3 Secrets to Grownup Highlighter

One trend that is not going away anytime soon is highlighter. When you are over the age of 35 like me, some of the shimmery creams and powders on the market aren't ideal for mature skin. That doesn't mean we have to sit this trend out!!

I have gathered some of my favorite highlighters from my stash along with a few helpful tips to get you started. 

Step #1 Choose the right formula. This will vary depending on your skin type. However most of us with mature skin can benefit from a creamy texture. If your skin is on the oily side, powders will work as long as they aren't filled with chunky glitter. 

Step #2 Placement is key. I know Instagram is filled with highlighted nose tips and blinding stripes of pigment. For those of us walking around in real life, the desired look is a lit from within glow. Apply the product to the high points of the face such as cheekbones, the bridge of the nose, and even the temples. 

Step #3 Apply before blush. This is the step that is probably leaving you confused right about now. However it is essential for that lit from within glow. This will prevent that stripe of highlight that seems to be allover the internet. 

How I got the look: After applying my foundation (I used IT Cosmetics CC+ Color Correcting Cream), I used a Fenty Beauty #120 Highlight brush to sweep IT Cosmetics Hello Light Creme Illuminator along my cheekbones. I applied a touch to my temples, beneath my brow, and along the bridge of my nose. Start with a tiny amount and add more until you get the desired effect. 

Next, I used an e.l.f. Blush Brush to sweep on Charlotte Tilbury's Colour of Youth Healthy, Happy Lip & Cheek Glow. I applied it just below the highlighter, blending it up and into the illuminating creme. If you don't own a cream blush, any creamy lipstick will work! Just be sure to use a cream formula rather than matte. 

Finally, I took my Chikuhodo AF-2 brush that I applied my foundation with, and used it to buff out any edges so everything looked seamless. 

Here is the finished look:

If you tend to get oily in certain spots, feel free to powder, but only do so strategically. Avoid areas where you placed your highlighter, or it will erase everything you just did. 

You can apply any eye look or lip color that you want for this look. I kept the rest of the face fresh, just adding a touch of concealer and tinted lip balm. 

Other Tips & Tricks: As with any makeup look, prep is key. Use a moisturizer appropriate for your skin type. If desired apply a primer (preferably one with a dewy finish) where needed. Blot off any extra moisture with a tissue before adding foundation. If your end result still looks a little dry, try spritzing on a facial spray. 

Here are some other highlighters I recommend for mature skin:

• Physicians Formula Butter Highlighter 
• Tarte Angelic Amazonian Clay 12-hour blush 
• Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette 
• Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow
• The Balm Cosmetics Mary-Lou Manizer 
• Tarte Champagne Amazonian Clay Shimmering Powder 
• Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector 
• Charlotte Tilbury Dreamy Glow Highlighter Illuminating Youth Powder 
• Alexis Vogel Glow Dust

You can also use an eyeshadow with a satin finish. Opt for something that works best with your skintone. If possible, look at a swatch near a window or in natural light to get the best match. 

What are your favorite highlighters?

*Note: Some of the products in this post may have been gifted to me or sent for consideration by the company. I do not get paid to write reviews. This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. 

The Top 2019 Makeup Trends - Look 4 (series)

This is the final look in my 2019 Makeup Trend Series. It is the easiest to create, and you likely already have the tools you need in your stash to make it happen.

The Look: Bold lips 

Any color combo works, but a bold orange-red is especially modern. 

What you need:

• A bold matte red lipstick (I used Urban Decay 714)
• A fiery, bright coral lipstick (I used Urban Decay EZ)
• A lip brush (I used one from Real Techniques)

The technique: No lip liner is needed for this look. The key is working in light layers, and blending the two colors together. 

Always begin by prepping your lips with a moisturizing lip balm. Complete the rest of your makeup allowing the balm to soak in to the lips. After the rest of your makeup is done, wipe off any remaining lip balm. 

Now pick up your bold matte red lipstick on your lip brush. Apply the color to the outer part of the lips, correcting any edges so lips look even. 

Using the same brush, pick up your bright coral & apply it to the center of your lips. 

Blend the two colors together so they meld into one color. Blot with a tissue. Apply another light layer of each color. Blot again. 

Tips & Tricks: This doesn't have to look too perfect. The key is an effortless lip that is a bit more bold than you normally would wear. Stepping outside of your comfort zone is a huge trend this year.

I normally pair a bold lip with very minimal eye makeup. However this lip look works with pretty much any neutral eyeshadows as well. 

The final look:

I did pair this lip look with quite a bit of eyeshadow, but I kept the colors neutral so that the lips were still the focus.

What do you think about the 4th look in my series?

*All products in this post were purchased by me. I do not do sponsored posts. All opinions are my own.