How to choose a face highlighter?

A highlighter can transform your complexion, and you don't need to be a professional makeup artist to achieve this radiant effect. The secret lies in knowing your skin tone and which type of highlighter best suits your routine and the finish you want to achieve.

Choosing the right product can make all the difference between a natural, luminous look and a finish that's too intense or doesn't blend well with your foundation. At Perfume's Club, we'll tell you the keys to choosing correctly, along with some application tips.

What is a face highlighter and what is it used for?

Highlighter is a makeup product that helps reflect light, giving the skin a brighter, more radiant, and luminous appearance. Unlike foundation or concealer, it's not designed to cover imperfections or even out skin tone, but rather to enhance facial features and achieve that fresh, vibrant complexion that makeup alone can't always deliver.

It works on the points where light naturally falls, such as the cheekbones, Cupid's bow, bridge of the nose, and inner corner of the eye. It helps define facial features and add depth.

Types of highlighter according to their texture

Face highlighters come in different textures, and each one offers a different finish.

Powder highlighter is the most classic format and one of the easiest to apply and control. It's applied with a brush to the areas you want to highlight, allowing you to achieve anything from a satin finish to a more pronounced luminous effect. It's a good option for combination or oily skin, as it helps prevent areas prone to shine from accumulating more luminosity.

The liquid or cream formula offers a more natural finish. It can be mixed with foundation or applied directly with your fingers to the areas you want to highlight. It's well-suited to dry or mature skin, as it provides a softer, less pronounced radiance.

The stick is perhaps the most practical format for everyday use. It's applied directly to the skin with a quick swipe and blended with your fingers or a sponge. Its creamy texture is especially convenient for those looking for a simpler and faster makeup application.

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How to choose the right highlighter shade for your skin tone

The choice of highlighter shade directly influences the final makeup look. The general rule is simple: golden and copper tones are more flattering for darker skin tones or those with warm undertones, while pink, champagne, and silver tones are better suited to lighter skin tones or those with cool undertones.

Golden and copper tones tend to be especially flattering for dark skin or skin with warm undertones, while pink, champagne, and silver tones may suit fair skin or skin with cool undertones better.

The level of pigmentation also influences the result. A highly pigmented highlighter can be too much for an everyday look, while a more subtle one tends to blend easily into any routine.

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How to apply face highlighter step by step

Applying highlighter to the right area and with the correct technique helps to achieve a more natural finish.

The starting point is the cheekbones. To locate them, simply smile slightly and apply the product to the highest part of the cheek, blending gently towards the temple. This area is where light falls most naturally and where the highlighter has the greatest impact.

Other areas where highlighter works well are the Cupid's bow, the inner corner of the eye, and the bridge of the nose. In these areas, it's best to apply a small amount of product, as too much can make the result overly intense. Applying the highlighter with your fingers or a fine brush achieves a more precise and controlled finish.

Powder foundation is usually applied over base and contour for better adhesion and longer wear. Cream or liquid foundation, mixed with base before application, can provide a more diffused and natural glow.

Final tips for choosing the right highlighter

One of the most common mistakes is applying too much product at once. Highlighter works best in thin, gradual layers, blending the edges well to prevent the shine from concentrating in one spot. Applying it to oily areas can also affect the finish. Therefore, for combination or oily skin, it's worth mattifying the skin before applying highlighter.

The choice of format also influences the final result. If your priority is a natural look, liquid and cream highlighters are best. Powder provides more precise and longer-lasting results. Stick highlighters, with their creamy texture and quick application, are well-suited to simpler routines.

To complete your routine, at Perfume's Club we offer a wide selection of highlighters from the most recognized brands, adapted to all skin types and finishes.