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When I first started using highlighter in my makeup routine, I couldn’t believe the difference it made. It enhances my facial features, adding a healthy, natural glow that makes my skin look radiant.
Highlighter has become an essential part of my daily makeup routine, transforming my appearance with just a few simple strokes. Unlike other makeup products that might require more technique and time, applying highlighter is quick and easy.
It’s an effortless way to look more awake and refreshed, even on busy days.
I’ve tried different types of highlighters, including cream, powder, and liquid formulas. Each one offers its own benefits, but they all achieve the same goal: enhancing my natural beauty.
Highlighter is truly the unsung hero of my makeup routine, and I can’t imagine going without it anymore. For some expert recommendations and tips, check out these insights from celebrity makeup artists.
The Basics of Highlighter
Highlighters enhance your facial features by adding light and brightness to certain areas. Understanding the different types, how to choose the right shade, and the key tools for application is essential for achieving the best results.
Types of Highlighters
There are several types of highlighters, each suitable for different skin types and preferences.
Powder highlighters are ideal for oily skin and provide a shimmering finish.
Cream highlighters are great for dry skin and can be easily blended for a natural look.
Stick highlighters offer convenience and precision, making them perfect for touch-ups on the go.
Liquid highlighters can be mixed with foundation for an all-over glow or applied to specific areas for a dewy finish.
Knowing the differences helps in picking the type that works best for my skin and makeup routine.
Choosing the Right Shade
Selecting the right shade of highlighter is crucial for a natural and flattering look.
For fair skin tones, I prefer pearl or champagne shades. These offer a subtle glow without looking too stark.
Medium skin tones benefit from gold or peach-toned highlighters, which enhance the skin’s warmth.
For darker skin tones, bronze or copper shades work best, providing a rich and radiant glow.
Understanding how these shades complement different skin tones ensures that my highlighter accentuates my natural beauty without looking out of place.
Key Application Tools
Using the right tools can make a significant difference in the application of highlighter.
A high-quality makeup brush, like a fan or tapered brush, allows for precise application on the cheekbones, brow bone, and nose.
Fingers can also be effective, especially for cream or stick highlighters, as the warmth helps blend the product seamlessly into the skin.
A beauty blender or sponge is excellent for liquid highlighters, ensuring even and smooth coverage.
Choosing the appropriate tool depends on the type of highlighter and the desired finish, helping me achieve the perfect glow.
Techniques for Application
To get the best results with highlighter, it’s crucial to focus on applying it to key areas of the face, blending it well, and layering products to achieve a radiant look.
Highlighting High Points
When applying highlighter, I start with the high points of my face. This includes the cheekbones, bridge of my nose, centre of my chin, and my forehead. These areas naturally catch the light, so adding a touch of highlighter enhances their appearance.
For precision, I use a small, tapered brush or even my fingertip. I pick up a small amount of product and gently swipe or dab it onto these areas.
It’s important to use a light hand to avoid looking too shiny. The goal is a subtle, radiant glow that looks natural under various lighting conditions.
Blending for a Seamless Finish
Blending is essential to achieving a seamless finish. After applying highlighter to the high points, I like to use a damp beauty sponge.
I gently press and roll the sponge over the highlighted areas in circular motions. This helps the product melt into the skin and blend smoothly with my foundation and blush.
Blending ensures there are no harsh lines or overly bright spots on my face. It creates a cohesive look, making the highlight appear as a natural part of my skin’s glow.
This step can also be done with a blending brush if a sponge isn’t available.
Layering Products
For a more intense glow, layering is key.
I sometimes start with a sheer, buildable liquid or cream highlighter. This provides a luminous base that can peek through my foundation, adding depth.
After the base layer, I apply additional layers of powder highlighter. Using a powder helps set the liquid or cream, ensuring it lasts throughout the day.
I gently dust the powder over my cheekbones, nose, chin, and forehead.
The buildable nature of these products allows me to control the intensity. Starting with a sheer base and adding layers lets me achieve a customized level of shine without overwhelming my look.
The Aesthetic Benefits of Highlighter
Using highlighter in your makeup routine can greatly enhance your appearance. It can create a radiant glow, make your facial features more prominent, and help you achieve a dewy, luminous look.
Creating a Radiant Glow
Highlighter adds a beautiful, radiant glow to your skin. When applied to the high points of your face, such as the cheekbones, brow bone, and the bridge of the nose, it catches the light and brings a natural radiance.
This makes your skin look healthier and more vibrant. The glow isn’t just about shine; it’s about looking awake and lively.
Whether you choose a powder, cream, or liquid highlighter, the key is to blend it well so it looks seamless with your skin.
Enhancing Facial Features
Highlighter is excellent for enhancing your facial features. By strategically applying highlighter, you can draw attention to specific areas of your face.
For instance, adding a bit to the inner corners of your eyes can make them appear larger and more awake.
Highlighting your cupid’s bow (the middle of your top lip) creates the illusion of fuller lips.
When used with contouring products, highlighter can make cheekbones appear more sculpted and bring a sense of balance to your face.
Achieving a Dewy Look
For those who love a fresh, dewy look, highlighter is essential.
Liquid and cream highlighters are particularly effective for this, as they blend seamlessly into the skin, creating a soft, luminous finish.
A dewy look suggests healthy, hydrated skin.
When I use highlighter, I apply it to my cheekbones, tip of the nose, and just above the eyebrows. This helps to enhance my natural complexion and adds a youthful glow.
The goal is to achieve a natural radiance that looks as if it comes from within.
Innovative Uses of Highlighter
Highlighter is a versatile tool that can enhance more than just your cheekbones. I’ll explain how you can use highlighter in unique ways for your eyes and lips, and how mixing it with other products can give you a flawless look.
Non-traditional Highlighting Techniques
Eyes: Using highlighter on the inner corners of your eyes can make them appear larger and brighter. A small dab under the brow bone also lifts and defines your eyes.
Lips: Applying highlighter to the cupid’s bow creates an illusion of fuller lips. A touch on the centre of the bottom lip adds a plumping effect.
Contour: Highlighter isn’t just for the high points of your face. Adding a bit above your contour lines can create a more sculpted appearance. It contrasts nicely with the darker shades for a defined look.
Mixing with Other Products
Primer: Mixing highlighter with your primer can give your entire face a radiant base. It helps the foundation glide on more smoothly and provides a natural glow from within.
Setting Spray: Adding a bit of liquid highlighter to your setting spray ensures your makeup stays put while adding a subtle sheen.
Finishing Touch: Blend highlighter with foundation for a dewy finish, or mix it with your moisturiser for an all-over glow.
This technique works especially well for an everyday, no-makeup makeup look.
Choosing the Right Highlighter for Your Skin
Finding the best highlighter depends on your skin type and the season. Different types of highlighters cater to various needs, ensuring your skin looks radiant and glowing all year round.
Highlighters for Different Skin Types
It’s crucial to choose a highlighter that complements your skin type.
If you have oily skin, I recommend powder highlighters. They provide a matte finish that helps control excess oil.
For those with dry skin, cream highlighters work best as they hydrate the skin and offer a dewy glow.
Stick highlighters are versatile and suitable for all skin types. They are easy to apply and convenient for touch-ups throughout the day.
When selecting a highlighter, consider your undertones. Pink tones suit light or pale skin, while golden or peach tones enhance medium to dark skin.
Seasonal Highlighter Selection
During summer, opt for a lightweight, hydrating highlighter to complement your sun-kissed skin.
Liquid highlighters are great for this season. They blend effortlessly, giving a natural glow.
Powder highlighters can also work but ensure they are finely milled to avoid a cakey look.
In colder months, your skin might need more hydration.
Cream highlighters are perfect for winter as they keep your skin moisturized and provide a luminous finish.
When layering highlighter over foundation or moisturizers, stick to products with similar bases (oil-based or water-based) for the best blending results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Highlighter is a powerful tool in makeup that can brighten your face, add definition, and give you a youthful glow. Here are answers to some common questions about highlighter to help you make the most of this essential product.
What are the benefits of including a highlighter in your makeup routine?
Highlighter can brighten your complexion and make your skin look more radiant. It can also enhance your facial features, such as your cheekbones and brow bones, and give an overall youthful glow to your face.
How does one apply highlighter effectively for a natural look?
To apply highlighter for a natural look, focus on the high points of your face, like your cheekbones, brow bones, and the bridge of your nose.
Use a light hand and blend well.
Apply with a brush for powder highlighter or your fingers for cream or liquid formulas.
At what point in the makeup application process should highlighter be used?
Highlighter should be applied after foundation and setting powder.
If you are using a liquid or cream highlighter, apply it before setting powder to avoid a cakey finish.
Powder highlighter can be added last, after all other face makeup is complete.
Can highlighters be used on all skin types, and how do you choose the right one?
Yes, highlighters can be used on all skin types. Choose a formula that complements your skin type.
For dry skin, opt for cream or liquid highlighters. For oily skin, powder highlighters are best.
Match the product to your skin tone for a seamless look.
What is the difference between liquid and powder highlighters, and when should each be used?
Liquid highlighters tend to give a dewy, natural glow and are ideal for dry or normal skin.
Powder highlighters offer a more intense shimmer and are better for oily skin.
Use liquid highlighter for a subtle look and powder highlighter for a more dramatic effect.
How can someone with mature skin best apply highlighter to enhance their features?
For mature skin, less is more. Opt for a liquid or cream highlighter to avoid emphasizing fine lines and wrinkles. Apply a small amount to the tops of your cheekbones and brow bones. Then, blend well to ensure a natural, flattering finish.
