The importance of highlighter in your makeup routine
Highlighter has become a staple in many people’s makeup collection. It’s used to add a touch of glow to the high points of your face, giving you a youthful and radiant appearance. With a variety of formulas and shades to choose from, it’s easy to find a highlighter that suits your skin tone and personal taste. However, the application process can be confusing. Should you apply it before or after foundation? Is powder or cream better? In this article, we’ll answer the question: What is the best order to apply highlighter in your makeup routine?
Step one: Apply foundation and concealer
The first step in any makeup routine is to apply your foundation and concealer. This will even out your skin tone and provide a smooth base for the rest of your makeup. If you apply highlighter before foundation, it may be mixed in with your base and end up looking muddy. Therefore, it’s best to apply it on top of your foundation and concealer.
Step two: Powder or cream?
The next decision is whether to use a powder or cream highlighter. Powder highlighters are great for oily or combination skin types as they help absorb excess oil and provide a matte finish. Cream highlighters, on the other hand, are perfect for dry skin types as they provide a dewy, skin-like finish. A general rule of thumb is to use powder highlighter if you’re using powder foundation or setting your makeup with powder, and cream highlighter if you’re using liquid or cream foundation.
Step three: Choose your placement
The placement of your highlighter is just as important as the product itself. The most common areas to highlight are the cheekbones, brow bone, and cupid’s bow. However, you can also highlight your nose bridge, inner corner of your eyes, and even your collarbones. Determine where you want to add glow and use a small brush to apply the highlighter precisely.
Step four: Blending is key
After applying your highlighter, it’s important to blend it out so it looks natural and seamless. You can use a fan brush, beauty sponge, or your fingers to tap and blend the product. Be gentle and don’t apply too much pressure as it can remove your foundation and concealer underneath. Remember, the goal is to add a subtle glow, not a stripe of glitter.
Step five: Set your makeup with setting spray
The final step is to set your makeup with a setting spray. This will keep your makeup in place and prevent your highlighter from sliding around. A setting spray will also help blend all your products together for a flawless finish. Hold the bottle at arm’s length and spritz it evenly over your face. Allow it to dry completely before touching your face or applying any further makeup.
