There’s no denying that highlighter is one of the most versatile and flattering makeup products out there. It can be used to create a variety of looks, from subtle and natural to bold and dramatic. And while there are many different types of highlighters available, one of the most convenient and easy to use is a highlighter stick. Here are a few tips on how to use a highlighter stick like a pro:
First, prep your skin. Before applying any makeup, it’s important to start with a clean, moisturized face. This will help to create a smooth, even canvas for your makeup and will also help to prevent the highlighter from looking cakey or dry. Once your skin is prepped, you can apply your foundation and concealer as usual.
Now it’s time to apply the highlighter stick. Start by swiping it down the bridge of your nose, then along your cheekbones, and finally across your forehead. You can also use the highlighter stick to highlight your brow bone, cupid’s bow, and chin. Once you’ve applied the highlighter, blend it out using a brush or sponge. This will help to create a more natural, diffused look.
Understanding Highlighter Sticks
Highlighter sticks, also known as cream highlighters, are a popular makeup product used to create a radiant, illuminated look. They are typically applied to the high points of the face to enhance and define features, giving the skin a natural-looking glow.
In terms of texture, highlighter sticks differ from traditional powdered highlighters. They have a creamy consistency that allows for a more controlled application and effortless blending. The creamy formula creates a seamless, dewy finish that mimics the natural radiance of healthy skin.
Highlighter sticks are versatile and can be used in various ways to achieve different effects. They can be applied directly to the skin for a subtle glow or layered and blended for a more intense highlight. Their creamy texture also makes them suitable for use as an eyeshadow base to create a shimmery, iridescent effect.
When choosing a highlighter stick, consider your skin type and desired finish. Opt for a stick with a moisturizing formula if you have dry skin to prevent accentuating any flakiness. For oily skin, choose a stick with a matte or satiny finish to minimize shine. Additionally, consider the undertones of your skin to select a highlighter stick that complements your natural complexion.
Here’s a table summarizing the pros and cons of highlighter sticks:
| Pros |
Cons |
| Creamy texture for controlled application and easy blending |
Can be more difficult to carry and store than powdered highlighters |
| Versatile, can be used as eyeshadow base or for various highlighting techniques |
May not be suitable for very oily skin types |
| Provides a natural, dewy finish |
Can crease or smudge if not set properly |
Choosing the Right Highlighter Stick
When choosing a highlighter stick, there are several factors to consider, including your skin tone, undertones, and desired effect. Here’s a detailed guide to help you select the perfect highlighter:
**Skin Tone:**
- **Fair to Light:** Opt for sheer, champagne- or ivory-toned highlighters to add a subtle glow.
- **Medium to Olive:** Golden or warm-toned highlighters will enhance your natural skin tone and create a warm, radiant finish.
- **Deep to Dark:** Choose highlighters with a metallic or shimmery finish in shades of copper, bronze, or gold to add a touch of glamour.
**Undertone:**
- **Cool Undertone:** Highlighters with soft, pearlescent finishes and shades of pink or lilac will complement your skin’s natural undertones.
- **Warm Undertone:** Look for highlighters with golden or warm hues to match your skin’s golden undertones.
- **Neutral Undertone:** Fortunately, with a neutral undertone, you have more freedom. Select any highlighter stick that complements your skin tone and desired effect.
**Desired Effect:**
- **Subtle Glow:** Choose highlighters with a sheer or low-key finish to create a barely-there, natural glow.
- **High-Impact Highlight:** Select highlighters with a metallic or shimmery finish to add a strong, attention-grabbing glow to your features.
- **Versatile Stick:** Look for multi-purpose highlighter sticks that can be used on your face, body, or even as an eyeshadow base.
| Skin Tone |
Undertone |
Desired Effect |
Highlighter Stick Recommendations |
| Fair to Light |
Cool |
Subtle Glow |
Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter in Pearl |
| Medium to Olive |
Warm |
High-Impact Highlight |
NARS Cosmetics Highlighting Powder in Fort de France |
| Deep to Dark |
Neutral |
Versatile Stick |
Fenty Beauty Match Stix Shimmer in Starstruck |
Techniques for Applying Highlighter Sticks
1. Targeted Application for Dimensional Glow
Apply the highlighter stick to specific points on your face that naturally catch the light, such as the cheekbones, brow bone, and Cupid’s bow. Tap and blend the product gently for a subtle, dimensional glow that accentuates your facial features.
2. All-Over Radiance for a Lit-from-Within Look
Start by applying a thin layer of highlighter stick to the high points of your face as in technique 1. Then, use a damp makeup sponge or brush to blend the product outwards, creating a diffused, all-over radiance that mimics a lit-from-within glow.
3. Strobing for a Sculpted Effect
Use a highlighter stick to create the illusion of sculpted cheekbones, a slimmer jawline, or a more lifted brow bone. Apply the product along the areas you want to enhance, then blend it upwards and outwards with a brush or sponge.
Technique |
Effect |
Cheekbones |
Sculpted, lifted look |
Jawline |
Slimmer, more defined appearance |
Brow bone |
Raised, open-eyed expression |
4. Shimmery Accents for a Glamorous Touch
Add a touch of glamour to your look by applying highlighter stick to the inner corners of your eyes, the center of your lips, and the tops of your collarbones. This technique creates light-catching accents that draw attention to your features and enhance your overall radiance.
Highlighting Specific Facial Features
Using a makeup highlighter stick can help you accentuate your best features and create a radiant, glowing complexion. Here’s how to highlight specific facial features:
Cheekbones
Apply highlighter along the tops of your cheekbones, from the apples of your cheeks to your temples. This will create an illusion of higher, more sculpted cheekbones.
Bridge of the Nose
To make your nose appear slimmer and more defined, apply highlighter down the center of your bridge. Avoid highlighting the tip of your nose, as this can make it look wider.
Cupid’s Bow
Highlighting your Cupid’s bow (the dip in your upper lip) can make your lips look fuller and more defined. Apply highlighter along the center of your bow for a subtle yet noticeable effect.
Brow Bone
Applying highlighter below the arch of your eyebrows can help to lift your brows and make them appear more prominent. Use a small amount of highlighter and blend well to avoid creating an unnatural look.
Chin
Highlighting the center of your chin can create the illusion of a more defined jawline. Apply highlighter along the lower border of your chin and blend upward.
| Facial Feature |
Application Area |
| Cheekbones |
Tops of cheekbones, from apples to temples |
| Bridge of Nose |
Center of bridge, avoiding the tip |
| Cupid’s Bow |
Center of upper lip dip |
| Brow Bone |
Below arch of eyebrows |
| Chin |
Center of chin, blending upward |
Achieving a Natural and Radiant Glow
1. Choose the Right Shade
Select a highlighter stick that complements your skin tone and undertones. For warm undertones, opt for golden or peachy shades. For cool undertones, silver or pink hues are ideal.
2. Apply to High Points
Apply the highlighter to the highest points of your face: cheekbones, brow bone, bridge of the nose, and Cupid’s bow. Avoid overdoing it, as too much highlighter can appear unnatural.
3. Blend Well
Use a brush or sponge to blend the highlighter seamlessly into your skin. Start with a light hand and gradually build up opacity as needed.
4. Layer for a Boost
For an extra luminous effect, layer a liquid highlighter over the stick highlighter. Use a gentle tapping motion to avoid disturbing the underlying makeup.
5. Highlight the Inner Corner
Add a touch of highlighter to the inner corner of your eyes to instantly brighten and widen them. Use a light hand to avoid smudging the eyeliner or mascara.
Avoid Over-Highlighting
Applying too much highlighter can create an unnatural and shiny finish. Use a light touch and blend well to avoid overdoing it.
Choose the Right Shade
Select a highlighter shade that complements your skin tone. For fair skin, choose a pale, iridescent shade. For medium skin, opt for a champagne or golden shade. For dark skin, go for a deeper bronze or amber shade.
Highlight in Order
Start by highlighting the areas that naturally catch the light, such as the cheekbones, brow bone, and cupid’s bow. Then, add a touch of highlighter to the bridge of your nose and chin.
Avoid Highlighting Blemishes
Highlighter can accentuate blemishes and imperfections. If you have any skin concerns, be sure to use a concealer or foundation to cover them up before applying highlighter.
Don’t Neglect Your Décolletage
If you’re wearing a low-cut top, don’t forget to apply highlighter to your décolletage. This will create a subtle, dewy glow that complements your overall makeup look.
Using Highlighter on Different Skin Types
| Skin Type |
Recommended Highlighter |
| Dry Skin |
Cream or liquid highlighter with a moisturizing formula |
| Oily Skin |
Powder highlighter with a matte finish |
| Sensitive Skin |
Hypoallergenic highlighter free of fragrances and irritants |
Using Highlighter Sticks for Sculpting
Step 1: Choose the Right Shade
For a natural, sculpted look, choose a highlighter stick that is one to two shades lighter than your skin tone.
Step 2: Create a Base
Apply a light foundation or BB cream to create an even base. This will help the highlighter stick adhere evenly.
Step 3: Apply to High Points
Use the highlighter stick to illuminate the high points of your face, including the cheekbones, brow bone, and Cupid’s bow.
Step 4: Blend Outward
Using a makeup sponge or brush, blend the highlighter outward and upward to create a seamless transition.
Step 5: Layer for Intensity
For a more intense highlight, apply additional layers of highlighter stick and blend them out thoroughly.
Step 6: Set with Powder
To enhance the longevity of the highlighter, set it with a translucent powder.
Step 7: Customizing Your Sculpting
Experiment with applying the highlighter stick to different areas of your face to achieve various sculpting effects:
| Area |
Effect |
| Bridge of Nose |
Creates an illusion of a straighter, narrower nose |
| Chin |
Enhances the definition of the chin |
| Forehead |
Lifts and brightens the brow area |
| Jawline |
Contouring and sharpening the jawline |
Combining Highlighter Sticks with Other Makeup Products
Create a Strobed Effect
Apply a concentrated layer of highlighter to the areas of your face that naturally catch light, such as your cheekbones, brow bone, and cupid’s bow. Blend it out for a subtle glow.
Highlight Under Your Brows
Use a highlighter stick to create an instant brow lift by applying it beneath your eyebrows. This will help reflect light upwards and make your eyes appear brighter.
Enhance Your Eyes
Apply a small amount of highlighter to the inner corners of your eyes to brighten and widen them. You can also use it to create a subtle cut crease or to highlight your lower lash line.
Shape Your Nose
Use a thin highlighter stick to create a more defined nose. Apply it down the center of your bridge, and blend it out slightly on the sides.
Contour Your Lips
Highlight the center of your upper and lower lips with a highlighter stick to create the illusion of fuller, plumper lips. Blend it outwards for a seamless finish.
Create a Dewy Finish
Mix a small amount of highlighter stick with your foundation or primer to create a luminous, dewy complexion. This will give your skin a radiant, healthy glow.
Troubleshooting Highlighter Stick Application
If your highlighter stick isn’t giving you the desired results, try these troubleshooting tips:
1. Using Too Much Product
Using too much highlighter can make your skin look greasy and unnatural. Start with a small amount and build up the intensity as needed.
2. Applying it in the Wrong Areas
Highlighter should be applied to the high points of your face, such as your cheekbones, brow bone, and Cupid’s bow. Avoid applying it to areas with wrinkles or fine lines, as it can emphasize them.
3. Not Blending Properly
For a natural-looking glow, blend your highlighter stick well. Use a brush or your fingers to smooth out any harsh lines and create a seamless transition.
4. Using the Wrong Color
Choose a highlighter stick that complements your skin tone. Cool-toned skin should use cool-toned highlighters, while warm-toned skin should use warm-toned highlighters.
5. Applying it Before Powder
For longer-lasting results, apply your highlighter stick after you’ve set your foundation with powder. This will help keep it in place and prevent it from smudging.
6. Applying it Over Dry Skin
If your skin is dry, highlighter can emphasize any flaky patches. Exfoliate your skin before applying highlighter to create a smooth, even surface.
7. Using an Expired Product
Highlighter sticks can expire over time. If your stick is old, it may not perform as well as it should. Check the expiration date and replace it if necessary.
8. Applying it to Oily Skin
Highlighter can look greasy on oily skin. If you have oily skin, use a matte highlighter stick or apply it sparingly.
9. Using a Brush That Isn’t Clean
Using a dirty brush can transfer bacteria to your skin and cause breakouts. Always clean your brushes regularly, especially if you’re using them to apply highlighter.
| Troubleshooting Tip |
Possible Reason |
| Highlighter looks greasy |
Using too much product or applying it to oily skin |
| Highlighter emphasizes wrinkles |
Applying it in the wrong areas |
| Highlighter doesn’t last long |
Applying it before powder |
Tips for a Flawless Highlighter Stick Finish
1. Choose the Right Formula
Highlighter sticks come in various formulas, from creamy to powder. Determine which formula suits your skin type and desired finish best.
2. Prepare Your Skin
Start with a clean, moisturized face. A well-prepped base allows the highlighter to blend seamlessly and last longer.
3. Apply Sparingly
Highlighter sticks are highly concentrated. Begin with a small amount and gradually add more as needed.
4. Blend Carefully
Use a brush, beauty blender, or your fingers to blend the highlighter evenly. Avoid harsh lines or streaks.
5. Highlight Strategic Areas
Apply highlighter to areas that naturally catch the light, such as your cheekbones, brow bone, and Cupid’s bow.
6. Consider Your Skin Tone
Choose a highlighter that complements your skin tone. Warmer tones suit warm undertones, while cooler tones complement cool undertones.
7. Experiment with Different Finishes
Highlighter sticks can create various finishes, from subtle to dramatic. Try different formulas and techniques to find your preferred look.
8. Pair with Other Makeup
Highlighter sticks can enhance the effects of other makeup products. Use them to accentuate your blush, bronzer, or eye shadow.
9. Set Your Makeup
To ensure a long-lasting highlighter finish, set your makeup with a setting spray or powder.
10. Highlight and Contour
Highlighter sticks can also be used for contouring. Apply them in the areas you want to enhance, such as the cheekbones or jawline, and blend to create the desired shape.
| Highlighting |
Contouring |
| Cheekbones, brow bone, Cupid’s bow |
Jawline, temples, hollows of cheeks |
How to Use a Makeup Highlighter Stick
A highlighter stick is an essential addition to any makeup kit. It can be used to add a subtle glow to your skin or to create a more dramatic effect. Here are the basic steps on how to use a highlighter stick:
- Start with a clean face. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat it dry.
- Apply a foundation or BB cream. This will create an even base for your highlighter.
- Use the highlighter stick to apply a small amount of product to your cheekbones, brow bone, and cupid’s bow. You can also use it to highlight the bridge of your nose or the inner corners of your eyes.
- Blend the highlighter with your fingers or a makeup sponge. This will help to create a natural-looking finish.
People Also Ask About How to Use a Makeup Highlighter Stick
Can I use a highlighter stick on my whole face?
No, it’s not recommended to use a highlighter stick on your entire face. It’s more effective to use it sparingly on areas of your face where you want to create a subtle glow or lift.
How can I make my highlighter stick last longer?
There are a few things you can do to make your highlighter stick last longer. First, start with a small amount of product and blend it well. Second, apply it after you’ve set your foundation with powder. Finally, try using a setting spray to help keep your makeup in place all day.
