MAC Highlighter
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The Glow-Up: A Guide to MAC’s Best Highlighting Sensations
When it comes to achieving that coveted, luminous glow, MAC has been a makeup artist favorite for decades. This iconic brand doesn’t play games – their highlighter formulas range from blinding, molten metallic shines to soft, radiant luminizers that impart the most gorgeous lit-from-within finish. Whether you crave an ultra-intense strobing effect or prefer a subtle, dewy radiance, MAC’s lineup has something for every glow-getter.MAC highlighter: Let’s explore some of their top highlighting heroes so you can discover your ultimate watt-age.
The OG: Mineralize Skinfinish Natural
A cult-classic for good reason, MAC’s Mineralize Skinfinish Natural practically invented the baked gelee highlighter craze way back in the 90s. This unique, dome-shaped pressed powder starts off looking deceptively subtle in the pan. But once that dense, creamy formula hits the skin, it transforms into the most gorgeous, soft-focus radiance.
Finely-milled mineralized ingredients like mica and amino acids create a smooth, natural-looking sheen that appears lit from within. Shades like the iconic Soft & Gentle deliver an all-over glow, while more shimmery hues like Redhead Brass allow for precision highlighting. The finely-spun powder melts seamlessly into skin without a trace of glitter or chalkiness. Just an airbrushed veil of illuminating, your-skin-but-better radiance that never looks dry or excessive.
The Megawatt Glow: Double Gleam
If subtle’s not your style and you demand the maximum possible watt-age, MAC’s Double Gleam highlighters have got you covered. MAC highlighter: These limited edition stunners take highlighter intensity to blinding new levels with their creamy, chrome-like glow.
Double Gleam highlighters contain concentrated Poured Powder Metallic Pearls for a multi-dimensional sheen that reflects every angle of light possible. Their velvety, molten texture glides seamlessly across skin, blending out into an electric metallic luminosity. For those seeking that ultra-artistic, glass skin highlight, cult shades like Double-Gleam and Double-Scorched give you that high-impact pop of fiery gold and multichrome pink with ease.
Just take care when using these ultra-intense formulas and apply with a light hand – a little goes a long way! Those with drier skin types should take extra care blending to avoid emphasizing texture.
The Buttery Goodness: The Glow Play Blush
Don’t sleep on MAC’s beautiful cream-powder hybrid Glow Play Blush formula! While these may be marketed as blushes, their creamy, radiant pigments make for one of the most flattering, natural-looking highlighters around.
Each Glow Play compact features an intricately baked, marbled design packing a punch of multidimensional luminosity. With just one sweep of your brush, you can pick up a mixture of complementary satin, shimmer, and pearl particles for a lit-from-within glow. The bouncy, buttery texture smooths seamlessly over foundation, melting into a second-skin radiance without any chalkiness.
Go for shades with that subtle rosy tint like Cheeky Bugger or Blush, Please for a flattering all-over glow on fair to medium complexions. Or reach for the universally-flattering Grand-Glow for a healthy, fresh luminosity on deeper skin tones. Either way, you’ll be left with perfectly flushed, radiant skin in an instant.
The Underrated Hero: Cream Colour Base
Despite their name, MAC’s Cream Colour Bases were actually designed with highlighting in mind. Don’t let these unassuming compacts fool you – these creamy, densely-packed pigments deliver one of the most intense, blinding strobing glows in the MAC family.
Within each Cream Colour Base compact lies a rich, buttery solid cream highlighter that glides effortlessly over skin in a high-shine, molten metallic finish. Buildable pigmentation allows you to go from subtle gleam to full-on blinding radiance with just a few layers. MAC highlighter: These ultra-creamy formulas also double as eyeshadow bases, taking eye looks to sparkling new heights.
Take shades like Pearl or Lustrewhite for a cool, icy chrome highlight. Or get sultry with shade extensions like Bronze and Vit-A-Mint for a warm, golden glow. No matter your skin tone, you’ll find your perfect radiance match in these smooth, foolproof compacts.
The Subtle Smooth-talker: Iridescent Powder
Looking for that coveted “your skin but better” subtle sheen? MAC’s Iridescent Powders have got you covered. These ultra-finely milled sheer powders create the most natural-looking, soft-focus radiance you’ve ever experienced.
Each silky powder contains hand-milled, micro-fine iridescent particles that deliver a seamless veil of luminosity and light diffusion. Their featherlight formula skims smoothly across skin, minimizing any texture or imperfections while imparting a fresh, lit-from-within finish. The effect is so smooth and natural, it’s nearly imperceptible to the naked eye – until the light hits just right.
For the ultimate everyday glow, reach for shimmery pearlescent shades like Richmetal and Fore-Flushed. Or take your radiance up a notch with more intense pearls like Silver Dusk and Vit-A-Riche. Either way, you’ll be left with the most gorgeous all-over glow that looks seamlessly airbrushed into your skin.
A Glow For Every Skill Level and Skin Tone
Whether you’re a glow-obsessed makeup guru or a total beginner just dipping your toes into highlighting, MAC’s options have you covered. Their formulas range from intense, megawatt metallics to the most subtle sheen, with finishes suited for all skin types and tones. Here’s a handy cheat sheet:
- For Beginner Glow-Getters:
- Mineralize Skinfinish Natural
- Glow Play Blush
- Iridescent Powders
- For Intermediate Radiance:
- Double Gleam
- Cream Colour Bases
- For Max Metallic Glam:
- Cream Colour Bases
- Double Gleam
Skin Tones:
Fair to Light: Go for pearlescent pinks, cool champagnes, and icy whites
Light to Medium: Peachy golds, soft roses, and iridescent beiges
Olive/Tan: Golden bronzes, luxe coppers, and warmer champagnes
Deep: Radiant terracottas, rich ambers, and fiery coppers
No matter your glow goals or skill level, MAC highlighter family will have your complexion looking its absolute radiant best. So forget heavy, glitzy strobing – the most modern radiance delivers seamless luminosity that appears lit from within. Let your inner wattage shine through with MAC!
The Art of the Glow
When applying any MAC highlighter, always start with a freshly-prepped, smooth canvas. After your skincare routine and complexion base, lightly dust or cream your highlighter over the high points of your face where light naturally hits. This includes the cheekbones, brow bones, cupid’s bow, and down the bridge of the nose. You can even dust a bit over the collarbone area for a full-on glow moment.
Blend thoroughly using a dense kabuki brush, fan brush or damp beauty sponge. This diffuses any harsh edges and melts the highlight seamlessly into the skin. Add more layers as desired to build intensity. A light hand and strategic placement make all the difference between a natural-looking radiance and that dreaded “striped” effect.
And don’t forget to play with complementary powder and cream formulas! Layer a cream highlighter under a powder for maximum luminous impact. Or dust a powder on top of cream for a softer, second-skin effect. With strategic combinations, you’ll achieve a truly customized, signature lit-from-within glow.
The Definitive Glow-Up
With their vast range of highlighting formulas spanning powder, cream, liquid, and beyond, MAC makes luminous radiance accessible and achievable for just about anyone. Whether you prefer an intense chrome shine or dewy, soft-focus finish, these perfected formulas take the guesswork out of glow.
So have no fear about that fabled “glowier than thou” look – with MAC’s help, you can achieve the ultimate customized glow that complements your unique complexion. All that’s left is to grab your favorite luminizing formula, hone your highlighting skills, and prepare to glow up in a major way! Luminous days are ahead.
