Calling All Glow-Getters: 11 Highlighter Hacks For a Radiant-Looking Visage

Whether you’re a makeup novice or veteran, mastering the art of highlighting is an absolute must. You can help completely transform the look of your face by lifting and brightening its appearance with the right highlighter tips. However, one wrong move can put you in the territory of highlighter overkill. So, it’s essential to nail the right beauty hacks to keep your makeup look in order. If you’re not too sure where to start, we’re here to show you how it’s done. Follow along as we share 11 highlighter hacks to bring on the glow in all the right ways.

HIGHLIGHTER HACK #1: MATCH IT TO YOUR FOUNDATION FORMULA

When it comes to using highlighter, it’s important to match the formula to your foundation. That means if you’re using a liquid foundation, you should use a liquid highlighter. Think about it: When you pair a powder foundation with a cream highlighter, you could end up with a patchy finish.

If you’d like to use a liquid highlighter…try the L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer, which is available in four skin tone-based shades. You can also experiment with the L'Oréal Paris True Match™ Lumi Glow Amour Glow Boosting Drops, which comes in two shades—one warm and one cool.

For those who are partial to a powder highlighter…try the L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Lumi Shimmerista Highlighting Powder, which comes in two shades, one warm and one cool. If you prefer pressed powder, try one from the L'Oréal Paris True Match™ Lumi Glow Nude Highlighter Palette. The palette comes in two color-schemes, one for a warmer highlight and a cooler highlight.

HIGHLIGHTER HACK #2: MIX YOUR IT INTO YOUR FOUNDATION

If you’re a baddie that prefers a subtle-looking glow, you can make it happen. Mix a tiny bit of a liquid highlighter with your liquid foundation. Apply it with a makeup blender, like the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Blend Artist Foundation Blender, using quick dabbing and rolling motions. This will help blend the product evenly for a seamless finish. So, it’s no surprise that it’s one of our favorite highlighter hacks.

HIGHLIGHTER HACK #3: APPLY IT TO STRATEGIC AREAS

The key to getting that perfect glow is to apply highlighter to the right spots. Generally, you’d want to use it on areas that the sun would naturally hit—think your forehead, down the bridge of your nose, the tops of your cheekbones, your cupid’s bow, and your chin. When it comes to highlighter, it’s all about going for a natural look.

HIGHLIGHTER HACK #4: IMPROVISE WITH FACIAL OIL AND CONCEALER

Just because you’re all out of highlighter doesn’t mean you can’t don a gorgeous glow. All you need is concealer, facial oil, and a makeup blender. Start by applying concealer (use the L'Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Multi-Use Concealer) along the areas you would regularly highlight (like your cheekbones, nose, eyebrow bone, and cupid’s bow). Don’t blend it just yet, though! Instead, apply a couple of drops of facial oil onto your makeup sponge andblend it in with your concealer.

HIGHLIGHTER HACK #5: LAYER ON A CLEAR GLOSS

If you’re looking for a way to up the ante with highlighter hacks, prepare to be stunned. You can help take your glow to another level by layering a clear lip gloss over your highlighter. Blend it ever so slightly for a nice sheen.

HIGHLIGHTER HACK #6: USE IT SPARINGLY

There is one fact that always remains true when using highlighter: Less is definitely more. You really only need to apply a teeny-tiny amount to get the look you’re after. Resist the urge to slather your face in highlighter and instead dab it on in little dots. You can always add on more if you’d like—it’s easier to do that than remove your entire face of makeup and start again.

HIGHLIGHTER HACK #7: APPLY IT OVER YOUR BLUSH

We’re big fans of blush since it can help you fake a youthful-looking rosy flush. And adding a little highlighter to the mix can have a stunning result. Just apply a blush, like the L’Oréal Paris True Match Blush, as you normally would to the apples of your cheeks. Then, apply a thin layer of highlighter over your blush.

HIGHLIGHTER HACK #8: SWAP OUT YOUR CONTOUR FOR HIGHLIGHTER

While the idea of flaunting a sculpted visage with contour is always a hit, you can achieve the same effect with the help of highlighter. The idea may seem a bit wacky, but highlighting the hollows of your cheeks and other contouring hot spots can bring on major definition and a slimmer look. Grab a fluffy makeup brush and sweep a tinge of highlighter on the areas you usually contour for a radiant finish.

HIGHLIGHTER HACK #9: LET THE LIGHTING BE YOUR GUIDE

When you plan on including highlighter in your makeup routine, it’s important to take lighting into consideration. If you know that you’re going to be somewhere with soft lighting, then consider choosing a sparkly highlighter like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Crushed Foils Metallic Highlighter. This simple hack can help make your features really pop against the subtle background. Meanwhile, if you’re going to be outdoors all day, a subtler highlighter could be a better option.

HIGHLIGHTER HACK #10: APPLY HIGHLIGHTER TO YOUR LIDS

One of the best ways to rely on highlighter in your routine is to make your eyes sport a bigger and brighter appearance. Leave your colorful eyeshadows behind and dust the center of your lids with a touch of highlighter. This simple hack will help you achieve a wide-eyed look with a sensational pop.

Editor’s tip: You can also take your eye makeup and highlighter game to the next level by incorporating the innermost corners of your eyes into the mix. Apply a tiny amount of highlighter to the inner corner of your eye to score a well-rested look.

HIGHLIGHTER HACK #11: WET YOUR BRUSH

There is no rule that says you can’t flaunt an intense shimmery look. However, it’s important to find the balance between highlighter overkill and a glazed-looking finish. All you have to do is dip your makeup brush into your highlighter of choice and spray a touch of face mist, like the L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Shake & Glow Dew Mist. This hack will give you a foiled look that will go the distance.

Next up: To really take your face-sculpting skills to the next level, you’ll want to learn how to contour too! Here’s How To Contour Like a Pro Makeup Artist in 8 Easy Steps.