Avoid The Powder
Although highlight is meant to brighten the skin, a powder variation can stick to dry patches, enhancing the texture you’re working to smooth over. Sephora Collection’s National Artist Helen Phillips explains, “The biggest tip if you are concerned about emphasizing fine lines and wrinkles is to avoid powders, as they tend to grab on to texture and make it hard to blend. If you are a master blender, then go for it! I would also avoid any highlighter with glitter chunks or sparkly bits—you can test this on the back of your hand to see how it looks out of the package.” Instead, a cream highlighter will be your best bet for hydrating and brightening your appearance without drying you out.
Mix It With Foundation
Your glow doesn’t have to stay confined to just certain areas of your face in order to emphasize your youth. “If you’re using highlighter as directed and you never like the result, try adding some highlighter to your foundation. Your face will naturally reflect light off of your cheekbones which looks very youthful and subtle,” says Phillips.
To achieve this look, Phillips recommends the Sephora Collection Golden Hour Liquid Luminizer. “I recommend mixing a dash of this liquid gold formula into your foundation for a slight gleam all over. This is my top trick for more mature skin too! If you are going out or just really want to accentuate your cheekbones, cupid’s bow, or collarbones, grab a sponge and dab it on over your foundation. It will dry with a very silky shine.”
Hit The High Points
One of the most basic highlighter rules is to accentuate the high points of your face to show off your cheekbones and look as though you’re glowing from within. This is a tip that Phillips stands by for enhancing your youthful glow. “If you added highlighter to your foundation and it isn’t enough shine, add a layer on top with strategic placement on the high points of your face,” she says. For hitting the high points, Phillips suggests using a stick highlighter in order to have maximum control over your application. “My personal favorite for all ages and skin tones is the Sephora Collection Clean Glowing Cheek & Eye Multi Stick. This multi-functional product will work wonders to get you the perfect sheen without any unwanted texture.”
Your face may lose some of its natural luminosity as you age, but that doesn’t mean you have to accept dull skin as your fate. Integrating highlighter into your beauty routine will not only emphasize your best assets, but also turn back the clock and help you look as though you’re aging in reverse by bringing out the natural glow that healthy skin possesses. Whether you’re mixing your highlighter with foundation or merely hitting your cheekbones and the tip of your nose, your skin will appear fresh and ageless with just one product.