Strobing is Replacing Contouring as the Trend to Try
Strobing is the new contouring. (Photo: Ben Ritter)
Makeup trends come and go, and I’m happy to see contouring on its way out and strobing in the spotlight. Strobing is the anti-contour. The technique is about highlighting your best features, not trying to make things disappear. It’s a radiant, cool take on makeup. Here’s how to get the look:
Start with a moisturizer that gives your skin a bit of a glow (I even use one with illumination built in). You don’t want to look greasy — just create pretty, hydrated skin.
Use your foundation or tinted moisturizer to even out skin. Skip the powder or too-flat foundations unless you are prone to oily skin.
To get the look, you need a highlighted illuminating product. It can be either cream, liquid, or powder highlighter in shimmer or glitter.
Pale skin should use a champagne or pale pink color. Medium skin looks best in colors that are dusty pink or rose. For dark skin, choose a warm bronzy gold hue.
Use your fingers or a fluffy brush to add highlighter above your cheekbone, above the apple of the cheek, as well as along the temples. You can also apply underneath your brow or at the inner corner of the eyelid.
Less is more with strobing. Some extreme strobers put a dash above the bow of the upper lip. I also use it playfully on the décolleté and shoulders.
Make sure you apply over blush, otherwise you will look too washed out.
Another makeup-artist tip, fresh off the runway: Apply a face balm that has been warmed up in the palms of your hands high on the cheekbones to elevate and lift.
(Makeup: Bobbi Brown / Hair: Joseph DiMaggio / Styling: Noelle Sciacca / Model: Bruna Boechat)
Related:
The Complete Guide to Highlighting Your Face
