The highlighter stick is very easy to use: just one stroke is enough to illuminate the complexion! If you want to start using it, first choose a tone that enhances your complexion. Gently swipe it once on the cheekbones, bridge of the nose and brow bone for a radiant effect. If you want to create well-defined highlights (a technique called "strobing"), blend it slightly on the edges. For a more natural result, blend it more, so as to eliminate the heavy lines. Complete the makeup with a fixative spray and that's it!
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Choosing a Tone
Step 1. If you have fair skin, choose an ivory or cream highlighter
Cream and ivory highlighters that contain pearlescent, ice-colored or silver flecks are particularly suitable for diaphanous complexions. In fact, they allow to obtain a healthy and luminous complexion, while on other complexions they generate a pale and far from natural effect.
- Look for highlighters in shades with pearlescent, ice or crystalline shades.
- Avoid using shades that are darker than cream and ivory, as they can be unnatural on diaphanous skin.
Step 2. If you have a medium complexion, use a peach or gold highlighter
Tones like cream and ivory can be overly cold for a medium complexion. The highlighters in tones such as peach and gold create a healthy and luminous complexion that enhances this type of skin. Nude shades are also good.
Look for highlighters in shades of amber, gold and bronze
Step 3. If you have a dark complexion, opt for tones like golden pink and bronze
Avoid cold tones, as they can cause a grayish effect on dark skin. Particularly pigmented highlighters in tones such as bronze, rose gold and gold create a healthy, luminous and natural complexion.
Look for highlighters in shades with shades of orange, pink and copper
Step 4. If you have a cool undertone, choose shades with bluish or purplish shades
Examine the veins of the inner wrist: if they are blue or purple, you have a cool undertone. Look for highlighters containing bluish, purplish, or cool pink opalescent flecks.
These highlighters often have lavender, ice blue and wisteria undertones
Step 5. If you have a warm undertone, choose shades with shades of champagne or gold
If the veins on the inner wrist are green, you have a warm undertone. Highlighters containing warm and pearlescent flecks in shades of champagne and gold will enhance you to the fullest.
- These highlighters tend to have yellowish, orange or beige undertones.
- Avoid highlighters in shades of blue and lavender, which look unnatural on a warm undertone.
Step 6. If you have a neutral undertone, experiment with different types of highlighters
Can't tell if the veins on the inner wrist are green or blue? You probably have a neutral undertone. This means that your complexion can be enhanced by both cool and silvery tones as well as warm and golden ones.
- Experiment with various types of highlighters to find your favorite!
- Try tones that feature both warm and cool tones, such as golden pink.
Part 2 of 3: Apply the Highlighter Stick
Step 1. Apply your favorite foundation and concealer
When putting on make-up, stick highlighters should be applied almost at the end of the procedure. Accordingly, first apply your usual foundation and concealer using the method of your choice. Set your makeup with a thin layer of translucent powder.
For a delicate and natural effect, you can also use the highlighter stick alone, without creating any base
Step 2. Contour by applying a bronzer that is a shade darker than your complexion below the cheekbones
If you contour the cheekbones, the highlighter will be further emphasized. If desired, the bronzer can also be applied to the nose, jaw and chin. If, on the other hand, this technique is not for you, just apply a foundation or a powder two tones darker than your complexion in the hollow of the cheeks.
- Gently blend at the hairline to avoid ending up with a streaky result.
- If you prefer, you can skip the contouring and apply only the highlighter. This technique has a very specific name: "strobing".
Step 3. Make a light swipe of highlighter on the cheekbones
Place the stick at the bottom of the cheekbone, next to the nose, exactly above the line you made with the bronzer. Squeeze it gently and pass it once, working up to the hairline. Repeat on the other cheekbone.
- Highlighter sticks have a creamy and long-lasting formulation. Proceed with a light hand: you can always apply more at a later time!
- Applying the highlighter on the cheekbones revives the complexion and creates a radiant complexion.
Step 4. Pass the highlighter stick over the bridge of the nose
Start at the top of the nose, next to the eyebrows. Gently place the stick on the bridge of your nose and make a single stroke to the tip. Just apply it once.
Applying the highlighter in this area allows for a luminous and natural result, and can also thin the nose
Step 5. Apply the highlighter above and below the browbone
Place the stick at the bottom of the eyebrow, more precisely in the center, aligning it with the iris. Press it gently and swipe the bone under the eyebrow. Proceed to the outer end. Move the stick to the same starting position above the eyebrow and take another stroke.
- Repeat on the other eyebrow. You need to do two eyebrow strokes: one above and one below.
- Illuminating these areas revives the complexion, creating a fresh, healthy and radiant complexion.
Step 6. Tap the highlighter stick over the upper lip
In the center of the upper lip, just below the nose, there is a small V called the Cupid's bow. Place the stick on this area and gently tap it once to make it brighter. This will brighten the face and accentuate the upper lip.
This trick can also optically plump the upper lip
Step 7. Tap the highlighter stick once on the inner corner of each eye
Close your left eye, then gently tap the stick into the inner corner. Just do it once! Repeat on the right eye. Applying the highlighter to the inner corner of the eye can brighten the face and open the gaze.
If you want to spice up your eyes even more, you can apply a veil to the center of each mobile eyelid
Step 8. Tap the highlighter stick once in the center of the chin
Place the stick under your lower lip, in the center of your chin. Press it gently and tap it once. This trick allows you to accentuate the lower lip, helping to create a healthy and radiant complexion.
It can also make the lower lip optically plump
Step 9. Apply the highlighter above the jaw to soften it if it is prominent
Make a single stroke along the jaw, slightly above the edge. Stop just before reaching the chin. Blend the highlighter to thin and soften your features.
Step 10. To lengthen the face, apply the highlighter to the center of the forehead
Do you have a round or square face? Apply the highlighter to the center of the forehead to lengthen it and reduce the width. Tap the stick creating a circular shape in the center of the forehead.
Part 3 of 3: Blending and Completing the Makeup
Step 1. To create well-defined highlights, blend the highlighter only on the edges
The strobing technique consists in creating marked points of light. It therefore allows you to obtain a more decisive effect, perfect for a night out. Gently blend the edges of each line or speck of highlighter with a sponge or your fingers.
Keep in mind that strobing does not achieve the same natural effect created by the normal application of the highlighter
Step 2. Blend once more for a bright but natural result
If you want to have a more subdued and delicate effect, blend the areas on which you have applied the highlighter with a sponge or your fingers. Gently blend using light circular motions until you get the desired result.
This will remove all marked edges
Step 3. Spray a fixative spray all over your face
To keep your makeup intact throughout the day, close your eyes and sprinkle a thin layer of setting spray all over your face. Keep your eyes closed for a few seconds to allow the product to penetrate the pores.
Do not also use powder to set makeup, otherwise you will diminish the effect created by the highlighter
Step 4. Bring the highlighter stick with you to make any adjustments
This product is also very practical, as it can be put in a bag and is easy to use. Just do a quick wipe on the cheekbones and bridge of the nose in the middle of the day to freshen up your makeup. Gently blend with your fingers and that's it!
