Highlighters are a product that can really help make or break a look. If the formulation and application is done right, they really can help elevate your makeup look. If the formulation is on the glittery side, it can look a little tacky, so I tend to opt for a more natural, soft-lit highlight that is buildable. Everyone’s preference when it comes to highlighter is different. I enjoy going for that naturally healthy look, when people assume my healthy glow is natural. Needless to say I have tested my fair share of highlighters over the past 14 years (starting with the infamous MAC Soft & Gentle Mineralize Skinfinish – which is still a firm favourite after all these years). I am super fussy about powdered highlighters and I was surprised by how great the Pixi Glow-y Gossamer Duo’s are, especially for being a powdered formulation. Plus at £20, what a bargain!!
I have the two shades – Subtle Sunrise and Delicate Dew. Delicate Dew consists of a soft, romantic icy pink and a pretty rose gold. Subtle Sunrise consists of a pretty champagne gold and a rosy pink with a soft gold shift. Though Subtle Sunrise is probably the most popular of the 2, I actually prefer how Delicate Dew Looks on my skin. Delicate Dew flatters pale-to-medium skin tones, and Subtle Sunrise looks stunning on Medium-to-deeper complexions. The more rosier shades in the palettes are stunning as blush toppers, to help give the apples of your cheeks a beautiful pinched glow.
The texture of these highlighters are really unique, in that they feel like a cream to the touch, but obviously apply as a powder. The formulation feels like a baked product, that’s been pressed. These are very pigmented, so a little product goes a long way with these. I am super fussy with powdered highlights, but over the last couple of years, the highstreet/drugstore really has stepped up their game, when it comes to great quality highlights that could rival high end.
Swatches: Top 2 – Delicate Dew | Bottom 2 Subtle Sunrise
Above swatches are from AngelaMaryTanner (Instagram here), blog here.
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Application
I mostly use two brushes in my collection for powder highlight application; The Anastasia Beverly Hills A23 Tapered Blending Brush and the Wayne Goss Air Brush (which has sadly been discontinued ). I use the ABH A23 for densely packed/Hard-pressed highlighters and I prefer the Wayne Goss for softer and baked formulations (like the Mac MSF). However, I don’t like the ABH brush to apply these, as I found it enhanced skin texture. I would say if you like a more blinding highlight use a dense brush like the ABH, and if you like a more natural or editorial look, then I’d recommend the Wayne Goss. My favourite technique for applying these Pixi highlights, is to apply with my finger in the areas I want to highlight, then blend out with either brush. It gives such a natural, soft and pretty look to the skin.
The Pixi By Petra Glow-y Gossamer Duo is Available in the UK for £20, directly from Pixi Beauty UK.
Overall, If you are someone who enjoys an intense glow, these are most definitely worth checking out. They are still one of my favourite powdered highlighters in my collection. They have an interesting texture and who can argue with the price tag for basically two highlighters in one?!
Bisous de ton amie beauté, Jamey xo
