They may be the most underrated makeup product in your stash, but with the right use of highlighters, you can create dimension and give your face an instant lift. Here's how…
Works Like Magic
the right highlighter in your hand can be a magic wand. Allowing you to play with light to enhance your features, the highlighter should be every girl’s best friend. Here is your highlighting masterclass to get your glow on.
Where Do You Highlight?
When you shine a soft spotlight over your head, the spots where the light hits should be the areas you want to highlight. By applying highlighter to your cheeks, brow bone, nose bridge and Cupid’s bow, you are able to draw focus to these areas where light hits, and, in effect, “lift”.
Which Spots To Focus On?
Start off with a light hand. Everyone will benefit with just a touch of highlighter on the cheekbone to define the face and add radiance.
To prevent the shiny disco-ball look, vary the amount of shimmer you use. For example, apply a sparkly highlighter on the cheek bones, but a more subdued one on the brow bones and nose bridge.
Which Texture Is Best?
POWDER UP
Powder highlighters are incredibly fool proof, even for beginners. Using a small highlighter brush, or even a fluffy eye shadow blending brush, you can easily apply it on smaller areas like the brow bones and nose bridge. Powder highlighters tend to be really sparkly, so use sparingly. If you ever make a mistake, spritz some facial mist on, and while skin is still moist, dab with a tissue to take some of the shine away.
WE RECOMMEND
LIQUID GOLD
Liquid highlighters offer the most versatility in terms of how radiant you want your skin to look. For a subtle sheen, mix a little cream highlighter with a sheer foundation or even moisturiser; to really turn up the glow, apply and layer with your finger. When using a liquid highlighter, remember to use it before you apply powder, or it would cause your foundation to pill or appear cakey.
WE RECOMMEND
EASY DOES IT
Stick highlighters are your best option if you need precision for the hard-to-reach areas on your face. With stick highlighters, you can just draw along your nose bridge and blend. These stick highlighters are also great if you have drier skin types as powders tend to place emphasis on flakey skin.
WE RECOMMEND
WHAT SHOULD YOU USE TO APPLY HIGHLIGHTER?
For powder highlighters, you should always use a brush to ensure even application. If you're using cream highlighter, use a tapping motion with your fingers to avoid smearing. Always use synthetic brushes with cream-based highlighters as natural hair is porous, and would trap the product within the bristles.
WE RECOMMEND
• Sephora Collection PRO Featherweight Blending Brush, $35.
