Beauty & the Brush: Winter complexion

We’ve all flipped through countless magazines and pined after that seemingly unattainable glow on faces like Jennifer Lopez and Gisele Bundchen. To make matters worse, cold temperatures are inching closer so we’re desperately trying to cling onto the remnants of our luminous summer skin. Have no fear ladies, with the right highlighter and a little instruction, you can maintain your dewy complexion right on into winter.

Highlighters come in multiple forms - stick, powder, and our favourite, liquid. When used correctly, this product will draw attention to key points on your face, giving you that radiance you covet.  Begin by ascertaining the correct consistency for your skin type (the oilier the face, the drier the formulation should be and vice versa), and move on to selecting the colour that complements your natural flush.

For most Pakistani women, gold is the perfect go-to because of our warm undertones. If you have dark skin, reach for rich golds and bronzes that melt into your skin. Unless you have fair skin, we recommend staying away from beiges and silvery pinks, as these tend to dull out warm complexions. Women with lighter skin tones can also apply apricots and light peaches to attain the “candlelit” look.

There are two methods to highlighter application. For those of you that are in a rush, mix a little highlighter with foundation or moisturiser. The result? An all over glow that takes mere seconds. If you have a little more time on your hands, use your highlighter to emphasise the high points on your face, or where the light naturally hits your face.

Highlighters should be applied after the rest of your makeup. To complement your blush and accentuate your bone structure, dot a little shimmer along the top of your cheekbones and gently pat it in. Run your fingers all the way up to your temples for a little extra glow when you turn your head to the side. Some artists even dab a little to the centre of the forehead - but remember to use a light hand.

Once you’ve mastered your cheeks, lightly apply your highlighter under the arch of your eyebrows and blend out to the end of the line. The light contrast on your brow bone will make your eyes look larger and your brows more defined. Finally, transfer a spot of the product onto your cupid’s bow, or the little ‘v’ in your top lip. This will give the illusion of fuller lips.

When applying a highlighter, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, despite what magazines tell you, shimmer powders do not hide flaws by reflecting - they actually tend to accentuate them. If you have dry skin, be sure to moisturise or your skin will look flaky. Furthermore, the sparkles can and will settle into crevices, so stay away if you have large pores or wrinkles.

Finally, if you’re going to be photographed under bright lights (like at weddings), the rule of thumb is to steer clear of highlighters or be minimalistic. When a camera with a heavy flash hits your face, the light will reflect off your highlighter and you will look greasy, not glowy. The last thing you need is framed pictures of you as a permanently sweaty bride.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 20^th, 2010.