Highlighter Application 101: Where to Apply Highlighter Makeup

FOR RADIANT, GLOWY SKIN

Bring on fabulous shimmer and shine with highlighter! There is no makeup product more magical than the iridescently glamorous world of highlighters. Highlighter is a double-whammy product, attracting light and enhancing skin tone, for a lit-from-within look, and can be used to accentuate and "lift" bone structure. It's amazing! And it's also a bit befuddling if you're just starting out in the makeup world. In this guide, we’ll teach you the 101 on highlighter application.

Highlighter makeup is a cosmetic product that adds shimmer and shine to the skin, creating a radiant and luminous look. It is typically used to accentuate and enhance the bone structure of the face, such as the cheekbones, brow bone, and bridge of the nose. Highlighter can also be used to draw attention to certain features, such as the inner corners of the eyes or the cupid's bow of the lips.

There are many different places where you can apply highlighter makeup to achieve different effects. Here are some of the most common areas:

Eyes

Apply highlighter to the inner corners of the eyes to brighten and widen them. You can also use highlighter as a shimmery eyeshadow or create a subtle cat-eye effect by applying it along the upper lash line.

 

Brows

Applying highlighter to the brow bone can help to lift and define the brows. Use a light hand and blend well to avoid a harsh look.

 

Nose

Highlighter can be used to slim and straighten the appearance of the nose by applying it down the bridge. Start at the top of the nose and blend down using a light hand.

 

Cheeks

The cheekbones are one of the most common places to apply highlighter. Apply highlighter to the tops of the cheekbones and blend outward. You can also create a more dramatic look by applying highlighter in a C-shape from the temples to the apples of the cheeks.

 

Lips

Applying highlighter to the cupid's bow of the lips can help to make them look fuller and more pouty. Use a small amount of highlighter and blend well.

 

Chin

Highlighter can be used to define the chin and create a more sculpted look. Apply highlighter to the center of the chin and blend outward.

 

Collarbone

Applying highlighter to the collarbone can help to draw attention to the décolletage and create a more glamorous look. Use a light hand and blend well.

There are a few different ways to apply highlighter makeup. The best method for you will depend on the type of highlighter you are using and the desired effect.

How to Apply Liquid Highlighter

Apply liquid highlighter with a small brush or your fingertips. Start by applying a small amount of highlighter to the desired area and blend outward. You can build up the intensity of the highlight by adding more layers.

 

How to Apply Highlighter Powder

Apply highlighter powder like Facestudio^® Master Chrome^® Metallic Highlighter with a fluffy brush. Start by swirling the brush into the powder and then tap off any excess. Apply the highlighter to the desired area and blend outward. You can build up the intensity of the highlight by adding more layers.

Powder vs. Liquid Highlighter

Powder highlighter is typically easier to apply and is less likely to smudge or crease. Liquid or cream highlighter can provide a more intense, dewy finish. Both create the same sheer, shimmery effect on skin, but the method of applying highlighter makeup depends on the desired look. Applying liquid highlighter with fingertips gives you control for more precise highlighter application, say for down the center of the nose or dabbing on your cupid's bow, whereas the powder can be used to create gorgeous all-over dewiness on cheeks, temples, and shoulders. No matter which formula you choose, you'll be sure to achieve a radiant glow that enhances your natural beauty!

How to Apply Jelly Highlighter

Apply jelly highlighter with your fingertips. Start by taking a small amount of jelly highlighter on your finger and then apply it to the desired area. Blend outward until the edges are diffused.

How to Apply Highlighter Stick

Apply highlighter stick like Facestudio^® Master Strobing Stick™ Illuminating Highlighter directly to the skin. Start by drawing a line of highlighter along the desired area and then blend outward with your fingertips.

To see our highlighter formulas in action, check out how our guide on how to build highlighter makeup layers to create a customizable glowy look.

How to Apply Cream Highlighter

Apply cream highlighter with a small brush or your fingertips. Start by applying a small amount of cream highlighter to the desired area and blend outward. You can build up the intensity of the highlight by adding more layers.

Here are a few tips for applying highlighter makeup:

• Use a small brush to apply highlighter to the areas you want to emphasize, such as your cheekbones, brow bone, and Cupid's bow.
• Start with a small amount of highlighter and blend it in well. You can always add more later if needed.
• Be careful not to apply too much highlighter, as this can make your skin look unnatural. Always easier to start with less and add more if needed.
• Highlighter can be used on both powder and liquid foundations.
• If you have oily skin, you may want to use a powder highlighter to help control shine.
• If you have dry skin, you may want to use a liquid highlighter to help add moisture.

By following these tips, you can achieve a beautiful, natural-looking highlighted look!

 

THE DO'S AND DON'TS OF APPLYING HIGHLIGHTER MAKEUP

Radiant, glowy skin is definitely in, but there are a few guidelines you should pay attention to when wearing shimmery highlighters.

DO use a highlighter shade that complements your skin tone for a subtle, lit-from-within sheen.

DO use highlighter in spots that catch light and enhance your natural features: on cheekbones and temples, down the bridge of your nose, under brows, the inner corners of eyes, and above the cupid's bow.

DO keep your other makeup like foundation, blush and bronzer softly matte and shimmer free.

DO blend out highlighter with your fingers, a fan brush, or a damp makeup sponge after you've applied it. To avoid blobs of product and obvious makeup lines, make sure you blend any harsh edges of highlighter so it fades into the rest of your skin.

DON'T dust or blend highlighter all over your face. This is more E.T. than chic.

DON’T use highlighter in areas where you have oil build up like your T zone.

 

Sheer vs. Pigmented Highlighter: How to Pick a Highlighter Shade

When it comes to applying highlighter, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider your skin tone. If you're new to highlighter, or if you have fair skin, it's best to start with a shade that closely matches your natural skin tone. This type of highlighter will be almost transparent and will build from subtly glistening to more intense shimmer with every layer you apply. If you're more experienced with makeup and want to play around with colors, experimenting with iridescent peach, bronze, plum, and pink highlighters will give you a gorgeously vivid, pearlescent tint wherever you apply it. Colored highlighter can look intense quickly, so start out with a light hand, and remember that you can always add more later.