I could begin this by talking about spring and how radiant skin is a must this season, what with the racing and the parties. But that would be problematic for two reasons: 1. Thanks to global warming it already feels like high summer and, 2. Nothing you buy in the name of beauty should ever be considered a must.
Hey, #latecapitalism, but also #thirdwavefeminism, right?
The fact is, though, glowing skin looks more authentic in the warmer months. Whereas, if you're shiny in winter you run the risk of looking menopausal. Which is great! If that's the personal season you're in. Who needs periods anyway? You go, lady!
Uh. Where was I? Okay. Yes, Illuminisers, highlighters (call them what you will) have been used to great effect over the last few years to produce that luminous ideal.
I mean, you can't contour effectively without them. Sure, you've got your bronzer to sculpt but without illuminiser's highlights you look like you're playing the role of Scarecrow in a small-town production of Wizard of Oz.
And, look. Some illuminiser use has crossed over into abuse. You know what I'm talking about: when certain ladies (and gents) highlight so heavily they look straight-up celestial.
I'm not condemning it, (I sort of am.) I guess what I'm trying to say is that if you want to look dewy and fresh as opposed to sweaty and alien, you've got to follow some rules. You know, keep your application above the brows, only lightly over the temples, so you may blend it in to the highest part of your cheekbone, then your cupid's bow, etc.
At least, that's what I used to believe. Until I saw Aimee Song on Instagram last month.
If you have more than a passing interest in beauty you've probably heard of Aimee Song. She has a awe-inspiring fashion and beauty blog called Song of Style with four million followers on Instagram.
Song recently garnered a sponsorship deal with Laura Mercier. So there she was in her entry on no-make up makeup, looking gorgeous as ever with a face that appeared as though it had been dipped in illuminiser. No highlights or low lights, just her entire skin shining like a heat lamp.
And you know something? It looked kind of amazing.
"WHAT IS GOING ON?" I yelled in my brain. "She just spread it all over her FACE?"
I admit, I was incredulous.
The answer soon became clear – because it was listed in the products section at the bottom. Aimee used a tinted moisturiser with a built-in illuminator. I realised then that she'd instantly made the old rules about illuminisers completely passe. "Of course!" I said to my brain. "Highlights are so basic, so obvious."
But, a shiny face? This was something. I quickly got one of my own and what do you know? I looked glowy. I felt audacious. Liberated. Free.
Ok. I didn't feel those last two things, it's not like I stumbled into a #feminist utopia and suddenly abandoned my bra.
Here are three Illuminators you can wear all over your face without looking like you had a near death experience.
Revlon Photoready Skinlights Face Illuminator, $29.95 (Available at Priceline)
Nars Illuminator, $44 (Available at Mecca Cosmetica)
Laura Mercier Illuminating Tinted Moisturiser, $65 (Available at David Jones)