Beauty Brush-Up: How To Use... Illuminator! ♥

Hi!

My name's Illuminator.

You may remember me from posts such as 'Illuminator. Used To Be Part Of My Beauty Memory Bank. Now Just Part Of My Obsession Bank.' and 'When ''Fresh'', ''Glow-y'' and ''Radiance'' Are The Aims Of The Game'!

So! Yesterday I discussed why Illuminator definitely, definitely needs to be in your beauty cabinet/cosmetic bag, and some of you kindly pointed out that while it was all fine and dandy to be talking it up, singing it's praises and generally carrying on like a mad woman about it, there was still the very pressing question of: um, how does one actually use it? Ah, yes. Silly, silly me. How could I forget?

So without any further raving, allow me to present to you all the gospel on how to use/apply/build a small fort with* Illuminator:

• Firstly, it may help you to keep in mind that there isn't just one product which spells out 'I Am An Illuminator: Buy Me!' (Unless of course there is, in which case it is very elusive and I am completely wrong.) I discovered this when I set out to purchase one, and was met with blank looks every single time I enquired about it somewhere. No, although they ARE in fact illuminators, they will often disguise themselves under the names 'luminizers', 'radiance boosting cream', 'illuminating bases', 'liquid illuminizers', 'face highlighters', 'illuminating concealers' and other such sneaky identities, so be prepared for this!

• Now, in particular, one of the questions I received yesterday was from the lovely Katie of the superb Treslola, who asked:

''Where in the lil routine of primer, blush, foundation, concealor etc does it fit?''

Ah, good question! Generally, Illuminator should be used after your primer, mixed in with your moisturiser or foundation. Why? Because it will give you a foxy, foxy glow. So if you've picked yourself up a 'luminizer', 'radiance boosting cream' or 'liquid illuminizer', use it here and watch that skin sparkle!

• Purchased an 'illuminating base' cream instead? Also good. It's just like a primer (just think of it as an illuminating primer!), but use it after applying your normal primer and then apply your foundation.

• Only interested in focusing on the under eye area? No problem! Grab yourself an 'illuminating concealer' and apply it directly underneath the eye area (after you've put on your foundation, making sure to dab, not grab. And be gentle. Very gentle.)

• Want to highlight various parts of your face? Your best bet is to use a 'highlighter' or a product such as Benefit's High Beam cream, which calls itself a 'luminescent complexion enhancer'. (See what I mean? No mention of the word 'Illuminator' there.) This is currently a major High Rotation Product (HRP) in my beauty routine at the moment, for the simple fact that it makes my skin glow, look healthy, and it scores compliments. How do you use it? After applying your foundation, dab it on your browbone, underneath your eye area, lightly down the bridge of your nose, and on the apples of your cheeks.

Voila! One fresh, fresh, sparkly, shimmery, glow-y young lass indeed.

I hoped this has answered your questions, lovelies, but if not, feel free to ask some more/send me letter bombs**!

xoxo

*Information. Not. Likely. To. Appear. In. This. Post. At. All.

** Please don't send me letter bombs.