Let's Talk: The "Kim Kardashian" Highlighting

Hey y'all! If you've been a makeup lover for quite some time, you're probably familiar with the highlighting craze that was created by Kim Kardashian's makeup. If you're not, I'll explain it a little bit here and will show a picture. Underneath her eyes in a triangular shape, Kim usually has a concealer a few shades lighter than her natural skin tone. The purpose of this is to erase any bags that may be underneath her eyes and to bring light to the center of her face. This creates the awake, youthful look that she has become known for rocking.

In the picture above, she is shown with it before blending (left) and after blending and adding the rest of the makeup, including her contour, blush, etc. (right). I absolutely love the concept and the look! However, the issue that has arisen from it is unfortunate. Many people, too many, are walking around with the "before blending" look! Even I have been guilty of it, as much as it pains me to admit. But makeup is a learning experience that is often filled with trial and error, lots of it for some of us. Makeup trends don't last forever, but the pictures that we took while the trend was hot do. Some of us will look back at our pictures five years from now and wonder, "Why didn't anyone tell me I looked crazy?!" much like we do with some fashion trends. I'm still learning about techniques and what works on and for my skin, but in this area I think I've pretty much learned what works for me, and I'd like to share it. As you all well know, I'm not a professional, but I enjoy sharing in hope that you'll benefit as well.

1. Choose concealers no more than 2-3 shades lighter than your skin tone for your undereye area. There are some professional MUAs who use products 4 or more shades lighter, but they're pros who may know how to make it work better than those of us who are just enthusiasts. Be sure to consider your undertones when making your selection.
2. If you will be taking pictures with flash, avoid using makeup products that contain titanium dioxide. They will make your skin look washed out and will make under eye concealer look whitish!
3. Be sure to blend really, really well, although that goes pretty much without saying.
4. Don't forget to set your concealer, either with a translucent power or a flesh tone powder close to the color of the concealer you chose.
5. If you feel the concealer looks too light, mix in a bit of the regular concealer that you use on your blemishes, or set it with the powder you use on the rest of your face. This should tone down the brightness.
6. Contour! Highlighting and contouring go hand in hand in terms of sculpting and shaping your face. Learn your face shape and how to appropriately contour for the specific shape of your face. Everyone's is different. There's a great questionnaire to help you determine your face shape at The Beauty Department's website, here is the link: http://thebeautydepartment.com/2012/11/finding-your-face-shape/ . There's also a wonderful blog post by Jade (from Make Me Stunning) with instructions on how to contour for your face shape right here on blogspot! Here's the link to that: http://makemestunningjade.blogspot.com/2011/11/contouring-for-all-face-shapes.html. A basic face shape chart to help you get started is below.

Alright folks, I've rambled on long enough lol. Bad highlighting can make even the most beautiful of people look ridiculous. Hope this helps in some way! Be sure to let me know if it did. ;-)

Take care,
~ Lindsi