10 Highlighter Makeup Trends for Summer 2019

Can you think of a better occasion to rock totally glowing skin than a summer day (or night)? We think not! And thankfully, with just a little bit of highlighter, it’s easier than ever to get your shine on. But don’t just swipe and go—have some fun switching up your face makeup and testing out different highlighter trends. From barely-there to multi-colored, there’s a highlighter look for everyone. Paired with your usual blush and contour, highlighter creates a high-impact look. Here are eight highlighter makeup trends to try for yourself this season.

HIGHLIGHTER MAKEUP TREND #1: PASTEL RAINBOW

If you’re feeling colorful, try a highlighter that is a pastel take on a color from the rainbow. Don’t shy away from the vivid pigment—while they may not suit your everyday style, pastel hues are perfect for a night on the town or a special occasion. Layer colors onto your cheeks in ROYGBIV order or pick your favorite pastel highlighter shade to top your cheekbones with. If you’re looking for a shimmery peach or gleaming blue, try L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Lumi Shimmerista Highlighting Powder in Sunlight or Moonlight.

HIGHLIGHTER MAKEUP TREND #2: TIP OF THE NOSE

It’s common knowledge that placing highlighter down the bridge of your nose can create the illusion of a slimmer nose, but that’s not the only way to use highlighter on your nose. You may have noticed social media stars adding a highlight to just the tip of their noses, drawing attention to the center of their faces. To accomplish this look, just give the tip of your nose a gentle dusting of highlighter using the L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Lumi Glow Nude Highlighter Palette in Sunkissed—all you need is a teeny bit to glow without looking too shiny. Use the shade that most closely matches your skin’s undertones.

HIGHLIGHTER MAKEUP TREND #3: HOLOGRAPHIC HUES

Out-of-this-world, holographic highlighters are the perfect way to switch up your beauty look. These shining shades shift colors in the light, so one minute your highlight may appear blue, but when the sun hits your face, it becomes purple. The best part is that this highlighter look can be worn subtly or as a statement depending on how much you apply. With the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Galaxy Stick, which comes in blue, pink, and gold shades, it’s easy to add dimension in your holographic hue of choice.

HIGHLIGHTER MAKEUP TREND #4: STROBING 

Strobing is the opposite of contouring: instead of adding emphasis to the shadows of your face, you highlight only the high points of your face. It’s the perfect no-makeup, makeup look for times when contouring seems like a bit too much. Basically, strobing helps you get the perfect amount of glow. Start with a luminous primer like the L’Oréal Paris Magic Lumi Light Infusing Primer, smoothing it over your face for all-over radiance. Follow with a tinted moisturizer, then add your most natural-looking highlighter to the high points of your face.

HIGHLIGHTER MAKEUP TREND #5: HEAVY METAL

Metals aren’t just for your jewelry and your hair—you can put them on your face, too. We have a feeling you’ll never feel more luxe than when you’re rocking rose gold on your cheeks. Using a brush, glide L’Oréal Paris Infallible Crushed Foils Metallic Highlighter in Rose Quartz onto your cheekbones and blend out for a luxurious glistening.

HIGHLIGHTER MAKEUP TREND #6: GETTING GLOSSY

A glossy finish isn’t reserved for your lips. If you don’t want a powdery highlight, opt for a liquid highlighter that has a glossy finish, like the L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer. Dab a small amount onto the apples of your cheeks to help add stylish shine (without looking greasy). Instead of looking like you packed on glitter, your skin will seem effortlessly dewy and fresh. 

HIGHLIGHTER MAKEUP TREND #7: DEAD CENTER

Picking wild colors isn’t the only way to be unexpected with your highlighter—you can also add shimmer to surprising spots. Your cheeks usually get all the love and light, so try wearing your highlighter straight down the middle of your face. Lightly sweep a subtle illuminating powder over the center of your forehead, down your nose, above your cupid’s bow, and onto your chin.

HIGHLIGHTER MAKEUP TREND #8: all about eyes

Highlighter isn’t just for your face makeup. In fact, it can make a pretty dramatic—and gorgeous—addition to your eye makeup look. To brighten and widen the appearance of your eyes, dot a white-tinted highlighter onto the inner corners of your eyes. Add the same shade onto your brow bones for a show-stopping finish.

HIGHLIGHTER MAKEUP TREND #9: pink tones

Instead of using your go-to white or nude highlighter shade, switch it up with subtle pink tones for a relaxed, romantic vibe. Reach for the L'Oréal Paris True Match™ Lumi Glow Nude Highlighter Palette in Moonkissed, and swipe on alternating pink hues wherever you desire—upper cheekbones, cupid’s bow, brow bones, and the bridge of your nose are all great places to start.

HIGHLIGHTER MAKEUP TREND #10: ALL-OVER GLOW

In a hurry or just looking for an all-over glow? Highlighting glow drops turn your foundation into the perfect two for one item, allowing you to add an extra sheen to your complexion while you apply your normal makeup. Just mix a few drops of L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Lumi Glow Amour Glow Boosting Drops with your foundation for a customizable glow.

Need to brush up on the basics, as in how to apply highlighter, before diving into these trends? Here are 7 Places on Your Face to Apply Highlighter.