Highlighters have become an indispensable part of modern makeup routines. These versatile products have the power to add dimension, light, and radiance to any face. From subtle daily looks to glamorous evening makeup, highlighters play a crucial role in creating a radiant finish. By strategically using light-reflecting pigments, highlighters can accentuate the natural contours of the face and give a youthful, fresh appearance.
Anatomy of Highlighters: Textures and Formulations
Highlighters come in a variety of textures and formulations, each with unique properties and application possibilities. The most common forms are powders, creams, and liquid highlighters. Powder highlighters are often the most versatile option, suitable for various skin types and makeup styles. They offer a fine, buildable shimmer that is easy to blend. Cream highlighters, on the other hand, give a more intense, moist shimmer and are ideal for a dewy look. They work particularly well on dry skin types because they hydrate while adding shine.
Liquid highlighters are known for their ability to create a subtle, natural glow. They can be mixed with foundation for an all-over luminous finish or precisely applied for targeted highlighting. Some innovative formulas even contain skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid or vitamin E, giving them not only cosmetic but also skincare properties.
A relatively new addition to the highlighter spectrum are the so-called jelly highlighters. These have a unique gel-like texture that melts upon contact with the skin, resulting in an intense, glass-like shine. They are perfect for those looking for a striking, editorial-inspired look.
The choice of highlighter texture can make a dramatic difference in the final look. Experiment with different formulas to discover what works best for your skin type and desired result.
Strategic Placement of Highlighter for Facial Contours
The key to effectively using highlighter lies in its strategic placement. By applying highlighter to specific points on the face, you can accentuate the natural contours and create a lifting effect. It is essential to understand how light naturally falls on the face and to use this knowledge when applying highlighter. The most common places for highlighter are the cheekbones, bridge of the nose, brow bone, and Cupid's bow.
Accentuating Cheekbones with Strobing Technique
The strobing technique is a popular method for accentuating the cheekbones with highlighter. This technique focuses on creating an intense shine on the highest points of the cheekbones, resulting in a lifting effect. Begin by applying a small amount of highlighter to the highest point of your cheekbone, just above where you would normally apply blush. Carefully blend the highlighter outwards for a seamless transition.
For a more dramatic effect, you can apply the highlighter in a C-shape, starting at the temple and ending on the cheekbone. This technique is particularly effective for evening makeup or photoshoots, where a more pronounced highlight is desired.
Lengthening the Bridge of the Nose with Precision Application
Applying highlighter to the bridge of the nose can visually lengthen and refine the face. For a subtle effect, apply a thin line of highlighter along the center of the nose, starting between the eyebrows and ending just before the tip of the nose. Use a small, flat brush or your fingertip for precise application. Avoid applying highlighter to the tip of the nose unless you specifically want to create a more upturned effect.
For an even more defined nose, you can apply a matte contour on either side of the highlight. This contrast between matte and shine enhances the illusion of a slimmer, more defined nose.
Lifting the Brow Bone with Subtle Shine
Applying highlighter under the brow bone can visually open up the eyes and give a lifting effect to the entire eye area. Choose a subtle, matte highlighter for this area to maintain a natural look. Apply the highlighter in a thin line directly under the eyebrow, concentrating on the highest point of the arch for maximum effect.
For a more dramatic evening look, you can use a shimmer highlighter and extend it to the inner corners of the eyes. This creates a beautiful continuity and makes the eyes appear larger and brighter.
Defining the Cupid's Bow for Fuller Lips
A subtle application of highlighter on the Cupid's bow can make the lips look fuller and more defined. Apply a small amount of highlighter to the V-shaped area above the upper lip, also known as the Cupid's bow. Use a precision brush or your fingertip for accurate application. Blend the edges carefully for a natural transition.
For an extra dimensional effect, you can also apply a touch of highlighter to the center of your lower lip. This creates the illusion of fuller, more defined lips without the need for lip fillers.
Color Spectrum of Highlighters for Diverse Skin Tones
Choosing the right highlighter color is crucial for creating a natural, flattering look. The ideal highlighter color complements your skin tone and undertone, without looking unnatural or ashy. The color spectrum of highlighters is broad, ranging from icy white tones to deep gold and bronze shades.
Champagne Shades for Light to Medium Skin Types
Champagne shades are versatile and flatter a wide range of light to medium skin tones. These soft, warm gold tones give a subtle shimmer without being too noticeable. They are ideal for daily looks and can easily be built up for a more dramatic effect in the evening. For very light skin tones, choose a champagne highlighter with a slight peach undertone to add warmth to the face.
Golden Shades for Warm Undertones
Golden highlighters are perfect for skin tones with warm undertones. They complement the natural warmth of the skin and give a sun-kissed, healthy appearance. For medium to dark skin tones, choose deeper golden shades that are richer in color. These create a beautiful glow without looking ashy or unnatural on the skin.
Rose Gold for Universal Flattering
Rose gold highlighters are a universal favorite because of their ability to flatter both cool and warm undertones. This unique mix of pink and gold gives a soft, romantic glow to the skin. Rose gold works particularly well on medium skin tones and can add a nice blush to lighter skin types.
Pearl and Lavender for Cool Undertones
For skin tones with cool undertones, pearl and lavender highlighters are an excellent choice. These shades have a subtle blue or purple undertone that complements the natural coolness of the skin. Pearlescent highlighters give an ethereal, almost holographic shine that is particularly flattering on very light skin tones. Lavender highlighters can give a refreshing twist to medium to dark skin tones with cool undertones.
Experimenting with different highlighter colors can yield surprising and beautiful results. Do not be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try new shades.
Advanced Application Techniques with Professional Tools
Achieving a professional highlighter application requires not only the right products but also the right tools and techniques. Professional makeup artists have an arsenal of tools at their disposal to create various effects, from subtle glow to intense shimmer. Let's explore some advanced application techniques and the corresponding tools.
Fan Brush for Diffuse, Ethereal Glow
A fan brush is an indispensable tool for creating a soft, diffuse highlighter application. The thin, spread-out bristles of this brush make it possible to apply a very light layer of product, resulting in an ethereal glow. To use this technique, lightly dip the fan brush into your powder highlighter and tap off any excess product. Then gently sweep the brush over the high points of your face in a fan-like motion.
This technique is ideal for daily looks or for situations where you want to create a subtle, natural shine. It works particularly well with finely ground powder highlighters that are easy to build.
Beauty Blender for Seamless Blending
A beautyblender or similar makeup sponge is perfect for creating a seamless, blended highlighter application. This technique works best with cream or liquid highlighters. Start by applying a small amount of product to the back of your hand. Dip the damp beautyblender into the product and gently dab it onto the desired areas of your face.
Then use the rounded side of the sponge to blend the edges of the highlighter into the surrounding makeup. This technique creates a beautiful, natural glow that looks like it comes from within. It is ideal for creating a dewy finish or for adding a subtle dimension to your base makeup.
Fingertips for Concentrated Intensity
Sometimes the best tools are the ones you always have at hand: your fingers. Using your fingertips for highlighter application can result in an intense, concentrated effect. The warmth of your fingers helps the product melt and blend into your skin for a seamless finish.
This technique is particularly effective with cream or stick highlighters. Take a small amount of product on your fingertip and gently dab it onto the desired areas. Then use a tapping motion to melt the product into the skin. This method is perfect for creating an intense shine on specific points, such as the highest point of the cheekbones or the inner corners of the eyes.
Integrating Highlighter into Various Makeup Looks
Highlighter is a versatile product that can be integrated into a wide range of makeup looks, from minimalist to avant-garde. The key is to adjust the intensity and placement of the highlighter to complement the desired style. Let's explore some popular makeup looks and how highlighter can be integrated into them.
No-Makeup Makeup with Subtle Luminosity
For a natural, 'no-makeup makeup' look, subtlety is key. Choose a liquid or cream highlighter with a soft, pearlescent finish. Mix a small amount with your day cream or foundation for an all-over glow. Then apply a touch of extra highlighter to the highest points of your face - cheekbones, bridge of the nose, and Cupid's bow - for a fresh, rested appearance.
Avoid highlighters with large glitter particles for this look, as these can be too noticeable for a natural finish. The goal is to create a soft luminosity that looks like it comes from within, as if your skin is simply healthy and hydrated.
Glamorous Evening Look with Intense Shimmer
For a glamorous evening look, you can go all-out with your highlighter. Choose a highlighter with an intense metallic finish or fine glitter particles for maximum impact. Layer different highlighter textures for a multidimensional effect - for example, start with a liquid highlighter as a base and build on that with a powder highlighter for extra intensity.
Concentrate the most intense highlighting on the cheekbones and apply the product in a C-shape from the temple to the cheekbone. Add a touch of highlighter to the inner corner of the eye and under the brow bone to make the eyes shine. For an extra touch of glamour, apply a small amount to the center of the eyelids over your eyeshadow.
Editorial-Inspired Avant-Garde Highlighting
For a bold, editorial-inspired look, you can experiment with unconventional highlighter placement and colors. Think of applying a bright, holographic highlighter in a graphic pattern over the cheekbones, or creating a 'halo' effect around the eyes with an iridescent highlighter.
Experiment with these avant-garde techniques for a truly unique and striking look.
Trending Highlighter Innovations and Formulas
The beauty industry continues to innovate in the field of highlighters, with new formulas and effects that push the boundaries of traditional makeup. Let's explore some of the most exciting trends and innovations in the world of highlighters.
Multidimensional Duochrome Highlighters
Duochrome highlighters are the latest sensation in the makeup world. These innovative products contain pigments that change color depending on the incidence of light and the angle from which you look. The result is a fascinating, multidimensional shimmer that is truly dazzling. A popular combination, for example, is a peachy-golden base that shifts to a soft lavender, creating a unique, ethereal glow.
To get the most out of a duochrome highlighter, experiment with application on different parts of the face. The color change is best achieved on curved surfaces such as the cheekbones. Also try applying a duochrome highlighter as an accent over a matte eyeshadow for a surprising dimensional effect.
Liquid Highlighters for Dewy Finish
Liquid highlighters are not new, but the latest formulas bring the dewy look to a whole new level. These ultra-light, often water-based highlighters contain finely ground light-reflecting particles that blend into the skin for a natural, from-within glow. They are ideal for those who want to create a fresh, youthful appearance without visible glitter or shimmer.
A popular technique is to mix a drop of liquid highlighter with your foundation or day cream for a subtle all-over glow. For a more targeted application, apply small dots to the high points of the face and gently blend them out with a damp beautyblender. These highlighters are also perfect for creating a glass skin effect, a K-beauty trend that strives for smooth, almost translucent skin.
Pressed Powders with Holographic Effect
For those who like a bit of drama and sparkle, the new generation of pressed powder highlighters with holographic effect is a real game-changer. These highlighters contain microscopically small, multi-chrome glitter particles that create a rainbow-like effect when they come into contact with light. The result is a futuristic, almost extraterrestrial shine that is perfect for avant-garde looks or special occasions.
When applying holographic highlighters, less is often more. Concentrate the application on one or two focus points, such as the cheekbones or inner corners of the eyes, to avoid overwhelming. For a more subtle approach, try layering the holographic highlighter over a more traditional champagne or golden highlighter. This creates depth and dimension without being too flashy.