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Why you need to use a highlighting powder or liquid. Every. Single. Day.

Thu, 8 December 2011 2:02PM

If you’re a bit of a makeup daredevil who prefers your eye shadow to be equally as bold as your pop-bright pink pout then this makeup look may not necessarily float your boat, but I’m sure you’ll agree with me when I say this shot of Kate Bosworth is picture proof that learning how to perfect your base and play up your features with a highlighter will have you in the runnings for Major of Beauty Town in next to no time. 

Call me biased but in my opinion, it’s quite possibly, the prettiest, most subtle yet still glamorous red-carpet makeup and hair look we’ve seen in a long time. A little regal-ish, a whole lot fresh, it’s polished, it’s pretty and above all, it’s easy-as to tackle. 

Kate Bosworth

Starting with…The makeup

It’s all about the skin, Primpettes, but before you jump the gun and go to town with a highlighting product, it’s important to prep the skin with the right primer and foundation. There’s a fine line between looking dewy and oily, so to keep unwanted shine at bay, use an oil-free primer that’ll keep excess shine to a minimum.

There’s no denying that pink cheeks and lips are pretty, but the reality of wearing any red or pink-based product is that they have a knack for exaggerating existing redness in the skin. Once you’re done with your foundation, go back and mask dark circles under the eyes and any red areas or blemishes, like around the nose and chin with a liquid concealer. Stick concealers are great for covering up A blemishes, but if you’re talking about a larger area, liquid concealers are easier to blend and won’t leave the skin looking dry or flaky like a stick formula can.

Before you pick up your lip and cheek creme, try blending a liquid highlighter to play up the high-points of your face, concentrating on the top of the cheekbone, under and above the brow bone and the cupids bow. If you prefer to use a powder blush, stick with a powder highlighter for the cheeks as layering a liquid over the top can cause the blush to look patchy and mottled.

When it comes to highlighting products, I swear by Clarins Instant Light Complexion Perfector which will set you back around $50. Part primer, part illuminisor, it’s a light-weight liquid that does just as great a job at evening out skin-tone as it does bouncing light off the face.  Meaning: you can layer it over or under your foundation for an all-over glow, or use it to play up the high points only. Plus, a little goes a long way so it’ll last you near forever.

The hair: 

For the same effortless looking volume as Kate’s try blow-drying your hair on the opposite site to which you usually part it. It’ll confuse your hair so that when you flip it over, you’ll keep all the volume underneath, where you need it the most.

For a sweet-without-looking-too-young twist, try sweeping the left side of your hair into a loose plait or braid before tying your hair back into a soft bun. Secure with a few bobby pins and a hint of hairspray and you’re good to go!

Tell me Primpettes, 

Is this look rocking your boat?

Do you use a highlighter? 

Are you a fan or creme or powder blush products? 

Do you use a powder or liquid highlighter?

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20 Comments

  • Posted by: Julieow Master Fan // Thu, 8 December 2011 02:44pm

    I always without fail adore Kate Bosworths look- she is the queen of lip and cheek stains and understated , natural beauty. We share similar colouring + her hair texture is not unlike mine so I am always guided by her looks.

    Adore her!

  • Posted by: Tina-1291133452 Master Fan // Thu, 8 December 2011 03:13pm

    i couldnt live without my highlighter.. i use both cream (macs CCB) and powder! it makes my skin look soooo healthy ang glowy!

  • Posted by: Emma-1303093844 Master Fan // Thu, 8 December 2011 03:26pm

    I use the Benefit Girl Meets Pearl Illuminator and I am absolutely in love with it! I find that I don’t need highlighter with it, it does the job of both nicely.

  • Posted by: louweeez Devotee // Thu, 8 December 2011 04:29pm

    I love my illuminators! My favourite was dermalogica day bright but it’s been discontinued, now I I use St. Tropez Skin Illumintor in rose. I love product talk on thursdays, means I can check out said prods while thursday night shopping!!! Clairns counter here i come!!!

  • Posted by: yummii Supporter // Thu, 8 December 2011 04:35pm

    Absolutely love highlighters – best makeup product there is IMO. I personally prefer cream highlighters as well since I don’t like the powdery look – I just wish there was more low-end highlighters available.

  • Posted by: louweeez Devotee // Thu, 8 December 2011 04:52pm

    hey yummi… depends what you call low end… the St Tropez Illuminator I use is at DJ’s for $29.95 – might get it 20% off like I did – even awesomer ;)
    http://www.sttropez.com.au/skin_illuminator_50ml.html

  • Posted by: muso Master Fan // Thu, 8 December 2011 06:18pm

    I tend to use powder highlighter, easier to apply especially when I’m in a hurry.

  • Posted by: Becca Master Fan // Thu, 8 December 2011 09:03pm

    I love highlighters, I am an addict… It is so pretty:)

  • Posted by: beautybee1 Master Fan // Thu, 8 December 2011 10:45pm

    I have a Girl Meets Pearl illuminator but I can’t say I wear it every day – usually just for parties.

  • Posted by: Rebecca-1314689428 Supporter // Fri, 9 December 2011 09:51am

    I recently started using the Benefit Watt’s Up highlighter, but I usually just wear it when I’m going out.

  • Posted by: claire // Sat, 10 December 2011 03:54pm

    I’ve been using Estee Lauder’s tinted moisturizer SPF20 (illuminating version) under my foundation. It helps with brightening around my eye area and highlighting just above my cheekbones without making me look like a sparkly disco ball. Love it.

  • Posted by: Roxymisha // Sun, 11 December 2011 01:17pm

    I adore highlighters and am amazed at what a difference a good highlighter makes to one’s face. I wear highlighter every day and have started to receive many compliments about how radiant I look – loving it!

  • Posted by: yvette700 Newbie // Mon, 12 December 2011 01:02am

    I personally prefer cream & the liquid highlighter. It leaves my skin really stand out. It can hide some of the blemishes on your face.

  • Posted by: VivaLaVicki Devotee // Tue, 13 December 2011 02:20pm

    Holy Smokes she looks amazing!!

  • Posted by: SydneyRose Devotee // Mon, 19 December 2011 09:04pm

    Yes, I agree that Kate Bosworths looks so pretty, polished and fresh. This makeup really suits her.

  • Posted by: Dyane78 Newbie // Sat, 31 December 2011 12:48pm

    Never use powders! Always opt for cream based formulas for that dewy look and moisturize your face when wet so it locks in more moisture. I like to use Mac Cream Base Blush in Hush for highlighting the middle line of my nose and to put a glow into my cheekbones.

  • Posted by: Dyane78 Newbie // Sat, 31 December 2011 12:54pm

    Even her lips are glowy! I love Clarins All about Lips to decrease fine lines and allow lipstick to glide on smoothly. Or if im on a budget, I like to use aloe vera on lips before applying lanolin or a neutral lip balm.

  • Posted by: Karen-1298334769 Master Fan // Thu, 5 January 2012 01:17am

    I like the hair tip and I try to use highlighter when I go out. I do like my cream blush and liquid highlighter.

  • Posted by: Morning Star Enthusiast // Fri, 6 January 2012 10:04pm

    I have to admit that I’ve never used a highlighter (I know, I know!), but having read this I’m definitely going to be trying one out. Will be on my shopping list for the weekend!

  • Posted by: laura_ Enthusiast // Sun, 15 January 2012 05:00pm

    I dont think I can survive without my liquid illuminator. I look so tired and dull without it.

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