Buzz
Highlight powder can enhance your complexion and improve the structure of your facial features. Applying highlight powder doesn't take much time, as it's just applied to certain small areas of the face. However, a small amount of highlight powder can make your face appear brighter. It's relatively easy to apply, even if you're just learning how to do makeup.
Steps
Highlight the cheekbones, nose, and forehead
First, apply foundation and concealer. Foundation and concealer create a smoother surface for applying highlight powder and other products. Concealer can help hide small imperfections and brighten your skin. Apply foundation as usual before applying highlight powder and concealer if needed.
- Use a makeup sponge or brush to apply foundation evenly to your face.
- If you have dark spots or small imperfections on your skin, apply a bit of concealer to those areas. This will help the highlighted areas stand out more.
- You can also use concealer to mark areas where highlight powder should be applied. Dab a small amount of concealer on the bridge of your nose, on your cheekbones, down the center of your forehead, under your eyes, and in the folds of your chin. Be sure to blend the concealer evenly in these areas.
Apply a touch of highlighter on your cheekbones. Use a blush brush or a kabuki brush to sweep a small amount of highlighter from your temples to the peak of your cheekbones, following a C shape. You can apply one layer for a subtle glow or build up multiple layers for a more striking highlight.
Dot a small amount of highlighter on the tip of your nose. Lightly dip your fingertip into the highlighter powder and gently tap it onto the tip of your nose. Move your finger back and forth to blend it in evenly. Be sure not to overdo it; just a small touch is sufficient.
Highlight the center of your forehead. To emphasize the middle of your forehead, apply a bit of highlighter vertically from the center of your forehead down the bridge of your nose. Begin at your hairline and sweep down the center. If you prefer a more intense highlight, feel free to apply more product, but it's all up to you.
Enhance the features of your eyes, lips, and chin for added definition.
Highlight the inner corners of your eyes. Use an eyeshadow brush to pick up a small amount of highlighter on the brush tip, then gently sweep it into the inner corners of your eyes. You can layer more highlight for a bolder effect or apply a light layer for a softer, more natural finish.
Apply highlighter to the brow bone. The area right beneath the eyebrow captures the most light, making it the perfect place to create a highlight. Gently sweep highlighter over the brow bone—just below the eyebrow.
- Focus mainly on the outer edge of the brow bone. You don’t need to cover the entire area with highlighter.
- You can also extend the highlight down to the crease of the eyelid for a brightening effect.
Dot a bit of highlighter above your upper lip. The center of your upper lip, also known as the V-shaped peak, can be accentuated with highlighter to draw attention to your lips. Use your fingertip to dab a small amount of highlighter on this area.
- Only apply highlighter directly above the lip, being careful not to extend onto the lips themselves.
Apply highlighter to the center of your chin. Adding a highlight to the center of your chin helps draw attention to your lips as well. Sweep a little highlighter along the center of your chin.
- Be cautious not to overdo it—apply just a light layer of highlighter.
- If you’ve highlighted your forehead, try to balance it by applying a similar amount of highlight to the chin.
Tips
- If you're using highlighter for school, opt for a product with a subtle shimmer instead of one loaded with glitter.
- Make sure to choose a highlighter that complements your skin tone. A suitable highlighter will give a uniform glow, avoiding a glittery look. Experiment with different shades to find the one that works best for you.
Warning
- Avoid applying highlighter all over your face, as it can make your skin look metallic. Only apply highlighter to areas that naturally catch the light.
