Achieving glowing, radiant skin is a beauty goal for many, and highlighters have become an essential tool in every makeup lover’s kit. Whether you’re looking to add a natural, subtle glow or a bold, blinding shine, highlighters come in a variety of formulas and finishes to help you achieve that coveted lit-from-within look. From powders to creams, highlighters have the power to elevate any makeup look, giving your skin a luminous, youthful glow.
In this article, we’ll explore what highlighter makeup is, how to use it, and why it should be a staple in your beauty routine.
What is Highlighter Makeup?
Highlighter makeup is a product designed to add light to the high points of your face, enhancing your natural bone structure and giving your skin a luminous, dewy finish. Highlighters typically come in a range of formulations—powder, cream, liquid, and stick—and can be used to accentuate features like your cheekbones, brow bone, cupid’s bow, and the bridge of your nose.
The purpose of highlighter is to reflect light, creating the illusion of healthy, glowing skin. The product is designed to mimic the way light naturally hits the skin, giving a brightened, fresh appearance to areas that naturally catch light.
Types of Highlighter Formulas
Highlighters come in several formulations, each offering a unique finish and texture. Choosing the right formula depends on your skin type, preferred finish, and desired intensity. Here are the most common types of highlighter products:
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Powder Highlighters
Powder highlighters are one of the most popular options. These provide a soft, buildable glow and are perfect for those with oily or combination skin. They’re easy to apply with a brush and are great for creating both subtle and intense highlights, depending on how much product you use. Powder highlighters can range from subtle pearlescent glows to bold, metallic finishes. -
Cream Highlighters
Cream highlighters are ideal for those with dry or dehydrated skin, as they offer a hydrating finish. These formulas tend to blend seamlessly into the skin, providing a more natural, dewy glow. Cream highlighters can be applied with fingers or a makeup sponge for a smooth, skin-like finish. -
Liquid Highlighters
Liquid highlighters offer a radiant, lightweight finish with a bit more intensity. They’re often used for a more intense glow and can be mixed with foundation for an all-over radiant look. Liquid highlighters are also buildable, so you can customize the intensity depending on your preference. -
Stick Highlighters
Stick highlighters are portable and easy to apply on the go. Their creamy texture makes them blend effortlessly into the skin, and they’re perfect for quick application. Stick highlighters are great for a more concentrated glow, and the shape makes them ideal for targeting specific areas like the cheekbones and cupid’s bow. -
Powder vs. Cream
While powder highlighters are great for an airbrushed finish, cream highlighters offer a more seamless, skin-like glow. If you want something more natural and skin-like, go for a cream or liquid highlighter. If you prefer a bolder, more defined glow, a powder highlighter may be the best choice.
How to Apply Highlighter for a Glowing Finish
Using highlighter correctly can help accentuate your best features and create a stunning glow. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply highlighter to achieve that radiant, luminous look:
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Prep Your Skin
Start with a smooth, well-moisturized base. Use a primer and foundation that suit your skin type, and make sure your skin is hydrated. Highlighter works best when applied to a healthy, glowing base. -
Apply Foundation and Concealer
Before applying highlighter, make sure your foundation and concealer are applied. Highlighter is meant to accentuate areas that naturally catch light, so these steps should be completed first for a flawless finish. -
Pick the Right Tools
Use a fan brush, highlighting brush, or makeup sponge to apply your highlighter, depending on the formula you’re using. A fan brush is great for powder highlighters, while a makeup sponge works well for creams or liquids. -
Highlight the High Points of Your Face
The goal is to apply highlighter to the areas of your face that naturally catch light. Focus on:- Cheekbones: Apply highlighter to the top of your cheekbones to give your face a lifted, sculpted appearance.
- Nose: Lightly apply highlighter along the bridge of your nose to create a more defined, straight look.
- Cupid’s Bow: A little highlighter on the cupid’s bow adds dimension and creates the illusion of fuller lips.
- Brow Bone: Apply a touch of highlighter just under the arch of your brows to lift and brighten the eye area.
- Inner Corners of the Eyes: Highlighting the inner corners of your eyes can make them appear brighter and more awake.
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Blend, Blend, Blend
The key to a seamless highlight is blending. Use your fingers, sponge, or brush to blend the product into your skin, ensuring a smooth transition with no harsh lines. The goal is to create a glow that looks natural and lit-from-within, not a stripe of shimmer. -
Finish with Setting Spray
To lock your highlighter in place and ensure it lasts all day, finish with a setting spray. A spritz of setting spray will help everything melt together for a long-lasting, glowing finish.
Tips for Choosing the Right Highlighter
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Consider Your Skin Tone
When choosing a highlighter, it’s important to consider your skin tone to find a shade that complements your complexion. Here are some general guidelines:- Fair Skin: Choose light, pearlescent shades with cool undertones, such as champagne or icy pink.
- Medium Skin: Look for golden or peach-toned highlighters to give your skin a warm, sun-kissed glow.
- Dark Skin: Rich, deep highlighter shades like bronze or gold work beautifully on deeper skin tones, giving a radiant, luminous finish.
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Decide on Your Desired Finish
The type of highlighter you choose will determine the finish of your glow. If you want a blinding, metallic shine, go for a powder or liquid formula with more pigment. If you prefer a subtle, dewy glow, opt for a cream or stick highlighter. -
Be Mindful of Texture
If you have textured skin, you might want to avoid highlighters with chunky glitter. Instead, choose finely-milled powders or cream formulas that provide a smooth, reflective finish without emphasizing pores or uneven texture.
Why Highlighter Should Be a Staple in Your Makeup Routine
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Enhances Your Features
Highlighter accentuates the natural structure of your face, bringing attention to the areas you want to emphasize, such as your cheekbones and brow bone. It creates a youthful, radiant look that enhances your best features. -
Adds Dimension and Glow
Highlighter adds dimension to your face, making your makeup look more multidimensional and dynamic. Whether you’re going for a soft glow or a bold shine, highlighter gives your skin a fresh, dewy appearance that enhances your makeup. -
Versatile for All Occasions
Whether you’re going for a subtle day look or a dramatic night look, highlighter is versatile enough to suit any occasion. You can build the intensity to match the mood, and it’s an easy way to elevate your makeup with minimal effort.
Conclusion
Highlighter is the ultimate makeup product for achieving glowing, radiant skin. Whether you’re looking for a soft, natural glow or a bold, intense shine, highlighters come in a variety of formulas and shades to suit every skin type and occasion. With the right highlighter, you can enhance your bone structure, brighten your complexion, and create a luminous finish that lasts all day.
So, if you haven’t already, it’s time to add highlighter to your makeup routine for that perfect, radiant glow!
