Feeling a little flat after you finish your base makeup? A touch of luminosity is often all you need to bring your complexion back to life. That’s where a highlighter steps in: it bounces light off the high points of your face, mimicking fresh, healthy skin. The trick is knowing what to use, where to place it, and how much is truly enough. Let’s break it down.
Find Your Ideal Formula & Shade
Powder, cream, liquid, and stick formulas all do the same job but deliver different finishes. Powder highlighters (think finely-milled compacts) give a soft-focus sheen and layer well over set foundation. Cream or stick options melt into the skin for a dewy effect that suits dry or mature skin.
Shade matters just as much as texture. If your undertone is cool, look for icy champagnes or pale pinks. Warm undertones pair better with gold or peach. Unsure? Neutral champagne tones flatter almost everyone.
Choose the Right Tools
Fingertips work in a pinch, but a tapered synthetic brush offers more control with powder. For liquids, try a damp makeup sponge: it presses pigment into the skin so the glow appears to come from within. Keep a clean, fluffy brush handy to diffuse edges if things start looking shiny instead of luminous.
Place Light With Purpose
According to Vogue beauty editors, who test dozens of looks each season, strategic placement is what separates red-carpet radiance from disco-ball shimmer. Start with these zones and adjust for your face shape:
- Cheekbones: Smile lightly and sweep the product along the highest point, stopping before you reach crow’s feet territory.
- Brow bone: Tap a sliver under the arch to lift the eyes instantly.
- Bridge of nose: A thin line down the centre adds structure; avoid the tip if you don’t want extra shine.
- Cupid’s bow: A pinpoint dot will make lips appear fuller.
- Inner corners: A dab brightens tired eyes (powder or liquid works here).
A tiny bit on the collarbones or shoulders can tie a party look together.
Blend Until the Product Disappears
Whether you are using liquid or powder, seamless blending is non-negotiable. After applying, take a clean sponge or brush and blend the edges into your foundation or blush. If you can see a harsh stripe, keep buffing in small circles. Layer slowly; it is easier to build glow than tone it down.
Layer Over and Under Other Complexion Products
For long days, sandwich your glow:
- Dot a thin layer of liquid highlighter onto moisturised skin.
- Apply foundation and concealer as usual.
- Finish with a light dusting of powder highlighter on top.
This technique – often used backstage before big shows – locks shine in place without looking heavy. If you prefer cream blush, tap it on after your glow so the colours fuse rather than sit side by side.
Common Missteps to Avoid
- Using glitter instead of sheen: Sparkle particles are obvious in daylight. Look for finely milled formulas described as “pearlescent” or “luminous.”
- Placing product too low: Highlighter should sit above the cheek contour, not blend into it.
- Forgetting undertone: Gold on very fair skin can read orange under sunlight; icy pearl on deep complexions may turn ashy.
- Over-powdering afterwards: Setting the glow cancels it out—dust only shine-prone areas, leaving highlighted zones bare.
Quick Routine for a Five-Minute Radiance
- Moisturise and let the skin drink it in.
- Swipe a stick highlighter across cheekbones and brow bones.
- Diffuse with fingers.
- Tap blush onto the apples of your cheeks for a natural flush.
- Finish with tinted lip balm.
You will look rested, even on hectic mornings.
Beyond the Basics: Mixing Highlighter Into Other Products
- Foundation cocktail: Blend a drop of liquid glow into matte foundation for a custom satin finish.
- Body lotion boost: Summer night out? Mix a pea-size amount into lotion and sweep over shins and shoulders.
- Eye gloss: A cream highlighter can double up as a glossy lid tint. Keep it sheer for comfort.
Selecting Products From a Sizeable Lineup
With so many textures and shades online, lean on swatches and reviews. Remember – the best product is the one you will reach for daily.
Ready to experiment? Browse our full range of highlighter to see how different finishes look side by side. If you favour cream formulas, check cream luminisers or easy-blend sticks. Complement your glow with flushed cheeks by exploring shades that pair beautifully.
