Using face highlighter can be a game-changer in your makeup routine. It can add a beautiful glow to your skin and enhance your features. However, if you’re new to using highlighter, it can be intimidating to know where to start. In this article, we’ll guide you through the basics of how to use face highlighter for a natural, radiant look.
Firstly, it’s important to choose the right shade of highlighter for your skin tone. If you have fair skin, opt for a highlighter with a pearl or champagne undertone. For medium skin tones, a gold or rose gold highlighter will complement your complexion. If you have a deep skin tone, a bronze or copper highlighter will look stunning on your skin. Once you’ve found the right shade, you can start applying it to your face.
Next, decide where you want to apply the highlighter. The most common areas are the cheekbones, brow bone, and cupid’s bow. You can also apply a small amount to the tip of your nose and the inner corners of your eyes for an extra pop of radiance. Remember to apply the highlighter sparingly – a little goes a long way. By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to use face highlighter like a pro in no time.
Table of Contents
Understanding Highlighter
Highlighter is a makeup product that adds a luminous glow to the skin. It is used to enhance the high points of the face, such as the cheekbones, brow bone, and cupid’s bow. In this section, we will discuss the types of highlighters and the benefits of using them.
Types of Highlighters
There are various types of highlighters available in the market. The most common ones are powder, cream, and liquid highlighters.
- Powder Highlighter: Powder highlighters are the most popular type of highlighter. They are easy to apply and blend, and they come in a wide range of shades. They are best suited for those with oily or combination skin.
- Cream Highlighter: Cream highlighters are perfect for those with dry or mature skin. They provide a more natural-looking glow and are easy to blend. They can be applied with fingers or a sponge.
- Liquid Highlighter: Liquid highlighters are the most versatile type of highlighter. They can be mixed with foundation or moisturizer for an all-over glow or applied to specific areas for a more targeted effect. They are best suited for those with dry or normal skin.
Benefits of Using Highlighter
Using highlighter can provide several benefits to your makeup routine. Here are some of the benefits of using highlighter:
- Enhances Facial Features: Highlighter can be used to enhance the high points of the face, such as the cheekbones, brow bone, and cupid’s bow. It can create the illusion of a more defined and sculpted face.
- Adds Luminosity: Highlighter can add a luminous glow to the skin, making it look more radiant and youthful.
- Complements Other Makeup Products: Highlighter can be used to complement other makeup products, such as blush and bronzer. It can create a more cohesive and polished look.
In conclusion, understanding the types of highlighters and the benefits of using them can help you choose the right product for your skin type and achieve a flawless and radiant complexion.
Preparation for Application
Before applying face highlighter, it is important to properly prepare your face. This will ensure that the highlighter looks natural and enhances your features. Here are some steps to follow:
Choosing the Right Shade
The first step in preparing to apply face highlighter is to choose the right shade. It is important to choose a shade that complements your skin tone. If you have fair skin, choose a highlighter with a pearl or champagne undertone. For medium skin, choose a highlighter with a gold or bronze undertone. For dark skin, choose a highlighter with a copper or deep gold undertone.
Facial Areas to Highlight
The next step is to determine which areas of your face to highlight. The most common areas to highlight are the cheekbones, brow bone, and cupid’s bow. You can also highlight the bridge of your nose and the inner corners of your eyes for a more dramatic look.
To highlight your cheekbones, apply the highlighter in a diagonal line from the center of your cheekbones to the temples. For your brow bone, apply the highlighter just under your eyebrows. For your cupid’s bow, apply the highlighter to the center of your upper lip. For the bridge of your nose, apply the highlighter down the center of your nose. For the inner corners of your eyes, apply the highlighter to the inner corners of your eyes.
By following these steps, you will be able to properly prepare your face for the application of face highlighter. This will ensure that the highlighter looks natural and enhances your features.
Highlighter Application Techniques
When it comes to applying highlighter, there are a few different techniques you can use depending on the type of product you have. Here are some tips and tricks for applying cream, powder, and liquid highlighters like a pro.
Cream Highlighter Application
Cream highlighters are great for achieving a natural-looking glow. To apply, start by warming up the product on the back of your hand with your finger. Then, use a small stippling brush to apply the highlighter to the high points of your face, such as your cheekbones, brow bone, and cupid’s bow. Blend the product in using circular motions for a seamless finish.
Powder Highlighter Application
Powder highlighters are perfect for achieving a more intense, shimmery look. To apply, use a fan brush to lightly dust the product onto the high points of your face. Build up the intensity as desired, but be careful not to overdo it. To avoid any harsh lines, use a clean blending brush to soften the edges of the highlighter.
Liquid Highlighter Application
Liquid highlighters are great for achieving a dewy, radiant look. To apply, mix a small amount of the product into your foundation or moisturizer for an all-over glow. Alternatively, use a small brush to apply the highlighter to specific areas of your face, such as your cheekbones and brow bone. Blend the product in using your fingers or a blending brush for a seamless finish.
Remember, less is often more when it comes to highlighter. Start with a small amount of product and build up the intensity as desired. With these application techniques, you’ll be able to achieve a flawless, glowing complexion in no time.
Blending for a Seamless Finish
To achieve a flawless and natural-looking highlight, blending is key. Here are some tips to help you blend your highlighter for a seamless finish:
- Use a blending brush: A fluffy blending brush is the best tool for blending out your highlighter. It helps to diffuse the product evenly and avoid harsh lines.
- Start with a light hand: It’s easier to add more product than to take away too much. Begin by applying a small amount of highlighter and gradually build up the intensity.
- Blend in circular motions: Use circular motions to blend out the highlighter, starting from the center of your cheekbone and working your way outwards. This technique helps to create a natural-looking glow.
- Blend into your foundation: To avoid any harsh lines, make sure to blend your highlighter into your foundation. This will help to create a seamless transition between the two products.
- Check your lighting: Always check your makeup in natural lighting to ensure that your highlighter is blended evenly and looks natural.
Remember, blending takes practice, so don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t look perfect on the first try. With these tips and a little bit of patience, you’ll be able to achieve a flawless and seamless highlight every time.
Highlighter Tips and Tricks
Layering Products
When it comes to using face highlighter, layering products is key. We recommend starting with a liquid or cream highlighter, applying it to the high points of the face such as the cheekbones, brow bone, and cupid’s bow. Then, set the liquid or cream with a powder highlighter to intensify the glow and ensure it lasts all day.
If you want to take your highlighter game to the next level, try layering different shades of highlighter. For example, apply a champagne-toned highlighter to the cheekbones, followed by a pink-toned highlighter on the apples of the cheeks for a multidimensional glow.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
There are a few common mistakes that people make when using face highlighter. The first is applying too much product. Remember, a little goes a long way with highlighter, and it’s much easier to add more than it is to take away excess product.
Another mistake is applying highlighter in the wrong places. While it’s tempting to apply highlighter all over the face, it’s important to focus on the high points of the face where the light naturally hits. This includes the cheekbones, brow bone, and cupid’s bow.
Finally, make sure to blend, blend, blend! Harsh lines or patches of highlighter can ruin an otherwise flawless makeup look. Use a fluffy brush or beauty sponge to blend out any harsh lines and ensure a seamless finish.
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to achieve a glowing, radiant complexion with ease.
Maintaining Your Glow
Setting Your Highlighter
After applying your face highlighter, it’s important to set it to ensure that it stays in place all day. We recommend using a setting spray or powder to lock in your glow. Simply spritz or dust the product over your highlighted areas, making sure to blend it out evenly.
Touch-Up Tips
Throughout the day, your highlighter may fade or shift. To keep your glow looking fresh, we suggest carrying a small touch-up kit with you. This can include a travel-sized highlighter, a small brush or sponge, and a compact mirror. When you notice your highlighter has faded, simply apply a small amount of product to the desired area and blend it out using your tool of choice.
It’s important to note that over-applying highlighter can lead to a cakey or unnatural look. To avoid this, start with a small amount of product and build up as necessary. Remember, the goal is to enhance your natural features, not disguise them.
By setting your highlighter and carrying a touch-up kit with you, you can maintain your glow all day long. With these tips, you’ll be sure to achieve a flawless and radiant look every time you use face highlighter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best technique for applying highlighter with fingers?
When applying highlighter with your fingers, we recommend using your ring finger to gently tap the product onto the high points of your face. This technique helps to blend the product seamlessly into your skin and avoid any harsh lines.
In what order should highlighter, blush, and foundation be applied?
We suggest applying your foundation first, followed by your blush, and then your highlighter. This order ensures that the highlighter is applied to the highest points of your face and complements the blush without overpowering it.
Can you recommend the best highlighter for a radiant facial glow?
There are many great highlighters on the market, but we recommend looking for one with a finely milled texture and a subtle shimmer for a natural-looking glow. Some of our favorites include the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector and the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder.
How should highlighter be applied to enhance the eyes?
To enhance the eyes with highlighter, we suggest applying a small amount to the inner corners of your eyes and just below your brow bone. This technique helps to brighten and open up the eyes for a more awake and refreshed appearance.
What are the strategic placement points for highlighter on a round face?
For a round face, we recommend applying highlighter to the cheekbones, temples, and center of the forehead. This technique helps to create the illusion of more defined facial features and a slimmer face shape.
For mature skin, where should highlighter be applied to achieve a youthful effect?
To achieve a youthful effect on mature skin, we suggest applying highlighter to the high points of your face, such as the cheekbones, brow bone, and cupid’s bow. This technique helps to create a natural-looking glow and enhance the skin’s radiance without accentuating fine lines or wrinkles.
