Where to Apply Highlighter on Your Face: 5 Tricks Revealed

When it comes to achieving a radiant, glowing complexion, knowing how to apply highlighter is necessary. This versatile makeup essential can brighten your face and enhance your favorite features, but many people still wonder where to put highlighter makeup for the best results. Whether you're new to highlighting or looking to refine your technique, we’ve covered you with expert tips and five easy tricks to master this glowing art. Ready to level up your makeup game? Let’s dive in!

What is a makeup highlighter?

Makeup Highlighter is a beauty product designed to enhance your natural glow by accentuating the high points of your face where light naturally hits. It helps create a luminous, radiant look by reflecting light, making your skin appear more youthful, vibrant, and healthy. Whether you prefer a subtle sheen or a dramatic glow, highlighter makeup is a must-have in any beauty routine.

For those wondering how to use highlighter or where to put highlighter makeup, the key is understanding your face shape and the type of look you want to achieve. Whether you're getting ready for a casual day out or a glamorous event, incorporating a highlighter into your routine can instantly elevate your look.

What is makeup highlighter used for?

Makeup highlighter is a beauty essential used to enhance your natural features and create a glowing, radiant look. Its primary purpose is to reflect light off the high points of your face, adding brightness and dimension to your overall appearance. Whether you’re aiming for a subtle glow or a bold, sculpted look, a highlighter is the perfect tool to elevate your makeup routine.

Accentuating facial features

Highlighter is used to draw attention to key areas of the face that naturally catch light, such as the cheekbones, brow bones, bridge of the nose, and cupid's bow. Knowing how to apply contour and highlight together can help create a sculpted, balanced look that enhances your natural beauty.

Creating a youthful glow

One of the biggest benefits of a highlighter is its ability to give your skin a healthy, youthful appearance. It adds a dewy finish to your makeup, making your skin look fresh and vibrant—perfect for everyday wear or special occasions.

Balancing your makeup

Highlighter works in harmony with contouring to balance your makeup by brightening areas you want to enhance and adding depth to areas you want to minimize. This creates a beautifully sculpted effect that enhances your natural beauty.

Adding radiance to your look

Highlighter is perfect for achieving that “lit-from-within” glow. It’s especially effective for creating radiant looks for photos, events, or even just a casual day out.

Enhancing makeup versatility

Beyond the face, makeup highlighter can be used to add a touch of shimmer to your collarbones, shoulders, or even eyelids. This makes it a versatile product that can transition seamlessly from daytime to nighttime looks.

If you’re new to highlighter, it’s essential to learn how to use highlighter makeup and where to apply highlighter for the best results. With a little practice, you’ll discover just how transformative this simple step can be in your beauty routine!

Where to put highlighter makeup?

Knowing where to use highlighter makeup is the secret to achieving that perfect, radiant glow. Makeup highlighter is designed to enhance your natural beauty by reflecting light off the high points of your face, creating a luminous and sculpted look. If you’re wondering how to apply blush highlighter, here’s a quick guide to make the most of your face highlighter and take your makeup game to the next level.

Cheekbones

The cheekbones are the most popular spot to apply highlighter makeup. Sweep a small amount of face highlighter along the tops of your cheekbones, just above your blush, to lift and accentuate your face. This is where the best highlighter truly shines, adding a youthful and dewy glow.

Brow bones

Apply a subtle touch of highlighter just below your eyebrows, along the brow bone. This not only defines your brows but also opens up your eyes, making them appear larger and more awake. 

Bridge of the nose

Highlighting the bridge of your nose can help elongate your face and create a refined, sculpted appearance. For a natural glow, use a lightweight face highlighter.

Cupid’s bow

A touch of highlighter on the cupid’s bow (the area just above your upper lip) makes your lips appear fuller and more defined. It’s a simple yet effective way to add dimension to your makeup look.

The inner corners of the eyes

Brightening the inner corners of your eyes with a makeup highlighter can make you look refreshed and wide awake. This trick is especially helpful for creating a bright, youthful appearance, even after a long day.

Chin

Dab a small amount of highlighter on the center of your chin to add balance to your face. This subtle glow ties your makeup together for a harmonious, radiant finish.

Collarbones and shoulders

Highlighter isn’t just for the face—it’s also perfect for adding a touch of shimmer to your collarbones and shoulders. This is ideal for special occasions or when you’re wearing off-shoulder outfits.

By knowing where to use highlighter makeup and experimenting with different placements, you can enhance your natural features and achieve a radiant, professional-quality finish every time.

How to apply a highlighter on the face?

Highlighter is a makeup essential that can transform your look, adding brightness and definition to your features. Whether you're a beginner or looking to perfect your glow, understanding how to apply highlighter is key. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make the most of your makeup highlighter.

Prep your skin for a smooth application

A well-prepped base is crucial for flawless highlighter application. Start with a clean, moisturized face and follow with a primer to create a smooth canvas. Proper skin prep helps the highlighter blend seamlessly and enhances its staying power.

Know where to use highlighter makeup

Applying highlighter to the right areas can make all the difference. Focus on the high points of your face, where light naturally reflects:

Cheekbones: Highlight the tops of your cheekbones for a lifted, radiant look.
Brow Bones: Apply a small amount just under your eyebrows to define and brighten your eyes.
Bridge of the Nose: Add a thin line down the center of your nose for a sculpted effect.
Cupid’s Bow: Highlight the area above your upper lip to create the illusion of fuller lips.
Inner Corners of the Eyes: Brighten your eyes by dabbing highlighter on the inner corners.
Chin: Add a subtle glow to the center of your chin to balance your makeup.

Use the right tools for the application

The tools you use can make applying highlighter easier and more precise:

Makeup Sponges: A damp makeup sponge ensures seamless blending for a natural glow.
Makeup Brushes: A fan or tapered brush is perfect for targeted application.

Blend for a natural finish

Blending is the key to a flawless glow. After applying highlighter to the desired areas, gently blend the edges to avoid harsh lines. This creates a seamless transition between your highlighter and the rest of your makeup.

Set your glow

For long-lasting radiance, set your highlighter with a setting spray or light dusting of translucent powder. This step locks in your look and ensures your glow stays vibrant throughout the day.

Mastering how to use highlighter is all about understanding your face and experimenting with techniques. By following these tips, you can achieve a radiant glow that enhances your natural beauty and elevates your makeup game.

Knowing how to use highlighter effectively is the key to achieving a radiant, glowing complexion that enhances your natural beauty. When you understand where to apply highlighter, such as on the cheekbones, brow bones, bridge of the nose, and cupid’s bow, you can create a luminous and sculpted look that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re new to highlighting or refining your technique, focusing on proper application and blending will ensure a flawless, natural finish. By mastering the art of highlighter, you’ll elevate your makeup game and achieve that coveted lit-from-within glow effortlessly.

Mistakes to avoid when using highlighter

Highlighter is a powerful tool for achieving a radiant, glowing complexion, but it’s easy to make mistakes that can take your look from luminous to overdone. Avoid these common pitfalls to make the most of your highlighter makeup and create a flawless finish.

Applying too much highlighter

One of the most common mistakes when using highlighter is going overboard. Using too much product can make your skin look greasy rather than glowing. Start with a small amount and build up gradually to achieve a natural, radiant finish.

Using the wrong shade

Choosing the wrong shade of highlighter for your skin tone can lead to an unnatural look. Avoid overly frosty or mismatched tones that don’t complement your complexion:

Skipping blending

Highlighter should look like a natural glow, not a streak of shimmer. Failing to blend properly can leave visible lines on your face. Use a makeup sponge, brush, or your fingertips to soften the edges and create a smooth, diffused finish.

Applying highlighter in the wrong areas

Knowing where to put highlighter makeup is crucial for a flattering look. Avoid placing highlighter in areas that don’t naturally catch light, like the center of your cheeks or forehead.

Skipping skin prep

Applying highlighter directly to dry or unprepped skin can result in a patchy, uneven look. Always prep your skin with primer to create a smooth base that allows the highlighter to glide on effortlessly.

Not considering your makeup look

Highlighter should complement your overall makeup. Avoid pairing an intense, glittery highlighter with heavy contouring or bold eyeshadow, as it can make your look appear overdone. For a balanced effect, opt for a subtle highlighter that enhances your features without overpowering them. Check out 12 Simple Makeup Looks for easy, balanced makeup inspiration.

Forgetting to set your makeup

Highlighter that isn’t set properly can fade or smudge throughout the day. Use a setting spray or light translucent powder to lock in your glow and keep it looking fresh.

Highlighter is meant to enhance, not overpower. By avoiding these common mistakes and focusing on proper technique, you can achieve a radiant, natural-looking glow that highlights your best features. Practice and experimentation will help you find the perfect balance for your unique skin and style.

FAQ

Do you apply highlighter before or after blush?

Highlighter is applied after blush to enhance the high points of your face. Applying it after blush ensures the highlighter stands out and adds a natural, luminous glow. By highlighting after blush, you can blend both seamlessly for a polished finish. This technique helps define your cheekbones while complementing your overall makeup look.

Where do you put a highlighter on a mature face?

For mature skin, apply highlighter sparingly to avoid emphasizing fine lines or wrinkles. Focus on areas like the tops of the cheekbones, the brow bones, and the bridge of the nose for a subtle, radiant effect. Avoid using highlighter on textured areas, and opt for a creamy or liquid formula that blends seamlessly into the skin for a youthful glow. For more tips, check out 11 Tips to Choose the Best Makeup for Mature Skin.

Do you use highlighter before or after foundation?

Highlighter is generally applied after foundation to enhance the high points of your face. Applying it after the foundation ensures that it blends smoothly and sits atop your base for maximum luminosity. For a more natural glow, you can mix a liquid highlighter with your foundation and apply them together for an all-over radiance.

What is the best way to apply highlighter?

The best way to apply highlighter is to focus on the high points of your face, such as the cheekbones, brow bones, bridge of the nose, and cupid’s bow. Use a damp makeup sponge or a fan brush for precise application and blend thoroughly to avoid harsh lines. 

Which highlighter to choose for a gorgeous glow?

For a gorgeous glow, choose a highlighter that matches your skin tone and texture preferences. Look for the best-rated highlighter makeup that blends easily and complements your natural undertones for a radiant, seamless look.

What does a highlighter do for your face?

A highlighter enhances your face by reflecting light off the high points, creating a bright, youthful, and radiant look. It adds dimension to your features, making areas like your cheekbones, brow bones, and nose stand out. Highlighter also complements contouring by brightening specific areas and balancing your overall makeup.

What’s the best highlighter for a natural glow?

The best highlighter for a natural glow is one that enhances your skin's natural radiance without looking overly shimmery. Look for a lightweight, buildable formula with a subtle sheen that complements your skin tone. Cream or liquid highlighters are great for a dewy, fresh finish, while finely milled powder highlighters work well for a soft, diffused glow.