I've been reading your blog a lot lately and it's so helpful and informative. I was wondering if you could give me some advice on luminizers. I really want my skin to look dewy/wet and I've been trying some luminizers like Benefit High Beam and Nars the Multiple, but they give me acne. I have combination skin and I don't usually break out but I think these products clogged my pores. So then I tried MAC's Strobe Cream, which I don't think does anything. I purchased Halo Effect from Origins and High Light from Boots No 7. I'm also planning to try LORAC Oil-Free Luminizer, Clinique's Uplighting Liquid Illuminator and the one from Smashbox. Do you think you could recommend something that won't cause my skin to break out but still give me that dewy look? --Kate Moon
Holy mother that's a lotta luminizers! My advice on the best one for oily and acne-prone skin below:
Dear Kate,
Ladyfriend, did you seriously buy all those luminizers you just mentioned? Are you bored and wealthy? I mean no offense, just um, will you adopt me or something? 'Cause that is a lot of luminizer coverage, and bouncing from product to product will definitely break anyone out (in fact, I can't remember which came first--my adult onset acne or me becoming a beauty editor, sort of like the chicken and the egg...), not to mention breaking the bank.
But I just had to share your note with the class because I feel you on this one! I'm kinda obsessed with luminizers, too: the right one can really make your complexion look all glowy and milk-maid-y. The Nars and BeneFit products--two examples of products we've both tried--rock, as long as you have normal-to-dry skin that never ever breaks out. But one common trait most of the highlighters you mention in your scarily long and detailed list are that they are liquid, and especially in these summer months (I swear, the East Coast suddenly feels like South East Asia right now), a creamy dew is, in fact, a don't.
You see, if you have any trace of the oiliness usually associated with acne-prone skin, you're really better off shying away from most cream and liquid products altogether for the time being, (at least limit your intake to concealer), or you risk looking greasy, not glowy. Two excellent powder highlighters spring to mind: one, Magic by Prescriptives, the line that started the whole luminizer craze in the first place, still sells their Liquid Powder, which feels nice and cool on the skin and gives a nice, gorgeous sheen without ever threatening to melt off and it's certainly never broken me out. Another great choice for summer, though more subtle, is trying mineral powders, which tend to contain a natural luminescence in the formula, and give extra bonus coverage from the sun (though you still need to wear sunscreen!). I like Bare Escentuals powders, and they also have a Face-Lifting Duo, which contains an excellent highlighter.
Thanks as always for reading Product Fiend, and try not to buy too many more luminzers, girl! I think we're in a recession!?
xoxoxo
--Erin
Related Links from Product Fiend and Allure:
- Subscribe to Allure right now and get a FREE TOTE BAG!
- Celebrity Skin: Our Product Fiends dish on the latest celebrity beauty trends.
- Ready to slim down, tone up, and look your best? Sign up for allure.com's new and improved Total Makeover diet, fitness, and beauty program. Just by registering, you'll be entered to win today's prize, plus the grand prize spa trip for two.
- Being Green: Discover the latest in eco-friendly skincare products.
