Main characteristics of face and body shimmers. Types of shimmery products, popular brands, application rules. User reviews.
Shimmers are not just powder or glittery eyeshadows. This is a special subtype of cosmetics that, when applied to the skin, give it a seductive glow, freshness and gloss. With their help, you can even out the tone, emphasize the dignity of the skin, add an unforgettable zest to the look, make a splash on the beach or surround yourself with a mysterious flair at an evening rendezvous with your beloved. But before adding another tube or jar to the cosmetic bag, it is worth understanding the types of "shining" products and the peculiarities of their use.
What is a shimmer?
In the photo, body shimmer cream
The history of glitter cosmetics has a long history. Shining shadows, lacquer lipsticks and glitter either soared to the top of popularity, then were declared opponents of good taste, then again triumphantly returned to the arsenal of fashionistas, but even at their best times they stayed afloat and always had whole armies of loyal fans.
Over time, the sequins evolved, became smaller, acquired a muted natural shimmer, and even moved from the category of purely decorative cosmetics for holidays and weddings to caring cosmetics. So shimmers were born.
Further more. Having caught the interest of women in a fashionable novelty, cosmetics manufacturers began to produce whole lines of sparkling products of different textures and purposes: solid and liquid, for face and body, for a matte glow and bright shine.
Today it is no longer a problem to purchase not only a powder with a shimmer for evening make-up, but also a moisturizer with a soft “wet” gloss effect or a lotion that can both transform the pale skin of the décolleté area before going out and supply it with nutrients.
And the principle of action of all these dry, creamy and liquid shimmers remains the same: each of them contains shimmery and reflective particles (minerals, mother-of-pearl) finely ground, mixed with pigments of different shades, which evenly lay on the skin and make it irresistible.
In everyday makeup, such products still look somewhat inappropriate, but at corporate parties, in clubs, concert halls, they are simply irreplaceable, since they help to look brilliant in every sense, but at the same time sophisticated. And the shimmering shimmer is unmatched as a light summer care and decorative product, because it looks great on tanned skin, and it is so easy to apply it to exposed areas of the body before a romantic walk along the promenade or a fun beach party.
Differences between shimmer, highlighter, glitter and other similar products:
- Glitter … Compared to a small shimmer, its sequins are much larger, so glitter is good for creating catchy images for photo shoots or celebrating the New Year, but in ordinary evening makeup it looks defiant.
- Bronzer … Often contains shimmery particles, but in extremely small quantities. Its main task is to provide the skin with a warm shade of tan, not shine. Although lately, manufacturers often combine both products, since the discreet golden shimmer goes great with dark skin.
- Highlighter … Does not include visible shiny particles, but also contains reflective components. It is needed in order to lighten certain areas of the face and mask minor skin imperfections.
- Luminizer … Like a shimmer, it makes the skin glow and glow, but thanks to its more delicate action, it can be used in daytime makeup.
Note! Always check the size of the shimmer before buying: the finer the shimmer, the more natural the shine will be. At the same time, try to find a tester of the product you like to rub a small pinch of it on the skin and see how firmly the glowing particles will hold. Don't forget, the durability of your makeup depends on it!
The main types of shimmers
Photo of dry shimmer
Thanks to the variety of products for glowing skin, today any woman can choose a shimmer in the format that seems most convenient for her to use.
So, on the shelves of cosmetic stores there are:
- Solid dry shimmers … They look like tightly pressed bars or pencils. As a rule, shimmers for the face belong to this category, since they are very convenient to correct flaws in the finished make-up, and in addition, such products carry transportation in a women's purse without any damage to themselves. However, to use them confidently, experience is required, otherwise there is a risk of crossing the fine line between the mysterious radiance and the shine of the Christmas tree decoration.
- Loose dry shimmers … They resemble regular powder or blush in the form of a loose powder, have a soft silky texture and are applied with a wide and flat brush. If you own this tool, there will probably be no problems with application.
- Creamy … Foundation for the face with sparkling particles, gel-shimmers for the body, cream "with shine" and other products of a moderately thick consistency are good for their ability to evenly spread over the skin and, along with gloss, provide it with moisture, healing substances, and often a pleasant aroma. One thing is bad: if you are annoyed by pimples or enlarged pores, semi-liquid shimmers can only draw attention to them.
- Liquid … These are dry oils, sprays and fluids that are applied to the body, either by pouring into the palm of your hand or using a spray bottle. Simple, effective, economical.
- Scrub shimmer … A relatively recent invention of cosmetologists, a scrub mixed with shimmering particles should provide a triple effect - a high-quality repression of cellulite, velvety smooth skin and its radiance in the sun. True, in reviews of scrubs with shimmering particles, one often reads complaints from beauties that after using a miracle remedy, it is mainly a bath that shines, while the skin retains its original appearance.
Note! Owners of oily skin with frequent rashes are better off using makeup with shimmers - shadows, powder, blush. They can aggravate the problem and provoke the formation of new acne.
TOP 10 best shimmers
In the photo, the Body Bling Original Moisturizing shimmer from Scott Barnes is priced at 3500 rubles.
Almost every more or less large cosmetic company produces products with a radiant effect. We present the most popular products in this category from leading manufacturers in our top ten.
Best shimmers for face and body:
- Nourishing body cream $ 1,000,000 girl by Organic kitchen … The company considers the naturalness of its products a separate reason for pride: most of the cream's formula is made up of organic oils (argan, jojoba, shea), plant extracts and other natural ingredients. The cream has a pleasant texture, an unobtrusive aroma and leaves a discreet shine on the skin thanks to fine particles of mica. It is positioned as moisturizing, softening and restoring, although, according to reviews, its main advantage is still more a golden glow on tanned skin than care. Manufactured in Russia. It costs about 95 rubles per 100 ml.
- Shimmer Cream No Fake Shine Perfecting Body Shimmer by Mixit … Suitable for all skin types, nourishes, smoothes, restores firmness. Contains hyaluronic acid for hydration, panthenol for quick regeneration, ginseng extract, caffeine and vitamin E to maintain elasticity and freshness. Manufactured in Russia. It costs 795 rubles for 110 ml.
- Victoria's Secret Holiday Shimmer Fragrance Mist … Many perceive this mist as a fragrance with a delicate and sensual aroma of cereus flowers, skillfully woven with the freshness of a green apple. However, the golden-pink sequins, generously added to the stylish bottle, dispel all doubts. The result is very elegant: no ostentatious shine, everything is neat and stylish. The spray is produced in the USA. It costs about 900-1000 rubles for 250 ml.
- L'argent Celeste Starry Loose Powder Gold Shimmer by Givenchy … The eau de parfum with a golden shine is hidden in a retro bottle, fitted with an old-fashioned “pear”, and sprayed onto the body, face and hair in the form of a flying cloud. For long-lasting makeup, it is recommended to apply it to skin treated with a moisturizer. There is a similar product with silver shine. Manufactured in France. It costs 2 800 rubles for 9 g.
- Body Bling Original Moisturizing shimmer by Scott Barnes … The dark shade of the shimmer makes it similar to bronzers, but if the latter are often dull, then in this case, the splashes of golden pollen provide the body with a fabulous glow. The lotion is well absorbed, leaves no sticky feeling, no brown streaks on the skin, no stains on clothes. It is consumed economically. Manufactured in the USA. It costs 3500 rubles for 120 ml.
- Soleil Blanc Shimmering Body Oil by Tom Ford … Created on the basis of three cosmetic oils - olive, jojoba and safflower. Serves both as a shimmer for the body and as a product for high-quality moisturizing, nourishing and softening of the skin. Captivates with the spicy summer aroma of pistachios and ice cream. Has a spray for more convenient and economical application. Manufactured in the UK. It costs 7000-8000 rubles per 100 ml.
- Shimmer for face, eyes and lips Aura Dew … A universal product, the formula of which is based on the use of non-pigmented mother-of-pearl, can faithfully serve the owner of the skin of any shade. The mousse texture makes it easy to apply, the makeup does not weigh down, the degree of shine is easy to control. As the name implies, the shimmer is used not only on the skin of the face. The eyelids and lips are also in charge. The brand belongs to Japan, but shimmer is produced in Italy. It costs 2200-4000 rubles for 4, 8 g.
- Meteorites Perles Iluminating Powder by Guerlain … A scattering of multi-colored balls in a laconic round box has a subtle floral scent, skillfully selected colors and the ability to give the skin a perfect, attractive radiance. It will not be possible to create a dense layer with the help of powder, but “meteorites” are perfect for makeup that emphasizes natural beauty. Manufactured in France. It costs 3000-4000 rubles for 25 g.
- Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick Compact Powder … Two pretty, albeit somewhat simple, boxes contain tightly pressed briquettes of sentimental pink (Rose) and restrained beige-brown (Beige). In both, there are sparkling golden particles. The first shimmer sets off and fills the natural complexion with radiance, the second takes on the role of a bronzer, emphasizing and intensifying the tan. Manufactured in the USA. They cost 3300-4200 rubles for 6, 6 g each.
- Blush Midnight Roses Blush Moonlight Rose by Lancome … The elegant moon rose blush does not turn your face into a blooming rose bush or a lollipop drenched in glitter, unless you overdo it. When used in moderation, they provide a noble pinkish glow that does not disturb the natural glow of healthy skin. Manufactured in France. The price of a shimmer is 4000-6400 rubles for 6 g.
Shimmer application rules
How to apply shimmer in order to acquire the coveted shine, get a lasting result, but not go beyond the boundaries of good taste? First of all, you need a flat brush (it will be more difficult to control the degree of gloss with a round one) and, of course, the shimmer itself.
Rules for its application:
- Shining cosmetics serve to add expressiveness and freshness to the image, so do not try to correct facial features and mask problem areas with it - take a highlighter for this purpose.
- Apply the shimmer in a thin, weightless layer, with light brush strokes. Excess gloss gives a vulgar look.
- For intense shine, opt for liquid and creamy textures or apply dry with a damp brush.
- Decorative means with shimmer particles traditionally highlight the forehead, bridge of the nose, cheekbones, areas under the eyebrows, chin and décolleté. The cream and lotion are applied to the exposed areas of the body in a thin layer.
- It is believed that glitter products can be used at different stages of makeup. But since it makes sense to use a shimmer mainly for the sake of shine, it makes more sense to apply it as a finishing touch.
- Dark-skinned women are shown golden and bronze shades, pale-skinned - silvery, ladies of the age - pink.
Note! It is better to have a separate brush for cosmetics with a shine effect, so that the remaining particles of powder or shadows on it do not make their own adjustments to the shimmer's work.
Real reviews of shimmer
The popularity of shimmery cosmetics is growing, and the reviews for it are multiplying. In most cases, they characterize shimmers positively, although some of the popular products sometimes receive reproaches from users.
Nastasya, 23 years old
Bobbi Brown Shimmer is a good product. I was captivated by the fact that it is very compact, I put it in my purse and voila, you can put yourself in order at any moment and anywhere. By its effectiveness, I can say that it suited me (since I have dark skin). There is no too bright effect, this is good, elegant and expensive makeup. It stays on the skin for a long time, lasts for several hours. But even if it becomes necessary to correct it, you can safely do it, since the shimmer does not crumble and does not leave marks on your clothes.
Alice, 27 years old
The shade of Body Bling Original Moisturizing appears instantly, which, when applied correctly, protects the skin from the appearance of the worst enemy of many girls - brown stripes. If you do not take too much of the product and quickly distribute it over the skin, you get a shade of light tan, without yellowness and other such unpleasant things. It is completely absorbed in 15-20 minutes and after that it does not stain clothes. Those who are afraid of the terrible word "shimmer" can be reassured: the skin after the lotion will shine, but not like in the spotlight, it almost does not reflect light.
Julia, 52 years old
The consistency of the $ 1,000,000 girl cream is ideal for body care. It is absorbed quickly, leaves no stickiness or fat content. The skin after it is soft and well-groomed. But, I want to warn you that this is not an SOS for dryness. Rather, it is designed for normal skin. The smell is pleasant, not very strong. It is similar to the smell of all products in this series. A good cream practically for free.
How to use a shimmer - watch the video:
