ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN DE MODE | MAKEUP
Article Published on: 11TH OCT 2023 | www.demodemagazine.com
The pursuit of radiant, glowing skin has been a timeless beauty goal, and one of the key techniques to achieve this is highlighting. Highlighting involves the strategic application of makeup to enhance the high points of your face, creating a luminous and healthy appearance. When done correctly, highlighting can transform your complexion and give you that coveted natural glow. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the art of highlighting and share tips and techniques to help you achieve a radiant look.
Understanding Highlighting Highlighting is a makeup technique that uses light-reflecting products to accentuate specific areas of the face. It's the counterpart to contouring, which involves shading to define and sculpt facial features. Highlighting aims to bring forward and emphasize the areas where light naturally hits, giving the illusion of a youthful and radiant complexion. Key Highlighting Areas:
Cheekbones: Highlighting the tops of your cheekbones is a classic technique to add dimension to your face. It draws attention to this high point, making your face appear lifted and sculpted.
Brow Bone: Applying highlighter under your eyebrows can make your eyes appear larger and more awake. It also helps define your brows.
Cupid's Bow: Enhancing your cupid's bow, the V-shaped area above your upper lip, can create the illusion of fuller lips and a more defined lip shape.
Bridge of the Nose: Highlighting the bridge of your nose adds dimension and makes your nose appear slimmer. Be cautious not to overdo it, as excessive highlighting here can make your nose look too wide.
Inner Corners of the Eyes: Adding a touch of highlighter to the inner corners of your eyes brightens your eyes and makes them look more awake.
Chin: A subtle highlight on your chin can balance the overall glow on your face.
Choosing the Right Highlighter Selecting the right highlighter is crucial to achieving a natural glow. There are several types of highlighters available, each with its own finish and texture.
Powder Highlighters: These are the most common type of highlighters and are suitable for all skin types. They come in various shades, from subtle champagne tones to more intense gold or bronze hues. Powder highlighters are applied with a brush and provide a soft, diffused glow.
Cream Highlighters: Cream highlighters have a creamy texture that can be applied with your fingers or a makeup sponge. They are ideal for those with dry or mature skin, as they add a dewy finish to the skin.
Liquid Highlighters: Liquid highlighters offer a natural, radiant finish and are usually applied before foundation or mixed with foundation for an all-over glow. They are versatile and can be used on their own or blended with other products.
Stick Highlighters: Stick highlighters are convenient for on-the-go application and touch-ups. They are easy to apply directly to the skin and blend with your fingertips.
Choosing the right shade of highlighter is equally important. For a natural glow, opt for a shade that complements your skin tone. Light to medium skin tones often look best with champagne or pearl shades, while deeper skin tones can experiment with golden or bronze highlighters.
Application Techniques for a Natural Glow Now that you've chosen the right highlighter, let's delve into the techniques to achieve a natural glow:
Prep Your Skin: Start with a well-moisturized and primed face. Good skincare sets the foundation for a luminous complexion.
Apply Foundation: Apply your foundation as usual, ensuring it matches your skin tone seamlessly. Highlighting is most effective when applied on top of a flawless base.
Choose the Right Tools: Depending on your preferred highlighter type (powder, cream, liquid, or stick), select the appropriate tools for application. Common tools include brushes, makeup sponges, or your fingertips.
Highlight the High Points: Using a light hand, apply the highlighter to the high points of your face. Start with your cheekbones, moving from the outer corner of your eye towards your temple. Blend the product gently using upward strokes to avoid harsh lines.
Brow Bone and Inner Corners: Apply a small amount of highlighter to your brow bone and the inner corners of your eyes. This brightens your eyes and creates a lifted look.
Cupid's Bow: Dab a tiny amount of highlighter on your cupid's bow and blend softly. This technique enhances your lip shape and adds fullness.
Nose and Chin: If desired, lightly highlight the bridge of your nose and your chin. Be mindful of your skin type and the desired level of glow.
Blend, Blend, Blend: Blending is the key to achieving a natural glow. Use gentle, upward strokes to ensure a seamless transition between your highlighter and foundation. Avoid harsh lines or patches.
Set Your Makeup: To lock in your makeup and maintain that radiant look all day, use a setting spray or a finely milled translucent powder.
Optional: Layer for Intensity: If you want a more intense highlight, you can layer the product. Start with a subtle application and build up gradually to achieve your desired level of glow.
Conclusion The art of highlighting is a versatile and transformative makeup technique that can elevate your look to the next level. By understanding the key areas to highlight and choosing the right products and application techniques, you can achieve a natural and radiant glow that enhances your features and boosts your confidence. Whether for everyday wear or a special occasion, mastering the art of highlighting is a valuable skill that allows you to put your best face forward with a luminous and youthful complexion.