makeup

THE HIGHLIGHTER

POST + PHOTOS BY AMY NADINE, GRAPHIC DESIGN BY EUNICE CHUN

There are many ways to use luminizing lotions, but this is my favorite. It draws all the attention the eyes using a simple optical trick that you probably learned back in art class: if you want to pull something forward, make it lighter and if you want to push something back, make it darker. Why not pull the whole eye area forward and highlight it at the same time with a little luminizing shimmer? Here’s how:

TOOLS:

• Luminizing Lotion — I used Stila Stay All Day 10-in-1 HD Illuminating Beauty Balm on Carissa above because I’m a little obsessed with it right now but you can also try Maybelline Dream Fresh 8-in-1 Beauty Balm Skin Perfector mixed with a little Maybelline Dream Lumi Highlighting Concealer (or just the Dream Lumi by itself).
• Mineral Powder Brush — You can certainly use a foundation brush or sponge, but I love using Sephora’s Classic Mineral Powder Brush #45 because you can really swirl it across the eye area.
• Foundation — I used Tom Ford Beauty Traceless Foundation because it’s quickly become a staple in my kit but it’s a little pricey so if you’re not ready to make the investment, try my drugstore favorite Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation.
• Egg-shaped sponge — I used my trusty Beauty Blender Sponge because the competitors don’t even come close (believe me, I’ve tried each and every one).

STEPS:

1. Squeeze a blueberry-sized dallop of the luminizing lotion onto the palm of your hand.
2. Load the powder brush with product by dipping and swirling it in a few circles into the foundation on the palm of your hand.
3. Imagine and visualize a figure 8 on its side like an infinity sign or a masquerade mask around your eyes. Use that configuration to swirl the brush in the figure 8 twice. Blend and smooth the edges with your finger.
4. Squeeze a raspberry-sized dallop of foundation onto the palm of your hand.
5. Dip the tip of the sponge into the foundation.
6. Stipple and sweep the sponge all over your face and neck except for the eye area that you illuminated.