Highlighting is a makeup technique used to accentuate certain features of the face by using products that reflect light. It creates a radiant, glowing look, making the skin appear healthy and youthful. Highlighting can add dimension to the face, bringing forward areas such as the cheekbones, brow bones, and the bridge of the nose. This article will dive into the importance of highlighting, the different types of highlighters, how to apply them, and the best tips and tricks for achieving a beautiful highlight.
What Is Highlighting in Makeup?
Highlighting refers to the application of a lighter product to specific areas of the face to make them appear more prominent. The purpose of highlighting is to draw attention to certain features, making them stand out in a flattering way. Highlighter products usually contain light-reflecting ingredients that create a glowing, dewy effect on the skin. This technique is often combined with contouring, which involves using darker shades to define and sculpt the face.
When done correctly, highlighting can make your face look more radiant and fresh. It also gives a youthful appearance by adding a healthy glow to the skin.
The Importance of Highlighting in Makeup
Enhances Facial Features: Highlighting can accentuate natural features, such as your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, and your brow bones. By bringing attention to these areas, highlighting can help enhance your face’s natural structure.
Gives a Radiant Glow: Highlighting adds luminosity to the skin, creating a glowing effect. This is especially beneficial for people with dull or tired skin, as it adds a fresh, youthful glow.
Brightens the Skin: If you have areas of your face that are shadowed or appear dark, highlighting can help brighten them. It can be particularly effective under the eyes to mask dark circles or around the nose to brighten the complexion.
Creates Dimension: When combined with contouring, highlighting creates depth and dimension on the face. The darker contour shades sculpt the face, while the highlighter brings certain features forward, making the overall makeup look more dynamic and multi-dimensional.
Types of Highlighters
Highlighters come in various formulas, finishes, and colors. Choosing the right highlighter depends on your skin type, the look you want to achieve, and the occasion. Let’s explore the different types of highlighters available:
Powder Highlighter: Powder highlighters are one of the most common types. They come in compact or loose powder forms and are easy to apply with a makeup brush. These highlighters are ideal for oily skin types, as they help to control shine and stay in place throughout the day. Powder highlighters provide a more subtle, buildable glow and can range from soft champagne hues to bold, shimmery golds.
Cream Highlighter: Cream highlighters have a smooth, dewy finish that blends easily into the skin. These are perfect for dry skin types, as they provide extra moisture and give a natural, hydrated look. Cream highlighters work well when applied with your fingers or a damp sponge, and they tend to give a more intense, wet look compared to powders.
Liquid Highlighter: Liquid highlighters are versatile and can be used on their own or mixed into foundation for an all-over glow. They are known for their buildable texture and lightweight feel. Liquid highlighters are often favored for their ability to create a luminous, glass-like finish. They’re ideal for achieving a more intense, dewy look.
Stick Highlighter: Stick highlighters are easy to apply and travel-friendly. These products come in a solid form, making them ideal for on-the-go application. Stick highlighters are available in both cream and gel formulas, offering varying levels of shine and intensity. They can be applied directly to the skin or blended with a brush or sponge.
Gel Highlighter: Gel highlighters provide a glossy, radiant finish without the shine of a liquid highlighter. They are often more lightweight and are great for those who want a subtle glow without an overly shimmery finish. Gel highlighters can be layered for a more intense shine.
Baked Highlighter: Baked highlighters are created by baking the formula in an oven, resulting in a smooth, creamy texture. They tend to have a more reflective finish, often with a high-shine, almost metallic effect. Baked highlighters are available in both powder and cream forms and are perfect for those who want an intense, luminous glow.
Loose Powder Highlighter: Loose powder highlighters are finely milled powders that are perfect for creating a subtle, buildable highlight. These highlighters can be messy but offer an intense glow when applied with the right brush. They work well on all skin types and can be used to highlight the high points of the face or the body.
Choosing the Right Highlighter for Your Skin Tone
Selecting the right highlighter is essential to achieving a flattering look. Highlighters come in different shades to complement various skin tones. Here’s a general guideline to help you choose the right highlighter based on your skin tone:
Fair Skin: If you have fair skin, choose a highlighter with a cool or neutral undertone. Champagne, light pink, or pearlescent shades work well for fair skin tones. These shades will enhance your complexion without overwhelming it.
Medium Skin: For medium skin tones, opt for golden or peach-toned highlighters. These shades add warmth to the skin and create a natural glow. Rose gold or honey tones also complement medium skin tones beautifully.
Tan Skin: Tan skin looks great with highlighters in bronze, gold, and copper shades. These rich, warm tones create a sun-kissed effect and highlight the skin without looking too stark.
Deep Skin: Deep skin tones look amazing with highlighters in rich gold, bronze, or copper shades. For an even more intense glow, you can try deep rose or ruby-toned highlighters.
How to Apply Highlighter
Applying highlighter can be done in several ways depending on the look you want to achieve. Below are the steps to properly highlight your face:
Prep Your Skin: Start with a clean, moisturized face. Use a primer to create a smooth base and help your makeup last longer. This is especially important if you have dry skin, as it ensures that the highlighter glides smoothly.
Apply Foundation and Concealer: Apply your foundation and concealer as usual. The highlighter should be applied on top of these products to enhance your features.
Choose Your Highlighting Tool: Depending on the product you’re using (powder, cream, liquid), you can use different tools to apply the highlighter:
- For powder highlighters, use a fan brush or a fluffy brush.
- For cream or liquid highlighters, use your fingers, a makeup sponge, or a stippling brush.
Find the High Points of Your Face: The best areas to highlight are the high points of your face where light naturally hits. These areas include:
- The tops of your cheekbones
- The bridge of your nose
- The center of your forehead (a small dot)
- The cupid’s bow (above the upper lip)
- The inner corners of your eyes
- The brow bone
- The chin (optional)
Apply the Highlighter: Gently apply the highlighter to these areas, blending it well into your skin. Be sure not to apply too much at once; you can always build up the product for a more intense glow. If you’re using a powder highlighter, lightly tap off excess product to avoid applying too much.
Blend Well: Blending is key to a flawless highlight. Make sure there are no harsh lines or streaks. If necessary, use a damp makeup sponge to blend the highlighter into the skin for a natural finish.
Set the Highlight: If you want your highlighter to last longer, set it with a light dusting of setting spray or translucent powder. This is especially useful for those with oily skin.
Tips for a Perfect Highlight
Layering is Key: Start with a subtle layer of highlighter and build it up gradually. It’s easier to add more than to remove excess product.
Don’t Overdo It: While it’s tempting to apply a lot of highlighter, too much can look unnatural. A little goes a long way.
Use Different Formulas: You can mix powder highlighter with a liquid one for an even more intense, dewy effect. Experiment with different combinations to find the perfect balance.
Apply on the Body: Don’t be afraid to highlight areas on your body as well. Highlighter can look stunning on your collarbones, shoulders, and even legs, especially when wearing sleeveless or off-the-shoulder outfits.
Blend with Contour: When highlighting and contouring, make sure the two products blend seamlessly. The highlight should enhance the areas you want to bring forward, while contour should create shadows for sculpting.
Conclusion
Highlighting is an essential makeup technique for creating glowing, radiant skin. By choosing the right highlighter for your skin tone and applying it to the high points of your face, you can enhance your natural features and add dimension to your makeup. Whether you prefer a subtle glow or a bold shine, the key to a successful highlight is blending well and building up the product gradually. With practice, you’ll be able to master the art of highlighting and achieve a flawless, glowing complexion every time.
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