Images: Etty Fidele / UnSplash

Highlighter is a quick and easy way to make your complexion look dewy and healthy, as well as helping to fake better bone structure (hello, cheekbones!). Below we're taking you through the different types of products you can use to create a highlighted effect—what the difference between cream and powder highlighter, plus how to highlight with concealer and lip balm (yep, lip balm!).

Keep scrolling for a quick and easy guide to highlighting your face. 

Highlight with Highlighter
Best for: Anyone that loves shimmer

Of course, highlighter is made for highlighting but there are different formulas to choose from. 

Powder highlighter can be used over a mineral or powder foundation, and most powder highlighters will blend over a liquid foundation formula pretty well if you buff lightly onto the skin with a small fluffy brush.

Cream or liquid highlighter blend brilliantly over cream or liquid foundations, but creamy textures don't always have the best staying power so, if you want a really intense and long-lasting finish, dust a powder highlighter over the cream texture to lock it in. 

We love to apply highlighter on to:

- the cheekbones. Start below the centre of the eye and blend up and out towards the temple

- the cupid's bow. Tap it onto the lip line in the centre of the top lip, it makes your lip look plumper. 

- the brow bones. Under the brows, just be sure to blend well!

Shop our favourite highlighters...

Kevyn Aucoin The Celestial Powder in Candlelight, €47

Iconic London Illuminator, €35.50

Highlight with Concealer
Best for: Anyone who prefers a matte finish

Did you know you can highlight with concealer? Simply use a concealer that is 1-2 shades lighter than your complexion and tap it onto the places where you would usually apply highlighter and blend. 

Try it with Huda Beauty The Overachiever Concealer, €29

Highlight with Balm
Best for: Anyone who wants to fake glowing skin

If you want a dewier highlighter look, akin to that post-facial glow, then why not try using a lip balm? You can even use the balm to create a glossy eye effect. See how we used Dr Lipp Tint for this exact purpose right here!

Dr Lipp Tint, €10



Next, check out the eyeshadow colours that look amazing on dark skin tones.