Your No-Fail Guide to Wearing Highlighter

Now that Instagram has ruined contouring for us all, let’s focus on the better and brighter stuff: highlighter. The illuminating makeup product has made its way onto our feeds in all different forms, from the magical rainbow highlighter to the full face using only highlighter challenge. However, there are more practical ways to add highlighter to your beauty routine. Thanks to highlighting queens like Jaclyn Hill and brands such as Glossier, highlighter has become less intimidating. And unlike the seemingly daunting task of contouring, there are plenty of ways to get your highlight on.

Highlighting powders, creams, and liquid/gel formulas allow you to easily add sheen to your makeup looks, no matter the season. From a dewy, summer look to added dimension during the winter, highlight in the right places keeps you looking vibrant, without overloading on the bronzer.

Powder highlighter

People often gravitate first to powder palettes because they seem the simplest. And while they traditionally come in basic champagne shades, cosmetic companies are stepping up their game with various reflective hues.

These formulas typically provide a sheer sheen, but using a dense or dampened brush can intensify the look. Similarly, adding a powder over a cream or liquid highlight can set the latter to provide even more shine — but there are existing highlighters that mimic this effect.

Powder-to-creme highlighter

While highlighters by Becca Cosmetics have become cult favorites because of the brand’s collaboration with makeup artist/YouTuber Jaclyn Hill, the company is also recognized for its ability to provide high-shine products that complement various skin tones.

The Shimmering Skin Perfector Poured Creme is a unique dual-texture product, which boasts easy application and a more subtle glow. Additionally, it avoids the extreme tendencies of a powder, which often settles into fine lines or appears cakey. These potted creme formulas are best applied with a Beautyblender sponge, but have also taken on a stick form for on-the-go application.

Creme stick highlighter

Both Milk Makeup and Glossier have created hydrating cream formulas in this convenient stick form to emphasize the simplicity and accessibility of a highlighting product. The stickes allow for application directly from the tube or by using fingers or a brush.

Each of these products is perfect for anyone reluctant to try the highlighting trend, as they offer a fool-proof sheen as long as it’s applied to the right areas. Stick to the high points of your face, creating a C shape from the brow bone to your cheek bone. Then apply to the bridge of your nose and the cupid’s bow above your mouth.

Liquid highlighter

If you’re looking for a highlighter that gives you the glimmer of a goddess, a liquid formula is what you need. Liquid highlighters are unique products that allow you to add a glow either into or on top of your face makeup. By combining a product like Cover FX’s Custom Enhancer Drops to your foundation, you can give yourself a natural-looking glow in seconds. And applying a drop on top of your base will provide you with a highlighting effect unlike any other.

To brush up on your highlighting skills, check out the videos below. Trust us, you will be prepared to glow every time you walk out the door!

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