Top 10 Highlighter Hacks for a Glowing Complexion You Need to Try

Highlighters have revolutionized the beauty industry, offering a versatile tool for adding subtle luminosity and a radiant glow. Whether you're aiming for a natural look or a full-glam finish, mastering the art of highlighter application can make all the difference. In this article, we will share top 10 highlighter hacks for a glowing complexion that will elevate your makeup game.

1. Choose the Right Shade

Selecting the right highlighter shade is crucial for achieving a natural glow. Opt for a hue that complements your skin tone. Fair complexions look best with silvery, icy tones, while warm golden or peach highlighters flatter medium to olive skin. Deep skin tones shine with rich, bronze, or copper shades.

Expert Tip:

Testing highlighters on your cheekbone under natural light helps in finding the perfect shade that blends seamlessly with your skin.

2. Understand Your Skin Type

Your skin type plays a significant role in how well highlighter performs. For oily skin, powder highlighters help combat excess shine. On the other hand, cream or liquid highlighters are best for dry skin, offering a hydrating glow.

Pro Advice:

Choosing the right formula ensures your highlighter complements your complexion without accentuating imperfections like texture or fine lines.

3. Prep Your Skin Properly

Prepping your skin is the key to a flawless highlight. Begin with a cleansed and moisturized base. Use a primer to create a smooth canvas, reduce pores, and ensure your highlighter stays put longer.

Did You Know?

Using a primer ensures that highlighters don’t settle into fine lines or pores, offering a more polished look.

4. Apply Highlighter Strategically

Placement is everything. Focus on areas where the light naturally hits your face - the tops of your cheekbones, brow bones, down the bridge of your nose, Cupid's bow, and even a bit on your chin. This technique creates a balanced and symmetrical glow.

Quick Tip:

Less is more! Building up the product gradually helps in achieving a subtle and natural glow rather than a blinding shine.

5. Blend, Blend, Blend

Blending is an essential step that cannot be overlooked. Use a damp beauty sponge or a fluffy brush to diffuse harsh lines. This ensures the highlighter melds flawlessly with your skin and other makeup layers.

Blending Tip:

Circular motions with light pressure help achieve a seamless blend, setting your makeup for a smooth finish.

6. Mix with Foundation

For an all-over luminous look, mix a few drops of liquid highlighter with your foundation. This technique gives your entire face a radiant glow without specific highlighting, perfect for those who prefer a dewy finish.

Professional Insight:

Ensure you use a light hand while mixing to avoid overdoing it and making your face appear too shiny.

7. Layer for Intensity

Layering different formulas and shades of highlighter can intensify the effect. Start with a cream or liquid base, then dust a powder highlighter on top. This builds dimension and amplifies the glow.

Expert Layering:

Using a fan brush for powder application ensures a light and controlled sweep, preventing a cakey look.

8. Highlight Your Body

Remember, your glow shouldn't be confined to your face. Highlighting your collarbone, shoulders, and décolletage can complete your radiant look, especially for evening events or summer days.

Body Highlighting:

Mixing highlighter with body lotion is an easy way to achieve a subtle glow over larger areas.

9. Use Highlighter as Eyeshadow

Multitasking your highlighter as eyeshadow can add a simple yet effective sparkle to your makeup look. Apply to the inner corners of your eyes and the center of your eyelids to instantly brighten your gaze.

Hack for Eyes:

This trick not only saves space in your makeup bag but also ties your entire look together with a cohesive glow.

10. Longevity with Setting Spray

Finally, to make sure your glow lasts all day, finish your makeup with a setting spray. It locks in your look, ensuring your highlighter doesn’t fade or shift throughout the day.

Final Step:

A mist that offers a dewy finish can enhance the luminous effect of the highlighter without making your skin look greasy.