How to Choose Highlighter Shade

Have you ever seen pictures of people with glowing, gleaming skin and wondered how they achieved such an ethereal look? The answer might surprise you! It all comes down to finding the right highlighter shade for your skin tone.

Highlighting is a great way to accentuate your natural features and let your best self shine brighter than ever before – but it can feel intimidating trying to narrow down exactly which highlighter will give you a look that works for you. If this sounds like something you’re struggling with, never fear!

In this blog post, we’ll take a comprehensive look at everything from choosing the ideal color palette to properly applying highlighter so that you can achieve a gorgeous glow. So, let’s get started on our journey towards how to choose highlighter shade at a time!

What Will You Need?

Before we dive into the details of how to select the best highlighting shade, let’s take a look at what you’ll need for your project:

• Highlighter palette or individual shades (we recommend using a highlighter palette for more versatility and choice!)
• Makeup brushes with soft bristles
• Concealer or foundation in a tone

Now that you have everything you need, let’s look into the details of choosing the right highlighter shade.

10 Easy Steps on How to Choose Highlighter Shade

Step 1. Identify Your Skin Undertone:

The first step in choosing the right highlighter shade is identifying your skin’s undertone. This is the hue that appears beneath the surface of your skin. There are three primary undertones: warm (yellow or golden), cool (pink, red, or blue), and neutral (a mix of warm and cool). The easiest way to determine your undertone is by looking at the veins on your wrist. If your veins appear blue or purple, you have a cool undertone. If they look green, you have a warm undertone. If it’s hard to tell, you likely have a neutral undertone. This first step is an essential aspect in the process of choosing a highlighter shade.

Step 2. Understand Highlighter Shades:

Highlighters come in various shades – commonly pink, peach, silver, gold, and champagne. Each shade complements certain skin undertones. Pink and silver highlighters are ideal for cool undertones, while peach and gold suit warm undertones. Champagne shades are versatile and can work well on neutral undertones. Understanding the various highlighter shades can guide your selection process, bringing you one step closer to mastering the highlighter shade.

Step 3. Test Before You Purchase:

Always test a highlighter before making a purchase. Stores usually have testers available, so take advantage of this. Apply a small amount of the highlighter on your wrist or hand and observe it under different lighting conditions. It should complement your skin tone and give off a nice glow. If it seems chalky, overly glittery, or simply doesn’t blend well with your skin, it’s probably not the right shade for you. This step ensures that you don’t waste money on a highlighter that won’t suit your needs, bringing you closer to your goal of learning how to choose the perfect highlighter shade.

Step 4. Consider Your Skin Type:

Your skin type plays a huge role in how a highlighter looks on you. If you have dry skin, cream or liquid highlighters are your best bet, as they can add much-needed moisture and give you a dewy finish. On the other hand, if you have oily skin, go for powder highlighters to absorb excess oil and prevent your skin from looking too shiny. For those with combination skin, a safe bet would be to stick highlighters as they offer a balance between cream and powder forms. Therefore, considering your skin type is an important step in understanding how to choose the perfect highlighter shade.

Step 5. Choose Between Matte and Shimmer:

Highlighters come in different finishes, including matte and shimmer. Matte highlighters give a subtle, natural-looking glow and are great for daytime or professional settings. They also work well for people with large pores or texture issues, as they don’t emphasize these features. On the other hand, shimmer highlighters are more dramatic and provide a high-wattage glow. They’re perfect for evening looks or special occasions.

Step 6. Make Your Selection:

Armed with the knowledge of your skin type, undertone, preferred highlighter shade, and finish, it’s time to make your selection. Remember, the perfect highlighter should complement your skin without overpowering it. It should blend seamlessly, creating a natural, radiant glow. If you’re unsure, choosing a subtler shade is always safer, as you can always build up the intensity if needed.

Step 7. Apply the Highlighter Correctly:

Knowing how to apply the highlighter correctly is as important as choosing the right shade. Start by applying your foundation and concealer as you normally would. Then, using a fan brush or a small fluffy brush, gently dust the highlighter onto the high points of your face – the tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, the brow bone, the inner corner of your eyes, and the cupid’s bow. Remember, less is more when it comes to highlighter. Start with a small amount and build up if necessary.

Step 8. Adjust According to the Occasion:

The occasion or event you’re attending can also influence your highlighter choice. A subtler, matte finish highlighter would be more appropriate for daytime events or professional settings. It provides a soft, natural glow without drawing too much attention. You can opt for a shimmer finish highlighter for a more dramatic, glowing effect for evening events or parties.

Step 9. Experiment and Learn:

The journey to mastering choosing the perfect highlighter shade is a process of experimentation and learning. Different occasions call for different highlighter shades or finishes. Feel free to try new shades or brands. Reviews and tutorials can be helpful, but nothing beats personal experience. Remember, makeup is a form of self-expression and should be fun. Keep experimenting until you find your perfect highlighter shade that gives you the desired glow.

Step 10. Take Care of Your Skin:

While choosing the perfect highlighter shade is essential, it’s equally important to maintain a healthy skincare routine. Good skin is the best canvas for any makeup, including highlighter. Regular cleansing, toning, and moisturizing can enhance your skin’s natural glow, making it easier for the highlighter to blend in and look natural.

By following the steps mentioned earlier, you can learn to choose the perfect highlighter shade that complements your skin tone and brings out your best features. Highlighter is a great tool to enhance your look and give you the desired glow. So feel free to experiment with different shades and finishes until you find the one that’s right for you!

5 Additional Tips and Tricks

1. Maintain Your Color Scheme: Consider the color scheme of your makeup, wardrobe, and other accessories when selecting a highlighter shade. By picking a hue that complements your overall aesthetic, you can ensure that your look is cohesive and consistent
2. Consider the Occasion: For daytime or professional settings, go for subtle shades that provide a soft, natural glow. For evening events or parties, you can experiment with bolder, shimmering tones.
3. Remember Your Undertones: People with cool undertones should lean towards silvery highlighters, while those with warm undertones look best with golden hues.
4. Test Out Different Shades: Be bold and experiment when finding the perfect highlighter shade for you. Visit the makeup section of your favorite store and test out a few different colors until you find one that looks great with your complexion.
5. Blend Well: Regardless of your shade, ensure you blend your highlighter well. This will prevent it from looking too harsh and give a more natural, radiant finish.

With these tips, you’ll be sure to find the perfect highlighter shade!

5 Things You Should Avoid

1. Avoid Picking a Shade Too Light: If the highlighter shade is too light, it can look chalky and unnatural, ruining your makeup look. Try to stay within two shades of your natural skin tone for the best results.
2. Don’t Overdo It: Applying too much highlighter can make your skin look oily rather than glowy. Remember, a little goes a long way when it comes to highlighting.
3. Avoid Putting Highlighter in the Wrong Places: Don’t just apply highlighter anywhere. Focus on the high points of your face like cheekbones, brow bones, the bridge of your nose, and Cupid’s bow.
4. Avoid Using the Wrong Brush: Using the correct brush is crucial. A fan or small fluffy brush would work best to get a diffused and natural glow.
5. Avoid Neglecting Your Skin Type: A powder-based highlighter might be a better option if you have oily skin. And for dry skin, a cream or liquid highlighter could be perfect.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll be on your way to a flawless, glowing complexion.

Conclusion

To sum it up, when choosing a highlighter shade, assess your skin tone and hair color first, then consider the undertone. Pay attention to the level of pigment and shimmer you prefer before you invest in a particular product. Just remember, the key is to try it out at least three times to make sure it’s the right one for you!

With all that said, give yourself time to experiment and find the perfect product to enhance your look. It may take some practice, even if that means trying out several brands or colors from different ranges. Still, eventually, you can hone in on an ideal combination that will bring out the best version of yourself with the help of a highlighter.

Hopefully, the article on how to choose highlighter shade has provided some helpful insights. Good luck on your journey to glowing skin!