You use cream highlighter by applying it to the high points of your face where light naturally hits to create a radiant glow and add dimension.
Cream highlighter is a versatile makeup product designed to catch and reflect light, giving your skin a healthy, luminous look. Unlike powder highlighters, cream formulas often provide a more natural, dewy finish and can be easily blended with fingers, sponges, or brushes.
Key Application Areas for Cream Highlighter
Knowing where to apply cream highlighter is essential for achieving the desired effect. Here are some common and effective placements:
- Cheekbones: Apply along the top of your cheekbones, blending upwards towards your temples. This is a classic spot that instantly lifts and illuminates.
- Brow Bone: A touch of cream highlighter just under the arch of your eyebrow lifts the brow and makes the eyes appear more open.
- Inner Corner of the Eyes: A small dab in the inner corner brightens the entire eye area and makes you look more awake.
- Bridge of the Nose: Applying a thin line down the center of your nose (avoiding the tip if you have oily skin) can make it appear straighter and more defined.
- Cupid's Bow: The highlighter should be applied after your lip liner and lipstick or gloss to help attract light to that area of your face. Applying cream highlighter just above the center of your upper lip (the cupid's bow) helps make your lips look fuller and more defined.
- Inner Eyes and Brow Bone: Cream highlighter can add a lot of dimension to your eyes especially when applied to your inner eyes and brow bone. As mentioned above, these areas are key for creating a lifted, bright-eyed look with added depth.
Practical Application Tips
Here are some tips for applying cream highlighter effectively:
- Tools: You can use your fingertips, a damp makeup sponge, or a synthetic brush (like a small stippling brush or a dense eyeshadow brush) to apply and blend. Fingers warm up the product, making it easy to blend.
- Layering: Start with a small amount and build up the intensity as desired. It's easier to add more product than to take it away.
- Placement Precision: For targeted areas like the inner corner of the eye or cupid's bow, use a small brush or the tip of your finger for precision.
- Blending is Key: Blend the edges carefully into your foundation or blush to avoid harsh lines and ensure a seamless glow.
Quick Reference: Cream Highlighter Placement
Here's a summary of key application points and their benefits:
Area | Benefit | Notes |
---|---|---|
Cheekbones | Lift, definition, overall radiance | Apply high on the bone. |
Brow Bone | Brow lift, eye opening | Apply just under the arch. |
Inner Eye Corner | Brighten eyes, appear more awake | Use a small amount. |
Bridge of the Nose | Definition, slimming effect (optional) | Apply a thin line; blend well. |
Cupid's Bow | Lip definition, appearance of fullness | Apply after lip products to attract light to the area. |
Inner Eyes & Brow Bone | Add dimension to eyes | Key spots for creating depth and brightness around the eyes. |
By focusing on these high points and using careful application techniques, you can achieve a beautiful, luminous look with cream highlighter.