Photo: tibchris / Flickr

Illuminators (also known as luminisers) are part of every make-up artist’s arsenal but something most women don’t consider a must-have item. In theory, illuminators are very smart products. They’re pearlescent lotions, creams and powders designed to create the sheen and radiance of young skin. Used incorrectly, they can make you look glittery and overly made-up. But used the right way, they give the skin a fantastic glow.

What are illuminators?

Illuminators are products with shiny minerals in them like ground-up mica. The minerals deflect light, helping to soften blemishes and problem areas while highlighting other areas where the light hits. It’s a great product for under the eyes, making dark circles less noticeable. Used sparingly over the whole face, they give the skin a dewy effect.

How to use them

Illuminators need to be used conservatively. Dab them on over foundation, but before you apply powder. If you’re not using an illuminator to disguise dark circles, only put the product where light naturally hits the skin – on the cheekbones, brow and collarbones.

If your skin is looking grey and tired, smooth a small amount of illuminator under your foundation for glow. Do use it very sparingly, though, and apply with a make-up brush for an even finish.

It’s not foundation

People often think that, because illuminators soften the skin, they can be substituted for foundation. These products work better used with foundation, especially when covering problem areas.

Colours

Choose the colour of your illuminator based on your skin tone – gold, bronze, peach and pearly white illuminators will have a subtle effect if chosen to match your complexion. Colours like rose, pink and violent are less subtle and should be confined to the clavicles or cheekbones.

Prep your skin

Illuminators will make any dry, flaky areas on your skin seem worse. Always exfoliate before applying the product and be sure to moisturise, too.

Tags: make up, make-up tips