Even if my job didn’t depend on it, I would still spend a huge chunk of my life reading about and obsessing over super cool makeup launches, collaborations and trends. The fact that I’m a compulsive shopper and crazy makeup hoarder can be a huge plus for my life as a Beauty Editor, but not so much for my bank balance! Though I prefer to go makeup-free more often than not, that doesn’t stop me from wanting to own all the coolest products. Which is how I ended up splurging on the most fabulous highlighting palette to have been launched this year – The Anastasia Beverly Hills Nicole Guerriero Glow Kit.
I may not apply too much makeup in my daily life, which can be surprising considering the industry I work in, but I more than make up for that in the highlighter department. To say that I’m a tad bit obsessed about these magical formulas that can make even the dullest of complexions light up like a bulb, is an understatement. In fact, I find it super surprising that a majority of Indian women don’t even own, and have never used a highlighter, ‘coz they’re so damn awesome! Don’t get me wrong, my illuminator collection can put even a Kardashian to shame, but I never go overboard with the application – just the perfect amount to brighten and add a healthy-looking radiance, which is enough to add a spring to my step for the rest of the day.
So, even though I was more than happy with the glow-inducing products in my collection, this impulsive buy actually turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made! Any beauty junkie or YouTube aficionado would know that Anastasia Beverly Hills is one of the most amazing brands around – seriously, if you’re travelling abroad then their products should really be on your must-buy list. Their previous glow kits have received rave reviews from beauty gurus and makeup artists. I happened to be in New York this Spring, visiting my sister, when on a routine visit to Sephora (‘coz that’s my idea of fun!) this new illuminating palette dropped. The brand collaborated with Nicole Guerriero, who, with over 2.8 million YouTube subscribers is one of the most-loved beauty influencers there is. Obviously, I just had to get my hands on it! Oh and it didn’t disappoint at all!
It comes in a pretty, baby pink packaging with 6 love-at-first-sight shades that blend like a dream. Whether you use a soft-bristled brush or a beauty blender, you’ll notice how easily they blend into your skin. The first time I used it, I was blown away with just how glowy I looked – no kidding, I couldn’t stop shaking my head from side to side in the mirror to admire how it reflected light so beautifully on my cheekbones. The best part about it is that you can blend 2 or 3 shades together to get a healthy-looking radiance – experiment with it to find the right mix that suits you best. Personally, I like to blend the shades Kitty Kat and Forever Young as they bring a healthy glow to my skin, without being too pigmented. Sometimes, I even add a hint of the shade Daydream to the concoction, when I’ve got a leisurely amount of time to get ready, which doesn’t happen often.
Even if you don’t love all the shades as illuminators, they can be used as eyeshadows and even on your browbone, making this baby a great value for money. Needless to say, this is the palette I reach for the most in my makeup highlighter collection now, though I prefer using it for evening events as its awesome illuminating effect is a bit much for my daytime, makeup-free routine. It feels light on the skin and that lovely radiance lasts for hours! It’s vegan and cruelty-free, which is always a plus in our books. If you’ve always been awestruck by the glow, a lot of bloggers and makeup artists flaunt on Instagram, you can achieve it yourself with this pretty, little thing in your vanity kit.
Psst! If you can’t convince your NRI relatives to bring this palette down for you, then you can buy it on amazon here. #ThatGlowTho
