How to Highlight Like a Pro

Highlighting is an art that, when done expertly, can dramatically enhance your facial features and give your skin a lovely, healthy glow. Many women, however, shy away from this makeup technique as they find it intimidating or too complicated. But fear not, in this post we will guide you through a foolproof, step-by-step process on how to highlight like a pro. Everyone can learn how to master the art of highlighting with just a bit of practice. Let's get this magical makeup journey started!

Understanding the Basics of Highlighting

Highlighting is a makeup technique that enhances and brings forward certain features of your face by applying light-reflecting makeup. The goal is to emphasize areas where the light naturally hits your face, like your cheekbones, brow bones, and the bridge of your nose. Highlighting is often paired with contouring, a method that involves darkening certain areas to create depth and dimension.

The highlighters come in different forms: powder, cream, or liquid. Each type gives a different finish and requires a different application method. Powders are generally the easiest to apply and blend, while creams and liquids can provide a more intense, dewy finish.

The color and shade of the highlighter is also important. For a natural look, it's generally best to choose a shade that is not more than two shades lighter than your skin tone. For a bold look, you can go for a dramatic color like pink, champagne, or even blue.

Choosing the Right Tools for Highlighting

The tools you use for highlighting can significantly affect the final result. For powder highlighters, a fan brush or a small, fluffy brush is usually the best option. These brushes pick up a suitable amount of product and allow precise application. If you are using a cream or liquid highlighter, a damp beauty blender or your fingers can do the job.

The quality of your tools also matters. Spending a bit more on high-quality brushes can significantly improve your highlighting game. They typically apply makeup more evenly, allow for better blending, and last longer.

Always remember to clean your brushes regularly. Dirty brushes can harbor bacteria, which can lead to skin problems like acne and breakouts. It also prevents the buildup of product on the brush, ensuring that your application is always fresh.

How to Apply Highlighter

First, apply your foundation and concealer as usual. It's important to have a clean, even base before you start highlighting. Then, pick up a small amount of highlighter with your brush or sponge.

Start by applying the highlighter to the high points of your cheeks. Make sure to blend it well so it doesn't look too harsh. Then, apply a bit on the bridge of your nose, your chin, the inner corners of your eyes, and directly under your eyebrows.

Remember that less is more when it comes to highlighting. It's better to build it up slowly than to go in with a lot of product at once. The idea is not to look shiny, but to create a subtle glow.

Common Highlighting Mistakes to Avoid

One common mistake is highlighting the wrong area. This can actually make your face look larger or can draw attention to features that you would prefer to de-emphasize. For example, if you have a long nose, highlighting the entire length of the bridge of your nose might exaggerate this feature.

Using too much highlighter is another common mistake which can make your skin look greasy rather than glowing. Always remember that the goal of highlighter is to subtly enhance your features, not to make them shine brightly.

Lastly, not blending your highlighter properly can result in stark, noticeable lines on your face. Remember to blend, blend, blend! You want the transitions between your makeup layers to be seamless.

Learning how to highlight like a pro is all about practice, understanding your face's unique features, and knowing what products and tools work best for you. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get it perfect at first. Remember that every great makeup artist started from zero. With these basic steps and guidelines, you are on your way to mastering the art of highlighting and enhancing your natural beauty in no time!