When it comes to face makeup, highlighter can be a game-changer. It can brighten up your complexion, accentuate your best features, and give you that coveted “lit from within” glow. However, applying highlighter isn’t always easy – it’s all too easy to go overboard and end up looking like a disco ball. To get that perfect, subtle glow, it’s important to know how to apply highlighter the right way.
Highlighters are a fascinating addition to your daily makeup routine, offering a simple way to enhance your natural beauty. With their ability to reflect light, these light makeup products effortlessly bring out your skin’s radiant glow, elevating your complexion and accentuating your facial features. With a few simple strokes, highlighter can accentuate and define your bone structure, creating a lifted and well-defined facial appearance. Although highlighters are undeniably impressive, they can seem daunting for those new to the makeup scene.
However, incorporating a highlighter into your face makeup routine can be a wonderful addition, as it accentuates your features and imparts a healthy, luminous sheen to your skin. To achieve a naturally radiant look, it is essential to understand how to effectively utilize highlighter, including selecting the appropriate formula and knowing where to apply it.
Ahead, you’ll find a step-by-step guide that will help you master the art of highlighter application.
What Is Highlighter Makeup?
Highlighter also referred to as an illuminator or strobing product, is a cosmetic that enhances the skin’s appearance by adding radiance, glow, and luminosity. Its purpose is to reflect light and create a dewy, luminous effect on specific areas of the face or body. It shades lighter than concealers, highlighters are available in diverse forms like powders, creams, liquids, or sticks, highlighters contain light-reflecting particles or pigments that catch and reflect light, resulting in a youthful and radiant complexion. Common shades include champagne, golden, rose gold, and pearl tones.
By accentuating features such as cheekbones, brow bone, Cupid’s bow, and the nose bridge, it draws attention to these areas. Moreover, it can be applied to collarbones, shoulders, and other body parts for a glowing effect. Combining highlighter with foundation, blush, and bronzer is a common practice to achieve a complete makeup look. Whether for everyday use to obtain a subtle glow or for special occasions demanding a more intense and glamorous appearance, highlighter is a versatile makeup product.
Applying highlighter strategically and with a light touch yields the best results, as it’s not meant to be used excessively or everywhere on the face.
1. Prep your skin
Photo: Pexels.com/Kamaji Ogino Begin by prepping your skin, as a flawless canvas is the secret to a stunning glow. Cleanse your face and apply a light moisturizer, allowing it to absorb and create a smooth base for your makeup.
2. Choose the right highlighter
You’ll find an array of highlighter options, ranging from powders that catch the light to creamy formulas that blend seamlessly. Choose the texture that suits your preferences and skin type.
3. Select the shade
The shade selection is key when applying your highlighter. Remember, you’re seeking a harmonious glow, not a disco ball effect. For fair complexions, opt for ethereal shades like moonlit champagne or delicate pink. Medium to deep skin tones can bask in the golden embrace of bronze or indulgent peach hues.
4. Determine the placement
The placement of highlighter depends on the areas you want to accentuate. The most common areas to apply highlighter are:
- Cheekbones: Apply it on the highest points of your cheekbones to add definition and glow.
- Brow bone: Sweep a small amount of highlighter under your eyebrows to lift and brighten your eyes.
- Bridge of the nose: Apply a thin line of highlighter down the bridge of your nose for a subtle glow.
- Cupid’s bow: Dab a tiny amount of highlighter on the center of your upper lip to make it appear fuller.
- Inner corners of the eyes: A touch of highlighter in the inner corners of your eyes can make you look more awake and refreshed.
Photo: Pexels/Nivedita Singh 5. Apply the highlighter
Using a brush, sponge, or your fingertips, gently apply the highlighter to the desired areas. Start with a small amount and build up the intensity if needed. Blend it well into your skin for a seamless finish.
When applying the highlighter, the method depends on the formulation you’re using. For a Liquid or cream highlighter, use your fingertips, a brush, or a makeup sponge. Apply a small amount to the desired areas and gently blend it in by tapping or pressing it into the skin.
For powder highlighter use a fluffy brush or a fan brush. Lightly swirl the brush over the highlighter and tap off any excess. Apply it to the targeted areas with a gentle sweeping motion. For a stick highlighter, glide the stick directly onto the skin and blend it with your fingertips or a brush.
6. Blend well
Regardless of the formulation, it’s crucial to blend the highlighter seamlessly into your skin to avoid any harsh lines or patches. Use soft, circular motions or light tapping motions to blend the product evenly.
Photo: Kelly Sikkema/Unsplash 7. Adjust the intensity
Make sure to check your makeup in different lighting to see if the highlighter is applied evenly and looks flattering from all angles. If you feel the highlighter is too intense, you can tone it down by gently blending it with a clean makeup sponge or a fluffy brush.
8. Set your makeup (optional)
To prolong the wear of your highlighter and the rest of your makeup, you can lightly dust a translucent setting powder over your face. However, be careful not to dull the glow of the highlighter in the process.
Keep in mind that sometimes simplicity is key when using a highlighter. Begin with a gentle touch, and if necessary, you can add more later on. It’s important to consider the occasion and the overall makeup style you want to achieve. For a daytime look, a subtle, effortless radiance usually suits best, whereas, for an evening or special event, you can opt for a more striking highlight.
Don’t be afraid to explore various methods and products to discover what complements your skin and personal preferences. Embrace the journey of enhancing your features with a highlighter and have fun along the way!
Photo: Pexels/George Milton
