Friday Faves: The Pro Secret to Effortless Summer Eyes? It's Not Eyeshadow!

Welcome back to another edition of Friday Faves here at NorthStar Luxe! As the sun shines brighter and the days call for less fuss and more fun, my makeup philosophy shifts. After over a decade immersed in the world of professional beauty – transforming faces backstage, on set, and for life's most precious moments – I've learned that true luxury often lies in simplicity and products that pull double (or triple!) duty. My kit (and my personal makeup bag!) is full of these clever workhorses, and this week's Fave is one I rely on almost daily, especially now that warm weather is finally here.Forget complicated palettes or endless blending. My absolute go-to for a quick, radiant, and utterly gorgeous eye look right now? Using highlighter as eyeshadow!Not only does this hack save precious time and space, but it captures the light beautifully, giving your eyes a luminous, wide-awake effect that feels utterly right for summer. My current power duo for this technique sits right at the top of my favorites list: the Dior Forever Glow Maximizer in Pink paired with the Sephora Colorful Luminizer 02 Sparkling Honey. Trust me, this combination is pure magic. The Dior liquid lays down an ethereal, pearlescent base, and the Sephora luminizer adds that perfect touch of shimmer without being glittery or chunky. I almost always use both, sometimes layering the Sephora shade on top of the Dior, sometimes vice versa – depending on my mood and how much punch I want!Here's my simple method for achieving this look, a technique I use on clients for that added touch of glow and, crucially, on myself when I'm short on time (which, let's be real, is most of the time!).

1. Prep the Canvas: I start by creating a smooth, even base on the lid. A thin layer of your go-to foundation or concealer, applied from the lash line all the way up to the brow bone, works perfectly. This cancels out any discoloration and gives your highlighter something to adhere to.

2. The Pro Touch (or The Real-Life Shortcut!): Now, if I were working on a client and wanted maximum longevity and a super-smooth finish for a long day or evening, I'd dust a very sheer layer of translucent powder over that foundation/concealer base. It helps the highlighter glide on effortlessly. However, running NorthStar Luxe, juggling client appointments, developing my skincare formulas, and being a mama to four busy bees means sometimes speed trumps perfection! For my own everyday eye, I often skip this powder step. The liquid highlighter goes straight onto my set base. It works beautifully and saves me those precious seconds!

3. Layer on the Luminous: I typically apply the liquid -- the Dior Glow Maximizer – first. For myself, a quick dab and blend with my ring finger is usually fastest and helps melt the product into the skin. For clients, or if you prefer more precision, a flat synthetic eyeshadow brush works wonders. I apply this mainly on the eyelid, blending softly towards the crease.

4. Amplify the Glow: Next, I gently press the Sephora Colorful Luminizer powder right on top, concentrating it on the lid for that beautiful pop of light. Again, finger or brush – whatever is easiest for you!

5. Highlight the Brow Bone: Before moving to mascara, I add a little bit of the powder highlighter under the brow bone. This subtle step lifts the eyes and adds a delicate, radiant touch, perfectly framing the look.

6. Finish Strong: A final touch of mascara ties it all together. My current go-to for fluttery, defined lashes is the Polite Society Mascara.

And just like that, in mere minutes, I have a polished, radiant eye look that feels effortless and perfect for the season. It's simple, effective, and proof that sometimes, the best makeup hacks come from thinking outside the box (or outside the eyeshadow pan!).Give this a try this weekend! It's the perfect way to add a little extra sparkle to your Friday. Happy Friday, everyone! Keep Shining!

Highlighter as eyeshadow. Your new summer fave!