There are so many different products on the market that it can be tedious to figure them all out. However, illuminator makeup is worth the extra effort. If you’re wondering what is illuminator makeup, this article is for you.
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What Is Illuminator Makeup?
Illuminator makeup is a product that gives your entire face a radiant glow. For example, Mac Strobe Cream is a very popular illuminator. Illuminators are available in cream, powder, or stick form to find a product that suits you.
Shimmer products like highlighters and bronzers are usually thrown into the illuminator category, but these products all have different purposes. Illuminators are designed to give you an all-over glow. You can
Bronzer
Bronzer is available in a matte or shimmer formula. Shimmer formulas can help create the glow from within look, but they aren’t supposed to be used the same way an illuminator makeup is. Bronzer is specially designed to help create a natural, sunkissed glow. People apply bronzer to the same places the sun naturally hits, creating the perfect warmth and dimension. Usually, you apply bronzer in the shape of a three.
Highlighter Vs. Illuminator
When people think of a makeup product that gives your skin a glow, they instantly think of a highlighter. Highlighters have cornered the market for products that give you a pop of radiance, but there are differences between highlighters and face illuminators.
Like bronzer, highlighter is available in matte and shimmer formulas. It is designed to spotlight specific areas. People apply it to the high points of their faces, like their cupid’s bow, the center of the forehead, and the center of the nose. This creates more light and brings attention to certain areas.
Illuminators are designed differently. Depending on the effect you want to achieve, you can apply them before or after foundation. Mixing illuminators like Mac Strobe Cream with foundation is another popular idea. These products can be used on specific points like highlighters, but they can also be used all over your face for a subtle glow you’ll love.
Don’t use a highlighter as an illuminator. You don’t want that pop of radiant color all over your face. However, you can use an illuminator as a highlighter. Use your illuminator on critical face spots like a highlighter for a subtle look.
What’s The Purpose Of Illuminator Makeup?
Illuminator facial makeup gives you an all-over glow. The subtle, radiant glow is perfect for anyone who wants to achieve the trending dewy look. These products enhance the light’s natural reflection on the skin for a radiant finish. They’re the perfect way to get a dewy glow without buying a new makeup collection.
Do You Use Face Illuminators Before Or After Foundation?
You can use them before or after the foundation. When you apply your illuminator, it depends on the look you want to achieve.
Before Foundation For A Subtle Glow
Use an illuminator before foundation for a more subtle glow. This is an excellent tactic if you want a glow-from-within look. Many illuminators can also work as a primer, so you would apply it instead of primer in your makeup routine. Apply illuminators that won’t double as a primer after primer and before your foundation for a subtle glow.
After Foundation For A Dewy Glow
For a noticeable glow, apply your strobe cream after the foundation. You want to apply it directly after your foundation, but before your other face makeup, like highlighter and bronzer for an all over glow.
Mix Foundation And Illuminator
Another option is to mix the foundation with the illuminator. This is easier if you have a liquid illuminator and liquid foundation. Put them on your hand, mix them, and apply your foundation normally. This helps create a slight glow without going overboard. Mixing foundation and an illuminator is ideal for anyone who wants to tone down the glow but still look radiant.
As A Highlighter
Think of an illuminator as similar to a highlighter. You should apply it to the areas where you want a little shimmer dimension. You can use the same highlighter hacks you usually do, like mixing it with your foundation. Many people use an illuminator, like a strobing cream, as a highlighter. Apply it to the same places you would a highlighter, such as the high points on your face.
Types Of Illuminator Makeup
Liquid
Liquid illuminator products are the most popular choice. Their liquid formula makes it easy to blend them with foundation or other skincare products, such as moisturizer. You can easily apply them with a brush, blender, or your fingers. Most products are lightweight, buildable, and blendable.
Our Picks
MAC Strobe Cream
MAC Strobe Cream remains one of the most popular illuminator products. The creamy formula easily blends into the skin for an instant glow up. It can be used as a primer, mixed with foundation, or on top of other makeup. An inclusive shade range ensures there’s something for everyone.
Why You’ll Love It
- Seamless application
- Strengthens skin barrier
- Moisturizing
- Long-lasting
Iconic London Underglow Blurring Primer
Underglow Blurring Primer brings you the benefits of a primer with the dewy look of an illuminator. This hybrid product blurs pores for an instant filter-like finish, making it the perfect way to get cloud skin. Easily wear it under your makeup for a long-lasting look or by itself for a soft-focus finish.
Why You’ll Love It
- Great for sensitive skin
- Blurring effect
- Cruelty free
- Vegan
Cream
Cream products offer the benefits of powder and liquid illuminators. Their creamy formula is buildable and easily blends into the skin for a seamless application. They’re suitable for every skin type, and many contain hydrating ingredients to help soothe dehydrated skin. Their rich texture makes them ideal for targeted applications.
Lily Lolo Cream Illuminator
Lily Lolo Cream Illuminator comes in a convenient compact that makes it easy to apply on the go. The creamy formula is perfect for targeted application. Wear this illuminator as a highlighter or a blush. You can also wear it under foundation for an all-over glow. It’s versatile, shimmer, and packs the perfect amount of pigment.
Why You’ll Love It
- Cruelty-free
- Hydrating ingredients
- Balm-like formula
- Portable
RMS Beauty Illuminator
The creamy, balm-like formula blends easily into the skin for a soft, subtle glow. It glides on transparently, leaving behind a naturally radiant appearance. This product is perfect for people who don’t want a lot of pigment in their illuminator makeup. However, other shades, such as pinks, are also available.
Why You’ll Love It
- Blends easily
- Transparent
- Natural radiance
- On the go application
Powder
Powder products used to be ideal for oily skin and always have a matte effect. However, modern formulas have introduced powders for dry skin as well. Infused with hyaluronic acid, these products can help keep your skin smooth and soft all day. Powder illuminators are ideal for people who want a touch of shimmer. They usually don’t pack as much pigment as liquid products, but are buildable. Consider a powder illuminator if the rest of your makeup is also a powder formula.
Our Pick
Laura Mercier Face Illuminating Powder
Instantly get the glow up you’re after with this powder illuminator makeup. Use it for a targeted highlight or dust a light coating over your skin for an all-over glow. The buildable formula can help you go from subtle to strobe-worthy in a matter of minutes. There are different shades available for different skin tones.
Why You’ll Love It
- Creamy texture provides smooth application
- Convenient compact
- Multi-purpose
- Buildable
Stick
Stick illuminators often bring the same benefits as cream products, but are available in a convenient stick formula. The stick is portable, making them a great option for anyone who’s always on the go. They make it easy to apply touchups. Stick formulas can work well if you only want to wear an illuminator, and can be used under makeup. Most of these products aren’t designed to function as a primer, and they aren’t as blendable as cream formulas. THey’re best for targeted applications.
Our Pick
Wander Beauty On-The-Go Blush And Illuminator
Wander Beauty Blush and Illuminator is designed for girls on the go. Easily throw it in your purse or carry-on to ensure you look flawlessly radiant no matter where you’re headed. It’s available in multiple shades to ensure you can find something to coordinate with your skin tone.
Why You’ll Love It
- Multi-tasking makeup sticks can be used on the eyes, face, lips, and body
- Seamlessly blends
- Gluten-free and cruelty-free
What Is Illuminator Makeup?
Illuminator makeup is the perfect way to get a glowy look you’ll love. It can instantly elevate your everyday makeup look to one of a dewy goddess. You’ll discover products packed with glitter and others that offer a more subtle shine. This single makeup product is quickly becoming everyone’s must-have.
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