Rounding out our series of favorite products for HAC’ing, here are my favorite high-end products. For my drugstore faves, read here.
This is where the money’s at, literally.
For the contour under my cheekbones, down the sides of my nose and around my forehead and jaw, I love The Balm Bahama Mama bronzer. I’ve tried a lot of different products for contouring and this one is perfection for us olives. It’s dark enough for our skin, has no shimmer and no orange undertones. The reason why I love it is because any bronzer that has too much warmth or leans orange doesn’t make a great contour color. Remember, contour is supposed to look like a shadow to make that area recede a bit for dimension. The color needs to be more on the ashy or cool side. Also, this powder is super pigmented so a little goes a long way and the consistency is very soft. Seriously, this is the best for contouring product for me…and you know I’ve tried a lot. The best price I found it was from Amazon for around $11. It normally retails for around $20.
For my highlight under my eyes, down the center of my nose/forehead and chin, I love Clinique Even Better Concealer in Buttermilk. This color has a definite yellow tint to it but it’s exactly the shade us olives need to give warmth when using such a light color. If you use a light color that leans too pink or even too beige, it tends to look ashy. The coverage is decent but not the best so if you need to really conceal something first, use your regular concealer, then pat the Buttermilk on top for the color. Available at Nordstrom for $19.50.
My favorite illuminator is Benefit Watt’s Up! You’ve heard us talk about it before here so I won’t get into the review too much. I use this on top of my cheekbones, brow bones and a dab on my Cupid’s Bow after I have finished the HAC job. Just a bit, warmed up between your fingers, then lightly patted on those areas gives you an instant glow. Available at Bloomingdales for $30.
Once all the products are applied, I take my Beauty Blender and lightly blend everything, making sure I focus on the edges where I applied each color so there are no obvious lines. Be careful not to completely blend everything together because it defeats the purpose of applying different shades on different areas. Beware of impostors. Many sponges may look like the Beauty Blender but don’t come close to the original. Available at Sephora for $19.95.
My finishing product is Hourglass Ambient Light Powder in Dim Light, applied with a big fluffy brush and lightly swirled all over. It sets everything and diffuses the skin, making it look soft and smooth but not powdery. Available at Sephora for $45.
For just under $135, these products are much more cost-effective (and painless) than plastic surgery. The right HAC job can really create the illusion of a slimmer nose, prominent cheekbones and jaw as well as enhancing your skin. Watch our favorite HAC artist here for a step-by-step lesson and truly amazing transformation!
The post Olive’s Favorite High End Highlight/Contour Products appeared first on Ivory and Olive.
