By Jia Lissa 
Achieving a luminous complexion has become a cornerstone of modern beauty routines, with highlighter emerging as a key player in creating dimension and radiance. While the allure of a dewy finish is undeniable, understanding the nuances of application and product selection is crucial for a natural, flattering result. This comprehensive guide, drawing on insights from beauty experts and industry standards, delves into the art of using highlighter effectively, addressing common concerns and offering tailored advice for various skin types and concerns.
Mastering the Art of Highlighter Application: Where to Illuminate
The strategic placement of highlighter is paramount to enhancing facial features and creating a sculpted appearance. According to makeup artist [Expert Name, if available, otherwise use "leading makeup artists"], the primary principle is to target the "high points" of the face—areas that naturally catch the light. This typically includes the brow bone, just beneath the arch of the eyebrow, to lift and define the eye area. The inner corners of the eyes can also benefit from a touch of highlight to brighten and open up the gaze, combating signs of fatigue.
A significant area for highlighter application is the top of the cheekbone, extending towards the temple. This placement sculpts the face, creating a lifted and more youthful appearance. Dorn advises applying highlighter here to accentuate the natural contours. Down the center of the nose, a subtle stripe of highlighter can add a refined sharpness and dimension, drawing attention to the facial midline. Finally, the Cupid’s Bow, the distinct peak above the upper lip, is another key area. Illuminating this point adds a subtle pout and enhances the natural shape of the lips, contributing to an overall polished look.
The tools used for application are as varied as the formulas themselves. Dorn suggests that cream, powder, or liquid highlighters can be applied using a brush, the fingertips, or a damp Beautyblender. For those seeking an extended wear time and a seamless blend, a Beautyblender lightly misted with setting spray can be particularly effective. "The addition of setting spray helps boost longevity and melts makeup into skin for a blended, airbrush-like effect," Dorn explains. This technique ensures the highlighter appears as a natural part of the skin rather than a superficial layer. For an extra touch of ethereal glow, Dorn suggests extending the application to the collarbone, creating a cohesive and radiant overall appearance, particularly suitable for evening wear or strapless garments.
Selecting the Right Highlighter Formula for Your Skin
The notion of a single "best" highlighter is a misconception; the optimal choice is contingent upon individual skin type and desired aesthetic. Cream and liquid highlighters are generally favored for drier skin types, as they impart moisture and a dewy finish, preventing the skin from appearing flat or parched. These formulas can be layered with powder highlighters to set the look and enhance its longevity. However, applying powder highlighters directly to very dry skin can sometimes result in a patchy or streaky appearance.
Conversely, for individuals with oily skin, powder highlighters are often recommended. "For oily skin, it is better to use a powder so as to not add more cream products," says Dorn. The inherent mattifying properties of powders can help control excess shine. Dorn also advises a more restrained approach to highlighter application on oily skin. "Focusing only in very specific areas since oil is produced so easily and you do not want an all-over shiny look," she cautions. The goal is targeted illumination, not an amplified sheen that could accentuate oiliness. For those with dry skin, Dorn reiterates the benefit of cream or liquid formulas: "For more dry skin, I always use a cream or liquid highlighter to add more moisture."
The versatility of highlighters extends to the possibility of combining different formulas. "I use [a combination of] cream and powder depending on the skin and the look I’m going for," Dorn reveals. This hybrid approach allows for customization, leveraging the benefits of each formula to achieve a desired effect. Furthermore, the market offers a spectrum of finishes, from subtle, ambient light reflectors that mimic natural luminosity to more intense, glitter-infused options that deliver a dramatic, statement-making shine. "Some deliver soft, ambient light and others have glitter and are more shiny," Dorn notes. For everyday wear, a natural glow highlighter is often preferred, while a more intense formula can be employed for occasions demanding a bolder aesthetic. "I typically use a very natural glow highlighter and then if someone wants a more dramatic look then I will add a more intense highlight," she adds.
Achieving a Natural, Seamless Highlighter Finish
A common concern among makeup users is the appearance of highlighter looking artificial or simply sitting on top of the skin. To achieve a more integrated and natural-looking glow, Dorn recommends a careful application technique. "You can dip your brush or Beautyblender into the highlighter, and then dab a bit on your hand to remove any excess product," she advises. This crucial step ensures that only a controlled amount of pigment is transferred to the face.
Following this, the highlighter should be applied with a light hand, building the intensity gradually. "Very lightly build the highlight in the exact area that you want it," Dorn emphasizes. This incremental application allows for precise control over the placement and intensity, preventing an overly stark or artificial sheen. The objective is to mimic the natural way light reflects off the skin, creating a believable radiance. This meticulous approach transforms highlighter from a product that sits on the skin to one that appears to emanate from within.
Illuminating Mature Skin: A Gentle Approach
When addressing makeup for mature skin, the foundational steps are crucial for creating a smooth canvas. Dorn stresses the importance of starting with a well-hydrated base. This involves the liberal use of moisturizer, a rich eye cream to address the delicate skin around the eyes, and a hydrating facial sunscreen. These products, rich in ingredients like squalane, hyaluronic acid, and shea butter, help to plump the skin and minimize the appearance of fine lines and texture.
For highlighter application on mature skin, Dorn generally favors cream or liquid formulas. These hydrating options are less likely to settle into fine lines or emphasize dryness. "Sometimes I even mix in a touch of highlighter with foundation to give an all-over glow," she shares. This technique imparts a subtle luminosity across the entire face, creating a more cohesive and radiant complexion. This is particularly beneficial for mature skin that may be experiencing dryness. Once the base makeup is complete, Dorn recommends applying a touch more highlighter to the high points of the face. This final step adds dimension and a youthful glow without overwhelming the skin. The focus remains on subtle enhancement, ensuring the highlighter complements the skin’s natural texture.
The Science and Methodology Behind Beauty Product Evaluation
At Allure, the evaluation of beauty products, including highlighters, is a rigorous and multi-faceted process designed to provide consumers with reliable and actionable recommendations. The editorial team meticulously examines products from every angle, scrutinizing ingredients, validating brand claims, and, when necessary, consulting peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. This commitment to thoroughness extends to the testing of each product included in their reviews.
The assessment process relies heavily on the expertise of professionals who are leaders in their respective fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine. These experts play a vital role in vetting the efficacy and safety of ingredients and formulations. For their comprehensive reviews of highlighters, Allure editors consider five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Each product is rigorously tested and evaluated by the in-house editorial team, as well as external contributors and dermatologists, to ensure it excels in all these areas. Readers can access further details on Allure‘s detailed reporting and testing methodologies on their dedicated methodology page.
A Commitment to Inclusivity in Product Testing
The personal nature of beauty purchases underscores Allure‘s dedication to ensuring that their recommendations resonate with a diverse audience. Whether a consumer is seeking a solution for persistent dryness, a new nail product for a self-care ritual, or the latest hair care innovations, Allure aims to foster confidence in their endorsed products. This commitment is realized through the cultivation of a diverse team of writers and editors, complemented by a wide array of external testers and industry specialists.
The publication recognizes that truly comprehensive product assessment requires input from individuals representing a broad spectrum of demographics and concerns. For instance, deeming a skincare product "best for people over 50" without consulting individuals within that age group would be an incomplete evaluation. Similarly, a high-end diffuser’s efficacy cannot be fully judged without testing on various hair textures, including curls. Allure takes pride in its staff, which spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds. This diversity ensures that every beauty product entering their "beauty closet" can be fairly and accurately assessed, meeting the unique needs and concerns of all consumers. This inclusive approach to testing is fundamental to Allure‘s mission of empowering individuals to make informed beauty choices.
