Highlighting and contouring are very popular beauty terms used in the makeup industry today. You might not even be into makeup but will have heard these terms before. Although these techniques have been around for a very long time; it seems that their popularity is growing exponentially. Every so often there are new techniques brought into the light or old techniques being revitalized and brought back again. Over time people move on from certain makeup looks in order to make way for new ones, but eventually, certain things circle back into popularity again.
One of the main reasons highlighting and contouring are so popular is because of the magnificent results they produce on the face. You will usually always pair these two techniques together. This will make sure to give you a well sculpted and refined face. What these techniques do is enhance your natural features, make your face look slimmer, and bring out the glow within. You don’t need an extra special occasion to pull this look off. You have control over how subtle or bold you apply your contour and highlight. This look can take you from day to night!
If you are looking to try out this look on yourself, don’t be intimidated by all the tutorials that make it look like you need to use tons of makeup. One thing to remember is that when you are first trying these new looks and techniques, you are in control and can keep things really simple. Once you are comfortable with the technique, go bold and dramatic! Whatever look you are looking for, you will be able to achieve it. And remember, you can always wash it off and try again. Continue reading to find out more!
There are a lot of products out there that you can use for contouring and highlighting. There are also multiple different methods you can use to apply the makeup. There is no right or wrong way to do it and this is what makes each of them useful:
-Using both is what complements them perfectly on your face
-You can use them for the day and night (lightly during the day and heavy shading at night)
-They blend well together
-Each shade is meant to look as natural as possible, so you can’t even tell you have makeup on.
Where Do You Use Highlighter?
Applying Highlighter In 3 Super Easy Steps
If you are new to highlighting, we are going to help you get through this so you can help make yourself look more awake, bring the focus to the center of your face, and still let you get to work on time!
Using a highlighter on your face will emphasize certain areas and make them stand out more. The trick is to find shades that are lighter than your natural skin tone. Highlighter can have a shimmer to it or matte.
Apply highlighter to the following areas:
-Your cheekbones and just under your eyes
-Down the center of your nose
-The spot between your eyebrows and your cheekbones
Techniques for Advanced Highlighting
For more dramatic results, use these next steps for where to apply your highlighter:
Middle of Your Forehead
Use a brush to gently apply a matte highlighter with outward strokes that go in a star shape
Brow Bone
To emphasize your arch on your brow bone, it is best to use a shiny highlighter. This will also help to make your eyes look bigger and hide any stray hairs.
Bridge of Your Nose
In order to bring attention to the very middle of your face, make sure to use a sweeping motion down the bridge of your nose.
Inner Eye Corner
To make your eyes pop, depending on your skin tone, dab a small amount of gold or champagne into the inner corners of your eyes.
Top of Your Cheek Bone
To diminish the appearance of dark circles under your eyes and to define your cheekbones, brush the highlighter over your cheek bones.
Upper Apple of Your Cheek
When you have applied blush to your cheeks you can add highlighter over top to illuminate the apple of your cheeks.
Cupids Bow
You will need to use a small concealer brush to apply a tiny amount of highlighter to your upper lip. This will make it more dimensional looking.
Center of Your Bottom Lip
You can use your finger to put a small amount of shimmery highlighter to the middle of your bottom lip. This will make your lips look fuller.
Center of Your Chin
Putting a small amount of highlighter on your chin will draw attention to the center line of your face.
Now Go Practice!
Practice makes perfect! Now you have the steps to start your highlighting journey, so it’s time to put them to use. Make sure to not get frustrated if it doesn’t turn out exactly how you want it the first time. You will only get better the more you do it, so go have some fun with it!
