Highlighter has become a must-have product in every makeup routine, helping to create a luminous, glowing complexion. Whether you want to subtly enhance your natural features or make a bold statement, highlighter can instantly brighten your face. In this blog post, we’ll explore the purpose of highlighter in makeup and provide tips on how to apply it for a radiant glow.
The Purpose of Highlighter in Makeup
Highlighter is designed to enhance the high points of your face where light naturally hits, creating a luminous effect that adds dimension and a healthy glow to your skin. Here are some of the key purposes of using highlighter:
- Illuminating the Skin: Highlighter adds a luminous finish to your makeup, giving your skin a natural radiance. It’s perfect for creating that fresh, dewy look or for adding some glam to an evening look.
- Accentuating Facial Features: One of the main purposes of highlighter is to accentuate your bone structure. By applying highlighter to the high points of your face—such as the cheekbones, brow bones, and bridge of the nose—you can make your features stand out and appear more defined.
- Enhancing Your Glow: Highlighter is not just for the face. You can also use it to enhance your body’s natural glow. Applying highlighter to your collarbones, shoulders, and legs can give your skin a luminous, sun-kissed appearance. For this, pairing it with the best body makeup ensures an all-over radiance.
- Balancing Matte Makeup: If you’re using a matte foundation or setting powder, highlighter helps balance the look by adding a touch of light and dimension, preventing your skin from looking flat or dull.
How to Apply Highlighter for a Radiant Glow
Applying highlighter correctly is key to achieving a radiant, natural look without going overboard. Follow these steps to apply your highlighter like a pro:
- Choose the Right Formula: Highlighters come in a variety of formulas, including powder, cream, and liquid. Choose one based on your skin type and desired finish. For a more subtle, everyday glow, cream or liquid highlighters blend seamlessly into the skin. Powder highlighters, on the other hand, provide a more intense shimmer, ideal for a glamorous look.
- Prep Your Skin: Before applying highlighter, make sure your skin is well-moisturized and your makeup base is set. If you’re using a cream bronzer, apply it before your highlighter to create a seamless transition between your contour and highlight.
- Apply to High Points of the Face:
- Cheekbones: Sweep highlighter along the tops of your cheekbones to lift and enhance your facial structure.
- Brow Bones: A touch of highlighter under your brow bones helps define your brows and opens up your eyes.
- Nose: Lightly apply highlighter down the bridge of your nose for a subtle lift and more sculpted look.
- Cupid’s Bow: Highlighting your cupid’s bow adds fullness to your lips and draws attention to them.
- Inner Corners of the Eyes: For a bright, awake look, apply a small amount of highlighter to the inner corners of your eyes.
- Blend, Blend, Blend: To ensure a natural glow, blending is essential. Use a damp makeup sponge or your fingers to blend the highlighter into your skin, making sure there are no harsh lines.
- Enhance the Body: If you want a full-body glow, don’t forget to apply highlighter to your shoulders, collarbones, and legs. Combine it with the best body makeup for a radiant, all-over finish that’s perfect for special occasions or photoshoots.
Conclusion
Highlighter is a versatile product that brings light and dimension to your makeup, enhancing your natural beauty. Whether you’re aiming for a subtle daytime glow or a radiant, full-glam look, knowing how to apply highlighter correctly will elevate your makeup game. Paired with the right cream bronzer and the best body makeup, you can achieve a luminous glow from head to toe, creating a polished, radiant finish that’s sure to turn heads.