Choosing the right highlighter shade is an essential step in your makeup routine. The perfect highlighter can enhance your features and give your skin a radiant glow. With so many options available, it can be tricky to find the ideal shade that complements your skin tone. This guide will help you select the best highlighter shade based on your unique complexion.
Understanding Your Skin Tone
Before choosing a highlighter, it’s important to understand your skin tone. Skin tones range from fair to deep, and each has specific undertones that influence how a highlighter will look on your skin. Here’s a simple guide to help you determine yours:
- Fair Skin: Usually has cool undertones with a pink or beige hue. If your skin burns easily and rarely tans, opt for highlighters with pearly or champagne tones.
- Medium Skin: Often has warm or neutral undertones, appearing golden or olive. If your skin tans moderately and rarely burns, go for highlighters with gold or peach undertones.
- Dusky Skin: Features warm undertones with deep, rich hues. This skin tone rarely burns and tans easily. Bronze or copper-toned highlighters work best.
- Brown Skin: Comes in various shades with warm undertones. This skin tone tans easily and rarely burns. Warm gold or rose gold highlighters will complement it beautifully.
How to Choose the Right Highlighter Shade
Once you know your skin tone, follow these tips to pick the best highlighter for you:
- Match Your Undertone: Your skin’s undertone plays a key role in selecting the right shade. If you have cool undertones, stick to silver or pink-toned highlighters. Warm undertones pair well with gold or peach shades.
- Test in Natural Light: Always check the shade in natural light to ensure it matches your skin tone. Artificial lighting can distort colors and make it harder to choose the right shade.
- Swatch on Your Skin: Apply a small amount of highlighter on your wrist or cheekbones. If it blends seamlessly and adds a subtle glow, it’s a great match for you.
Recommended Highlighters for Different Skin Tones
- Fair Skin: Pearly or champagne shades give a soft, radiant glow.
- Medium Skin: Gold or peach highlighters provide a warm and luminous effect.
- Dusky Skin: Bronze or copper-toned highlighters enhance natural warmth.
- Brown Skin: Warm gold or rose gold shades create a beautiful, glowing finish.
If you’re looking for a versatile highlighter that suits all skin tones, try Pixie Dust Multi-Use Glitter Glow – Starlight (Buy here). Another great option is Cosmic Glow Highlighter Duo (Buy here).
How to Apply Highlighter for a Flawless Finish
Selecting the right shade is just the first step. Knowing how to apply it correctly ensures a smooth, radiant look. Follow these steps:
- Prep Your Skin: Start with a clean, moisturized face. Applying a primer can help create a smooth base.
- Apply Foundation and Concealer: Blend them well to create an even complexion.
- Highlight the Right Areas: Use a brush or your fingers to apply highlighter to the high points of your face, including:
- Cheekbones
- Bridge of the nose
- Cupid’s bow
- Brow bones
- Inner corners of the eyes
- Blend for a Natural Look: Avoid harsh lines by blending the highlighter seamlessly into your skin.
- Set Your Makeup: Use a setting spray to ensure your makeup stays in place.
Creative Ways to Use Highlighter
- As an Eyeshadow: Apply it to your eyelids for a shimmering effect.
- On Your Lips: Dab a little highlighter over lipstick for a glossy finish.
- DIY Strobe Cream: Mix your highlighter with moisturizer or primer for an all-over glow.
- Body Highlighter: Blend with body lotion for a subtle shimmer on your arms and legs.
When to Apply Highlighter in Your Routine
Highlighter should be applied after your base makeup is complete. Use it after your blush to add dimension and radiance to your face.
By choosing the right highlighter shade and applying it correctly, you can achieve a beautiful, glowing look that enhances your natural beauty.
