What Is Highlight?

Highlighting is the technique of applying a light-reflecting product to the high points of the face — cheekbones, brow bone, bridge of the nose, cupid's bow, and inner corners of the eyes — to catch light and create the illusion of dimension, lift, and luminosity. Highlighters come in powder, cream, liquid, and balm formulas, each creating different intensities. Powder highlighters give a more visible, shimmery result suited for photos and evening. Cream and liquid highlighters melt into the skin for a more natural, dewy glow. The placement of highlighter is more important than the product itself: applied to the tops of the cheekbones it creates a lifted, sculpted effect; on the inner eye corners it brightens and opens the eyes; on the cupid's bow it makes lips appear fuller.