I think it’s fair to say that once you discover highlighters there is no going back. Even though they last absolutely ages, that hasn’t stopped me collecting a few over the years and at the moment I have two that I am turning to the most. They should come as no surprise really as both are mentioned countless times in the blogging community and for good reason. Yes, if it’s not obvious already, I’m talking about TheBalm’s Mary-Lou Manizer and Kevyn Aucoin’s Celestial Powder in Candlelight.
My main focus when it comes to highlighter is the tops of my cheekbones and both of these do what highlighters are supposed to do, or least what I want them to do – give you a non-glittery lit from within glow. TheBalm’s Mary-Lou Manizer on the left is more golden with a strong yellow undertone and is extremely pigmented. Seriously, this stuff packs a punch so I always go in lightly. I do find it needs a bit more blending but the colour and finish is fantastic and I also adore the retro packaging.
Kevyn Aucoin’s Celestial Powder in Candlelight, on the right, is more of a beige-toned champagne highlighter. I was unsure when I first tried this as to whether it would show up on my skintone, but I was pleasantly surprised. If overdone it can look frosty but if you apply the subtlety is best rule, then this gives a gorgeous ethereal finish. The packaging has changed since I last bought this and it’s even more compact so it can be easily slipped into your makeup bag if you wanted to glam things up for a night out.
Price wise, TheBalm’s Mary-Lou Manizer is certainly more affordable and better value for money of the two as it costs £17.50 for 8.5g, whereas Kevyn Aucoin’s Celestial Powder in Candlelight is a whopping £35 for just 3.1g. That said, I wouldn’t choose one over the other as I get so much use out of both and as the colours and tones are different, it means I have options depending on what kind of makeup I am wearing.
These two beauties are definitely the highlight of my makeup routine!
So what are your favourite highlighters? Drop me a note in the comments below as I’d love to know. xx
