E.L.F.'S BEST HIGHLIGHTER MAKEUP FAQs
You have questions about highlighter makeup? We have answers!
Highlighter makeup is used to enhance the natural luminosity and radiance of your skin. It typically comes in a variety of formulas, including powder, cream, stick and liquid highlighters, and comes in different shades to complement different skin tones. Highlighter sticks, creams, and liquids are easily absorbed and look natural. Powder highlighter is easy to apply and great for beginners. Face highlighters can be applied to specific areas, such as the tops of your cheekbones, brow bones, bridge of your nose, and cupid's bow, to give a radiant and glowing appearance. The purpose of highlighter is to add dimension and create a healthy-looking complexion.
Highlighter makeup is typically applied to the high points on your face helping to create a radiant glow. The most common areas include your cheekbones, brow bone, bridge of the nose, cupid's bow, and inner corners of the eyes. You can also apply it to the center of the forehead and chin for an overall illuminated effect. The key is to apply it sparingly and blend it well for a natural-looking finish. You can apply highlighter using either a highlighter brush or a makeup sponge.
Using highlighter and contour together can create a well-defined and sculpted makeup look by playing around with light and shadows. Here's how to combine these two makeup techniques:
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Always start with applying your foundation and concealer to ensure you have a smooth canvas for the rest of your makeup.
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For contouring, select a shade that is one or two shades darker than your skin tone. Apply it to the hollows of your cheeks, along your hairline, and under your jawline to create dimension. Blend it well to avoid any harsh lines.
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To use a face highlighter, first choose a shade that is one or two shades lighter than your skin tone. Apply it to the high points of your face, such as the cheekbones, bridge of the nose, brow bone, and cupid's bow. Then, blend it out with a brush or sponge for a natural finish.
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Create a harmonious look, make sure to blend both the contour and highlighter seamlessly. Use a clean makeup brush or a beauty sponge to softly blend the edges of the contour lines into your skin, avoiding any harsh lines. Similarly, blend the highlighter to ensure a natural, radiant glow.
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While combining your highlighter and contour, it's important to start light and build up. Applying too much of either product can result in an overly dramatic or artificial appearance.
PRO TIP: Remember to use a light hand and build up the product gradually for a more subtle result.
Highlighter should typically be applied after your foundation and blush. Blush adds color to your cheeks and gives you a natural flush, while highlighter is used to enhance the high points of your face and add a luminous glow. By applying blush first, you can determine the placement and intensity of the color you apply to your cheeks. Once blush is applied, you can then apply highlighter sparingly on areas like the cheekbones, brow bone, and cupid's bow to add a subtle glow and create dimension to your face.
You absolutely can apply highlighter to bare skin! Highlighters are typically used to add a luminous glow to specific areas on your face. You should always start by applying a good moisturizer, which will keep your skin looking dewy. Choose a subtle highlighter shade — nothing too bright. If you’re using a highlighting powder, use a large brush, dip it into the highlighter, and tap off the excess to keep the color soft and natural-looking. Then swirl it onto your cheeks in a circular motion. You can also apply a small amount to your forehead and chin. If you’re using a cream or a multi-use makeup stick as a highlighter, apply it with a blending sponge or with your fingers until it’s completely blended.