Tried and Tested: Lighten up with soft blushers and illuminators

Benefit Dandelion Shy-beam €34.50

The original baby pink Benefit Dandelion Blusher powder has many fans. This liquid incarnation is a non shimmer highlighter that will lift any skin colour; dark, fair or any tone in between. It’s almost impossible to overdo it as the tiny brush applicator makes sure that you can’t load it on. Apply a few dots to the tops of your cheekbones and blend in well. Perfect for daytime use.

Nars Dual Intensity Sexual Content €39

Nars love to give their makeup unforgettable names, usually sexual ones. We’ve had the bestselling blushes Orgasm and Multiple Orgasm together with many other nudge nudge, wink wink titles. They might be running out of ideas because Sexual Content isn’t grabbing me. Grabbing me, get it? Anyhoo, this is a lovely duo of peach and pinky tones with great pigmentation.

Future M·A·C Mineralize Skinfinish €31

This is a showstopper. As a makeup junkie my heart almost stopped beating when I saw this Skinfinish. It’s just so damn gorgeous I had to think about it for days before I actually used it in order to preserve its beauty. But use it I did, swirling all the shades together on a big brush and sweeping over my cheekbones and lightly dusting all over instead of a powder. Don’t overdo it though; you don’t want to end up looking like the Tin Man.

Estée Lauder Pure Colour powder blush €38

Makeup should always have the capacity to make us feel happy. Otherwise what’s the point? Here we have another piece of makeup heaven.

This is a soft graduated coral peach that will suit most skin colours and it’s easy to use as the finish is almost sheer. You will have to be very determined to build it to the dreaded stripe. Soft, warm and a perfect pick me up.

Urban Decay Afterglow 8 Hour Powder highlighter €28

Available in three shades, I particularly like Aura choice. It has a lovely sparkle effect. The pinky lavender colour will counteract sallowness and dullness and provide skin with an instant pick me up.

Autograph Multi Blusher in Pink €17

I’ll admit that this 3D effect flower petal blush had me at hello. The M&S Autograph range is producing some really lovely, good quality makeup and skincare.

This is a soft pink blusher that is flattering and will make you smile every time you brush its petals.

Burberry Runway Palette Nude Gold No2 €55

Again, one of those palettes that is so beautiful that it’s difficult to use. But use it you will because it adds a fabulous shine and shimmer to the tops of cheekbones. Dust it lightly all over to lift your complexion.

Burberry often slide under the radar in Ireland but their makeup is a thing of joy and pure luxury.

Catrice High Glow 101 Light Infusion €5.50

A baked highlighting powder which works in a very subtle way to light up your face Use a big brush to dust lightly all over to use it as a finishing powder. You can use a smaller brush to highlight the tops of cheekbones or under the brows. The quality is good and this is brilliant value for money.

Tom Ford Sheer Cheek Duo

New from the Tom Ford Soliel collection, this is a beautiful palette. Choose to choose to dust lightly all over, or blend the shades for more intensity on cheekbones. Encased in white glossy Tom Ford packaging this is a serious piece of makeup bag real estate. If you want to spoil yourself get this. It will last for ages and make you happy every time you use it.

Soap and Glory Glow All Out Cheek Stick €9.36

I love sticks like this one because they are portable and easy to use. You can throw them into your handbag for top ups without fear of shattering (unlike a powder product). There are other Cheek Stick shades but I love this one because you can blend it easily with your fingers on top of blusher, lipstick or use to highlight eyes.

[ @aismcdermott ]