How to wear holographic makeup in real life

Published Mar. 29, 2017, 5:00 a.m. ET

I'd rather be shiny.

In case you aren't acquainted with the recent Disney movie Moana, that's a line that's sung, David Bowie-style, by a giant crab name Tamatoa.

And Tamatoa, voiced by Jemaine Clement, really, really likes things to be shiny.

I have small children; I have listened to the Moana sound track many, many times over the last few months. But it wasn't until we brought the DVD home last weekend that I realized:

Tamatoa is my spirit animal.

I would so rather be shiny.

Fortunately for me, highlighting is having a moment. This spring, big beauty brands are pushing duochrome highlighters, which shift in color as you move and the high points of your face catch the light.

Unfortunately, being super shiny maybe isn't the most appropriate look on a daily basis.

Let's take a look at these holographic highlighters and some ways to wear them in real life.

Cover FX Custom Enhancer Drops in Halo, $42 at Sephora, is not misnamed: It is certainly the elixir of angels. Its liquid formulation (dispensed with an eye-dropper) means you have application options. Dot on the very tops of the cheekbones, on the inner tear duct, or pat over a matte lipstick for some added interest. (Really, really want to shine? For a totally not-real-life look, mix a drop or two in with your foundation; your whole face will glow.) However you choose to use it, do so sparingly -- a little goes such a long way.

Milk Makeup Holographic Stick, $28 at Sephora, comes in a stick reminiscent of deodorant. Rather than rub the whole thing on your face, I find it's easier to pick up a little of it with a finger and dot the ultra-shiny product on cheekbones and eyelids. It needs to be blended well; use a duo-fiber brush, like the e.l.f. Small Stipple Brush, $3 at Target.

NYX Duo Chromatic Illuminating Powder, $8 at drugstores, offers serious bang for your buck. It's so crazy pigmented I think its highlighting powers need to be reserved for a night out on the town. For daily use, try it as an eyeshadow; use a flat synthetic brush (try the e.l.f. Concealer Brush, 99 cents at drugstores) to pack the shine all over the eyelid.

Kat Von D Alchemist Holographic Palette, $32 at Sephora, has four shades of shine, with a green, blue, purple, and pink duochrome. The colors make these excellent for use as eyeshadow or over lipstick to transform another color. Wait for a matte lipstick to dry before patting on a holographic shade with your fingertip.

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Prismatic Amethyst, $38 at Sephora, is the most subtle of the bunch (though if you're very pale, it may look a touch purple on your cheeks). With the subtlety comes infinite wearability. Use this as you would any of the above, or any other highlighter. Make those cheekbones glow.