Shimmer, Sparkle, Glow, Reflect -- What Does It All Mean?

With so many descriptions floating around about glowing, shimmering, radiant makeup it's no wonder we are confused about what to make of it all. Use a "shimmer" here, make your skin "glow" there, try "light reflective" this and that. Is there a difference? Yes, there is and I will help you figure it all out. Let's call it "Illumination 101."

"Shimmer" is a finely milled, ground up mineral called mica that is used in lipsticks, lip glosses, eye shadows, blushes, bronzers, etc. to make skin sparkle or look glowing. "Light Reflective" refers to additive ingredients found in skincare products, foundations, concealers and other goodies meant for the skin that act like a mirror. They reflect light so fine lines look less noticeable and the skin radiates."Glow," "radiance," "illuminating" and "sparkle" are just descriptive terms to explain the effect shimmer or light reflective makeup has on the skin.

So now that you understand the terms, how, when and where should you use these products? One cautionary note before you start to experiment: make sure to stick to one or two of these suggestions at a time so you don't end up looking like a Las Vegas showgirl. Now, let's get ready to shine.

For an all over glow ...

Try mixing in a small amount of liquid shimmer into your foundation.

I recommend:

Stila All Over Shimmer Liquid Luminizer ($20.00)

For eyes that really pop ...

Sweep a shimmering eye shadow in a pink champagne shade under your eyebrow on the inside corner of the eyes and on top of the cheekbones.

I recommend:

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick Compact Pink ($38.00)

For mature skin ...

Take years off your look with a light reflective moisturizer and foundation.

I recommend:

Elizabeth Arden Prevage Moisturizer ($150.00)

Christian Dior Diorskin Pure Light Makeup ($40.00)

To make lips look fuller ...

After applying lipstick add a dot of shimmer gloss on the center of the lower lip.

I recommend:

Maybelline Shiny-licious Lip Gloss ($5.79)

To make your muscle tone stand out ...

Apply a shimmer body lotion after your shower.

I recommend:

Jergens Soft Shimmer Skin Radiance Moisturizer ($5.99)

To make dark circles disappear ...

Dot a little light reflective concealer into the darkest spots then blend until you get an even tone.

I recommend:

Guerlain Issima Precious Light Smoothing Illuminator Concealer ($44.00)