Highlighter Makeup Made Easy: How to Choose the Right Product and Apply It for a Natural Glow
Let’s talk glow-up—literally. Highlighter makeup might seem like the cherry on top of a glam look, but it actually plays a pretty important role in your makeup routine. It’s that magical swipe of shimmer that makes your skin look brighter, your features more lifted, and your vibe... well, a little more radiant.
Whether you’re going for full glam or just trying to look more awake on a Monday morning, the right highlighter can take your makeup from flat to fresh-faced in seconds.
What Does Highlighter Actually Do?
At its core, a highlighter reflects light. It’s designed to catch those subtle curves and angles of your face—like your cheekbones, brow bones, and the bridge of your nose—and make them stand out.
Think of it as a tiny spotlight for your face. It brings dimension, adds a touch of dewiness, and can even help minimize dark circles or brighten tired eyes. Ever dabbed a little shimmer in the inner corners of your eyes and suddenly looked 10x more awake? That’s highlighter at work.
Types of Highlighters: Pick Your Formula Based on Your Skin
There’s no one-size-fits-all here. Highlighters come in different formulas, and finding your match depends on your skin type, skin tone, and how much glow you want.
Powder highlighter: Best for oily or combination skin. It sits lightly on top of your makeup, adds targeted brightness, and usually gives a more defined glow.
Liquid highlighter: Ideal for dry skin or under-makeup application (a trend called “underpainting”). It blends beautifully for a natural, lit-from-within look.
Cream highlighter: Great for normal or combination skin. It’s flexible and easy to blend with your fingers or a sponge—perfect for a seamless finish.
Match Your Highlighter to Your Skin Tone
Choosing the right color is key—too light and it’ll look chalky, too deep and it won’t pop. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
Fair skin: Soft pearl, pink, or champagne tones work best.
Medium skin: Peach, gold, or rose-gold shades enhance your natural warmth.
Dark skin: Bronze, deep gold, and copper tones give you that rich, glowy finish.
The goal? Radiance, not residue.
Where (and How) to Apply Highlighter Like a Pro
Once your base makeup is done, highlighter is like the finishing flourish. Here’s a step-by-step approach to get that glow just right:
Cheekbones – the classic spot. Glide your highlighter along the tops of your cheeks to lift and define them.
Brow bone – right under the arch adds a subtle lift to your eyes.
Bridge of the nose – just a light sweep gives the illusion of a more sculpted nose.
Cupid’s bow – a dab here makes lips look fuller.
Inner corners of the eyes – for that bright-eyed, “yes I slept” look.
Pro tip: For a natural glow, use a damp makeup sponge. For a bolder glow, apply a cream or liquid highlighter first, then layer powder on top.
Do You Need a Highlighter?
Here’s the real talk: You don’t need it like you need sunscreen or moisturizer. But if you want a makeup product that instantly makes your face look healthier, fresher, and more sculpted, highlighter is totally worth having in your bag.
And the best part? You don’t need a dozen products or complicated steps to make it work for you. Even a subtle swipe can enhance your features beautifully—especially when paired with a thoughtful routine and nourishing, skin-first products.
Wondering where highlighter fits into your full beauty routine?
It usually comes after blush and before eyeshadow—perfect for tying your look together with light and lift. For a full breakdown of steps and skin-friendly tips, check out our Complete Makeup Routine Guide and glow at the heart of every look.
Shine, But Make It Skin-Friendly
At the end of the day, highlighter is a fun and easy way to elevate your makeup—no filters needed. Whether you’re embracing a full beat or just adding a little sparkle to your everyday look, a well-placed glow makes all the difference.
