Highlighting/Illuminating

Alright Bella's!

I figured that since this is my first ever post, why not give my readers the run down of my all time favorite makeup application tip. So without further adue, lets get straight to it.

Highlighting/Illuminating (in my opinion) is a must do for every full face makeup application. It can accentuate and enhance some of our most beautiful features and it can even slightly change the dimension of some of our less flattering too. If done correctly, it can produce such suddle yet amazing effects that you will never again forget it's importance.

Sadly, Highlighters/Illuminaters are a product that is all too often left out of makeup bags of both the younger and older alike. Without knowing the awesome benefits that it provides, It's easy for women to skip over when replenishing their makeup kits. This could for some, be the most important item in your collection you just haven't quite discovered yet. As the saying goes "ignorance is bliss" so, I'm about to break down all the advantages (and sometimes disadvantages) that may come along for the ride.

The most important thing I can't stress enough is be careful!! You can definitely over dose in highlighter and girls, let me tell you, it ain't cute! The trick is to use a very small amount of product, a light hand, and only highlighting the area's that you want accentuated. Technique is key when attempting to enhance any features. You do not want to end up appearing oily or overly shiny. Try to think of it this way, when you highlight an excerpt from a document, it in turn, stands out from the rest of the script. This makes it easier to pick out the particular point or area you wanted to focus on. The same applies to your face.

Now for the really informative stuff!

Typical area's of application

Upper Forehead - The space between your brows and hairline, in alignment with the bridge of your nose.

Opinion: This area is completely optional and deciding to highlight is at ones own discretion. However, it can be the perfect canvas for those who find their forehead is a little more wide than the rest of the face. Highlighting will draw attention to the center making it appear smaller. Those who find that they tend to get a little more oily in this area should stray away from adding any type of shimmer or shine. This can make the skin appear greasy.

Brow Bone - Highest point directly beneath the brow bone (arch)

Opinion: Highlighting this area again works well for all skin tones and brow shapes. It makes the arch appear slightly raised making the eyes seem brighter. Rule of thumb: keep the highlight color close to your skin tone and only use shimmery products when seeking extra pi-zaz. You don't want overkill. Also, always pluck any strays before adding eye makeup. If eyebrows are not freshly groomed, adding highlight here will draw more attention to the hair folicals and trust me, this can ruin your entire look.

Bridge of Nose - Highlight should be a very fine line down the center of the bridge only. Do not highlight the ball of the nose.

Opinion: Personally, I find that highlighting here tends to be flattering on almost every woman I've come across (no matter the shape or size of the nose itself). Drawing attention to this area is great because this is the center of the face. This not only makes the nose appear more narrow but also slims the entire face as well. Also, When someone looks at the center of your face, they are less likely to notice imperfections and more likely to notice your eyes and lips :]


Cheekbones - Right above the apples at the very top of the cheekbone

Opinion: Again, this is another place that in most cases seems to flatter all women. Highlighting the cheekbones will make them appear more raised and dimensional therefore giving all of us girls the appearance of perfect bone structure. However, if you find you have slightly larger pores here, a matte finish highlight should be used. Applying any shimmery products will only make the pores appear larger and more prominent.

Collar Bones -  On top of each side of the collar bones

Opinion: Every woman should give this one a try. I find this draws attention to the neckline and gives the appearance of better posture, What women (or man) doesn't find that attractive?



Disclosure: All of the tips mentioned above are solely my opinions. Statements are not intended to be taken too literally by any of my readers. I am not yet a licensed professional in the area of makeup and all information provided here-in is based off of personal experience.

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