Highlighters have become a staple in every makeup lover’s collection. These shimmering powders or creams are designed to catch the light and give your skin a beautiful, luminous glow. But did you know that there are so many different ways to use highlighters? In this blog post, we will explore some of the most innovative and creative ways to incorporate highlighters into your makeup routine.
Firstly, let’s talk about the traditional use of highlighters – applying them to the high points of your face. This includes the cheekbones, brow bone, and cupid’s bow. By strategically placing highlighter on these areas, you can create the illusion of higher cheekbones, a more defined brow bone, and fuller-looking lips. It’s a simple technique that instantly adds radiance and dimension to your face.
But why stop there? Highlighters can be used in so many other ways to enhance your makeup look. For example, you can mix a liquid highlighter with your foundation to create a luminous base. This will give your skin a natural, lit-from-within glow that lasts all day. Alternatively, you can apply a powder highlighter to your collarbones and shoulders to add a touch of shimmer to your décolletage.
Another great hack is to use highlighters as eyeshadows. The same way you would apply a shimmery eyeshadow to your lids, you can use a highlighter to add a pop of brightness and sparkle to your eyes. Simply sweep the product across your eyelids or use a small brush to highlight the inner corners of your eyes. This will instantly make your eyes appear bigger and more awake.
Highlighters can also be used to contour and sculpt your face. While bronzer is typically used to create shadows and define the hollows of your face, a cool-toned highlighter can be used to add subtle highlights and bring forward your best features. Apply the product to the bridge of your nose, the center of your forehead, and the chin to create a soft, natural-looking glow.
Lastly, don’t limit yourself to just traditional highlighter shades. Experiment with different colors to create unique and eye-catching looks. For example, a pink or peach-toned highlighter can give your skin a healthy, flushed look, while a blue or purple highlighter can add an ethereal, otherworldly glow.
So, whether you’re a makeup beginner or a beauty guru, there’s no denying the transformative power of highlighters. With these hacks and tips, you can take your makeup routine to new heights and achieve a radiant and luminous complexion that will turn heads wherever you go.
When it comes to choosing a highlighter, there are a few factors to consider. First, think about the texture and finish you prefer. Powder highlighters are great for those with oily or combination skin, as they tend to be more long-lasting and can help control shine. Liquid and cream highlighters, on the other hand, are perfect for those with dry or mature skin, as they provide a dewy and hydrating effect.
Another important factor to consider is the shade of the highlighter. While traditional highlighters are typically champagne or gold-toned, there are now a wide range of shades available to suit different skin tones. For fair skin, a pearl or icy-toned highlighter can create a beautiful ethereal glow. Medium skin tones can opt for a rose gold or peachy-toned highlighter to add warmth to the complexion. Those with deeper skin tones can go for a bronze or copper-toned highlighter to enhance their natural radiance.
When applying highlighter, it’s important to consider the placement as well. As mentioned earlier, the high points of the face are the most common areas to highlight. However, you can also get creative and experiment with different placements. For example, applying a small amount of highlighter to the inner corners of the eyes can make them appear brighter and more awake. You can also dab a bit of highlighter on the cupid’s bow to create the illusion of fuller lips.
Now that you have a better understanding of highlighter and its various aspects, let’s move on to some hacks and tips to make the most out of this versatile makeup product.
Choosing the Right Highlighter
Now that we know what highlighter is, let’s talk about how to choose the right one for your skin tone and desired look. When selecting a highlighter, consider the following factors:
Skin Tone
It’s essential to choose a highlighter shade that complements your skin tone. For fair skin, champagne or pearl shades work well, while golden or rose gold shades are ideal for medium to deep skin tones. Experiment with different shades to find the one that best enhances your complexion.
Finish
Highlighters come in a range of finishes, including matte, shimmer, and metallic. Matte highlighters provide a subtle glow without any shimmer, making them perfect for a natural look. Shimmer highlighters add a soft sheen to the skin, while metallic highlighters deliver an intense, high-shine effect. Consider the occasion and your personal style when choosing the finish of your highlighter.
Skin Type
If you have oily skin, opt for powder or matte liquid highlighters, as they tend to be more long-lasting and less likely to accentuate shine. Dry or mature skin can benefit from cream or liquid highlighters, as they provide a dewy and hydrating effect. Combination skin types have the flexibility to experiment with different formulas.
When it comes to choosing the right highlighter, it’s also important to consider your undertone. Undertone refers to the underlying hue of your skin, which can be warm, cool, or neutral. Understanding your undertone can help you select a highlighter that harmonizes with your natural complexion.
For those with warm undertones, gold and peach-toned highlighters are a great choice. These shades add warmth and radiance to the skin, enhancing the natural glow. Cool undertones, on the other hand, can benefit from highlighters with pink or icy tones. These shades create a luminous effect that complements the cool undertones.
If you have a neutral undertone, you have the advantage of being able to pull off a wide range of highlighter shades. Neutral undertones have a balance of warm and cool tones, making it easier to find a highlighter that suits your preference.
In addition to considering your undertone, think about the effect you want to achieve with your highlighter. Do you want a subtle glow for everyday wear, or are you looking to make a statement with a bold, intense highlight? The intensity of the highlighter can be adjusted by the amount of product you apply and the level of shimmer or metallic finish.
Lastly, don’t forget to take into account the occasion or event you’re attending. For a daytime look or a more natural makeup style, opt for a highlighter with a subtle shimmer or a matte finish. On the other hand, for a special occasion or a night out, you may want to go for a more glamorous look with a high-shine metallic highlighter.
Remember, choosing the right highlighter is a personal preference, and it may take some trial and error to find the perfect one for you. Take the time to experiment with different shades, finishes, and formulas to discover the highlighter that enhances your features and complements your style.
Hack #1: Mix with Foundation
One of the easiest ways to incorporate highlighter into your makeup routine is by mixing it with your foundation. This hack allows you to achieve an all-over glow while maintaining a natural and seamless finish. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by applying your usual amount of foundation to the back of your hand or a mixing palette.
- Add a small amount of liquid highlighter to the foundation and mix well.
- Apply the mixture to your face using a brush or sponge, blending it evenly for a radiant complexion.
This hack not only adds radiance to your skin but also helps to customize the coverage and finish of your foundation. It’s a win-win!
Mixing highlighter with foundation is a game-changer in the beauty world. It allows you to create a luminous base that enhances your natural features and gives your skin a healthy, lit-from-within glow. By combining these two products, you can achieve a flawless complexion that looks effortlessly radiant.
When mixing the highlighter with your foundation, make sure to choose a shade that complements your skin tone. Opt for a liquid highlighter that has a subtle shimmer or a soft iridescence. This will give your skin a dewy, youthful appearance without looking overly glittery or artificial.
The key to achieving a seamless finish is to blend the mixture well. Use a brush or a damp sponge to apply the foundation-highlighter blend to your face, focusing on areas where you want to add a subtle glow. This could be your cheekbones, brow bones, cupid’s bow, or the bridge of your nose. By strategically placing the mixture, you can create a natural-looking radiance that catches the light in all the right places.
Another benefit of this hack is that it allows you to customize the coverage and finish of your foundation. If you prefer a sheer, lightweight look, you can add a small amount of highlighter to your foundation. On the other hand, if you want a more intense glow, you can mix in a larger amount of highlighter. This flexibility allows you to adapt your makeup to different occasions and moods.
So, the next time you want to add a touch of radiance to your complexion, reach for your highlighter and foundation. By mixing these two products together, you’ll achieve a luminous and flawless finish that will make you feel like a glowing goddess.
Hack #2: Layering Technique
If you want to take your highlighter game to the next level, try the layering technique. This technique involves using multiple highlighter shades to create a multidimensional and eye-catching glow. Here’s how you can do it:
- Start by applying a cream or liquid highlighter to the high points of your face, such as the cheekbones and brow bones. Use your fingers or a damp sponge to blend it in.
- Next, choose a powder highlighter in a complementary shade and apply it on top of the cream or liquid highlighter. Use a fluffy brush to gently dust the powder onto the desired areas.
- To intensify the glow even further, you can add a touch of a metallic highlighter to the very tops of your cheekbones or the inner corners of your eyes.
- For an added touch of radiance, consider using a highlighter with a subtle shimmer or iridescent finish. This can give your skin a luminous and ethereal glow.
- If you want to create a more natural and seamless look, make sure to blend the different highlighter shades together. Use a clean brush or sponge to softly blend the edges and create a smooth transition between the colors.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations of highlighter shades. You can mix and match different tones to create a custom highlight that complements your skin tone and desired look.
This layering technique adds depth and dimension to your highlight, making it appear more vibrant and captivating. By using a combination of cream, powder, and metallic highlighters, you can achieve a truly mesmerizing glow that catches the light from every angle. Give it a try and watch your complexion come to life!
Hack #3: Highlighter as Eyeshadow
Did you know that highlighter can also double as an eyeshadow? This hack is perfect for those days when you want to achieve a quick and effortless eye look with a touch of radiance. Here’s how to do it:
- Choose a shimmery highlighter shade that complements your skin tone. This can be a champagne shade for fair skin, a golden shade for medium skin, or a bronze shade for deeper skin tones. The key is to find a shade that will enhance your natural beauty and make your eyes pop.
- Using your finger or a small eyeshadow brush, apply the highlighter to your eyelids and blend it out towards the crease. The creamy texture of the highlighter will glide on smoothly and provide a beautiful sheen to your lids. If you prefer a more intense look, you can build up the color by layering the highlighter.
- If desired, you can also add a slightly darker shade to the outer corners of your eyes to create depth. This can be a matte brown or a shimmery bronze shade that complements the highlighter. Apply it with a small blending brush and gently blend it into the crease for a seamless transition.
- Finish off the look with a coat of mascara, and you’re good to go! The mascara will define your lashes and complete the eye look. You can also add some eyeliner if you want to further enhance your eyes.
This hack not only saves you time but also creates a cohesive and luminous makeup look. Plus, it’s a great way to make the most out of your highlighter collection! Whether you’re going for a natural daytime look or a glamorous evening look, using highlighter as eyeshadow is a versatile technique that will add a touch of radiance to your eyes.