Highlighter makeup has become a staple for anyone looking to achieve a radiant, glowing complexion. By adding a subtle shimmer to the high points of your face, highlighter can enhance your natural features and bring a luminous finish to your look. If you’re new to using highlighter, don’t worry—this beginner-friendly guide will help you choose the right product for your skin and teach you how to apply it like a pro.
Choosing the Right Highlighter for Your Skin
When it comes to highlighter, finding the right shade and texture is key to creating a natural, flattering glow. Here’s how to choose the best option based on your skin tone and personal preferences.
1. Match the Shade to Your Skin Tone
Highlighters come in a variety of shades, from icy pearl to warm gold. For fair to light skin tones, a champagne or soft pearl shade works beautifully, adding a natural glow without overpowering the complexion. If you have a medium skin tone, consider golden or peachy tones that blend seamlessly with your natural warmth. Darker skin tones look stunning with bronze or copper highlighters, which provide a radiant, sun-kissed effect.
2. Choose a Formula That Suits Your Skin Type
Highlighter formulas include powder, liquid, and cream, each with its own unique effect. Powder highlighters offer a more intense glow, making them ideal for oily or combination skin types. If you prefer a subtle, dewy finish, a liquid or cream highlighter is a great choice for dry or normal skin. Creamy formulas are also easy to blend and give a natural finish that’s perfect for everyday wear.
3. Consider the Occasion
If you’re going for a subtle daytime glow, opt for a soft, buildable highlighter that can be applied lightly. For evening or special occasions, don’t be afraid to go bolder with a more reflective highlighter, adding extra dimension to your face. You can also coordinate your highlighter with complementary eye makeup shades for a cohesive look.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying Highlighter
Once you’ve chosen the perfect highlighter, it’s time to learn the basics of application. With the right makeup tools and a few simple steps, you can achieve a beautiful, lit-from-within glow.
1. Prep Your Skin
Start by applying your usual foundation and concealer to create an even base. If you’re using powder highlighter, set your foundation with a light dusting of translucent powder to prevent the highlighter from clinging to any damp areas. For cream or liquid highlighter, skip the powder to keep the skin dewy and allow the highlighter to blend seamlessly.
2. Apply Highlighter to the High Points of the Face
Using a brush, sponge, or your fingertips, apply highlighter to the areas where light naturally hits your face. These areas include:
- Cheekbones: Apply highlighter to the tops of your cheekbones, blending toward the temples. This helps to lift the face and accentuate your bone structure.
- Brow Bone: Dab a bit of highlighter just below your brow bone, right under the arch, to open up your eyes and add definition to your brows.
- Bridge of the Nose: Lightly apply highlighter down the center of your nose to create the illusion of a slimmer, more defined nose.
- Cupid’s Bow: A touch of highlighter on the Cupid’s bow (the center of your upper lip) can make your lips look fuller and more defined.
- Inner Corners of the Eyes: For an eye-brightening effect, add a small amount of highlighter to the inner corners of your eyes.
3. Blend for a Seamless Finish
Blending is essential to ensure your highlighter looks natural. Use a clean brush or sponge to blend out any harsh lines, creating a soft glow rather than a visible streak. Take your time with this step, as blending ensures your highlighter melts into your skin for a flawless finish.
4. Build Up if Necessary
If you’re aiming for a more intense glow, layer the highlighter gradually. Applying too much at once can lead to a streaky look, so start with a small amount and add more until you achieve your desired level of radiance.
Final Thoughts
With these beginner-friendly tips, applying highlighter becomes an easy step in your makeup routine. Choosing the right highlighter for your skin tone and using the proper makeup tools can help you achieve a natural, glowing look that enhances your best features. Experiment with different shades and formulas to discover your favorite highlighter techniques, and don’t hesitate to pair it with eye makeup for a beautifully cohesive finish.
