8 Highlighter Hacks for Glowing Skin

Mastering the art of a highlighting is probably on your makeup bucket list, right? After all, who wouldn’t want to look like a dewy goddess? We mean, it’s a major makeup trend for a reason. In fact, when used correctly, highlighter can help completely transform the look of your face by lifting and brightening its appearance. But when it comes to highlighter, it’s easy to go overboard—and chances are, you’d probably rather not end up with a disco ball-esque makeup look. If you want to add highlighter to your beauty routine without overdoing it on the shimmer, try these eight hacks that will help keep your face beaming in all the right ways.

HIGHLIGHTER HACK #1: MATCH IT TO YOUR FOUNDATION FORMULA 

The first thing you need to keep in mind when using highlighter? You should match the formula to your foundation formula. That means if you’re using a liquid foundation, you should use a liquid highlighter. Think about it: When you pair a powder foundation with a cream highlighter, you could end up with a patchy finish.

If you’d like to use a liquid highlighter…try the L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer—available in four skin tone-based shades—or the  L'Oréal Paris True Match™ Lumi Glow Amour Glow Boosting Drops, which comes in two shades, one warm and one cool.

If you’d like to use a powder highlighter…try the L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Lumi Shimmerista Highlighting Powder, which comes in two shades, one warm and one cool. Or, if you’d prefer a pressed powder, try one from the L'Oréal Paris True Match™ Lumi Glow Nude Highlighter Palette. The palette comes comes in two color-schemes, one for a warmer highlight and one for a cooler highlight.

HIGHLIGHTER HACK #2: MIX YOUR IT INTO YOUR FOUNDATION

Want a subtle-looking glow? Simply mix a tiny bit of a liquid highlighter in with your liquid foundation. Apply it with a makeup blender, like the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Blend Artist Foundation Blender, using quick dabbing and rolling motions.

HIGHLIGHTER HACK #3: APPLY IT TO STRATEGIC AREAS

The key to getting that perfect glow is to apply highlighter to the right spots. Generally, you’d want to use it on areas that the sun would naturally hit—think your forehead, down the bridge of your nose, the tops of your cheekbones, your cupid’s bow, and your chin. When it comes to highlighter, it’s all about going for a natural look.

HIGHLIGHTER HACK #4: IMPROVISE WITH FACIAL OIL AND CONCEALER 

No highlighter on hand? No problem! You can still get a pretty-looking glow. All you need is concealer, facial oil, and a makeup blender. Start by applying concealer (use the L'Oréal Paris True Match™ Super-Blendable Multi-Use Concealer) along the areas you would regularly highlight (like your cheekbones, nose, eyebrow bone, and cupid’s bow). Don’t blend it just yet, though! Instead, apply a couple of drops of facial oil onto your makeup sponge and then blend it in with your concealer. It’s as simple as that!

HIGHLIGHTER HACK #5: LAYER ON A CLEAR GLOSS

If you’re looking for a way to up the ante, then this next hack is for you. You can help take your glow to another level by layering a clear lip gloss over your highlighter. Blend it ever so slightly for a nice sheen.

HIGHLIGHTER HACK #6: USE IT SPARINGLY

When it comes to using highlighter, less is definitely more. You really only need to apply a teeny-tiny amount get the look you’re after. So, resist the urge to slather your face in highlighter and instead dab it on in little dots. You can always add on more if you’d like—it’s easier to do that than remove your entire face of makeup and start again.

HIGHLIGHTER HACK #7: APPLY IT OVER YOUR BLUSH

We’re big fans of blush since it can help you fake a youthful-looking rosy flush. And adding a little highlighter to the mix can have a stunning result. Just apply a blush, like the L'Oréal Paris Paradise Enchanted Fruit-Scented Blush Makeup, as you normally would to the apples of your cheeks. Then, apply a thin layer of highlighter over your blush.

HIGHLIGHTER HACK #8: LET THE LIGHTING BE YOUR GUIDE

When you plan on including highlighter in your makeup routine, it’s important to take lighting into consideration. If you know that you’re going to be somewhere with soft lighting, then consider choosing a sparkly highlighter (try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Crushed Foils Metallic Highlighter), since this can help make your features really pop against the subtle background. Meanwhile, if you’re going to be outdoors all day, a subtler highlighter could be a better option.

To really take your face-sculpting skills to the next level, you’ll want to learn how to contour too! Here’s How to Contour Like a Pro Makeup Artist in 8 Easy Steps.