A Brief Introduction
Highlighter makeup is an essential product for creating a radiant, glowing look that catches the light in all the right places. Whether you’re a makeup beginner or a pro, mastering the art of highlighter can elevate your makeup game to the next level.
In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about makeup highlighter, including the benefits of using it, several types of products, how to choose the right shade for your skin tone, and step-by-step tutorials for applying it to achieve specific makeup looks. Get ready to glow like a pro with our ultimate guide to makeup highlighter.
Benefits Of Using Highlighter
Highlighter makeup has several benefits that can help enhance your makeup look. Here are some of the key benefits of using highlighter:
Defines Bone Structure:
Highlighters can be used to create the illusion of a more defined bone structure. By applying a highlighter to the tops of your cheekbones and the bridge of your nose, you can create the appearance of higher cheekbones and a more sculpted nose.
Brightens The Skin:
Highlighters can brighten the skin and give it a radiant glow. It can be used to accentuate the high points of your face, such as your cheekbones, brow bone, and cupid’s bow, and draw attention to your best features.
Adds Depth To The Face:
Highlighter can also be used to add depth to the face. By applying highlighter to the inner corners of your eyes and the center of your eyelids, you can make your eyes appear brighter and more awake.
Provides A Youthful Glow:
Highlighters can give your skin a youthful and healthy glow. By applying highlighter to the apples of your cheeks, you can create a flushed, youthful look that mimics the natural flush that occurs when you’re happy or excited.
Overall, adding a highlighter to your makeup routine can help enhance your natural beauty and bring out your best features. Whether you want to brighten your skin, define your bone structure, add depth to your face, or create a youthful glow, highlighter is a versatile product that can help you achieve your desired look.
Types Of Highlighter Makeup Products
Highlighter makeup is available in a variety of formats, including powder, liquid, and cream formulas. Each type of highlighter product has its unique benefits and drawbacks, and selecting the right one for your skin type and personal preferences is crucial to achieving the perfect glow.
Powder Highlighter:
Powder highlighter is a popular choice for many makeup enthusiasts and a good reason. It is easy to apply and blend, making it an ideal option for beginners.
Powder highlighter is best suited for oily skin types as it helps to control oil production and shine. In addition, it is long-lasting and provides a natural finish that can be built up for a more intense glow.
When selecting a powder highlighter, look for finely milled formulas that blend seamlessly into the skin. Some popular powder highlighter options include:
- Becca Cosmetics Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter
- Huda Beauty 3D Highlighter Palette
- Physicians Formula Butter Highlighter
Liquid Highlighter:
Liquid highlighter is a great option for those with dry or mature skin. It provides a dewy finish that can be easily mixed with other makeup products. Liquid highlighter can also be used as a base for powder highlighter to create a more intense glow.
When selecting a liquid highlighter, look for lightweight formulas that blend easily into the skin. Some popular liquid highlighter options include:
- NARS Cosmetics Liquid Highlighter
- Cover FX Custom Enhancer Drops
- L’Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Glow Amour Glow Boosting Drops
Cream:
The cream highlighter is ideal for those with normal to dry skin types. It provides a smooth and creamy finish that can be easily blended with other makeup products. The cream highlighter is also long-lasting and provides a natural-looking glow.
When selecting a cream highlighter, look for formulas that are easy to blend and buildable. Some popular cream highlighter options include:
- Glossier Haloscope Highlighter
- Milk Makeup Highlighter Stick
- Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Beauty Light Wand
By understanding the benefits and drawbacks of each type of highlighter product, you can select the right one for your skin type and preferences to achieve a radiant, glowing complexion.
Pros & Cons Of Different Highlighter Products
Highlighter products come in several types, and each has its own benefits and drawbacks. Below are the Pros and Cons of each type of highlighter product:
Powder Highlighter:
Pros
– Easy to apply and blend
– Best for oily skin types
– Long-lasting and provides a natural finish
Cons
– Can accentuate dry patches on the skin
– May not work well for mature skin types, as it can settle into fine lines and wrinkles
Liquid Highlighter:
Pros
– Perfect for dry or mature skin types
– Provides a dewy finish and can be easily mixed with other makeup products
– Works well as a base for powder highlighter for a more intense glow
Cons
– Can be difficult to apply and blend
– May not be long-lasting on oily skin types
Cream Highlighter:
Pros
– Ideal for normal to dry skin types
– Provides a smooth and creamy finish and can be easily blended with other makeup products
– Long-lasting and provides a natural-looking glow
Cons
– Can be difficult to apply and blend
– May not work well for oily skin types, as it can contribute to oil production and shine
By considering the pros and cons of each type of highlighter product, you can make an informed decision when choosing the right product for your skin type and personal preference.
How To Choose The Right Highlighter For Your Skin Tone
Highlighter makeup can help accentuate your features and bring out that natural glow. However, choosing the right shade of highlighter for your skin tone is crucial to achieving a natural-looking finish. Here are some tips to help you choose the right highlighter shade that complements your complexion:
Undertones Matter:
When it comes to choosing the right highlighter shade, it’s important to consider the undertones of your skin. If you have cool undertones, look for highlighters with a silvery or icy finish. If you have warm undertones, opt for highlighters with a gold or champagne finish. If you have neutral undertones, you can wear both cool and warm-toned highlighters.
Test In Natural Light:
When testing highlighter shades, always test them in natural light. This will give you a better idea of how the highlighter will look on your skin. Apply a small amount of highlighter to the back of your hand to see how it looks against your skin. You can also swatch the different shades on your cheekbones to see which one looks the most flattering.
Recommendations for Different Skin Tones
Here are some product recommendations for different skin tones:
Fair Skin Tones: BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector Highlighter in Pearl is a perfect match for fair skin tones. It has a light pink undertone that gives a natural-looking glow. NARS Illuminator in Copacabana is also a great option with its sheer, luminous finish.
Medium Skin Tones: Fenty Beauty Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter in Trophy Wife is a fan favorite for its highly pigmented gold shade that complements medium skin tones. Anastasia Beverly Hills Amrezy Highlighter is another great option, with its soft gold tone that gives a sun-kissed look.
Dark Skin Tones: Huda Beauty 3D Highlighter Palette in Bronze Sands has four shades that work together to give a multidimensional glow to dark skin tones. MAC Cosmetics Mineralize Skinfinish in Gold Deposit is also a popular choice for its rich, warm bronze shade that complements dark skin tones.
By keeping these tips in mind and trying out different shades, you’ll be able to find the perfect highlighter shade that complements your skin tone and gives you a natural-looking glow.
How to Apply Highlighter: Step-by-Step Tutorial
Step 1: Prep Your Skin for Highlighter
Before applying highlighter makeup, prep your skin with moisturizer and primer. This will help the highlighter blend seamlessly into your skin and last longer.
Step 2: Determine the Areas You Want to Highlight
The key to applying highlighter makeup is knowing where to apply it. The areas you want to highlight include:
- Cheekbones
- Bridge of the nose
- Cupid’s bow
- Brow bone
- Inner corner of the eyes
Step 3: Choose the Right Type of Highlighter for Your Skin
Choose the right type of highlighter for your skin type, texture, and personal preference.
- Powder highlighters are ideal for oily skin and those who prefer a subtle glow.
- Cream highlighters work well for dry skin and provide a dewy finish.
- Liquid highlighters are ideal for all skin types and provide a natural-looking glow.
Step 4: Highlighter Application Techniques for Different Facial Features
Different face shapes require different highlighter application techniques to enhance your natural features and create a more balanced look. Here are some tips for applying highlighter based on your face shape:
- Round face: Apply a highlighter to the high points of your cheekbones and blend it towards your temples. You can also apply a small amount of highlighter to the center of your forehead and chin to create the illusion of a more elongated face.
- Square face: Apply a highlighter to the high points of your cheekbones and blend it towards your temples but avoid applying it to your jawline. This will help to soften the angles of your face and create a more balanced look.
- Heart-shaped face: Apply highlighter to the high points of your cheekbones and blend it towards your temples but avoid applying it to your chin or forehead. This will help to balance out the proportions of your face and create a more symmetrical look.
- Oval face: Apply a highlighter to the high points of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, and the cupid’s bow. This will help to enhance your natural features and create a more balanced look.
Step 5: Tips for Layering Highlighter with Other Makeup Products
To achieve a more intense highlighter makeup look, layer it with other makeup products. You can apply it over your foundation or mix it with your moisturizer for a more subtle glow.
Step 6: Highlighter Makeup Tutorial for Specific Makeup Looks
Here are some highlighter makeup tutorials for specific makeup looks:
- Natural Makeup Look: Apply a small amount of highlighter makeup on your cheekbones and the bridge of your nose for a subtle glow.
- Glam Makeup Look: Apply highlighter makeup on your cheekbones, brow bone, and cupid’s bow for an intense glow.
- Bronze Makeup Look: Apply a bronze highlighter on the high points of your face for a sun-kissed glow.
By following these simple steps, you can achieve a flawless and radiant highlighter makeup look that enhances your natural features and adds a touch of glamour to your overall makeup look.
Choosing The Perfect Highlighter Brush
Choosing the right highlighter brush is crucial for achieving a flawless, natural-looking glow. Here are some insider tips to help you find the perfect highlighter brush for your needs:
Fan Brush for Powder Highlighter
A fan brush is perfect for applying powder highlighter. The shape of the brush allows for precise application and helps to create a natural-looking glow. When using a fan brush, make sure to tap off any excess product before applying it to your face. This will help to prevent heavy-handed application and ensure a more natural-looking finish. Some recommended fan brushes include:
- Real Techniques Setting Brush: This brush is perfect for applying highlighter to smaller areas of the face, such as the inner corners of the eyes, and has cruelty-free synthetic bristles.
- Sephora Collection Pro Featherweight Fan Brush #92: This brush is made with synthetic bristles and is perfect for applying highlighter to larger areas of the face.
Fluffy Brush for Liquid or Cream Highlighter
A fluffy brush is great for applying liquid or cream highlighter. It helps to blend the product seamlessly into your skin and create a dewy, radiant finish. When using a fluffy brush, make sure to blend the highlighter outwards for a natural, diffused effect. Some recommended fluffy brushes include:
- Morphe M510 Pro Round Blender Brush: This brush is made with synthetic bristles and is perfect for blending liquid or cream highlighter onto your skin for a seamless, radiant finish.
- e.l.f. Cosmetics Highlighting Brush: This brush is made with synthetic bristles that are vegan and cruelty-free and is perfect for applying and blending liquid or cream highlighter onto your skin.
Tapered Brush for Precise Application
A tapered brush is ideal for applying highlighter to specific areas of your face, such as the bridge of your nose or the cupid’s bow. It allows for precise application and helps to create a more defined look. When using a tapered brush, make sure to blend out any harsh lines for a natural-looking finish. Some recommended tapered brushes include:
- Sigma Beauty F35 Tapered Highlighter Brush: This brush is made with synthetic bristles and is perfect for applying highlighter to specific areas of your face with precision.
- Luxie 522 Tapered Highlighter Brush: This brush is made with cruelty-free synthetic bristles and is perfect for applying and blending highlighter onto your face for a flawless finish.
By choosing the right highlighter brush for your needs, you can ensure a flawless, natural-looking glow that will elevate your makeup look to the next level.
Conclusion
In conclusion, highlighter makeup is an essential product to have in your makeup collection. It has the power to enhance your natural features and give your skin a radiant and healthy glow. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, this ultimate guide has provided you with all the tips and techniques you need to achieve a flawless highlighter makeup look.
Remember to choose the right shade of highlighter for your skin tone, apply it to the high points of your face, and build up the product as needed. Use the recommended products and techniques for your skin type and facial features, and don’t forget to mix and match different highlighter types to create your desired effect.
By incorporating highlighter makeup into your makeup routine, you can take your looks to the next level and achieve a luminous finish every time. So go ahead and experiment with various products and techniques and see the difference they can make in your makeup looks. With the confidence and knowledge gained from this ultimate guide, you’ll be a highlighter pro in no time!
F. A. Q.
Anyone can use highlighters to enhance their natural beauty.
Powder highlighter work the best with oily skin.
Consider your skin undertones and test highlighter shades in natural light.
Matte highlighters are available for a more subtle glow.
Apply a small amount of product and blend it outwards for a natural-looking finish.
Yes, liquid or cream highlighter formulas are ideal for dry skin types.