makeup

I love highlighter pens.  Not just the ones on the school supply list, but the highlighter pens found at Sephora, Ulta, or Nordstorm (free shipping!).

If you were to put me away on a stranded island with one cosmetic…my under eye highlighter/concealer would be put in the bag.  (A skin care item would be a good moisturizer with vitamins and sunblock, and chapstick with essential oils added into it.  Don’t ask me to choose a book.)  Under eye concealer just brightens your whole face, and freshens your whole look.

My love for under-eye brightening began when I worked at Glamour Shots.  Yes ma’am, you read that correctly, I was an eighteen year old photographer at Glamour Shots, apparently all you need for the job is to have worked on the yearbook committee in high school. I can slap some sequins on you, fit you with a leather jacket, position your hands to hold the lapels, drop that shoulder, look right here through the camera, and…..Bam!   One Saturday we were running behind in makeup, so I jumped behind a chair and started beautifying the customer.  Glamour Shot’s secret to brightening those peepers was to coat a cornstarch/baby powder mixture under the eyes.  I was hooked.

Here are my current favorites that I always circle back to…I use the first two daily.  I usually apply highlighter after foundation and before bronzer.  Which could be completely wrong, but…it works for me.  Go play at the makeup counter to find your right color.  Side note – if you are looking for a concealer for specifically under your eyes, go several shades lighter than your skin color.  (Also – if you are over the age of 25, stay away from powders, which seem to gather in the creases of the eye.)

bareMinerals Well Rested Eye & Face Brightener

This is my first step for brightening under my eyes, as it is so moisturizing.  It’s like “butta”.  As I creep closer to 40, gravitation pulls me towards all things that moisturize.  You’ll love this.  Swipe some under your peepers, and dab it in with your finger or a beauty blotter like this one here.  If you use the beauty blender, wet it first, then wring it out, so it doesn’t absorb your expensive product.

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer

Step 2: For a little extra coverage, I add just a little of this concealer (in the shade Chantilly) on top of the bareMinerals Well Rested, under my eyes, in between my eyes, and a little down the middle of my nose.  On special occasions I’ll dive into the full contouring using this as well. I truly think the secret to blending is dabbing with your fingers.  I use to be such a brush snob, and still use them often, but never for this.

Clinique ‘Chubby Stick’ Sculpting Highlight

Step 3: I found this in a friend’s makeup bag on a trip to Fredericksburg, and loved it.  I’ll sometimes feel extra fancy and add a streak of this across the highest portion of my cheekbone.  This has a slight shimmer, which I usually stay away from, but it’s not bad.  The Cubby Stick is surprisingly moisturizing as well.

What’s your favorite highlighter/concealer?  I always love a good recommendation!

xoxo – Brooke

P.S. If you need a Glamour Shots photographer, I’m retired. 😉