Make-up | illuminating pen tips and tricks

The great illuminate

15 Nov 2011 12:55 PM | Posted by Editor

Q: “I love the look of those illuminating concealer pens but I never really know how to use them. Can you use them to hide pimples as well as to somehow help brighten up your face?? Would love any tips or advice!” – Missem

A: An illuminating concealer pen is an amazing beauty tool and a definite asset to your beauty bag (I use mine every single day!) – but to take full advantage of its beautifying potential, you do need to know how to use it properly. Which is exactly what we’re here to do!

While Illuminating concealer pens will minimise the appearance of pimples, their primary function is not designed specifically for that purpose. What they are designed to do is to reflect light off certain areas of the face prone to shadows and dark circles, giving the appearance of illuminated, bright-looking skin.

Areas on the face prone to shadows and dark circles:

Under the eyes – use your illuminating concealer pen under your eyes, blending it into the inner corner of each eye and down towards the top of your cheeks to get rid of dark circles under your eyes.

Around the nostrils – sweep your illuminating concealer pen around the groove of your nostrils and blend until it fades to lighten shadows cast by your nose.

Along the crease between your chin and your lips – blend your illuminating concealer pen along this area to minimise fine lines and any shadows cast by your bottom lip.

Illuminating concealer pens can also be used to highlight key features on your face...

- Sweep your illuminating concealer pen along your cupid’s bow (the dip in your top lip) and pat it into your skin until it fades to give the appearance of fuller, plumper lips.
- Use your illuminating concealer pen along your brow bone to give the appearance of perfectly defined eyebrows.

Illuminating concealer pens we love:

Elizabeth Arden Sheer Lights Illuminating Radiance Pen

Maybelline New York Dream Lumi Touch Concealer

La Biosthetique Belavance Cover & Light

YSL Touche Éclat $55.00, (02) 9931 8888

Learn exactly how to get rid of under eye bags using an illuminating concealer pen…

Video: how to use illuminator to make you look younger…

Do you use an illuminating concealer pen? Which is your fave?

Member Comments (45)

Posted by: katshepsutt (Australia)

Haven't ventured into pens as yet, although I do use a liquid illuminator under my eyes, which I blend with concealer down to my cheeks to tone down my freckles and help disguise the bags - works a treat! When I'm ready for a change I'll probably go for the YSL Touche Éclat, given that so many gals rave about it...

Posted on: November 16, 2011 (Nov 16, 2011 5:28am)

Posted by: Gofton (Member since 2007, Australia)

My fave is Clarins Instant Light Brush On Perfector - In one quick stroke, this brush-on perfector helps conceal imperfections and disguise shadowy areas as it firms and smoothes skin. Oat Sugars deliver an instant tightening effect to skin upon application, helping to diminish signs of fatigue and imperfections as Clarins Light Optimziing Complex illuminates the eye area and smoothes skin. There are three colours to choose from.

Posted on: November 16, 2011 (Nov 16, 2011 6:31am)

Posted by: MissChriss (Australia)

I really really wanna get the ysl touche eclat, better add it to my chrissie wishlist!!

Posted on: November 16, 2011 (Nov 16, 2011 8:34am)

Posted by: Princess Fiona1 (Member since 2007, Australia)

The YSL Touche Eclat is my favourite, its so light and never looks cakey - but if I have something that I really want to cover, a pimple or mark, then I find that its not always quite sufficient, and then I use the Estee Lauder Double wear concealer, which is fantastic too.

Posted on: November 16, 2011 (Nov 16, 2011 8:40am)

Posted by: Hayley_Shortie_22 (Australia)

i have one of these pens and i have just been using it under my eyes and around my nose. i didnt realise it could be used to highlight areas i want to show off!!! thanks for the tips BH :) xx

Posted on: November 16, 2011 (Nov 16, 2011 9:03am)

Posted by: Dee255 (Member since 2008, Australia)

I use Touche Eclat, but I only buy it when it pops up on Chemist Direct (or is it Chemist Warehouse) for $30 every now and then - I'd never pay full price for it. I've only ever used it under my eyes and on my brow bone, so I'll be trying out these other tips for sure!

Posted on: November 16, 2011 (Nov 16, 2011 9:29am)

Posted by: Roxymisha (Australia)

I have been using YSL's touch eclat for years and I also have a Dior illuminator pen which I haven't tried yet. They are staples in my beauty wardrobe. x

Posted on: November 16, 2011 (Nov 16, 2011 9:32am)

Posted by: Pinglet (Australia)

I'm joining the YSL Touche Eclat 'me-too' crowd :) It's FABULOUS. But like Dee255 says, I get it at Chemist Warehouse when it's on sale - otherwise, it's bad for the wallet.

Posted on: November 16, 2011 (Nov 16, 2011 9:36am)

Posted by: softness (Member since 2007, Australia)

I haven't tried any of the deluxe ones listed but I have got the Revlon Spa Age Defying one and it is really lovely to use.

Posted on: November 16, 2011 (Nov 16, 2011 10:22am)

Posted by: peachesandcream (Australia)

Definitely want to try YSL Touche Éclat too! I love Benefit Eye Bright and Mirenesse Power Touch Beauty Pen but I've run out hmmmm time to hunt for a new one!

Posted on: November 16, 2011 (Nov 16, 2011 10:34am)

Posted by: Platinum Ms (Australia)

I know YSL would be a fantastic product, there cosmetics are to die for but Maybelline I found to be good especially when your on a budget and I using this at the moment.

Posted on: November 16, 2011 (Nov 16, 2011 10:39am)

Posted by: Evanescencessy (Australia)

I haven't been using any concealer "pens" but do use a similar type concealer to hide my dark circles/pimples and blemishes and around the nose. It really makes a difference!

Posted on: November 16, 2011 (Nov 16, 2011 11:04am)

Posted by: saltine (Australia)

I don't but I have a sort of illuminating blush which I loved when I first got it but now the tiny shimmer particles are making my fine lines pop out! I'm a bit wary of illuminating products now :(

Posted on: November 16, 2011 (Nov 16, 2011 11:17am)

Posted by: Neilrawson (Australia)

I must say I have never used an illuminating concealer pen before sounds intriguing, so I cannot tell you my favourite brand. ###Sandra

Posted on: November 16, 2011 (Nov 16, 2011 1:17pm)

Posted by: Bobbin01 (Member since 2008, Australia)

I have the Lancome Teint Miracle pen which I loooooooove to brighten up under my eyes but its worth letting ladies know that these highlighter/concealer pens are soemthing you need to be weary of when you're going to be photographed - being illuminating means that when the flash goes off , you can get a reverse panda eye effect or white spots if not blended really well. Learned that the hard way after a ngiht out on the town :(

Posted on: November 16, 2011 (Nov 16, 2011 1:41pm)

Posted by: Stephanie xx (Australia)

I love my YSL Touche Eclat. Thanks for the hints on the best way to use them!

Posted on: November 16, 2011 (Nov 16, 2011 1:57pm)

Posted by: ruthie11 (Member since 2007, Australia)

I love the L'Oreal touche magique, cheap and effective!

Posted on: November 16, 2011 (Nov 16, 2011 4:24pm)

Posted by: Yummii (Australia)

I have the Maybelline one and its not too bad :) I love highlighters

Posted on: November 16, 2011 (Nov 16, 2011 4:45pm)

Posted by: Rei_ (Australia)

The body shop makes an amazing one as well ,its more salmon based so perfect for undereye areas

Posted on: November 16, 2011 (Nov 16, 2011 5:43pm)

Posted by: Sophiestication (Australia)

I don't really use illminator but will definatley use those tips when I get one. Instead I use benefit eye bright in all those areas and I think it has kind of an illuminating effect.

Posted on: November 16, 2011 (Nov 16, 2011 6:54pm)

Posted by: Chicklet (Member since 2008, Australia)

I tend to use Benefit illuminating products. These pens look interesting though.

Posted on: November 16, 2011 (Nov 16, 2011 6:58pm)

Posted by: Boosh (Australia)

This article was exactly what I needed!

Posted on: November 16, 2011 (Nov 16, 2011 8:12pm)

Posted by: Chrissie123 (Australia)

i use a illuminating powder on the apples of my cheeks, t zone and around my nose!

Posted on: November 16, 2011 (Nov 16, 2011 10:16pm)

Posted by: Tashii (Australia)

this is exactly what i need!,my face is like a mass plate of pimples :|