It's a strange thing when everyone in beauty has the same idea at the same time. Sometimes (like last year with BB creams) it coincides with the arrival of new technology, but occasionally it's a matter of one product summing up a "mood" (if you'll forgive the punchable marketing speak). Illuminating powders are suddenly omnipresent. Their point is to make skin appear nicely lit, all diffused and glowy. The effect, albeit strictly illusory, is to make lines appear softer, skin more radiant – a bit like flicking on a pearl lightbulb above your face.
I've been using illuminating powder over my foundation for years, but I am picky. Avoid any with too much sparkle – it's naff and will in any case only highlight lines. Pearlescent is more flattering, though do steer clear altogether if you have bumpy skin, such as rosacea, or acne scars. Any unevenness will be exaggerated. Black and Asian skins look best in a powder with a little warmth – perhaps some gold – to avoid ashiness. Whatever your skin tone, it's vital to exercise restraint. A little dusted over your finished base with a fat brush gives a lovely halo effect; too liberal a coating looks positively space age. And when I feel like it, I add a little extra above my cheekbones with a smaller brush. Here are my favourites.
Chanel Illuminating Powder, £46
I adore this. The right amount of pearlescence, plus the perfect firmness for restrained application.
Guerlain Meteorites Pearls, £35.50
Guerlain just about invented illuminating powder with these, and in three perfect colourways.
Gosh Precious Powder Pearls Glow, £8.99
Fantastic, and act like powders that are twice the price. One shade suits any skin tone.
Nars Light Reflecting Pressed Powder, £25
An extremely subtle shimmer that feels silky and soft.
YSL Y Facettes Palette, £39.50
A beautiful, warm and shimmery powder that goes on perfectly and leaves skin sexy and glowing.
Bare Minerals Radiance powders, £19
Versatile powder to dust over for a light glow or to dab in small areas for more drama.
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