How to Strobe Like a Pro Makeup Artist

So, you want to strobe like a pro? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Strobing is pushing its way to the top of the most buzzed about makeup techniques (move over, contouring!). It gets its name from strobe lights, and the whole purpose of using the technique is to give your face a dewy glow. While contouring is known to create a slimmer-looking face and sculpted cheekbones, strobing accentuates your natural beauty without covering your face with layers of different shades of face makeup. Sounds pretty awesome, right? Ready to get your strobe on? Below, we share exactly how to master this makeup technique so you can join in on the latest beauty trend.

A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO STROBING LIKE A PRO

With so many buzzy words like strobing, contouring, and color correcting (just to name a few!) flying around, you might be seriously overwhelmed. So many makeup techniques to learn, so little time to do it! But strobing is one technique that is pretty easy to get the hang of—if you arm yourself with a few essential makeup products and follow our easy step-by-step guide.

Step #1: Apply a light base

Apply a lightweight foundation, or a BB cream, like the L'Oréal Paris Magic BB Anti-Fatigue (For All Skin Types). Then, dab concealer underneath each eye, extending outwards towards your cheekbones. Apply your concealer with the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Blend Artist Foundation Blender using quick dabbing and rolling motions to blend it in.

Step #2: Conceal key spots

Apply concealer to areas you would normally apply highlighter—your forehead, chin, cupid’s bow, and down the bridge of your nose.

Editor’s tip: Want to amp up your glow? Apply a couple of drops of facial oil onto your makeup sponge and use it to blend the concealer outwards.

Step #3: Bronze

Use a matte bronzer on your nose, cheekbones, and hairline for a natural, sun-kissed look.

Step #4: Highlight high points

Apply a sheer, pigmented highlighter, like the L'Oréal Paris True Match™ Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer to the high points of your face.

Step #5: Amp up the shine

Want a touch more shine? A facial gloss or clear lip gloss will do the trick. Dab some onto your fingers and apply a thin layer over your highlight. You can add more, depending on how glossy you want it to look. Just remember to be careful when blending!

Step #6: Apply a neutral lip color

Finish your look with a neutral lip, like the L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Ultra Matte Highlight Pigmented Nude Lipstick in Utmost Taupe.

HOW TO PICK THE RIGHT HIGHLIGHTER FOR YOUR SKIN TONE

Strobing is not one size fits all. Find out which shade of highlighter will complement your skin tone best.

If you have fair to light skin…there are a few different highlighter shades that will look stunning on you. Champagne, pearl, and pink highlighters complement your skin tone the best. And what girl doesn’t like pearls and champagne? Just remember to use the highlighter sparingly—the whole point of strobing is giving yourself a natural-looking glow. Try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Crushed Foils Metallics Highlighter in Rose Quartz.

If you have medium skin…steer clear of highlighters that are super-pink. If you don’t, you’re at risk of wearing a highlighter with a super harsh finish. Instead, opt for highlighters that are peach or creamy beige shades. Apply the highlighter on your brow bones and cheekbones for a subtle glow. Try the L'Oréal Paris True Match™ Lumi Powder Glow Illuminator in Golden.

If you have olive skin...the key to selecting your highlighter shade match is finding one that will flatter the yellow undertones in your skin. We’ll do the heavy lifting for you—that shade is coral! Bonus: You can use the coral highlighter to make your lips look a little plumper. Dab a bit of it onto your cupid’s bow and voilà! Try the L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Lumi Shimmerista Highlighting Powder in Sunlight.

If you have dark skin…gold and bronze highlighters will help you shine your brightest. You should also look for one that is highly-saturated, as it’ll look amazing against your dark skin. Try the L'Oréal Paris True Match™ Lumi Liquid Glow Amour Glow Boosting Drops in Golden Hour.

Want to learn more about strobing for a specific skin tone? Check out our article, How to Strobe for Every Skin Tone.