What even is an illuminating pen?

Let’s face it, the world of beauty has become a bit of a complicated place. No longer is a foundation just a foundation, or a cleanser just a cleanser. Each product can do at least three different things and trying to figure out which one will work best for you can be quite daunting.

Then there’re all those beauty innovations and new products that keep coming out that seem pretty cool and interesting, but you just have no idea how or when to use them.

And one of those confusing products is the illuminating pen.

Is it a concealer? Does it go over foundation? Under it? Where does it go on your face? How much should you use? WHAT THE HELL IS IT?

So, before you pass out from the stress caused by this mysterious product, here’s the lowdown on when, where and how to use it:
 

What is an illuminating pen?

Illuminating pens are not concealers. Some may have concealing properties, but they have actually been designed to – you guessed it – illuminate and brighten your skin. They work to reflect the light off of areas of your face that tend to be dark and shadowy (read: circles under your eyes) and make them appear brighter.
 

Where do I use an illuminating pen?

As mentioned, illuminating pens help brighten dark areas of your face. So you’re most likely going to use it for dark circles under your eyes. But you can also it to hide the shadows caused by your nose at the sides of your nostrils or the shadow created by your bottom lip.

You definitely should not use your illuminating pen on zits and pimples. The sheer formulation will do little to conceal them and the light-reflecting particles will bring more attention to them. Definitely not what you want.
 

When do I use an illuminating pen?

Well, if you’re concerned with dark circles and want to hide them, then always. But if you’d like to use your illuminating pen to highlight certain areas of your face (like your cupid’s bow or your brow bone), you can pick and choose the occasions to use it.
If you’re looking to cover your dark under-eye circles, it’s a good idea to start off with a colour correcting concealer that will help reduce the darkness. The formulation of the illuminating pens is typically too sheer to offer full concealer coverage. So after your concealer, follow it up with your illuminating pen to leave your skin looking fresh and rejuvenated. Once blended, apply your foundation as normal and you’re good to go.
 

How do I apply it?

Apply the brightening formula under your eyes in a triangle shape, blending it into the inner corners of your eyes and down towards the top of your cheeks.  
 

Which brands sell illuminating pens?

These are just a few of the most popular illuminating pens on the market:

Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat, $55

jane iredale Active Light Concealer, $58

Curtis Collection Mineral Illuminating Highlight Pen, $42, curtiscollection.com.au

L’Óreal Paris True Match Touche Magique Concealer, $25.95

Natio Pure Mineral Concealer, $14.95

Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Correcting and Highlighting Perfector, $35

Lancôme Touche Miracle Highlighter, $55

Models Prefer Professional Anti-Wrinkle Concealer, $11.99
 

Have you ever used an illuminating pen? Were you confused about how to use one?