Highlighter Basics

Where should you apply highlighter and why?

-          I recommend applying highlighter to the high points of your face. Specifically I like the tops of the cheekbones, cupid’s bow of the lips, temples, bridge of the nose, and the brow bone. This adds a dimension of light to your face and makes your facial features pop. I think there should always be some sort of highlight to balance out any contour.

What are the high points of the face? How do you apply highlighter to each of them?

-          The high points of the face are the temples, cheekbones, brow bone, bridge of the nose, and cupid’s bow of the lip. Any part of your face that comes forward. Technically the chin is as well, but I just don’t like to bring attention to my chin, so it’s also about personal preference and what you want to “highlight.” Depending on the type of highlighter (whether it be cream, liquid, or powder) I would recommend taking your finger, smaller face brush, or a sponge, and gently tapping the highlighter on the high points. I start light and build up the product as I go until I’ve reached the desired glow.

What is the goal of highlighting the cheekbones, bridge of the nose, and cupid’s bow?

-          The goal of highlighting the cheekbones, bridge of the nose, and cupid’s bow is to bring more attention to them and also to balance your facial features. 

How do you properly highlight them?

-          You can properly highlight them by applying a cream, liquid, or powder formula using your fingers, a small face brush, or a sponge.

Can you apply highlighter to the eyes? Why or why not?

-          You can absolutely add highlighter to your eyes, this will add light and brightness to the eyes and “open them up.” Basically highlighter is playing with light and you can put it wherever you want to add light to.

What is the right way to apply highlighter to the eyes?

-          I don’t think there’s a wrong or a right way to do anything makeup related, but I recommend using a cream highlight that you can set (so the formula stays where you want it to) or a powder that you can blend in with any other shadow. I like to apply it to the lid itself to open that area up, this is especially great for people who have hooded or smaller eyes. It gives the illusion of the eyes being bigger and more open.

Can you apply highlighter to your collarbones? Why or why not?

-          I love adding highlighter to your collarbones, it brings attention to a beautiful part of the body, while tying the rest of the body to the face.

What is the right way to apply highlighter on the collarbones?

-          I don’t think there’s any right way to apply highlighter, but I like to match whatever highlighter I used on the face to the body. I would recommend something that dries done or a powder highlight for the collarbones area, as to not get the product all over the place (clothes, hugging, etc.).

How do you decide when to go for a subtle glow versus a bold highlighter?

-          The energy and the overall makeup look helps me decide to go for a subtle glow versus a bold highlighter. I’m big on what balances everything out: face, outfit, location. I try to take that all in before I make a decision about anything makeup related. For example, if I’m doing a clean girl inspired makeup look, I’d opt for a soft highlight, while if I’m doing a full beat going out night makeup look, I’d be more prone to applying a more bold highlighter.

Can you layer your highlighter for a day-to-night look? If so, how?

-          You can of course layer your highlight for a day to night look. Adding more highlighter in any sense is going to crank the glow up a few notches.

Are there any highlighters you recommend?

-    For everyday glow kinda energy, I absolutely love Catrice’s Soft Glam Filter Fluid. You can use this under your foundation for something more subtle or you can put it on top for a more poppy highlight, either way with its extensive shade range, the highlight will blend perfectly into your complexion. Not to mention it’s a deal at only 10 dollars, while also being cruelty free, vegan, and fragrance free (great for those with sensitive skin). Alternatively, if you love a classic powder highlight, Catrice’s More Than Glow Highlighter is gorgeous. My favorite shade for the summer is “003 beyond golden glow” which is a stunning golden hue! It’s silky and the ideal shimmer.