Shimmer, Shimmer Little Star

by Valerie Gladstone — September 3, 2007

Since I don't get tan, I'm always looking for ways to brighten my skin in the summer--without looking like a painted doll, of course. Shimmer is a good way to go, if it's carefully applied. I took the trouble to learn from a patient saleswoman at Sephora, who handed over these tips. (Before I talk to a saleswoman giving makeup advice, I check out how she put on her makeup. If she looks like a Jackie Collins wannabe, I move on. I could do that all by myself!)

• Use shimmer not frost, which looks thick and dated.
• Shimmer is best when blended well.
• Use a brush that you use for shimmer only; you don't want your matte face powder touched with bits of glitter.
• Try it first on your cheeks, using a big fluffy brush.
• Lightly dust reflective powder on the highest point of your cheekbones.
• Apply it after blush, so your checks aren't lighter than the rest of your face.
• Don't wear shimmer on your cheeks, eyes, and nails all at once. A bit on your cheeks and a dab on the eyes is all you need to open up and lighten your entire face.

Shimmer can either open your eyes or overwhelm them. To avoid the latter, use a thin brush to dab a light, cream-to-powder eye shadow to the inner corners of your eyes. Then, keeping the brush as close to the lower lash line as possible, drag it outward to create a very thin line.

Shimmer looks best in the evening, and preferably not with a glittery dress (sparkle overload). Instead wear something simple--but I'm not talking sweats.

Shimmer is fine for older women with fine lines and/or wrinkles. Just keep the shimmer on the apples of the cheeks and the lower lids. Otherwise it will settle into the creases and draw attention to them. Not exactly our aim here.

Check out Sephora for makeup kits that include shimmers or its Radiant Loose Powder In A Brush, a silky-smooth loose translucent powder in a self-contained brush applicator, for $18 (available in the store or online). Sephora also has a great collection of brushes. You could try The Complexion Brush for $18.