Get Glowing Skin: The Right Way to Apply Highlighter

Perri Goldstein loved the idea of accentuating her bone structure with highlighter—but she had to cake it on for it to show on her fair skin. Dior Beauty makeup artist Ricky Wilson had a better idea.

Photo: Marko Metzinger/Studio D

Step 1

Everything looks more polished on a perfect canvas, so it's important to prep your skin with foundation (or primer), applied with a brush for the most seamless finish.

Photo: Marko Metzinger/Studio D

Step 2

Sweep a matte face powder one shade darker than your skin tone along your cheekbones and up to your temples. This creates a subtle contour that will contrast with your highlighter and make it pop.

Photo: Marko Metzinger/Studio D

Step 3

Dot a liquid highlighter under your eyes, down the bridge of your nose, between your eyebrows, on your chin, and above the arch of each brow. Dior Glow Maximizer ($42; Dior.com) is a universally flattering golden pink.

Photo: Marko Metzinger/Studio D

Step 4

Use a concealer brush to blend the highlighter, except the dots beneath your eyes. On those delicate areas, lightly tap it in with your fingers instead, working the highlighter down to the tops of your cheekbones.

Photos: Courtesy of companies

More Glowing Recommendations

Want allover, everyday luminosity? Here's advice from a trio of experts—makeup Artists Bobbi Brown, Mally Roncal and Sonia Kashuk.

Exfoliate to slough off dead skin cells, which will even and brighten your complexion.

Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize to get that dewy effect.

Apply primer for a smooth surface that will help light bounce off your face evenly, maximizing your glow.

Use a light hand with blush for a natural flush.

Avoid translucent powder, which can make skin look dull and dry.

Go easy on the shimmer: It can emphasize fine lines and wrinkles.

Radiance Support
Clockwise from left: Bobbi Brown Extra Illuminating Moisture Balm, $63; BobbiBrownCosmetics.com. Sonia Kashuk Chic Luminosity Bronzer, $13; Target.com. Mally Beauty Perfect Prep Poreless Primer, $35; MallyBeauty.com.

Published 12/16/2014