You know those girls with glowing, effortlessly radiant skin? They are an epitome of glamour as they literally shimmer in the sunlight. Ever wonder what the secret behind their sparkling appearance is?

Two words: highlighter makeup.

What is Highlighter Makeup?

Highlighter is a type of makeup that is shimmery and sparkly, similar to glitter eye shadow. However, unlike eyeshadow, it is meant to emphasize certain facial features by reflecting light and creating an illusion of a lifted look. It brightens your face and provides a glow to dull, tired skin.

Highlighter is applied after your base products, including your foundation, concealer, contour, bronzer, and blush. It is also applied before your setting spray.

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Where to Apply Highlighter

It is important to apply highlighter makeup correctly because too much, especially on the wrong parts of your face, can make you look less dewy and more sweaty.

For a gorgeously luminous effect, apply your highlighter on your:

• Brow bones: Makes your eyes pop and elevates your brow structure.
• Cheekbones: Gives you a lifted appearance by accentuating your facial structure.
• Bridge of your nose: Refines the shape of your nose.
• Inner corner of your eyes: Brightens your eyes and awakens your face.

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A lot of makeup tutorials suggest putting highlighter on your forehead and your chin, but that is not a good idea. It's best to avoid applying highlighter on your these places because it will, again, make you look sweaty, especially if you already have oily skin.

There is such a thing as too much highlighter. Always remember that a little goes a long way.

Liquid, Powder, or Stick?

Highlighter comes in a few different types: liquid, powder, and stick. Each one gives a similar glowing effect, but which one is best for you?

For Those On-The-Go And Those New To Makeup: Highlighter Stick

Highlighter sticks are better for on-the-go application; they're portable and fit perfectly in your purse. They also don't require any tools, like brushes or sponges, to apply. All you need to do to blend is to use your hands, which is amazing for quick makeup touch-ups. Simple and easy, meaning it's great for beginners.

For Those Experienced With Makeup/Highlighter

• If you want a more dramatic effect: Go for powder highlighter that gives your skin an intense shimmer. Sweep it on with a fluffy brush that is meant for highlighter application. Since it's powder, not only will it create a radiance that is more pronounced, but it is also great for oily skin.
• If you want a dewy, more natural look: Opt for liquid highlighter that adds a naturally subtle glow to your makeup. Add a couple of drops to the desired areas on your face, diffuse with a sponge, and notice how your features delicately shine. It also helps to add moisture to dry skin.

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What Shade of Highlighter to Choose For Your Skin's Undertone

Highlighter comes in many different shades to perfectly complement your makeup look and skin tone. It's important to consider your complexion undertone in order for your highlighter to look the best. Think of it like choosing jewelry: sometimes silver is better for your features than gold.

A simple way to check if you have a warm or a cool undertone is to look at the veins on your forearm. If you notice your veins are more of a green color, you probably have a warm undertone. If your veins are bluish or purplish, you probably have a cool undertone.

• For warm undertones: Any highlighter with a golden hue will work, including shades of champagne and bronze. Peachy colors are also a good choice.
• For cool undertones: Choose highlighters with silver tones, including pearly whites and cool-toned, light pinks.

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My Favorite Brands

Although there are plenty of great brands of highlighter, I have to pick my top three, which are easy to use and make my skin gleam perfectly.

Pixi On-the-Glow Superglow

• Current price range: $14.50-$18.00

Pixi On-the-Glow Superglow is a highlighter stick that comes in a few different shades that are so pretty to me. My favorite color that they have is their NaturalLustre, which is a champagne hue that is not too yellow and complements my features wonderfully. Application is so easy; it only takes a few seconds. It also lasts what seems like forever.

Rare Beauty Positive Light Silky Touch Highlighter

• Current price range: $27.00-$40.00

Rare Beauty Positive Light Silky Touch Highlighter is a lightweight powder highlighter with an iridescent shine. All of the shades are so ethereal, but the light rose shade, Mesmerize, is my personal favorite. Not only is the application flawless, but it also lasts all day because it is very smudge-resistant.

Dior Forever Glow Maximizer Complexion Liquid Highlighter

• Current price: $45.00

Yes, it's a little more on the expensive side, but it's worth it: the glow is absolutely phenomenal. The highlighter melts into your skin, blending into the rest of your makeup easily. Plus, a few of the color options are multi-use; such as Bronze, a highlighter and bronzer duo, and Rosy, a blush and highlighter in one. My favorite color is Peachy; it is stunning and it gives off summer vibes.

Image Credit: Honey Yanibel Minaya Cruz from Unsplash

Final Thoughts

Highlighter makeup is the perfect way to add a little sparkle to your everyday routine, leaving you radiant from the inside out. Simple yet impactful, it is one of things I look forward to most in the morning because it boosts my confidence, and I hope it does the same for you.