How to Apply Highlighter Powder

I love the look of wearing makeup, but I just don’t love the time it take to put it on. A few recent additions have actually made my routine easier – namely this highlighter powder from Laura Mercier.

Earlier this summer, I paid a visit to my local Laura Mercier counter in Nordstrom. I’ve been a fan of their makeup for a few years now and use their products almost exclusively. I asked the esthetician for help with a natural look that provided me with coverage but didn’t take 12 years to apply (because I obviously don’t have that kind of time (or patience) on my hands).

She somewhat revamped my summer makeup routine, and I LOVE the new additions – most of all this powder. It’s a highlighting powder that makes me look rested, refreshed, and even sun-kissed when I am only some or absolutely none of the above…

Laura Mercier Highlighter Powder

This powder is super easy to apply. I used my finger first, which is totally fine, but now I use my eyeshadow blending brush. After you’ve done your bronzer/blush, swipe your finger or blending brush into the highlighting powder and swish it across the top of your cheekbones – just outside your eye area. For a little extra highlight, swipe down the bridge of your nose and over your chin.

I’ve had friends tell me I look sun-kissed when I’ve been really been working at my desk for the past few days. Bronzer does a lot for color, but this highlighter powder really gives you that shine of rested and relaxed. And we can all use a little extra rest and relaxation even if it didn’t really happen, right?

What this powder does is to give you that sunkissed look without the color that bronzer might add. I’ve received quite a few compliments this summer about how refreshed I look. Since that hasn’t always been the story, I attribute a lot of it to this powder.

Interestingly enough, this highlighting powder is sold as part of the same line as my bronzer (the matte radiance baked powder), though obviously this color is a lot lighter.

A quick note about applying my favorite setting powders over this highlighter powder. At first the setting powders seem to mattify your makeup, but give it a few minutes and all the shimmer and highlight will pop through (and last all day)!

{photography by Emily Provansal}