glosses give you better breath. Really, people? Unless you physically eat the gloss, a gloss can't alter anything in your mouth, so there is no way a gloss can improve your breath. In any case, here is what the gloss looks like on top of the lip color. It has slight sparkles in it, but looks pretty much like a clear gloss. 

Vanilla Mint Plumping Lip Glaze on top of Flushed Long Wear Lip Color 

I have been re-applying both products frequently throughout the day in order to further along my efforts to finish both lippies. I hope they get used up soon! Are you trying to finish up anything?

Stila Eye Shadow Trios Make Shadowing an Ease

A trend in makeup that we have seen a lot in the last year is adding multiple colors to one powder product. I am all for this since it's like getting multiple products in one, making them easier on my storage issue and for travel. One of my new faves are the Stila Eye Shadow Trios:

Stila Eye Shadow Trios in Venus and Rocker

One of the cool things about the packaging is that you can pop out the little shadow pan, which is magnetic, and insert it into another palette, such as the ones from Stila or the MAC 15-pan palette (if you take out the shadow separator).

Stila Eye Shadow Trios in Venus and Rocker

Getting 3-shadows in one palette makes it super easy to do a contoured eye, a smokey eye, or just about any type of coordinating eye look. And as with most Stila shadows, the quality of the shadows are great...they are super smooth and blend-able, and very pigmented.

Swatches of Stila Eye Shadow Trios in Venus and Rocker without Flash

Swatches of Stila Eye Shadow Trios in Venus and Rocker with Flash

Here is a quick look I did using the shadow trio in Venus:

I used the middle-pigmented lilac color all over the top lid and the first half of the lower lid, the darkest shade towards the upper lash line and on the outer half of the lower lid, and the lightest shade to highlight and in the inner corner of the eye. I didn't use any eyeliner, but I did curl my lashes and use 1 coat of MAC Plushlash mascara.

Here is a full face view:

Face: 

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer

Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation

Smashbox Halo Hydrating Perfecting Powder

MAC MSF in Comfort as a bronzer

MAC Sur Blush

Lips:

MAC Viva Glam V Lipstick

Save 6% on Stila..even on their Friday Happy Hours!

Are you a fan of Stila? Do you get their weekly emails?

If you like Stila, you may or may not be aware of their Friday Happy Hour deals on www.stilacosmetics.com. Every Friday, they have great deals, ranging from mega gifts with purchases to high discounts. Wouldn't it be great to combine these deals with another discount? Now you can!

Stila is now on Ebates, and their cashback percentage is 6%!

Ebates is an online portal which I have discussed before, but it has been awhile so thought I would mention it again. When shopping through a website like Stila, instead of going directly to the Stila website, you first go to Ebates. On the Ebates website, find the Stila Cosmetics site in their list of retailers, and click on the link for Stila Cosmetics. Then, shop as you normally would. Ebates has a tracking number associated with their link and when you make a purchase, they give you a percentage in cash back. In the case of Stila, you would get 6% back on whatever you spend! Ebates mails you a check every quarter as long as your balance is greater than $5.

Ok, you are thinking, is this for real? The answer is YES! I have been using Ebates for years to shop for everything from makeup to contact lenses to business cards, and I always get the listed percentage back as a check every quarter. The best part? There is no catch! No spam, no cost to join, just free money!

So how do you sign up? Just go to Ebates website, and register...it takes less than 5 minutes! If you use the link here, you and I both get $5 after you make your first purchase. That is an extra $5 in addition to whatever you earn for your first purchase! Of course, you can go straight to the Ebates site yourself, but why not click on my link and we both get $5!?!

So who is on Ebates? Stila, Smashbox, Beauty.com, Avon, YSL, Sephora, and TONS more! Check it out for yourself and happy shopping!

What's Your Level of Tint? Fun with Tinted Moisturizers

All through high school I used to wear Clinique's Almost Makeup. I thought it was the greatest invention in the world! It wasn't as thick as foundation but gave me the perfect amount of coverage! However, what I failed to realize back then was that the shade I wore was a bit too cool toned and pink for my olive skin. I'm not sure if Clinique has expanded their shade range or modified it since then, but overall I think their foundations lean more pink than yellow....and like Bobbi Brown, I believe more people lean yellow than pink (even if they do have patches of redness). 

I think tinted moisturizers are a great product for the consumer, but like foundation, it is hard to find a formula you like. Some provide foundation-like coverage...some are lacking the "tinted" part of the product...some are too oily....some are too pink-toned....what's a gal to do? So I decided to play around with a few popular tinted moisturizers and see how the coverage compares to each other. I made a thick black line using a gel eyeliner and applied the various products over the line, just to show you how the coverage differs:

Is Good Skin Really Based On DNA?

In this case, yes!! And no, I'm not talking about your DNA, I'm talking about the Stila One Step Correct!! This new primer contains 3 shades of color correctors in a DNA-looking swirl:

I still can't believe that I haven't told you about this new favorite of mine! It's incredible! So first off, the tri-color effect is supposed to help with the 3 main discoloration problems: green to neutralize redness, peach to brighten the skin tone, and lavender (the whitish looking shade) to counteract sallowness. Not only do the 3 colors actually do what they are supposed to, the primer formula is lightweight, is non-sticky, is hydrating, helps face makeup last all day long, AND it helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and makes pores appear smaller!! For me, the smaller appearance of pores is the reason I love this on myself. It is this and the other positive factors that are the reason I keep using this on clients of all ages!

Super Duper Stila (and other brands) Sale

Hey lads and lasses! Remember awhile back I told you about the site Hautelook and how they have major sales on brand name goods, including cosmetics? Well, this week is Beauty Week on Hautelook, and they are having some major discounts on brands like Lorac, NYX, and RapidLash! In fact, today there is a Stila sale!! Click here to sign up and starting saving mayjah moolah on the brands you love or always wanted to try out!

Happy Shopping!

Are you on Hautelook?

Are you familiar with Hautelook? It is one of those online sale websites that sells brand name merchandise at high discounts (often times 30-70% off retail). They have different sales everyday so you have to keep checking often to see what brands they have. The great thing about Hautelook is that they even sell cosmetics!! And yes, everything is real...I've ordered before and it's totally legit.

Yesterday they had an AMAZING sale on Stila Cosmetics, and if you are intersested, the sale is still going on but many products are already sold out. Tomorrow (Wednesday) at 8am PST, they are having a sale on Urban Decay. I HIGHLY recommend signing up here, and checking out the sale early, because the best deals sell out quickly.

Large names like Stila and Urban Decay don't have sales too often, so I wanted to let you know about this great site. =)

Liquid Liner in a Stick? Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner Review and Swatch

Whenever I write a post on blush, I always think to myself, "blush is my favorite product." Whenever I write a post on eyeshadow, I always think to myself, "eyeshadow is my favorite product." So naturally, when I started writing this post, I thought to myself, "eyeliner is my favorite product." I might as well admit it, there isn't a single type of product I don't love!!

So when you take a girl who loves makeup and pair her up with some amazing products, what do you get? Imagine a mob of teeny boppers squeeling with excitement at the sight of their favorite boy band. Yes, my friends, that's how I felt when I tried the new Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner:

The Stila Smudge Sticks were launched earlier this summer and Stila was on-target with that move. This liner has such great staying power that it can withstand crazy-high levels of humidity, battle the teary eyes from the summer wedding you went to, the refreshing swims on those hot summer days, and just about anything that makes most liners fade.

Current Faves

So I know this post is called Current Faves, and while you may think I would tell you about products I am currently using and loving, I am going to tell you about 2 products I love so much that I actually finished them!

The first is the Stila Lip Glaze in Blackberry:

I actually love the Stila Lip Glaze formula so I like just about all shades. However, this one shade complemented both dramatic eyes and simple neutral eyes, so it was perfect to carry around in my purse. The Lip Glazes are non-sticky, last several hours without fading, and are available in shades that are  opaque or sheer, glossy or shimmery, so I can find just about anything I need within this one line of glosses. I also like the brush applicator because it feels like I am painting my lips and makes applications fun. To add to the fun, each of the Lip Glazes have a flavor that complements the shade. Of course, Blackberry tasted a bit like berry punch. It isn't so strong that it feels like I am applying a 10 year old's play makeup, but it adds a touch of youthfulness to a high-performing product.

Another product I absolutely cannot live without both in my personal stash and in my professional kit is...

Stila Jewel Collection Review and Swatches

I have been majorly in love with Stila products recently, and keep wondering why it took me so long to discover how great they are! I recently got a chance to review the shadows and lip glazes from the new Stila Jewel Collection for Spring:

I was really looking forward to the eyeshadow quad because the colors looked so unique and I love anything with sparkle:

Colors: top left - Golden Topaz; top right - Amethyst

bottom left - Black Diamond; bottom right - Rose Quartz

These shadows are supposed to have a sequin-like sparkle that leave the eyes glistening like jewels. When I got the palette, I was a bit disappointed by the size. The shadows are about the size of a dime, and the whole palette looks like one of those shadow palettes in the Lancome gift with purchase sets. However, I was hoping the product itself would make up for the size:

Colors: Golden Topaz; Rose Quartz; Amethyst; Black Diamond

In the picture above you can see the color/pigmentation a little better, but in the picture below you can really see how the product shines in the light:

Colors: Golden Topaz; Rose Quartz; Amethyst; Black Diamond

I really like these shadows. Upon first glance it might seem that the colors don't go well, but this is actually a brilliantly developed palette. You can use them with other matte or satin shades, or use them together! If you are using just these four shadows, you can stick to a neutral palette with the Rose Quartz and Golden Topaz, or do the pink/purple thang with Rose Quartz and Amethyst, or do a smokey eye with Black Diamond and Amethyst, or use any of the colors or combos and line the eye with Black Diamond....the possibilities are endless! These are not super pigmented, but you can layer them to get a more intense color. I also think they are not supposed to be super intense, because they are so glittery/shimmery and that adds the intensity. These are smooth to apply, easy to blend, and as all Stila shadows, last all day. 

Kajal Couture Rating: B+

Kajal Couture Overall Opinion: I really like the product itself, but I was disappointed by the size of the product. You definitely have to use these with other shadows because there is no highlight color, and these would be way too sparkly to wear alone if you want to wear them to work and you have an office job. The product itself is fabulous and I really like the quality and shades.

The next product in the Stila Jewel Collection is the Jewel Lip Glaze Trio. These not only have the classic non-sticky, long lasting lip glaze formula, but are glittery and are actually infused with gemstone complexes like Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Rose Quartz, Opal, Mother of Pearl (the list goes on and on...) and even contains great moisturizing ingredients like Mango Seed Butter, Goa Seed Butter, and Shea Butter.

I figured these would be like MAC dazzleglasses, but these are sooooo much better!! Just check out the swatches:

Colors: Pink Diamond; Golden Topaz; Amethyst

In the swatches on the bottom, the product is straight from the tube, on top I tried to blend the product out slightly so you could see the color is not as crazy as it seems in the tube. These are far more glittery than MAC dazzleglasses and the formula is so much better. They are not sticky, they have great moisturizing ingredients, and look so amazing on the lips. I also really like the lip glaze tubes...its just so fun and easy to use! The colors are not crazy and are very wearable, so you can wear them alone or layer them. I tried to capture the amazingness but my camera isn't the best:

In this pic I am wearing the Pink Diamond gloss only. The sparkle factor will play up what ever color you layer this with, and the glitter will look even more intense. I can't even explain how amazing these are, you just have to try them for yourself in person!!

Kajal Couture Rating: A+

Kajal Couture Overall Opinion: These glosses are not appropriate for all situations because they are so glittery, but the bling factor is what I love so much about the product, combined with the great gloss formula. It really does look like mini sequin-like shine, and is very appropriately named Jewel Collection.

What do you think about these products? Have you checked them out? I will be doing some looks using these products in the near future, so stay tuned!

Disclaimer: The products in this post were sent by PR for consideration. Please read my disclaimer for additional information. 

My Favorite Crease Brushes

Crease brushes are something I absolutely cannot live without. I use them for just about everything! I could probably use only crease brushes for an entire makeup application, except that foundation and powder would take for-eee-ver.

Here are a few of my favorites:

1 - Stila #9 brush - This is very similar to the MAC 224, but the bristles are just a tad longer. It is also very fluffy so it is great for blending out colors on the eyelid or browbone. The handle is a bit longer than the MAC 224 but doesn't make much of a difference to me.

2 - MAC 224 - This is the classic crease and blending brush that so many people recommend. It can be a bit too big and dense for a precise crease application, but is still great for blending colors, especially for a neutral eye. I also like keeping a couple clean (w/ no color) ones for clean up or blending out edges. Overall, this is a brush that everyone needs and I highly recommend.

3 - MAC 222 - This is a great brush for applying color to the crease. The brush head is narrower than the MAC 224 so you can get a precise application of color. The bristles are longer than the MAC 224 but I don't find that as an inconvenience. (Have you noticed I compare everything to the 224....tells you how much I love that brush!!) The one thing I don't like about this brush is that the bristles are white. I do clean my brushes well, but I don't like how dirty white brushes look and how easily they can get stained.

4 - This is a Sephora crease brush from the Platinum Brush Collection. I really really really like this one. It is the perfect amount of denseness and fullness for both a precise color application and also for blending. The height of the bristles is perfect, the bristles are colored and not white, and I do like the shape of the handle because it is easy on the hands.

5 - MAC 226 - Another great one from MAC that I think everyone needs to have. Unfortunately this is a limited edition brush, but has been released a couple times and I hope they make it permanent. The pointy brush head makes it great for really defining the crease and highlighting the inner corner of the eye, but the bristles at the base of the brush are full so you can get a pretty good blend. This is a must-have in my book.

In addition to applying eye color, I love using crease brushes for applying concealer to the under eye area. I find that concealer brushes are sometimes too rigid and can tug at the skin a bit. Crease brushes, especially like the MAC 226, fit perfectly in the inner eye area and are great for blending, without tugging at the delicate skin under the eye. I also love crease brushes for cleaning up or softening up edges of color.

What are your favorite crease brushes?

Easy Neutral Eye using Stila's Most Famous Shadow

I am always intrigued with products that have best-seller or Holy Grail status, like the Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler. One product that I have been curious about for a long time is the Stila eyeshadow in Kitten. It is one of the company's best sellers and has sparked a whole slew of other products in the same shade. Kitten is a champagney-light pink color that is suitable for all skin tones. 

I used Kitten in an easy neutral eye look below:

I swept Kitten all over the lid and brushed it on the outer 2/3 of the lower lid as well. I lined my top lid with MAC Blitz and Glitz Fluidline, used MAC Feline on my waterline, and used some mascara I had nearby (not sure what formula but I'm not very impressed with it). Here is a closer view with my lid half closed:

Kitten really is a universal shade that would look good on anyone. It would even make a great highlighter for medium-dark skin tones. The formula is very smooth and lasts all day, even without primer! I definitely will check out more Stila shadows from now on. Overall it is a great shade to have and I love that I could use only one shadow and end up with a great, easy neutral eye that is appropriate for any occasion.

Oh and yes, I am wearing blue color contacts in these photos. My mom really wanted me to try blue, so I have had them sitting around for awhile and finally decided to wear them. They are fun but they don't look natural. What do you think? 

Highlighting Part 3 - Best Brushes for Highlighting the Face

In the last couple weeks I told you about some of my favorite highlighters, then highlighting techniques, and now in the last part of my highlighting series, I am going to tell you about some of my favorite brushes for highlighting:

Before I get started, this is not an end-all be-all of what you can use to highlight, these are just the brushes I tend to reach for. And yes, I use mostly MAC, but feel free to use whatever you have or want.

This first one is the MAC 138. I really love this brush for powder because the pointed tip really gets into small areas like under the eyes and around the nose. However, this brush is also great for highlighting. It doesn't pick up too much color so it is easy to control the amount of product you apply and you won't end up looking glittery. Because of the tapered shape, I like to roll half the bristles once in a powder highlighter and then roll it against the skin. This technique is best for highlighting above the cheekbones and the temples. This is a larger brush and can be used for highlighting smaller areas like the nose, but it takes a little more control and practice so you don't get the highlight product all over the place.

This next brush is the MAC 165 and is like a smaller version of the MAC 138. I belive this was a limited edition brush, but it seems like MAC releases it about once a year with a limtied collection. You can use this brush in a similar manner as described for the 138 or you can use to to just sweep the product on the skin. It has shorter bristles and the diameter is smaller, so you don't have to worry about getting the product all over the place. This brush works great for both powder and emollient based products.

This next brush has so many great uses and I think everyone should have one. It is the MAC 188, or a skunk brush. This is a smaller version of the MAC 187. Because of the duo-fibers, this brush always picks up the perfect amount of product and allows you to blend flawlessly into the skin. I either brush this against powder highlighters and apply to the skin, or apply cream/liquid highlighters with my fingers, and use this brush to blend the product into the skin. This is great especially for beginners because it does not pick up too much product, and is great for everywhere, because it has so many uses. In addition to highlighting, I use this for cream or powder blushes and sometimes for foundation.

This next one is a brush I constantly rave about and is the MAC 109. I used this for EVERYTHING. I especially love it for liquid foundation, powders, and for contouring. However, I do use it for highlighting the cheekbones too. It has densely packed bristles so you have to be cautious with powder highlighters, because you can pick up too much product. In a hurry, I will swipe this on a powder product, them apply to the cheekbones, and take whatever is remaining on the bristles and swipe against the bridge of the nose. Again, less is more with highlighters, and you don't want to be the white version of Rudolph.

Lastly, I use crease brushes for detailed highlighting, like under the browbone, the chin, and the cupids bow, but I really like using them for the temples. The one pictured here is one of my new favorites, the Stila #9 brush. I typically use this with a loose powder highlighter, but you have to be careful not to pick up too much product. Since it is smaller than all the other brushes, you have more precise control of where to apply the product. Crease brushes are also great for blending, and give a nice soft look.

Overall, highlighting takes a bit of practice and is easily a step that can be skipped for daily makeup application, but really adds a nice touch for special occasions, especially if you are going out in the evening or will be in dimly-lit spaces. Based on the curvatures of your face, figure out what looks best on you and have fun with it!

Favorite Highlighters of the Moment

Right now I am LOVING my Stila highlighters. I go through phases where I uses certain products obsessively, and right now I can't seem to do my makeup without one of these:

Stila All Over Shimmer Liquid Luminizer in Shade #1

Stila Illuminating Finishing Powder in Rose Gold

The Liquid Luminizer is a gorgeous silvery, off white color, that gives your skin a healthy glow. It really does give your skin a luminous, natural looking glow, without making you look shiny or greasy. The packaging is like nail lacquer, in that the product is to be brushed onto the skin. I like this much better than one large opening because I have better control of how much I apply.

This stuff is very strong and a little goes a long way. I do a thin swipe above my cheekbones and down the bridge of my nose, then rub the product into the skin with my fingers. I find this gives the most natural look. Some days I even apply a tiny bit to my browbone to highlight, and it works perfectly! You can also mix in a tiny drop with your foundation or moisturizer to give you a nice glow to your entire face. Because of the size of the brush, it is easy to apply a lot, so you will have to play with it a couple times before you get it just right. Less is definitley more with this one. That is also a good thing because this bottle will last you for ages!!

In the swatch above, I did a slight blend, so you can see the color. If you blend thoroughly, the product does not appear so shiny and white. Shade #1 is great for skin tones like mine (around NC30 - NC35 in MAC) or lighter. If you are darker, then I recommend trying out Shade #3 which is a golden color.

I am also a fan of the Illuminating Finishing Powder in Rose Gold as a highlighter because it is a soft highlight and not at all glittery like the MAC Mineralize Skinfinishes. Highlights should enhance the natural curves of your fave, not draw attention to them like a disco ball. This shade is flattering for all skin tones and I think it is the most natural looking of all the shades offered.

One thing to remember with highlighters is to apply a little, and if you feel that nobody will notice it, that is probably all you need. When you look in a mirror or in sunlight, you should be able to tell you have applied it, but to others it should look like glowing, natural skin. I am going to do a post on where and how to apply highlighters so stay tuned for that!