Glowing skin never goes out of style. Whether you prefer a minimal makeup look or full glam, highlighter is the perfect finishing touch to enhance your features and create a healthy, radiant complexion. The key to achieving a natural glow is choosing the right formula and applying it where light naturally hits your face.
From silky powder highlighters made with liquid-to-baked technology to creamy formulas and versatile liquid illuminators, there's a highlighter for every makeup routine and skin type.
Prep Your Skin
Before applying highlighter, start with a smooth, hydrated base. Apply your favorite moisturizer and primer, then follow with foundation or a skin tint if desired.
For the most natural finish, lightly set only the areas that tend to become oily while leaving the high points of your face with a natural or satin finish. This helps your highlighter blend seamlessly into the skin.
Where to Apply Highlighter
Highlighter works best on the areas of your face where light naturally reflects.
Apply to:
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Tops of the cheekbones
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Brow bone
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Bridge of the nose
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Tip of the nose
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Inner corners of the eyes
Start with a light hand and build the intensity gradually.
For a Soft, Luminous Finish: Powder Highlighter
Powder highlighters made with liquid-to-baked technology deliver a smooth, radiant finish that blends beautifully into the skin. The lightweight formula applies evenly without looking chalky, making it easy to create anything from a subtle glow to a more luminous highlight.
Using a fluffy highlighting brush, lightly sweep the product across the tops of your cheekbones and any other areas you'd like to brighten. For an even softer finish, gently press the highlighter into the skin with a damp makeup sponge.
If you want more intensity, simply layer until you've achieved your desired glow.
Pro Tip
Instead of swiping your brush back and forth, use gentle sweeping or tapping motions for the most seamless blend.
For a Fresh, Dewy Glow: Cream Highlighter
If you love a natural, skin-like finish, the cream highlighters in the Creamy Cashmere Midi Palette and Coquita Glow Midi Palette are a great choice.
Cream formulas melt into the skin, creating a soft, hydrated glow that looks like it's coming from within. They're especially flattering for dry or mature skin but work beautifully on all skin types.
Using your fingertips, a dense brush, or a makeup sponge, gently tap the product onto the high points of your face. Avoid rubbing the product over your foundation to keep your makeup looking smooth.
Cream highlighter is perfect for:
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Everyday makeup
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No-makeup makeup looks
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Dry or mature skin
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Creating a dewy finish
For added dimension, apply cream highlighter first and lightly layer a powder highlighter on top.
For an All-Over Radiance: Star Lit Liquid Highlighter
Star Lit Liquid Highlighter is a versatile formula that delivers a luminous, lit-from-within glow. The lightweight texture blends effortlessly into the skin and can be used in multiple ways depending on the look you're trying to achieve.
Try it by:
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Mixing a drop into your foundation for an all-over radiant finish.
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Applying it underneath foundation on the high points of the face for a subtle glow.
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Tapping it onto the cheekbones after makeup for extra luminosity.
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Blending it onto the collarbones, shoulders, or legs for a radiant body glow.
The buildable formula allows you to customize your glow from soft and natural to bold and luminous.
Choosing the Right Highlighter for Your Skin Type
Oily Skin
Powder highlighters provide a long-lasting glow and help maintain the look of your makeup throughout the day.
Dry Skin
Cream and liquid highlighters create a fresh, hydrated finish that complements dry skin beautifully.
Combination Skin
Mix formulas by using cream or liquid highlighter on drier areas and powder highlighter where you want longer-lasting wear.
Common Highlighter Mistakes to Avoid
A few simple techniques can make all the difference.
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Applying too much product at once
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Placing highlighter too low on the cheeks
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Forgetting to blend the edges
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Applying powder highlighter over wet foundation
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Using a shade that doesn't complement your skin tone
Building your highlighter in thin layers creates the most natural-looking result.
Create Your Perfect Glow
Every makeup routine is different, which is why having a variety of highlighter formulas makes it easy to customize your look. Whether you prefer the smooth radiance of a powder highlighter, the fresh finish of a cream formula, or the versatility of Star Lit Liquid Highlighter, each formula can be worn alone or layered together for added dimension.
With the right placement and a light touch, highlighter enhances your natural features and leaves your skin looking healthy, luminous, and effortlessly glowing.