We all want to look good for work, for leisure and for those special nights out. Even if we are just heading to the office or holding a video conference, it’s fair to say we want to look our best. A lot of us don’t even like the idea of popping to the shops without a little subtle makeup on. In fact, makeup is used by so many of us and so often that by 2024, Statista predicts the cosmetics industry will be worth $85 billion USD.
Highlighter is an important part of any makeup box, as it can help you soften certain parts of your face and sharpen other aspects of it. It is often used to bone structure and to give you a colour boost. However, it can remain underused and neglected, as people reach for the things that may offer more obvious results, like blush and eyeshadow. This is truly a shame, as highlighters can work wonders for your look.
Basically, highlighter strengthens the areas where light naturally falls on your skin, emphasising them more. The best places to apply it are the high points of the face – namely the cheek and brow bones, the nose, and the Cupid’s bow.
Where should you apply your highlighter?
As already explained, highlighters work best when applied to areas where the light would catch you naturally. Highlighting is basically used to replicate natural light. A highlighter is very easy to apply as you only need a few dabs of it here and there, but those few dabs really do make all the difference!
If you are unsure where to apply your highlighter, follow the tips below.
Cheekbones
This is a common place to highlight, as it helps to define bone structure. To add highlighter here, use a makeup brush and apply the highlighter from your temple to the tops of your cheekbones in a C-shaped curve.
Brow
If you put highlighter under the brow then this can make the brow look lifted. This is particularly useful if you have a low brow or need to lighten your overall look. Also, this area normally catches a lot of light, so it can be very effective to use a highlighter in this spot.
To apply highlighter here, simply dust it lightly over your brow bone. Keeping the highlighter to the outer edges of this bone is actually often more effective, as it adds an authenticity to the look and will highlight natural beauty.
Cupid’s bow
A little highlighter across the top of your mouth, along your cupid’s bow, will make your lips look fuller. If you’re wearing lipstick, this will also help to bring out its colour.
Bridge of your nose
A bit of highlighter on the bridge of the nose can be stunning and set your face off perfectly. Do this lightly though, and don’t do the whole nose as it may spoil the effect by making your nose look unnatural or too long.
Use your finger and gently blend a small dab of highlighter into the area until it looks natural.
The corners of your eyes
A little highlighter in the inner corners of your eyes can help you look revitalised, awake and refreshed. This is particularly ideal if you’ve been burning the midnight oil.
To add highlighter here, use a highlighting eyeshadow brush and get a small amount of highlighter onto the tip. Once you’ve done this, dab it gently into the inner corner of each eye.
Providing you remember the golden rule that less is more, you can experiment and see what look works best for you!
