Highlighting, sometimes called strobing, is basically the opposite of contouring. It attracts light and creates the illusion of brightness and height, thus the method of applying highlighter on the high points of your facial features. It’s a great shortcut to give you that instant luminous, dewy finish. Just a swipe of a illuminating powder on your cheeks, cupid’s bow, and down the bridge of your nose and you are glowing.
While it may be much easier to highlight instead of contouring, issues may rise when choosing the shade and application method if done wrongly. Here are a few tips you should know before handing your preferred highlighter over to the cashier or dipping your brush in your purchased palette.
Highlighters (also known as illuminators) are suitable for all skin types — but when it comes to oily skin, avoid applying highlighter on areas where oil often appears, such as your T-zone. Also use a powder highlighter instead of a cream-based one for better oil absorption. When it comes to choosing the perfect shade, use the same ‘gold versus silver jewellery’ method. If gold flatters your complexion, warm-based shades like copper, gold or bronze suits you. Cool undertone skin that suits silver jewellery can go for highlighters with silver flecks.
Not sure where to start? We’ve picked out six of our favourite highlighters.
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This illuminizer gives you both a shiny finish and skincare benefits. It’s infused with anti-ageing ingredients such as peptides, hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed collagen, real silk and antioxidants that hydrates your skin and absorbs excess oil while giving you that shine.
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A trio-faced palette that is great for on-the-go situations, this limited edition palette consists of easy-to-blend highlighter, sculpting powder and blush. These shades were selected by singer, songwriter Jessie J herself.
Make Up For Ever Artist Face Color Limited Edition Trio Palette, RM305
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Each duo comes with two shades — subtle on the left and supercharged shimmer on the right. Both in a cream-to-powder formula, it stays on all day and night until it comes to removal. Its weightless formula also gives you ultimate control on the shine level.
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This shade, Modern Mercury is one of Victoria Beckham’s favourites — which explains why it’s making a comeback. Its warm shimmery shade is great for those who prefer a more natural glow. It can be worn on its own or without a bronzer to create a sweaty-skin look.
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Cream textured highlighters are great for those with dry skin — at least compared to powdered ones that will cling onto the skin and fine lines on dry skin. This cream highlighter melts seamlessly into the skin for a lit-from-within glow, and a lightweight formula is used for comfortable layering.
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This highlighter uses the benefits of powder, liquid, baked, and cream formulas to create the best illuminated payoff. It gives a radiant pearl-like to metallic finish that flatters all types of skin tone.
Jolin Lee
Contributor
Unlike most modern-day millennials, Jolin does not need caffeine or alcohol to power through the day (and night). Her eye for beauty is as sharp as her eyeliner flick, and she can spot your unblended eye makeup from a mile away.
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