In the vast universe of beauty trends, few things have remained as universally beloved—and obsessively experimented with—as the art of highlighting. More than just a swipe of shimmer, a well-placed highlighter can elevate a makeup look from everyday to editorial, from subtle to spellbinding. It sculpts, it glows, it fakes eight hours of sleep with the flick of a brush. But mastering it? That’s a whole different story.
Highlighting isn’t a one-size-fits-all technique. Skin tone, face shape, texture, lighting—so many factors play a role in determining whether your glow looks like a dewy goddess or a disco ball. The internet is full of tutorials, product recommendations, and viral “hacks,” but often, the magic lies in the small adjustments—the ones learned not from algorithms, but from real-life trial and error.
Let’s go beyond the glitter and get into the real highlighter hacks that can transform your makeup game, offering a radiant finish that looks flawless—not fake.
The Philosophy of the Glow
First, a mindset shift: highlighting isn’t about piling on sparkle. It’s about reflecting light in a way that flatters your features and feels natural to your look. At its core, it’s about strategic enhancement—accentuating what’s already beautiful, not masking what isn’t.
The best highlighters don’t just shine—they whisper. They catch the sun as you turn your head. They create dimension in flat lighting. They breathe life into tired skin. This glow isn’t about excess—it’s about elegance.
To begin the glow journey, you need the right tools—and the right intention.
Hack #1: Know Your Formula, Know Your Finish
Not all highlighters are created equal, and choosing the wrong formula can sabotage even the best intentions. The three main types—powder, cream, and liquid—all offer different benefits:
Powder highlighters are great for oily or combination skin. They’re easy to control, buildable, and often come in a variety of shades.
Cream highlighters offer a more natural, skin-like finish. Perfect for dry or mature skin, they melt into the complexion and avoid the dreaded powdery cast.
Liquid highlighters can be mixed with foundation, dabbed over skin, or layered for intensity. They’re the most versatile but require a light hand.
Pro tip: If you have textured skin, avoid chunky glitter or overly metallic formulas. Instead, look for highlighters labeled “luminous” or “sheen” rather than “blinding.” Less is more—let your skin do the talking.
Hack #2: Placement is Everything
The internet often preaches a standard highlighting routine: cheekbones, brow bones, nose bridge, Cupid’s bow. But real life demands nuance. The shape of your face—and the vibe of your makeup—should guide your application.
Heart-shaped face? Focus on the tops of cheekbones and above the brows to soften the upper half.
Round face? A narrow stripe of highlight along the cheekbone’s highest point elongates the face.
Angular features? Blend highlighter in circular motions to avoid harsh lines and create softness.
Also, think seasonally: in summer, a bit on the collarbones and shoulders gives a sun-kissed glow. In winter, highlighting the inner corners of the eyes adds warmth to cool, indoor lighting.
Hack #3: Layer for a Lit-From-Within Look
Want that glow that looks like it’s coming from under your skin—not just sitting on top? Layering is key.
Start with a liquid or cream highlighter before foundation—almost like a glowing primer. Tap it onto the high points of your face using fingers or a damp sponge. Then apply your foundation lightly, avoiding dragging it across the highlighted areas.
After setting your base, dust on a powder highlighter in the same spots. The result? A soft, dimensional sheen that seems to radiate from within rather than scream from the surface.
Hack #4: Highlight Beyond the Face
One of the most underrated hacks is extending your highlight beyond the typical areas.
A tiny dab on the center of the eyelid instantly brightens and adds dimension to even the simplest eye look.
A bit on the chin (sparingly!) can balance out cheek and forehead highlight.
Highlighter on the ears (yes, ears!) and collarbones adds unexpected cohesion, especially in photos or low-light settings.
For events or evening outings, mix a liquid highlighter with body lotion and apply it down the arms and shins for an all-over radiance that looks editorial, not extra.
Hack #5: Use Unconventional Tools
Who said you need a fan brush? The most effective highlighter tool might already be in your makeup bag—or your fingertips.
Use a damp beauty sponge for cream or liquid highlighters to create a soft, seamless finish.
Try a small eyeshadow brush to highlight precise areas like the nose tip or inner eye corners.
Use your ring finger (it applies the least pressure) to tap product onto the brow bone or Cupid’s bow for maximum control.
And sometimes? The best tool is no tool at all. Let your hands guide the glow.
Hack #6: Mix With Skincare for Everyday Radiance
Want the glow without a full face? Mix a pea-sized amount of liquid highlighter with your daily moisturizer or SPF. It gives your skin a soft radiance that makes you look healthy, not heavily made up.
This trick is especially effective for Zoom calls, early mornings, or days when “no-makeup makeup” is the vibe. It’s also ideal for mature skin, as it avoids settling into fine lines.
Bonus: it works beautifully on the décolleté and shoulders for an all-day glow without committing to full glam.
Hack #7: Customize Your Shade for a True Match
The best highlighter complements your skin tone and undertone. But you don’t have to buy ten different products to find your perfect shade.
Fair skin: Pearlescent, champagne, or soft pink tones work best.
Medium to olive skin: Golden, peachy, or rose gold highlighters create warmth.
Deep skin: Bronze, copper, or deep rose tones offer incredible payoff without ashiness.
DIY trick: Mix a small amount of a warm-toned eyeshadow with a translucent balm or clear gloss for a custom cream highlighter that flatters your skin perfectly.
Hack #8: Fix Mistakes Without Starting Over
Apply too much? Grab a clean powder brush and gently buff it out. Still too much? Lightly go over the area with a bit of setting powder or foundation to tone it down. Highlighter is forgiving—but only if you know how to finesse it.
Avoid rubbing with tissue or fingers—it only moves product and creates patchiness. Think like a painter: it’s all about blending and balancing, not erasing.
Hack #9: Set Strategically
You don’t need to set your highlighter the same way you set the rest of your face. In fact, sometimes setting spray can intensify the look too much.
For a soft, dewy finish that lasts, spritz a mist directly onto your makeup sponge, then press it gently over highlighted areas. It melds the product into your skin and helps avoid that dusty, glittery residue.
