Best Highlighter For A Radiant Glow - What You Need To Know

Highlighter has become a staple in makeup collections everywhere, and for good reason. Whether you're a makeup pro or just starting out, understanding how to choose and use highlighter can completely transform your look. Let's dive into everything you need to know.

What Exactly Is Highlighter?

Highlighter is a product designed to create a luminous glow on the high points of your face. It is typically applied to areas like the cheekbones, brow bones, bridge of the nose, and cupid's bow. The result is a radiant, dimensional finish that makes your skin look healthy and youthful.

Types of Highlighters

Highlighters come in several different formulas, each with its own benefits. Powder highlighters are the most popular and easiest to apply. They blend seamlessly and work well for most skin types. Liquid highlighters offer a more intense glow and can be mixed into foundation or applied directly to the skin for a dewy finish. Cream highlighters provide a natural, skin-like luminosity and are perfect for those with dry skin. Stick highlighters are convenient and portable, making them ideal for touch-ups throughout the day.

Finding Your Perfect Shade

The key to a flattering highlighter is choosing a shade that complements your skin tone. Fair skin tones typically glow with champagne, pearl, and icy pink shades. Medium skin tones are beautifully enhanced by gold, rose gold, and warm bronze highlighters. Deeper skin tones shine with rich golds, copper, and bronze tones. Experiment to find the right shade(s) for any occasion or mood.

Application Tips for Maximum Glow

Start with a light hand when applying highlighter. You can always add more, but it is more difficult to tone down an overly glowy look. Use a fluffy brush to apply powder highlighter in circular motions on the apples of your cheeks, temples, and brow bones. For liquid or cream formulas, tap the product onto your skin with your fingertip or a damp beauty sponge for a more natural blend. Remember, the goal is to enhance your natural features.

Highlighter for Different Occasions

Your highlighter choice can vary depending on the occasion. For everyday wear, opt for a subtle, natural looking glow that enhances without overwhelming. For special events or nights out, you can go bolder with more intense, shimmery formulas. Photography and video calls benefit from slightly more highlighter than you'd normally wear, as lighting can wash out subtle glow.

Making Highlighter Work for Your Skin Type

If you have oily skin, powder highlighters are your best friend, they won't add extra moisture and will blend beautifully with your natural oils. Dry skin types should gravitate toward cream or liquid highlighters that won't emphasize texture. Combination skin can benefit from using different formulas in different areas, or choosing a versatile powder that works everywhere.

The Bottom Line

Highlighter is all about celebrating your best features and creating a radiant, healthy-looking glow. With the right formula, shade, and application technique, you will glow in no time. Start with a light application and build from there until you find your perfect luminous look.