How to apply the face highlighter. Scheme step by step with a photo, what is the difference with concealer

A special cosmetic product - a highlighter for the face - is used to highlight individual areas in order to visually correct the face, add or remove volume, and refresh the look. It is applied according to a strictly defined scheme, starting from the desired result.

What is a highlighter and what is it for

Highlighter is a product in which there are particles that reflect light, it is applied to highlight certain areas of the face. The tonal base and other corrective cosmetics make the face matte and perfectly even in color, due to which the mask effect is observed, the volume disappears, and the relief is visually lost.

Natural dimples and bumps that give a certain charm become less visible. The highlighter is designed to correct this deficiency. With its help, you can not only emphasize the existing features of the appearance, but also "draw" new ones, changing the perception of the volume and shape of the face.

This remedy is not a concealer, for example, it is not intended to correct skin imperfections, it, on the contrary, draws attention to them, emphasizes enlarged pores, acne. However, it does an excellent job with black circles under the eyes, fine wrinkles, and its glow distracts attention from minor redness.

The tool is applied to the cheekbones, forehead, areas around the mouth, under the eyebrow, nasal bridge. All this is done with the aim of correcting, "improving" the face.

How concealer differs from highlighter

Anyone who has ever used a highlighter and concealer will no longer confuse these funds. If the highlighter is more intended for highlighting individual areas, then a concealer is necessary to mask skin defects: acne, freckles.

The concealer is denser, which means that it has a good hiding power, much more than that of foundation and powder.

Application principles

The highlighter for the face should be applied to strictly defined areas. Using it without appropriate knowledge, it is difficult to achieve the desired result.

Highlighter is applied to:

• the upper cheekbones - this technique rejuvenates and refreshes;
• under the lower eyelid - "erases" traces of lack of sleep, eliminates dark circles;
• the corners of the eyes closer to the bridge of the nose - revitalizes the look, visually the eyes seem to be set wider;
• under the eyebrow with a wide line - gives the effect of an open look;
• under the eyebrow with a shaded thin line at the outer edge - visually raises the eyebrow;
• the area above the upper lip above the “cupid's arch” and along the contour of the lower lip - adds relief, volume, sensuality to the lips.

Types of highlighter and how to apply it

The functions of a highlighter can be performed by completely different types of means:

• pressed;
• liquid;
• creamy;
• friable;
• in balls.

Each of them is applied in a different way:

1. Compact tool can be spread in the same way as powder, using a sponge, but it is preferable to purchase a small width fan brush. It is convenient for her to both type and shade the product. The product is universal, you can take it with you, it will not take up much space in your purse or cosmetic bag.
2. Loose agent It is applied with a large brush, it is applied to any area of ​​the face and gives a shimmery effect of medium intensity. It can be applied in the thinnest layer.
3. Liquid highlighter allows you to work out small areas (under the eyebrow, above the lip). It shows itself perfectly if you need to correct the cheekbones or the face in general, creates an even shining layer, refreshes the face. It spreads well in a thin layer and is suitable for daytime makeup.
4. Creamy highlighter hammered in with your fingers. This product, due to its excellent absorbency, lasts longer than other textures and perfectly adapts to the natural skin tone. It gives a vivid effect, because of this, it is advisable to use it in evening make-up, and use another tool for a natural make-up.
5. Highlighter pressed into balls, helps to even out skin tone and is distributed with a brush. It is convenient to use for application on the neck and décolleté.

Which highlighter is better

When choosing the texture of the product, you need to focus on the type of skin. The powdery remedy will accentuate the flaking, so it is recommended to select creamy textures for dry skin. Oily skin, on the other hand, is recommended to be powdered to remove oily sheen.

Highlighters can be combined by removing the shine in the T-zone with a powdery product, and moisturizing the cheeks and cheekbones with a cream or liquid.

A highlighter with fine particles will look most natural on the face. It shouldn't shine too much. After shading, all that should remain is a light satin sheen.

Choosing a highlighter by skin color

When choosing a highlighter, in addition to its texture, color should also be taken into account. There are almost invisible products with a light pearl and highlighters with silvery and golden pigments, which give a rich effect.

Highlighter colors:

Where to apply - scheme

The highlighter for the face can be applied not only to highlight individual features, but also to correct them. In this case, it is necessary to understand in more detail the technique of applying the agent. The classic application scheme involves highlighting the natural protruding areas on the face.

How to apply the highlighter correctly and in what quantity, you can learn from this video:

Forehead... To make the forehead taller, you need to work out the central part of the forehead with a highlighter. If there is a small bang, then the agent is applied above the browbones, and if there are no bangs, then the agent is distributed in the upper part of the forehead under the hairline. In any case, the highlighter must be carefully shaded.

Nose... Glare on the sides of the back will help to make the nose larger and wider, and if you need to achieve the opposite effect, that is, shorten and narrow the nose, then highlight the central part of the back from the bridge of the nose to the tip with a thin line.

Eyes... Deep-set and narrow eyes will be corrected by this technique: an emphasis on the central part of the upper eyelid. A small highlight on the eyelid is made with a compact highlighter and carefully shaded.

To add sparkle to the eyes, they focus on the corners of the eyes, highlighting them with a highlighter.

Small eyes will make the area under the eyebrow visually larger.If the owner of small eyes has overhanging eyelids, then the emphasis must be shifted above the brow ridges, highlighting this part with a thin line and shading the product.

Cheekbones... The face will be more expressive if you highlight the highest points of the cheekbones with a highlighter. Thanks to this technique, the face looks fresher and younger, as expression lines and signs of fatigue become less noticeable.

Lips... The highlighter is applied under the lower lip or over the upper lip, blending carefully. Expected effect: plump and sensual lips. It can be combined with or without a nude lipstick.

Above was presented the classic highlighter application scheme.

But depending on the characteristics of the face, this scheme can be adjusted:

• Girls with an elongated face oval should refuse to highlight the vertical line "forehead - nose - chin". This will only visually stretch him even more. Better to limit yourself to only the forehead or chin and focus on the cheekbones. If the forehead is smaller, then they focus on it, if the chin, then they put a highlight on the chin.
• If the chin is protruding, then it is impossible to highlight it with a highlighter in any case.
• A long nose can be corrected by applying a line of highlighter from the bridge of the nose to the middle of the back.
• A humped nose will appear smoother if you draw two lines with a highlighter: from the bridge of the nose to the hump and from the hump to the tip of the nose.
• Close-set eyes will visually become even closer if you apply a highlighter to the inner corners of the eyes, trying to remove traces of fatigue, in which case you need to make highlights on the outer corners.

How to use a highlighter for each face type step by step

The highlighter application pattern varies depending on the shape of the face.

Diamond shaped face characterized by wide cheekbones and a pointed chin. For this type of face, the highlighter should be applied to the under-eye area, central forehead and chin. It is contraindicated to apply the product to the cheekbones. It is recommended to distribute the contouring products on the cheekbones.

Heart shaped face differs in a pointed chin and equally equal cheekbones and forehead. With this variant of the structure of the face, it is necessary to accentuate the zones in the center of the forehead, under the eyes and under the lower lip with a highlighter. The contour is applied to the temples and cheekbones, the lower part of the chin.

Oval face differs in correct features and does not require special correction. If desired, you can lighten the area under the eyes, the cheeks closer to the wings of the nose, while the contouring agent highlights the lines of the upper forehead, the area under the cheekbones and the lower part of the chin.

Rectangular face corrected as follows: apply the highlighter under the eyes and on the cheeks, closer to the back of the nose, in the center of the chin. While the contouring tool draws an arch on the forehead, drawing wider strokes on the side, highlight the cheekbones and the sides of the chin.

Round face: the highlighter is applied to the center of the forehead, a small amount is applied to the cheeks and a little to the chin. The lateral parts of the face are worked out with a contour tool.

Square face: The highlighter should be applied to the chin, the central part of the forehead, on the cheeks and under the eyes, on the outer corners of the eyes, going slightly under the eyebrow. The sides of the forehead and temples, the side areas of the chin, and cheekbones are treated with a contour.

Which brush to apply

The face highlighter can be applied without a brush, using your fingers or a spongebut a fan brush 1-1.5 cm wide works best for spreading a compact product. If you need to work on a large area, you can use a blush brush.

It is convenient to put highlights under the eyebrow or for the eyelids with an eyeshadow brush. The liquid and creamy highlighter is applied with a fluffy brush, hammering in.

Application Tips

1. Highlighter application is the final stage of makeup. It should be applied to moisturized and even tinted skin.It is at the last stage that the zones that need to be finalized will appear.
2. The highlighter layer should be thin, otherwise you will get the effect of a shining mask.
3. With the help of the tool, you can hide wrinkles around the mouth, for this they put highlights in the corners of the mouth and above the "cupid's arch".
4. If you fill in the nasolabial folds with a highlighter, drawing thin lines and shading them, then the wrinkles will look softer, smoother.
5. The best way the highlighter can be combined with glossy lipstick, pearlescent or lip gloss.

Is it possible to apply the highlighter without foundation

The highlighter for the face should be applied to restore the relief of the face after leveling the tone, therefore it is advisable to use it after using the foundation.

The highlighter emphasizes skin imperfections and, without preliminary preparation of the face, will only highlight all skin imperfections.

Apply before or after powder

According to the basics of makeup, the highlighter is applied at the final stage of makeup, when the skin tone is evened out. The liquid and cream product is fixed on top with powder, and the compact and crumbly highlighter is applied on top of it.

What can replace the highlighter

It is not necessary to purchase an expensive highlighter of a famous brand. This function can be performed by any product with pearlescent particles, for example, an eye shadow of a suitable shade, pencil or cream.

Errors in use

1. Too tightly applied highlighter looks ridiculous, depriving the face of its naturalness.
2. It is not recommended to use this product as a substitute for powder or concealer. Its functions and properties are different.
3. For daytime makeup, choose a light highlighter with a small amount of pearlescent particles, more pigmented options are suitable for evening makeup.

The product should not be applied on acne, subcutaneous inflammation, oily skin. It will highlight the flaws.

A tool such as a highlighter is used to give expression to the face. With it, you can emphasize natural curves or adjust the shape. The subtle glow that remains after the application of the highlighter refreshes the face and gives it a well-groomed look.

Author: Irina T.

Article design:E. Chaikina

Useful video about the face highlighter

Video on how to make a high-quality highlighter yourself from the remains of unused cosmetics: