Makeup Artist Secrets: Tips for Highlighting Different Facial Features October 19, 2024

Highlighter is one of the most versatile tools in a makeup artist’s kit. When applied correctly, it can enhance your natural beauty by adding dimension, glow, and definition to various facial features. Whether you’re looking to emphasize your cheekbones, brighten your eyes, or define your nose, understanding how to use highlighter for each feature can elevate your makeup game. In this article, we’ll share makeup artist secrets on how to highlight different facial features to achieve a radiant, sculpted look.

1. Highlighting Cheekbones for a Sculpted Look

One of the most common places to apply highlighter is on the cheekbones. This technique adds dimension to your face and enhances the natural bone structure.

• Tip: Apply highlighter to the highest points of your cheekbones, just above the blush. Use a fan makeup brush or your fingers to gently blend the product into your skin for a seamless, glowing finish.
• For an Extra Pop: If you want a more intense glow, layer a powder highlighter on top of a cream highlighter for a long-lasting, radiant look.

2. Brightening the Eyes with Highlight

Highlighter can make your eyes look bigger and more awake, which is perfect for adding brightness to your overall look. It’s all about where you place the product.

• Tip: Apply highlighter to the inner corners of your eyes to instantly brighten them. This small detail makes a big difference in making your eyes appear larger and more alert.
• Brow Bone: Highlighting the brow bone (right underneath the eyebrow) gives your brows a lifted look, enhancing the overall eye shape.

3. Defining the Nose

Highlighting the nose is a subtle technique that can help define and refine its shape, giving it a more sculpted appearance.

• Tip: Apply a small amount of highlighter down the center of your nose to create the illusion of length and definition. Be sure to blend well to avoid any harsh lines.
• For a Slimmer Look: Apply a matte contour shade to the sides of your nose and blend. Finish by adding highlighter to the bridge to create a more contoured, slim effect.

4. Enhancing the Cupid’s Bow

Highlighting the Cupid’s bow (the small dip above your upper lip) is an easy way to make your lips look fuller and more defined.

• Tip: Use a small makeup brush to apply highlighter directly to the center of your Cupid’s bow. This draws light to the lips, making them appear plumper.
• Bonus Tip: You can also apply a bit of highlighter to the center of your lower lip for an extra luminous effect.

5. Highlighting the Forehead and Chin for Balance

For a balanced, glowing complexion, it’s important to apply highlighter to the forehead and chin as well. This helps create symmetry and enhances the overall glow.

• Tip: Lightly dust highlighter onto the center of your forehead and chin. Make sure to blend well so the highlight looks natural and not too shiny.
• Keep it Subtle: Less is more in these areas. The goal is to create a natural, dewy finish rather than an overly shiny look.

6. Highlighting the Collarbone and Shoulders

Highlighter isn’t just for the face! If you’re wearing an off-the-shoulder or low-cut top, you can apply highlighter to your collarbones and shoulders for an all-over glow.

• Tip: Apply highlighter along the tops of your collarbones and blend it into your skin. You can also apply a bit to the tops of your shoulders for a radiant look that catches the light beautifully.

Choosing the Right Highlighter for Your Skin Tone

One of the keys to effective highlighting is choosing the right shade for your skin tone. Here are some general guidelines:

• Fair Skin: Opt for pearl or champagne-colored highlighters for a soft, natural glow.
• Medium Skin: Gold or peachy-toned highlighters work beautifully to enhance your natural warmth.
• Deep Skin: Bronze or copper highlighters provide a stunning contrast, giving you a radiant, sun-kissed look.

Conclusion

Highlighter is a powerful tool that, when used correctly, can accentuate your best features and give you a radiant, glowing complexion. Whether you’re emphasizing your cheekbones, defining your nose, or brightening your eyes, these makeup artist tips will help you master the art of highlighting. Remember, it’s all about placement and blending for a natural, luminous finish that enhances your unique beauty.