The rise of the highlighter
Hi girls, it's Naomi here, and I come bearing brilliant money saving beauty finds!
Recently highlighters have become every girl’s makeup must-have. From perfectly sculpted cheekbones, to lightly dusted brow bones, highlighters have fast become the hot finish to every look (whether you're a pro or not).
Overwhelmed? Until recently, highlighting/strobing products were predominantly being sold in high-end stores but now, as cheaper brands such as MUA and even Natural Collection are releasing their own versions, it’s hard to know where to start.
Highlighters come in forms of creams, powders and liquids, but as a beginner, powder is definitely the easiest yet effective one to start with.
But have no fear ladies, I know that as important as it is to have shimmery cheekbones, sometimes you really just can’t afford to break the bank. I’ve devised a low-end brand to high-end brand highlighter guide, to give you a good idea of where to go for good but affordable highlighters, all tried, tested and reviewed!
MUA Undress Your Skin Highlighting Powder-Pink Shimmer
Price: £3.00
Where to find it: MUA online store, or Superdrug (in store and online)
What MUA say: MUA’s highlighting powder instantly radiates and lifts any complexion.
What I think: This is ideal for first-timers. It’s pigmented but doesn’t sit heavy on your skin, giving you room to play around. It blends well making it easily applicable to the brow bone. The powder comes in four different shades but Pink Shimmer is definitely the one to use for an everyday, natural, subtle look, no matter what your skin tone is.
NEW LOOK PURE Baked Highlighting Powder-Pink Pearls
Price: £6.99 (Also on 3 for 2)
Where to find it: New Look (in store and online)
What New Look say: Baked for rich, long lasting colour. Full of illuminating pigments and multifaceted pearls.
What I think: This is highly pigmented but don’t be scared off by it because it blends like a dream. So whether you want a subtle highlighter for everyday use, or an outstanding glow for your night out, this one is perfect for both. Just a light swatch goes very far which means you won’t be replacing this one in a hurry. The glow it gives is beautiful, and will compliment most skin tones. New Look have recently released their own makeup range and the quality is outstanding. Don’t be put off by the fact this isn’t a well-known makeup brand because trust me, people will catch on very soon!
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish - Gilded Peach Bronze
Price: £24.00
Where to find it: MAC (in store on online) House of Fraser, Debenhams, at any MAC beauty stalls
What MAC say: A luxurious powder with 77-Mineral Complex that adds highlights to the face and body.
What I think: MAC never fails in quality, the pigment is quite soft, goes on very lightly and the colour is beautiful, matching well with natural eye makeup tones. I'd say this product is more for everyday use, and you'd need to use a lot to get a prominent shine.
The price is a little steep for me, and makes me question whether it’s a price I want to pay, when I know there's cheaper dupes on the market.
Final thoughts:
So, after much deliberation (okay maybe not that much), I've decided that New Look’s Baked Highlighter is the one for me. The quality and price is outstanding and I’m seriously enjoying that illuminating glow. I’m so glad I reviewed a less known makeup brand and found this little beauty; it’s earned a well-deserved place in my makeup bag. So go on girls, save yourself some money, befriend a new makeup brand and give it a try yourselves!