highlighter – Hoots of a Night Al

October 14, 2016 9 Comments

I feel like I am so late to the party, but I finally picked up Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso, and I LOVE IT. It isn’t as bold as some other blushes, but I love the shimmering, beautiful effect it gives.

Here is Milani‘s description of their baked blushes, “Richly pigmented and highly buildable, the beautiful matte and shimmery shades of Baked Blush are the perfect cheeky pop of color for every skin tone. Sunbaked on Italian terracotta tiles, the warm finish adds a radiance that is the very essence of beauty. Shape, contour and highlight your best features.”

I have to say, their description is flawless, as is their product. Luminoso‘s hue is described as luminous peach, which is so fitting. I usually gravitate towards pink blushes, so I was nervous to try peach. However, I love the results!

I am especially enjoying pairing this peach-toned blush with burgundy eyes for fall. The color is definitely buildable, but you don’t need many layers as it is very pigmented.

I love the highlighting effects of Luminoso as well. It really is luminous and picks up the light incredibly, which makes it easy to blend in with my highlighter. My cheekbones are in heaven these days.

Since it is so pigmented and lustrous, I think it will pop on fair, medium, and deep skin tones alike. I thankfully found it very easy to blend. The blush comes with a small brush, but I wouldn’t recommend using it. I typically apply my blush with this Real Techniques brush, and it works wonderfully.

Something else worth noting is that this particular blush is vegan. I don’t believe all of the 9 shades available are, but if that’s important to you, this one is!

I think the quality of Luminoso is so impressive considering it’s less than $10 at the store. I have even seen it compared to the quality of NARS blushes quite often. Based on how smooth, pigmented, and blendable this shade is, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend any of the Milani Baked Blushes. A few of the shades are matte, so they may not blend as easily, but I’m anxious to try them in the future.

If you want a vibrant blush that’s bold and in your face, this may not be the color for you. I think it creates a soft, natural look that’s easy for anyone to wear. If you’re going full glam or just doing blush and mascara for the store, this should compliment your look regardless.

My only complaint about Milani Luminoso is that I waited so long to try it! If I can ever pry myself from this beautiful shade, I want to try Rose D’Oro or Dolce Pink, too!

If you’re in the market for a beautiful new blush this fall, I can’t recommend Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso enough. I’m sure you’ll love it!

Primer: Nivea Men Sensitive Post Shave Balm

Foundation: Covergirl 3-in-1 Foundation

Concealer: Maybelline Fit Me Concealer

Setting Powder: e.l.f. Studio HD Translucent Powder

Eyeliner: Maybelline Unstoppable Eyeliner in Onyx

Eyeshadow: wet n wild Color Icon Eyeshadow Trio in Velour Vixen

Eyeshadow Primer: Maybelline Eye Studio Color Tattoo Metal in Barely Branded

Mascara: Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes

Blush: Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso

Highlighter: Wet n Wild MegaGlo Illuminating Palette

Bronzer: Physicans Formula Bronze Booster

Lipstick: Le Marc Lip Creme Lipstick by Marc Jacobs in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang

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e.l.f. Illuminating Palette

Hey friends! Are you a fan of highlighters? I AM. I’m also a fan of not spending tons of money on them. That is where the $6 e.l.f. Illuminating Palette comes in.

In the picture above, I have my full face of makeup on, except for a highlighter. I think it’s still a great look, but highlighter definitely adds that extra pop. Below, I applied highlighter on one half of my face…can you tell which side?

Here…I’ll give you some help!

It’s not a huge difference, but I think on the right my under-eye area definitely looks brighter, and my cheeks have a nice pop of sheen.

This e.l.f. Illuminating Palette is a pretty good bang for your buck…er…six bucks. I often see highlighters referred to as “bright enough to be seen from space.” I don’t know if this highlighter is quite that impressive. If we’re keeping with the atmosphere theme, I bet it could be seen from the stratosphere, though? Not bad for the price!

I typically apply the highlighter on my cheekbones, center of my nose, cupid’s bow, upper chin, and center forehead. I also use the lightest shade to brighten my under-eye area.

This palette definitely adds a subtle, but pretty sheen where applied. It lasts throughout the day very well on me, also.

According to e.l.f., “This beautiful illuminating palette holds 4 gorgeous complementary shades to mix and match for a custom blended radiance that captures, diffuses, and softens the way light reflects on the skin. The soft-focus powders are great for highlighting around the eyes and on cheekbones to enhance the skin with a luminous effect.”

You can see the four shades included below. I typically use a combination of the top two.

e.l.f also says these colors can be used as shadows, which I think could create a beautiful, natural makeup look. I mean, as natural as shimmering eyelids can look, you know.

Like I said, I don’t think these highlighters will be blinding any astronauts, but they’re a great purchase. If you’re wanting to test out highlighting without spending tons of money, give this palette a try!

Have you had luck with any other drugstore highlighters I should check out?

Foundation: Maybelline Fit Me Matte and Poreless

Concealer: Maybelline Fit Me

Bronzer: NYX Matte Bronzer

Blush: Wet n Wild Color Icon Blusher Pearlescent Pink

Eyeshadow: Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette

Eyeliner: Maybelline Unstoppable Eyeliner

Mascara: Covergirl Clump Crusher Extensions LashBlast Mascara

Lipstick: Le Marc Lipstick by Marc Jacobs in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang