![The perfect purple highligher placement.](/web/20170303063034im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/u/j/t/6/7/image.related.articleLeadNarrow.300x0.gujr7i.png/1487833115043.jpg)
My latest how-did-I-live-without-this-product discovery is the universally flattering violet highlighter. M.A.C's Carol Mackie, who works her magic backstage at many a major ready-to-wear runway, and is always brimming with beauty tips, put me onto this little beauty find.
According to Mackie, "Violet highlighter can be used on all sorts of different skin tones." Her favourite is M.A.C Extra Dimension Skinfinish Powder in Soft Frost. "Its super-sheer lightweight texture means it can be used on pale skin tones to add a warm glow to the skin, on olive tones to add radiance and on darker skin tones it's great used wet for super shine."
Dianna Ruth of Milk Makeup is also a fan of lilac highlighters because of their versatility, and has created her own cult lilac stick. She told Refinery29, "Lilac is a universal tone — white doesn't work on all skin tones, [nor] does pink. Everyone has natural purple in their veins, that's what makes it work on everybody."
The science behind this trend is based on purple or lavender concealer that as been around for eons and works to colour-correct skin tone. Lilac shades help brighten dull-looking skin. Typically worn on cheekbones and eyelids, it can also give your lipstick shade a little boost. Just dab it on the centre of your lips post lipstick application.
I worked a violet highlighter into my makeup routine this morning, applying it to my cheeks and eyes, and then I headed out to a breakfast meet and great. I loved its soft highlights and the barely there violet hue. And it got the thumbs-up from the beauty posse. I'm hooked.
But of course for me, one luminiser is never enough; I am also embracing the cult-worthy Becca Prismatic Lavender Shimmery Skin Perfector. It is highly pigmented, so be a little cautious.The colour is mother-of-pearl, flitting from soft gold to lavender depending on the light. So basically, fifty shades of violet. For more on the do's and don'ts of shimmer, check-out Becca's Kerry Cole.
Best application
Use a fluffy brush and buff the highlighter onto cheekbones, eyelids and anywhere else you fancy.