How To: Apply Highlighter

Mornings are usually hectic & somewhat rushed at our house (especially during the school year)…so, I’m not inclined to add one more step into my getting ready routine unless the payoff is big.  For me, this is 100% worth the extra 30 seconds it takes because it gives me a natural-looking glow that lasts all day.  The goal with applying highlighter is to create a luminous finish without having your skin appear overly shiny.  Today I’m showing you how to do this in just a few simple steps.  Once I learned this technique, I was hooked and I never wanted to walk out the door without applying it.  But, even if you can’t take the time to do it every single day, just pin the image below and pull it up to use as a guide when you’re getting ready for girls’ night out or a special evening.  Here are my steps to achieving a lit-from-within look using liquid highlighter:

1) Once you have applied your usual makeup, take a liquid highlighter and dab small dots as follows:
* in a crescent shape, starting at your temples and curving around to the top of your cheekbones.
* the inner corners of eyes
* just above the cupid’s bow of your lips
* brow bones
* the bridge of your nose (stopping just before the tip)


2) Lightly blend with your finger – using your middle or ring finger (instead of the pointer) ensures that you won’t press too hard.


3) Repeat steps 1 & 2 as needed until you reach your desired look – remember that it’s easier to add more than it is to remove.

After having tried both, I personally prefer a cream highlighter on my skin.  Powder tends to look chalky and I think the liquid versions are better for beginners because they’re easier to blend & essentially fool-proof.  I’ve broken down some of my favorite options below at varying price points (some as low as $1!).  It’s important to choose one that has the right undertone for your skin so the effect is as natural-looking as possible.  I like to use a pinkish-champagne in the winter and then switch to a warm golden hue for summer.