Have you ever wondered how to properly apply highlighter for a glowing and luminous complexion? Well, look no further! In this article, you will discover the secrets to achieving the perfect highlighter application. Whether you want a subtle glow or a more intense shine, these simple tips and techniques will help you master the art of highlighting and enhance your natural beauty effortlessly. So, grab your favorite highlighter and get ready to achieve that coveted, radiant look!
Choosing the Right Highlighter
When it comes to choosing the right highlighter, it’s important to consider your skin type, understand the different types of highlighters available, choose the right shade, and decide on the formula that will work best for you.
Consider your skin type
Before selecting a highlighter, it’s important to consider your skin type. If you have oily skin, you may want to opt for a powder highlighter that can help control shine. On the other hand, if you have dry skin, a cream or liquid highlighter can provide a more dewy and moisturizing finish.
Understand the different types of highlighters
There are various types of highlighters available, including powder, cream, and liquid formulas. Powder highlighters are easy to use and offer a more natural finish, while cream and liquid highlighters can give a more intense and glowing effect. Consider your personal preference and the look you want to achieve when choosing a highlighter.
Choose the right shade
When selecting a highlighter shade, it’s important to choose one that complements your skin tone. For fair skin, champagne or pearl shades work well, while medium skin tones can go for rose gold or peachy hues. If you have olive skin, a golden or bronze highlighter can accentuate your complexion. Darker skin tones can opt for deep gold or copper shades.
Decide on the formula
Lastly, consider the formula that will work best for you. Powder highlighters are versatile and easy to blend, while cream and liquid formulas provide a more intense and dewy finish. Think about your skin type and the desired level of glow before deciding on the formula that suits you best.
Preparing Your Skin
Before applying highlighter, it’s important to prepare your skin to ensure a smooth and flawless application. Follow these steps to create the perfect canvas:
Cleanse and moisturize your face
Start by thoroughly cleansing your face to remove any dirt or oil. Follow up with a moisturizer to hydrate your skin and create a smooth base for makeup application. Well-moisturized skin will help the highlighter blend seamlessly and prevent it from looking dry or patchy.
Apply foundation or base makeup
Next, apply your preferred foundation or base makeup to even out your skin tone and create a uniform canvas. This step will help the highlighter to stand out and enhance your natural features. Choose a foundation that matches your skin tone and blend it well for a seamless finish.
Set your base with powder
To ensure that your highlighter stays in place throughout the day, it’s essential to set your base with powder. Use a translucent or setting powder to prevent excess shine and help the highlighter adhere better to the skin. Make sure to focus on areas where you’ll be applying the highlighter, such as the cheekbones and brow bone.
Tools and Brushes
Having the right tools and brushes can make a significant difference in the application of highlighter. Here are some tips on selecting the right brush and using your fingers as an alternative:
Select the right brush
When it comes to applying highlighter, the brush you choose can impact the finished look. For a more precise application, opt for a fan brush or a small tapered brush. These brushes allow you to apply the highlighter precisely to the desired areas. For a more diffused and blended effect, a fluffy brush can give you a softer glow.
Use your fingers as an alternative
If you prefer a more natural and effortless application, you can also use your fingers to apply highlighter. Simply dab a small amount of highlighter onto your fingertips and gently pat it onto the areas you want to highlight. Using your fingers can provide a more seamless and skin-like finish.
Highlighting Techniques
Highlighter can be used to accentuate and enhance various areas of the face. Here are some popular highlighting techniques that you can try:
Applying highlighter to the cheekbones
One of the most common ways to use highlighter is by applying it to the cheekbones. To achieve this, simply take your preferred brush or your fingertips and gently sweep the highlighter across the top of your cheekbones. Start from the outer corner and blend it towards the temples for a natural-looking glow.
Enhancing the brow bone
Applying highlighter to the brow bone can help lift and define your eyes. Use a small brush or your fingertips to apply the highlighter just beneath your eyebrow arch. Blend it gently to create a subtle highlight that will brighten your eyes and make them appear more awake.
Highlighting the bridge of the nose
To create the illusion of a slimmer nose or to bring attention to the center of your face, apply highlighter to the bridge of your nose. Use a small brush or your fingertips to apply the highlighter down the center of your nose, starting from the upper bridge and blending it towards the tip.
Brightening the inner corners of the eyes
For a wide-awake and refreshed look, apply a touch of highlighter to the inner corners of your eyes. This technique can make your eyes appear larger and brighter. Use a small brush or your fingertips to gently dab the highlighter to the inner corners of your eyes.
Accentuating the cupid’s bow
To make your lips appear fuller and more defined, highlight your cupid’s bow. The cupid’s bow is the curved area between your nose and your upper lip. Apply a small amount of highlighter to the center of your cupid’s bow, using a small brush or your fingertips.
Illuminating the high points of the face
Lastly, you can apply highlighter to other high points of your face, such as the center of your forehead, the chin, or even the collarbones. This technique can help create an overall radiant and glowing look. Use a brush or your fingertips to apply the highlighter to these areas and blend it well for a seamless finish.
Blending and Building
To achieve a natural and seamless highlight, it’s crucial to blend the highlighter seamlessly and layer it for intensity in the desired areas.
Blend the highlighter seamlessly
After applying the highlighter, blend it well to create a soft and diffused effect. Use a clean brush or your fingertips to blend the highlighter into your skin, making sure there are no harsh lines or uneven patches. This will create a more natural and blended finish.
Layer for intensity
If you prefer a more intense highlight, you can layer the highlighter. After applying the initial layer, wait for it to dry or set slightly, then add another layer on top. Layering the highlighter will build up the intensity and create a more noticeable glow.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
To achieve the best results with your highlighter, it’s important to avoid common mistakes that can negatively impact your final look. Here are some mistakes to avoid:
Using too much product
One of the most common mistakes is applying too much highlighter. A little goes a long way, and applying too much can make your skin look oily or overly shimmery. Start with a small amount and gradually build up to your desired intensity.
Applying highlighter in the wrong areas
Highlighter should be applied strategically to enhance your features, not all over your face. Avoid applying it to areas with texture or blemishes, as it can magnify their appearance. Stick to the high points of your face, such as the cheekbones, brow bone, and nose.
Neglecting to blend
Blending is key to achieving a natural and seamless highlight. Neglecting to blend the highlighter can result in harsh lines and an unnatural finish. Take the time to blend the highlighter well into your skin using a brush, sponge, or your fingertips.
Skipping the setting spray
Setting spray is essential to lock in your highlighter and ensure its longevity. After applying your highlighter and completing your makeup routine, mist a setting spray over your face to set everything in place. This will help your highlighter last throughout the day and prevent it from smudging or fading.
Choosing the Right Lighting
The lighting in which you apply your highlighter can greatly impact how it looks on your skin. Consider the following tips when choosing the lighting:
Consider natural vs. artificial lighting
When applying your highlighter, it’s important to consider the type of lighting you’ll be in. natural lighting tends to be more forgiving and can give you a good idea of how the highlighter will look in various settings. Artificial lighting can sometimes be harsher, so it’s best to check your highlighter in different lighting conditions to ensure it looks flattering in all situations.
Adapt for day and night
Different lighting conditions require different levels of intensity with your highlighter. For daytime looks, opt for a more subtle and natural highlight. In natural daylight, a little bit of highlight can go a long way. For nighttime or special occasions, you can amp up the intensity and go for a more dramatic and glowy look. Consider the level of lighting you’ll be in and adjust your highlighter application accordingly.
Highlighter Tips for Different Skin Tones
Highlighter can complement different skin tones in various ways. Here are some tips for each skin tone:
Fair skin
For fair skin tones, champagne or pearl shades work beautifully. These shades can give a soft, subtle glow without appearing too harsh or overpowering. Apply the highlighter with a light hand to achieve a natural and radiant look.
Medium skin
Medium skin tones can experiment with rose gold or peachy highlighters. These shades complement the warmth in medium skin tones and give a healthy and luminous glow. Apply the highlighter to the high points of the face for a radiant finish.
Olive skin
Olive skin tones can beautifully carry golden or bronze highlighters. These shades enhance the natural warmth in olive skin and provide a sun-kissed glow. Apply the highlighter sparingly to avoid overpowering the skin tone.
Dark skin
For darker skin tones, deep gold or copper highlighters are great options. These shades add a vibrant and luminous effect to the skin. Apply the highlighter generously to the high points of the face and blend it well for a radiant finish.
Pairing Highlighter with Other Makeup
Highlighter can be beautifully paired with other makeup products to enhance your overall look. Consider the following tips for pairing highlighter with other makeup:
Using highlighter with blush
Highlighter and blush work hand in hand to create a glowing and healthy complexion. Apply your blush first, then sweep the highlighter on the highest points of your cheeks for added radiance. The combination of the two can create a beautiful, flushed glow.
Combining with bronzer
For a sun-kissed and luminous look, combine your highlighter with bronzer. Apply your bronzer to the hollows of your cheeks and around the perimeter of your face to add warmth and dimension. Then, apply your highlighter to the high points of your face for a radiant finish.
Layering with contour
To achieve a sculpted and radiant look, layer your highlighter with contour. Apply your contour shade to the hollows of your cheeks and along the jawline to define your features. Then, apply your highlighter to the high points of your face for added luminosity.
Applying with eyeshadow
Highlighter can also be used on the eyes to create a subtle and glowing effect. Apply a small amount of highlighter to the center of your eyelids or the inner corners of your eyes for a brightening and illuminating effect. This can make your eyes appear bigger and more awake.
Setting and Longevity
To ensure that your highlighter lasts throughout the day and stays in place, consider the following tips:
Setting the highlighter
To set your highlighter and prevent it from smudging or fading, gently pat a matching powder highlighter on top of the cream or liquid highlighter. This will help set it in place and increase its longevity. Use a fluffy brush or your fingertips to blend the powder highlighter seamlessly.
Increasing longevity
If you want your highlighter to last even longer, apply a setting spray after completing your makeup routine. Setting spray will not only lock in your highlighter but also help your entire makeup look stay fresh and in place throughout the day.
By following these tips and techniques, you’ll be able to choose the right highlighter, prepare your skin for flawless application, use the appropriate tools and brushes, apply the highlighter strategically, blend and build it to your desired intensity, avoid common mistakes, choose the right lighting, cater to different skin tones, pair it with other makeup products, and ensure its longevity. Remember to have fun with your highlighter and experiment with different shades and techniques to find the perfect glow for you.
