Georgia Phelps I think it’s safe to say that even now, years after ‘contouring’ became a thing, it’s something that the majority of us do out of habit most days when getting ready. If we’re not contouring, we’re bronzing and I’m pretty sure most people opt for the ultimate glow to go alongside this too. Personally, I love to sculpt my face every single day with both bronzer and highlighter because after all, I don’t want to permanently look like a potato.
The beauty market is so massively saturated with products that it can be nothing short of overwhelming when you step onto a beauty floor or have a browse online. I’m lucky enough to work within the beauty industry and being around these products on a daily basis for the past 4 and a half years has really opened my eyes up to what the best products on the market really are. In no particular order, I’m here to share my must-have items for bronzing, contouring and highlighting the skin.
Smashbox Contour Kit – £29.50
This contour kit has been a staple within my collection ever since I first started using make-up on a daily basis. I think I’m on about my 3rd kit now (along with half used ones in bigger palettes) and will continue to buy this product time and time again because it never fails me.
Providing you with a contour shade (cool toned and ashy for a shadow effect), a bronze shade (a warm, golden undertone) and a brightening shade (pale yellow to brighten those dark areas) this palette is absolutely perfect for everyday use. The pigmentation is to die for and the powders blend seamlessly onto the skin. Equipped with a handy mirror and brush for application, this palette is perfect for on-the-go use too.
Chanel Tan De Soleil – £40
I purchased this bronzer about 2 years ago and it’s still going strong so don’t let the high price point scare you off. This buttery cream bronzer gives the most beautiful all-over warmth to the skin without making it appear orange, patchy or over the top.
I apply mine all over the skin during Summer (this is a great tip for on holiday when you don’t want to wear foundation) or in specific areas that I want to bronze throughout the rest of the year. I’ve personally found that the best way to apply this product is with a large kabuki brush as it buffs the cream onto the skin seamlessly.
MAC Oh Darling! Highlighter – £25.50
Out of all highlighters that I own, I get compliments the most on MAC Oh Darling. This Mineralise SkinFinish Powder provides you with the most beautiful and intense, warm golden glow that is probably visible from space.
I apply this using the Real Techniques contouring brush onto my cheekbones, down the centre of my nose, cupids bow and brow bone and won’t stop applying until my skin literally looks wet. I want the ultimate glow day in, day out and MAC Oh Darling gives me exactly that.
Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Bronzer – £26.00
As soon as the word ‘bronzer’ is mentioned, my mind instantly thinks of the Benefit Cosmetics Hoola bronzer and I’m sure I’m not the only one. Hoola is the UK’s number 1 best selling bronzer and I can 100% understand why. It’s completely matte formula contains no orange or red pigment which makes it the perfect shade for contouring and sculpting out the face. Equipped with a mirror and cute little brush, this bronzer is perfect to take in your handbag or travelling too.
I’m also super excited that Benefit have now extended their Hoola shade range to include 4 different shades – Lite, Original, Caramel and Toasted. This is great because now, their bronzers cater for every skin tone. My personal favourites are the original (I use this to contour) and Caramel (this slightly warmer tone gives the perfect bronze to my skin.)
Anastasia Beverly Hills x Nicole Guerriero Glow Kit – £46.00
I’ve talked about this palette a thousand times here on my blog and I will continue to do so until I’ve completely used it up and that’s because I still love it as much as I did the day it arrived through my door.
The glow that is achievable from this palette is like nothing I’ve ever come across. The powders are nothing short of blinding on the cheekbones and looks beautiful both in person and in photos. I also love the range of shades within this palette because whether I’m my normal pasty self or bronzed up with fake tan, there’s a shade perfect for any skin tone.
Just like that, there we have my favourite products for warming up, sculpting and brightening the skin.
I hope you’ve enjoyed today’s post and thank you so much for reading.
Love & Lipstick,
Georgia x
