Step 1: Choose the right highlighter

Start by selecting the appropriate highlighter for your skin tone. For lighter skin tones, choose a champagne or light pink shade. For medium and olive skin tones, go for gold or peach shades. For darker skin tones, opt for bronze or rose gold highlighters.

Step 2: Prep your skin

Ensure your face is clean and moisturized before applying any makeup. Apply your foundation and concealer as usual, setting your makeup with a powder if you prefer.

Step 3: Determine the type of highlighter

Highlighters can come in various forms such as powder, cream, or liquid. Choose the one that suits your skin type and preferences best. Powder highlighters are great for oily skin, while cream or liquid highlighters work well with dry or combination skin types.

Step 4: Gather the tools

For powder highlighters, use a small fluffy brush or fan brush. For cream or liquid highlighters, use your fingers, a sponge, or a small synthetic brush.

Step 5: Locate the high points of your face

Identify the areas of your face that naturally catch the light – these include your cheekbones, brow bones, the bridge of your nose, inner corners of your eyes, and cupids bow (above your upper lip).

Step 6: Apply the highlighter

Lightly dust the powder highlighter onto the high points of your face using a brush, making sure it is well-blended into your base makeup. If using a cream or liquid highlighter, pat it gently onto your skin with fingertips or a sponge. Remember that less is more; you can always build up intensity if required.

Step 7: Blend

Make sure to blend your highlighter seamlessly into your makeup base to avoid harsh lines or patches. Use gentle swirling motions with a brush for powder products, and pat lightly with your fingers or a sponge for cream or liquid formulations.

Step 8: Evaluate and intensify if needed

Step back and look at the overall effect. If you want a more intense glow, apply a second layer of highlighter to your desired areas carefully. Keep in mind that highlighting should be subtle and enhance your features rather than looking artificial.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully applied highlighter to accentuate and bring a beautiful glow to your face. Now go forth and shine!