Fab Five Favorite: Highlighters!

Once upon a time, I didn't understand the importance of blush - it's amazing how a little hint of color on the cheeks can liven up you face and really bring a look together! I listed some of my favorite blushes here, but fairly recently I've had a new revelation - highlighters/illuminators are a must too! I little bit of subtle shimmer in all the right places {generally where ever light would naturally hit you; ie, the upper cheeks, right above your brows, the bridge of your nose, cupids bow, and chin} can change the dimensions of your face and give you a covetable glow. Here are some of my favorite highlighting products - guaranteed to give you that glow {and now I have that song from Last Dragon stuck in my head}! {Products provided for review/feature consideration will be marked c/o}

Get your glow on like Bruce Leroy! Lol :) (Photo via The Last Dragon Tribute)

Photo via Stila Cosmetics

Stila All Over Shimmer Liquid Luminizer in Bronze Shimmer ($20; stilacosmetics.com) - this was act the product that helped me to see how valuable highlighting is to my makeup routine. I received a  deluxe sample in one of my first Birchboxes way back when and I find myself reaching for it quite frequently - particularly when I want a more subtle effect, as part of an every day look. Soft focus pigments help diminish skin imperfections and minimize the appearance of fine lines and sun spots. I use it right above the apple of my cheek and blend up towards the temple. It's actually available in four different shades: Pink Shimmer, Bronze Shimmer, Rose Gold Shimmer, and Kitten Shimmer, and the Pink Shimmer is on sale for $10 right now!

Photo via Nordstrom

M·A·C Extra Dimension Skinfinish in (Limited Edition and no longer available; sorry ladies) - this is the only "powder" highlight I use, and let me tell you, it is potent! I use it with a fan brush to keep the application light. This definitely adds more of a shimmer and is more suitable for special occasions or nights out on the town.

Photo via It Cosmetics

It Cosmetics Hello Light Anti-Aging Crème Radiance Illuminator ($24, c/o itcosmetics.com) -
Even though I received this a while ago, it's only been recently that I've become obsessed with it. I've been reaching for this beauty at least once! I love the ease of use; because of the fantastic cream to powder formula, it's super easy to just apply and blend with your fingers. It's also good for your skin - the truly innovative formula contains ingredients like peptides, hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed collagen, real silk and anti-oxidants to hydrate, condition, and nourish your skin while warding off free-radicals all day long. It gives you a healthy lit-from-within glow, that leaves skin silky, velvety and supple without settling into lines and wrinkles. It has a more pink/silver tone to it, so it works well when I'm wearing more cool tones.

Photo via Sephora

Benefit Cosmetics Watt's Up ($30, benefitcosmetics.com) - First of all, my maiden name is Watts, so this automatically got my stamp of approval! That aside, this one is also super easy to use, since it comes with a handy dandy blender on one end. It gives a beautiful champagne glow and I have found this {and the Stila Illuminator} to look nice and natural even when I don't have on foundation because they blend so well into the skin. 

Photo via Kevyn Aucoin

Kevyn Aucoin Celestial Skin Liquid Lighting Foundation-Candlelight ($52; c/o, beautybar.com) - this is the newest addition to my collection is as good as liquid gold! The formula is a hybrid between a gel and a creamy weightless fluid that glides on the skin effortlessly. You can use it on bare skin after moisturizing, mix it with foundation to make it more radiant, or use it on whatever spots you'd like some extra glow. It contains an exclusive Raspberry Stem Cell Extract and Bearberry Complex that act as potent age defense agents and protect skin from damage due to oxidation. Its combination of ultra-fine pearl and micronized spheres creates the look of healthy and candlelit skin {thus the name} so you never look shimmery, glittery or greasy. Like I said, liquid gold!

Do you regularly use a highlighting product in your beauty routine? If not, I highly recommend giving it a try - it's amazing what a difference it makes in your appearance! If you already use one, what's your favorite? My inquiring mind wants to know! Leave a comment below and tell me all about it! Until next time...