May your day be as bright as your highlight

I don't know about you, but I never feel quite ready for a special night out until I have my highlighter on. There's just something about having that bit of sparkle catching the light, that makes me feel like I'm a princess in a Disney movie!

I've never been one for liquid highlighters, I find they tend to melt on my skin and go a little patchy. Powdered highlighters, I find, are much easier to apply and have better staying power. You can build the intensity of a powdered highlighter gradually which prevents you from blinding people... you know what I mean, the people that get carried away with highlighter and end up having a face brighter than the sun!

I've tried a number of powdered highlighters over the years, but recently came across a palette that I love! The palette in question is the Hyper Real Glow by MAC in Flash + Awe. Below is an exact description of this palette taken from MAC's website:

'Delivering a high-impact sheen, the creamy powder formula applies and blends effortlessly creating a strobe-like glow that reflects light with a shimmering, luminous effect. Housed in a sleek mirrored compact, the trio promises a flawless, picture-perfect complexion'.

As MAC have said, the trio of highlighters are extremely blendable and easy to work with. They create an effortless, flawless look which is perfect for that special evening or occasion you have to go to. This palette also picks up so well in both natural daylight and under flash photography.

To make sure you get the best results possible, I wanted to add some tips here for you:

- Remember that highlighter is there to help emphasis certain parts of your face, so make sure you are using it in the right places. You want to be adding it to your cheek bones to help accentuate your bone structure. You can add it to the top of your cupids bow to make your lips appear slightly fuller, and you can also add some underneath the arch of your brows to make your eyes appear larger and your brows appear more defined.

- Remember that a little goes a long way. Unless you want to be looking like a sun beam... then I suggest you start off with a little and slowly build it up. It's easier to build product up than to take it all off...

- Application is key. There are a number of ways you can apply highlighter, I tend to start by using the tip of my fingers, which is a great way to pick up a lot of product, and then move on to a brush to blend it all out.

Another great thing about this palette is that is has a trio of highlighters, all different shades. You can go from using the lightest one when you just want a little pop of sparkle, to the deeper shade when you're on holiday and sporting a golden tan. It makes those golden hour photos even more amazing!

This palette retails at £36. It might feel like a lot of money to part with for a highlighter, but it really is an investment and the compact contains a mirror, which is great for when you go away and can never find a mirror located near decent lighting... you all know what I mean - why are hotel rooms like this?!

That's it from me this week, so until next time... 'don't forget to stay focused and extra sparkly!'