How to Apply Powder Highlighter

Highlighting is a key step in any makeup routine that enhances your natural features and adds a radiant glow to your skin. Powder highlighter, in particular, is easy to use and provides a buildable shimmer, making it a favorite for beginners and professionals alike. Whether you’re aiming for a subtle glow or a bold, luminous look, learning the correct application techniques ensures the best results. This guide explores the key aspects of how to apply powder highlighter.

Why Choose Powder Highlighter

Powder highlighter is a versatile option that caters to a wide range of skin types and makeup preferences. Its finely milled texture allows for easy application and blending, ensuring a smooth and even finish. Unlike cream or liquid highlighters, powder formulas are less likely to move foundation or other base products, making them ideal for layering. Additionally, powder highlighters come in a variety of finishes—from subtle sheens to intense metallics—allowing you to customize your look for any occasion.

Their long-lasting wear and ability to suit all skill levels make them a popular choice among both makeup enthusiasts and professionals.

10 Methods How to Apply Powder Highlighter

1. Choose the Right Shade for Your Skin Tone

Before applying any highlighter, the most crucial step is selecting the right shade for your skin tone. Powder highlighters come in a range of shades, from soft champagne to warm gold and cool pink. If you have fair skin, opt for a light, champagne or soft pink highlighter that will add a subtle glow. Medium and olive skin tones look great with golden or peach-toned highlighters, while deeper skin tones benefit from rich gold or bronze hues that provide a more intense glow.

Choosing the right shade ensures that the highlighter complements your natural complexion and enhances your features beautifully.

2. Prep Your Skin for a Smooth Application

For the best highlighter application, start with a well-prepped face. Begin by cleansing and moisturizing your skin to ensure a smooth and hydrated base. Dry or uneven skin can cause the highlighter to cling to patches, resulting in an uneven finish. After moisturizing, apply a primer to create a smooth canvas. A hydrating primer is especially beneficial for dry skin, while a mattifying primer helps keep oil at bay if you have oily skin. Using a primer also helps the highlighter adhere better and last longer, giving you that dewy, fresh glow throughout the day.

3. Apply Highlighter to the High Points of Your Face

To create a natural, glowing effect, focus on applying the powder highlighter to the high points of your face. These areas naturally catch light, so applying highlighter here enhances your facial structure. Start by applying highlighter to the tops of your cheekbones, following the curve of your cheekbone from the apple of your cheek upwards towards your temple. This will create the illusion of lifted, more sculpted cheeks. Other common areas to highlight include the bridge of your nose, the center of your forehead (for a subtle glow), your brow bone, and your cupid’s bow. A light dusting on these areas can make your skin look radiant without being overpowering.

4. Use a Fan Brush for a Subtle Glow

A fan brush is one of the most common tools for applying powder highlighter, especially when aiming for a more subtle or diffused glow. Fan brushes are designed with soft, spread-out bristles that help apply highlighter evenly without packing on too much product. Gently sweep the highlighter across the high points of your face in a soft, back-and-forth motion. This method gives you more control over the application, allowing you to build up the intensity gradually. Fan brushes are particularly good for applying a soft highlight to areas like your cheekbones and brow bone without overwhelming the face.

5. Use a Dense Brush for Intensity

For those who prefer a more intense, dramatic highlighter look, a dense, tapered brush is the way to go. This type of brush allows you to pick up more product and apply it with more precision, creating a bolder highlight. To apply, load the brush with powder highlighter and gently tap off any excess. Then, use the brush to apply the highlighter directly onto the high points of your face, concentrating on areas where you want a more noticeable glow. A dense brush is perfect for building up the highlighter, making it ideal for evening looks or special occasions where you want a more glamorous shine.

6. Apply Highlighter on Your Brow Bone and Inner Corners of the Eyes

Highlighting your brow bone and the inner corners of your eyes is a great way to brighten up your eye area and make your eyes appear larger and more awake. Use a small, precise brush to pick up a little powder highlighter and apply it to the arch of your brow, just under the eyebrow. This technique lifts the brow and adds a subtle pop of light. Next, apply a small amount of highlighter to the inner corners of your eyes. This will open up the eyes, giving you a bright, refreshed look. This method is especially effective for those who want to create a soft, natural highlight that enhances their eyes without being too bold.

7. Layer Highlighter for a Buildable Glow

One of the advantages of using powder highlighter is its ability to be layered. If you prefer a more intense glow, start with a light application and gradually build up the intensity. Apply a small amount of highlighter to your cheekbones and blend it in using a fan brush. Then, go back with a second layer to intensify the shine, focusing on areas where you want the glow to stand out more. Layering gives you control over how intense the highlight is, ensuring that you don’t end up with an overly dramatic finish unless you want one. This method also allows you to customize the glow based on the occasion, whether you want something subtle or bold.

8. Highlight Your Collarbone and Shoulders for Extra Glam

If you’re wearing a top with a low neckline or sleeveless outfit, powder highlighter can be used to highlight your collarbones and shoulders. This adds an extra touch of glamour and makes the skin look radiant, especially in photos or under light. Using a large, fluffy brush, sweep a light dusting of highlighter over the tops of your collarbones and down your shoulders. This method gives you an all-over glow and is perfect for a night out or a special event where you want to look luminous from head to toe.

9. Use a Setting Spray for Long-Lasting Shine

To ensure that your highlighter stays in place throughout the day or night, use a setting spray. After applying your highlighter, lightly spritz your face with a setting spray to lock in the makeup and prevent the highlighter from fading or becoming uneven. Setting sprays not only help to prolong the wear of your makeup but also give your skin a dewy finish that enhances the highlighter’s glow. For extra radiance, choose a setting spray with illuminating properties, which will further amplify the highlight and give your skin an even more radiant appearance.

10. Use Highlighter as an Eyeshadow

If you’re looking to add a little extra dimension to your eyes, consider using your powder highlighter as an eyeshadow. This is a great way to get multiple uses out of one product, and it can help create a soft, glowing eye look. Use a small eyeshadow brush to apply a light dusting of highlighter to the center of your eyelids. You can also apply it to your brow bone or the inner corners of your eyes for extra shine. This technique creates a cohesive, glowing look that ties your makeup together and makes your eyes pop with subtle radiance.

Safety Considerations

When using powder highlighter, it’s important to follow a few safety considerations to protect your skin and overall health. First, always check the product’s ingredients to ensure it is suitable for your skin type and free from any allergens or irritants. If you have sensitive skin, opt for hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested formulas. Secondly, avoid sharing makeup products with others, as this can spread bacteria and lead to skin infections. Always use clean brushes and tools to apply your highlighter—dirty applicators can harbor bacteria that may cause breakouts or skin irritations.

Lastly, remove your makeup thoroughly at the end of the day to prevent clogged pores and to allow your skin to breathe overnight. Following these steps will help you maintain healthy, glowing skin while enjoying the benefits of highlighter in your makeup routine.

Conclusion

Applying powder highlighter is a fantastic way to add a radiant glow to your complexion, enhancing your features and creating a fresh, youthful look. Whether you prefer a soft, diffused shine or an intense, bold glow, these ten methods offer various ways to achieve the perfect highlight. From prepping your skin to choosing the right tools and layering the product for desired intensity, you have complete control over how your highlighter looks. Be sure to follow all instructions on how to apply powder highlighter carefully, and always consult an expert when in doubt.