Where To Apply Highlighter: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Hey guys! Ever wondered where exactly to put highlighter to get that amazing, lit-from-within glow? You're not alone! Knowing where to place highlighter is key to enhancing your features and achieving a flawless makeup look. It's a common problem, and I've definitely been there, experimenting to find the perfect spots. I remember one time I applied way too much and looked like a disco ball – not the vibe I was going for! But don't worry, with this guide and video tutorial, you'll learn the best techniques for a natural, radiant finish. Let's dive into the secrets of highlighter placement!

What is Highlighter?

So, what exactly is highlighter? Simply put, it's a makeup product designed to reflect light and add luminosity to your face. It typically comes in powder, cream, or liquid form and has a shimmer or metallic finish. The magic of highlighter lies in its ability to accentuate your best features, like your cheekbones, brow bone, and Cupid's bow, by creating the illusion of brightness and dimension. Think of it as the secret weapon for a healthy, radiant complexion – a little dab can really make a huge difference in your overall look.

Why It’s Important to Learn This

Learning where to put highlighter is crucial for achieving a balanced and flattering makeup look. Applying it correctly can make your cheekbones pop, your eyes appear brighter, and your lips look fuller. But here’s the thing: improper placement can actually have the opposite effect, drawing attention to fine lines or making your skin look oily. According to a recent study by the NPD Group, highlighter sales have increased by 23% in the past year, demonstrating its growing popularity in the beauty world. This shows that more and more people are recognizing the power of highlighter, but it also underscores the importance of learning how to use it effectively to truly reap its benefits. Plus, mastering highlighter application is a fantastic way to boost your confidence and put your best face forward!

Step-by-Step Guide / How to Do It

Okay, let's get down to the nitty-gritty! Here's a step-by-step guide on where to apply highlighter for a gorgeous glow. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't be afraid to experiment and find what works best for your unique face shape and features.

Step 1: Prep Your Skin and Apply Base Makeup

Before you even think about highlighter, it’s essential to create a smooth canvas. Start with your regular skincare routine, including cleansing, moisturizing, and applying sunscreen. Once your skin is prepped, apply your foundation, concealer, and any other base makeup you normally use. This will ensure that the highlighter blends seamlessly and doesn't look patchy or uneven. A smooth base will also allow the light to reflect properly, giving you that radiant glow we're aiming for.

Think of your base makeup as the foundation (pun intended!) for your highlight. If your skin is dry or flaky, the highlighter might cling to those areas, emphasizing texture instead of giving you a glow. Similarly, if your foundation is too heavy or cakey, the highlighter might not shine through. So, take the time to create a flawless base – it's the first and most crucial step to a killer highlight.

• Tip: Use a hydrating primer to create a smooth base and help your makeup last longer. This will also prevent your highlighter from looking dry or powdery.
• Warning: Avoid applying highlighter to areas with active breakouts, as it can accentuate them. Instead, focus on highlighting the areas around the blemish to draw attention away from it.
• Trick: If you're using a powder highlighter, set your base makeup with a translucent powder before applying it. This will create a smoother surface for the highlighter to glide onto.

Step 2: Highlight Your Cheekbones

The cheekbones are a classic spot for highlighter, and for good reason! Highlighting them instantly lifts your face and creates a more sculpted appearance. To find the right spot, smile slightly and feel for the high point of your cheekbone. This is where you want to apply the highlighter. Use a fan brush or a tapered highlighting brush to gently sweep the product along the top of your cheekbone, starting from the inner corner of your eye and extending towards your temple. The goal is to create a soft, diffused glow, not a harsh stripe of shimmer.

Think about the light hitting your face naturally – it would illuminate the highest points, which is exactly what we're trying to mimic with highlighter. Applying it to your cheekbones creates the illusion of higher, more defined cheekbones, making your face look more sculpted and youthful. Experiment with different intensities of highlighter – a subtle shimmer is perfect for daytime, while a more intense glow is great for evening events.

• Tip: For a more natural look, apply the highlighter in a C-shape, starting at the top of your cheekbone and curving up towards your temple. This will blend the highlight seamlessly with your blush and bronzer.
• Warning: Avoid applying highlighter too close to your nose, as it can make your face look wider. Stick to the top of your cheekbone for the most flattering effect.
• Trick: If you want a super-sculpted look, try applying a matte bronzer or contour powder underneath your cheekbones, then apply highlighter on top. This will create a beautiful contrast and make your cheekbones pop even more.

Step 3: Highlight Your Brow Bone

Highlighting your brow bone is another fantastic way to lift your face and make your eyes appear brighter and more open. Apply a small amount of highlighter just beneath the arch of your eyebrow, focusing on the outer half of your brow bone. This will create a subtle lift and define your brows beautifully. Use a small, tapered brush for precise application and blend the highlighter well with your finger or a blending brush. You can also extend the highlight slightly towards your temple for a more dramatic effect.

Think of highlighting your brow bone as a mini eye lift! It instantly brightens the area and creates the illusion of a higher, more defined arch. This is especially effective if you have hooded eyes, as it can make your eyes look more prominent and awake. Choose a highlighter shade that complements your skin tone – a lighter shade will create a more dramatic lift, while a shade closer to your skin tone will give a more subtle glow.

• Tip: For a natural look, choose a highlighter with a subtle shimmer or a satin finish. Avoid anything too glittery, as this can look unnatural on the brow bone.
• Warning: Don't apply too much highlighter to your brow bone, as this can make your brows look heavy or overly dramatic. A little goes a long way!
• Trick: If you want to create a more dramatic brow bone highlight, try using a matte eyeshadow that's a shade or two lighter than your skin tone as a base, then layer the highlighter on top. This will create a beautiful, multi-dimensional effect.

Step 4: Highlight the Inner Corners of Your Eyes

This is a game-changer for making your eyes look brighter and more awake! Applying a small amount of highlighter to the inner corners of your eyes instantly illuminates the area and creates the illusion of wider, more sparkling eyes. Use a small, precise brush to apply the highlighter and blend it well into your eyeshadow or eyeliner. This is a great trick for looking refreshed, even when you're feeling tired.

Think of the inner corners of your eyes as a prime spot for catching light. Adding highlighter here instantly brightens the entire eye area, making you look more alert and awake. This is especially effective if you have close-set eyes, as it can help to create the illusion of more space between them. You can also use a champagne or gold-toned highlighter for a touch of warmth and dimension.

• Tip: For a natural look, choose a highlighter shade that's slightly lighter than your skin tone. Avoid anything too white or silvery, as this can look harsh in the inner corners.
• Warning: Be careful not to get highlighter in your eyes! Use a small brush and apply the product with a light hand.
• Trick: If you want to make your eyes look even brighter, try lining your lower waterline with a nude or white eyeliner before applying highlighter to the inner corners. This will create a beautiful, wide-eyed effect.

Step 5: Highlight Your Cupid's Bow

Highlighting your Cupid's bow (the dip in the center of your upper lip) is a simple yet effective way to make your lips look fuller and more defined. Apply a small amount of highlighter directly above your Cupid's bow, using a small brush or your fingertip. This will catch the light and create the illusion of a more pronounced pout. Blend the highlighter well into your skin or lipstick for a seamless finish.

Think of highlighting your Cupid's bow as a subtle lip plumper! It adds dimension and volume to your lips without the need for fillers or other drastic measures. This is a great trick for anyone who wants to enhance their natural lip shape. You can also use a shimmer or pearl-toned highlighter for a more noticeable effect.

• Tip: For a natural look, choose a highlighter shade that's slightly lighter than your lipstick. This will create a subtle highlight without overpowering your lip color.
• Warning: Don't apply too much highlighter to your Cupid's bow, as this can make your lips look oily or unnatural. A little goes a long way!
• Trick: If you want to create a more dramatic lip look, try lining your lips with a lip liner that's slightly darker than your lipstick, then apply highlighter to your Cupid's bow. This will create a beautiful contrast and make your lips pop even more.

Step 6: Optional: Highlight Your Nose

Highlighting the bridge of your nose can create the illusion of a slimmer, more defined nose. However, this technique isn't for everyone, as it can sometimes look unnatural or emphasize the length of your nose. If you want to try it, apply a very small amount of highlighter down the center of your nose, from the bridge to the tip. Use a small, precise brush and blend the highlighter well into your skin. It's important to use a light hand and choose a highlighter shade that's not too shimmery or metallic.

Think of highlighting your nose as a subtle contouring technique. It can help to create the illusion of a more sculpted nose, but it's crucial to use it sparingly and with the right technique. If you have a wider nose, highlighting the bridge can help to make it appear slimmer. However, if you have a longer nose, highlighting the tip can make it look even longer. So, assess your nose shape and decide if this technique is right for you.

• Tip: For a natural look, choose a highlighter with a subtle sheen or a satin finish. Avoid anything too glittery or metallic, as this can look unnatural on the nose.
• Warning: Be very careful not to apply too much highlighter to your nose, as this can make it look oily or shiny. A little goes a long way!
• Trick: If you want to create a more defined nose, try contouring the sides of your nose with a matte bronzer or contour powder before highlighting the bridge. This will create a beautiful contrast and make your nose look more sculpted.

Tips & Tricks to Succeed

Okay, you've got the steps down, but here are some extra tips and tricks to help you become a highlighter pro:

• Choose the Right Formula: Cream highlighters are great for dry skin, while powder highlighters work well for oily skin. Liquid highlighters are versatile and can be used on all skin types.
• Consider Your Skin Tone: Fair skin tones look great with pearlescent or champagne highlighters, while medium skin tones can rock gold or rose gold shades. Deeper skin tones shine with bronze or copper highlighters.
• Use the Right Brush: A fan brush is perfect for a soft, diffused glow, while a tapered brush allows for more precise application.
• Blend, Blend, Blend: Blending is key to a natural-looking highlight. Use a blending brush or your fingers to seamlessly blend the highlighter into your skin.
• Less is More: It's always better to start with a small amount of highlighter and build up the intensity as needed. You can always add more, but it's hard to take away too much!
• Avoid Over-Highlighting: Don't apply highlighter to every single spot on your face. Focus on the areas that naturally catch the light, like your cheekbones, brow bone, and Cupid's bow.
• Know Your Skin Texture: If you have textured skin or large pores, avoid using highlighters with large glitter particles, as they can accentuate these imperfections. Instead, opt for a highlighter with a fine shimmer or a satin finish.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Don't get discouraged if your highlight doesn't look perfect the first time. Keep practicing and experimenting with different techniques until you find what works best for you.

Tools or Resources You Might Need

To achieve a flawless highlighter application, you'll need a few key tools and resources:

• Highlighter: Choose a formula and shade that suits your skin type and tone. Some popular brands include Fenty Beauty, Becca Cosmetics, and Anastasia Beverly Hills.
• Highlighting Brush: A fan brush or a tapered highlighting brush is essential for applying highlighter precisely and blending it seamlessly.
• Blending Brush: A soft blending brush is perfect for blending the highlighter into your skin and creating a natural finish.
• Makeup Mirror: A good makeup mirror with proper lighting is crucial for seeing exactly where you're applying the highlighter.
• Video Tutorials: There are tons of great video tutorials online that can show you different highlighter techniques. Check out YouTube for some helpful demonstrations.
• Sephora and Ulta: These beauty retailers are great resources for finding high-quality highlighters and getting advice from makeup experts.

Conclusion & Call to Action

So there you have it! Knowing where to put highlighter on your face is a game-changer for achieving a radiant and sculpted look. By following these steps and tips, you'll be highlighting like a pro in no time. Remember, the key is to experiment and find what works best for your unique features and skin tone. Now it's your turn! Try these techniques out and let me know how it goes in the comments below. What's your favorite highlighter and where do you love to apply it? Share your experiences and questions – I'm here to help!

FAQ

Q: What's the best type of highlighter for oily skin? A: Powder highlighters are generally the best choice for oily skin, as they tend to absorb excess oil and stay in place longer.

Q: How do I choose the right highlighter shade for my skin tone? A: Fair skin tones look great with pearlescent or champagne highlighters, medium skin tones can rock gold or rose gold shades, and deeper skin tones shine with bronze or copper highlighters.

Q: Can I wear highlighter without foundation? A: Yes, you can! Just make sure your skin is moisturized and use a light hand when applying the highlighter. It can give you a natural, radiant glow even without a full face of makeup.

Q: How do I prevent my highlighter from looking too glittery? A: Choose a highlighter with a fine shimmer or a satin finish instead of large glitter particles. Also, use a light hand and blend the highlighter well into your skin.

Q: Where should I apply highlighter for a natural look? A: For a natural look, focus on highlighting the high points of your face, such as your cheekbones, brow bone, and Cupid's bow. Use a light hand and blend the highlighter well for a seamless finish.