How to Apply Highlighter Makeup and Where to Apply It

Highlighter makeup is one of the easiest and most effective ways to add a radiant, glowing finish to your look. Whether you’re a beginner experimenting with makeup or a professional makeup artist, mastering the art of highlighter application can truly enhance your beauty routine. In this detailed guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about highlighter makeup, where to apply it, and how to get that perfect glow.

1. What is Highlighter Makeup?

Highlighter makeup is a cosmetic product that adds luminosity and a natural glow to the skin. It is available in various formulations, such as powder, liquid, cream, and stick. Highlighter is typically applied to certain areas of the face to accentuate the high points, reflecting light and making those areas appear more prominent.

Types of Highlighter Makeup:

• Powder Highlighter: Ideal for oily skin types, powder highlighters create a subtle, buildable glow. They are easy to apply and are perfect for setting makeup.
• Liquid Highlighter: Known for giving a dewy, glowy finish, liquid highlighters are perfect for dry or normal skin types.
• Cream Highlighter: Offering a soft, natural finish, cream highlighters are ideal for those seeking a more subtle and natural glow.
• Stick Highlighter: These highlighters are easy to apply on the go and provide a creamy, glowy finish with minimal effort.

Each type has its own unique effect and application technique, allowing you to experiment and find the one that best suits your skin type and desired finish.

2. Why You Should Use Highlighter

Highlighter makeup serves multiple purposes in your beauty routine. It can transform your look by adding dimension and radiance to your face. Here’s why highlighter is a must-have in every makeup kit:

Accentuating Facial Features

A highlighter is excellent for drawing attention to specific facial features. By applying it to certain areas like the cheekbones, nose, and brow bone, you can enhance those features and make them stand out in a flattering way. It creates the illusion of higher cheekbones and a more sculpted face.

Adding Radiance and Glow

If you want to achieve a healthy, glowing complexion, highlighter is the perfect product for you. It imparts a radiant finish to your face, making your skin appear fresh and youthful. Whether you’re aiming for a natural glow or a more intense shine, highlighter helps you achieve that “lit-from-within” look.

Customizing Your Look

One of the best things about highlighter is its versatility. You can layer it to achieve a subtle or intense glow depending on your style and the occasion. A light dusting can give you a fresh, natural look, while more layers can create a dramatic, glowy effect for evening wear.

3. Where to Apply Highlighter: The Best Areas

Knowing where to apply highlighter is crucial for achieving a balanced and radiant look. Below are the key areas where highlighter should be used to enhance your features:

Cheekbones

The cheekbones are one of the most popular places to apply highlighter. Applying highlighter here adds dimension and creates the illusion of higher cheekbones. It gives your face a youthful lift and draws attention to this prominent feature.

Bridge of the Nose

Highlighting the bridge of your nose can make it appear straighter and slimmer. A subtle glow on the nose is perfect for enhancing the center of your face without overdoing it.

Cupid’s Bow

Applying highlighter to the cupid’s bow enhances your lips, making them appear fuller and more defined. It’s a simple yet effective way to draw attention to your lip area.

Brow Bone

The brow bone is another key area to highlight. Adding a highlighter here helps lift the eyebrows. It opens up the eyes, giving them a wide-awake and bright appearance.

Inner Corners of the Eyes

To brighten up tired eyes, apply a small amount of highlighter to the inner corners. It helps give your eyes a more refreshed look and creates a sense of light and depth.

Chin

Adding a highlighter to the chin brings balance to your face and enhances the center of your lower face. It’s subtle but can help define your features.

Collarbones and Shoulders

For a glowing, sun-kissed look, you can also highlight your collarbones and shoulders. It adds a beautiful radiance to exposed areas and completes the overall radiant effect.

4. How to Apply Highlighter: A Step-by-Step Guide

Applying highlighter may seem daunting, but with the right technique, it can be a simple and fun process. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply highlighter effectively.

Step 1: Prep Your Skin

Before applying any makeup, ensure your skin is well-prepared. Cleanse, tone, and moisturize your face to create a smooth canvas for your makeup. For added hydration and a radiant finish, consider using a hydrating primer.

Step 2: Apply Foundation and Concealer

After prepping your skin, apply your foundation and concealer to even out your complexion. It will provide a base for the highlighter to sit on. Ensure your foundation is blended well for a seamless look.

Step 3: Contour and Blush

Apply contour and blush before highlighting. Contouring will create shadows and structure on your face, while blush will add color to your cheeks. Highlighter should always be the final step to enhance and bring attention to the high points of your face.

Step 4: Apply Highlighter

Using your preferred tool (brush, sponge, or fingers), apply the highlighter to the areas mentioned earlier. Blend the highlighter gently for a smooth and natural finish. Be careful not to use too much; build the product gradually to achieve the desired effect.

Step 5: Set Your Glow

To make sure your highlighter stays in place all day, set your makeup with a setting spray. It will lock in the glow and prevent your highlighter from fading.

5. Choosing the Right Highlighter for Your Skin Tone

Selecting the right highlighter for your skin tone is crucial for achieving a natural, radiant look. Here’s a guide on how to choose the best highlighter for your complexion:

Fair Skin

For fair skin, opt for cool-toned highlighters such as pearl, pink, or icy shades. These will complement your complexion and provide a subtle glow.

Medium Skin

If you have medium skin, champagne or soft gold highlighters work well. These shades enhance your natural warmth and give a beautiful glow without looking too harsh.

Dark Skin

Deep gold, bronze, and rich copper highlighters are perfect for dark skin tones. These shades add depth and radiance, complementing your natural undertones for a stunning glow.

Sheer vs. Pigmented Highlighter

Sheer highlighters are great for a natural glow, while pigmented highlighters provide an intense, more dramatic shine. Choose based on your desired look.

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying Highlighter

While highlighter is a great way to enhance your look, there are some common mistakes that many people make. Avoid these to ensure your highlighter application is flawless:

Applying Too Much Highlighter

Highlighter should enhance your natural features, not overwhelm them. Start with a small amount and gradually increase it if needed.

Not Blending Properly

Blending is key to achieving a smooth, seamless look. Avoid harsh lines and ensure the highlighter is well-blended into your skin.

Using the Wrong Shade

Make sure to choose a highlighter that complements your skin tone. A shade that is too light or too dark can appear unnatural.

Skipping Skin Prep

Before applying a highlighter, ensure your skin is properly moisturized. Dry skin can make the highlighter look patchy and uneven.

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do you apply highlighter before or after blush?

Apply blush first, then highlighter. It allows the highlighter to accentuate your cheekbones without disrupting your blush.

Where should you avoid applying highlighter?

Avoid applying highlighter on areas like the under-eye bags or large pores. It can emphasize texture and make the skin look uneven.

How do I apply a highlighter on my cheeks?

Apply a highlighter on the top of your cheekbones and blend it upwards toward your temples for a lifted look.

8. Bonus Tips for a Flawless Glow

Layer with Setting Spray

Finish your makeup with a dewy setting spray to lock in your highlighter and maintain that glowing finish all day long.

Highlight Your Body

Don’t limit your highlighter to just your face. Apply it to your collarbones, shoulders, and even your legs for an all-over glow.

Mix Products for Custom Glow

For a more customized glow, mix liquid highlighter with your foundation for an all-over luminous finish, or layer different types for depth.

9. Product Recommendations

If you’re ready to try some highlighters, here are a couple of top-rated products to consider:

• L’Oreal Paris Enlumineur Holographic Palette Glow Kit
• L’Oreal Paris Infallible Strobe Highlight Stick 502 Gold Is Cold 9g

These products are ideal for achieving a radiant, glowing finish with ease.

10. Conclusion

Highlighter makeup is a simple yet powerful tool for enhancing your features and achieving a glowing, radiant look. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can master the art of applying highlighter and choosing the right product for your skin tone and desired effect. Remember, practice makes perfect—experiment with different types of highlighter and application techniques to find what works best for you.