Highlighter makeup is an essential part of any makeup routine. Applying highlighter correctly can give you that desirable “lit from within” look as well as making your overall complexion look luminous and eye-catching. Highlighter is often the key to bringing together an entire makeup look and making it really stand out and look polished. The health and youthfulness that can be achieved by applying highlighter to your face is something that cannot be underrated.
This article will guide you through the process of applying highlighter makeup step by step, so you can achieve a beautiful and natural-looking glow.
What Kind of Highlighter Should You Use?
There are several types of highlighter products available on the market and each one has its benefits.
For dry skin, a cream or liquid highlighter is preferable to give a dewy effect. For oily skin, a powder or stick highlighter is better to avoid additional oiliness.
For anyone with combination skin, a powder or cream-to-powder highlighter would be your best bet.
No matter what kind you decide to go for, make sure you pick a shade that’s best suited to your skin tone.
Where to Apply Highlighter Makeup
Let’s start by looking at the areas of the face you should apply your highlighter to.
• The bridge of the nose
• The Cupid’s bow
• Forehead
• Cheekbones
• Chin
• High point of your brows
Make sure you always apply highlighter to the areas where natural light catches your face, like the tops of your cheekbones and the bridge of your nose.
Steps for Applying Highlighter Makeup
Highlighter makeup involves a few simple steps.
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Prep Your Skin
Before applying any makeup, it’s important to make sure that your skin is prepped and moisturized. This will allow the highlighter to glide on easily and give a natural finish. -
Apply Foundation
Start by applying a moisturize. Then, apply your foundation as you usually would. -
Apply Concealer
Using a liquid or cream concealer, carefully conceal any areas of the face that require coverage. Allow the concealer to settle down into your skin before moving on. -
Add Blush
At this point, it’s time to add some color to your face with some blush on the apples of your cheeks. -
Apply Highlighter
The next step is to apply your highlighter. Depending on what kind of highlighter product you’re using, you can either use your fingers (for cream or liquid highlighters), a beauty blender (for cream or liquid highlighters), or a brush (for powder or stick highlighters).
For powder or stick highlighters: lightly dust the product over the areas where you want the highlighter to sit. Make sure the highlighter is blended into the skin for a natural finish.
For cream or liquid highlighters: make sure to dab the product onto the skin directly rather than rubbing it into the skin.
- Blend Out
The last step is to blend out any areas where the highlighter can look obvious or patchy. Make sure to blend out in sweeping motions for a seamless finish.
Different Techniques for Applying Highlighter
There are several techniques to apply highlighter in order to achieve your desired look.
• The Strobing Technique
The strobing technique involves applying a liquid highlighter on the tops of the cheekbones, down the center of the nose, and underneath the brows.
• The Halo Effect
The halo effect is achieved with a cream or powder highlighter and is great for those with dry skin. Apply the highlighter to the center of your forehead, the bridge of your nose and the tops of your cheekbones.
• The Dewy Effect
For a dewy effect, powder highlighter is a great option. Apply the product to the high points of your face- cheeks, bridge of the nose, brows- and lightly dust any remaining product across your forehead, chin, and jawline.
What Products to Use for the Best Results
There are a range of makeup brands that offer highlighter products. Here are a few of our favorites:
• NARS Highlighting Powder
• Benefit Galifornia Blush
• MAC Soft and Gentle
• RMS Beauty Living Luminizer
• Fenty Beauty Killawatt
• Anastasia Beverly Hills So Hollywood Highlighter
Highlighting makeup is the key to achieving a natural and beautiful glow. Applying highlighter correctly can bring together any look and make your skin look luminous and eye-catching. It is an essential part of any makeup routine and should not be underestimated.
This article has led you through the process of applying highlighter makeup step by step, so you can achieve the perfect healthy and glowing complexion. We have also looked at different techniques to apply highlighter and what products to use in order to get the best results.
Now that you’ve completed this article, you can confidently apply highlighter makeup and achieve a beautiful and natural-looking glow that will have you feeling like your best self.
