How to use highlighter: A beginner’s guide to glowing skin

Highlighter has long been a makeup artist’s secret to making skin look fresh, radiant and well-rested. Loved by beauty icons such as IVE Jang Won-young and Blackpink Jennie, the right highlighter can transform a tired complexion into one that looks naturally luminous in just a few swipes—provided you’re using the right formula and applying it correctly.

As makeup artist Christine Lim (@christinelxw) explains, today’s highlighters range from barely-there sheens to high-impact glossy finishes, so choosing the right one depends entirely on the look you’re after. Before adding one to your makeup bag, it’s worth understanding the different formulas available.

Choosing the right formula

Powder highlighters are often the best choice for oily and combination skin, says makeup artist Lasalle Lee (@lasalle_lee_jq). They help control excess shine while adding luminosity without looking greasy.

Cream highlighters melt seamlessly into dry or mature skin for a soft, skin-like finish, while liquid highlighters suit almost every skin type and can even be mixed into foundation for an all-over glow.

Stick highlighters are perfect for touch-ups throughout the day—they’re portable, mess-free and blend easily with the warmth of your fingertips. If you’re after maximum impact for evenings or special occasions, shimmer and glitter formulas offer a more dramatic, light-catching finish.

How to apply highlighter

Application order matters just as much as the formula you choose.

For a natural, everyday glow, Lim recommends starting with well-prepped skin by applying your skincare and sunscreen before makeup.

Cream, liquid and stick highlighters work best underneath foundation, creating a subtle radiance that appears to come from within the skin. Powder highlighters, on the other hand, should be applied after foundation and setting powder, as layering powder over wet products can result in a cakey finish.

Where to apply highlighter

According to Lee, strategic placement is what makes highlighter so effective.

Sweep it across the tops of the cheekbones to create lift, down the bridge of the nose to add definition, on the inner corners of the eyes to brighten tired-looking eyes, along the brow bone to make the eye area appear more awake, and on the cupid’s bow to give lips a fuller-looking appearance.

One place to avoid? Areas with textured skin or active breakouts, as reflective formulas can draw attention to uneven texture rather than disguise it.

The best tools for applying highlighter

The right tools can make all the difference.

For powder highlighters, Lee recommends fan, tapered or small eyeshadow brushes, which deposit just the right amount of product for a soft, diffused glow.

Liquid formulas blend beautifully with a damp makeup sponge, which helps absorb excess product for an airbrushed finish, while cream and stick highlighters are best worked into the skin using clean fingertips.

The biggest mistake beginners make

If there’s one rule both artists agree on, it’s this: less is more.

“The less you apply, the more natural the result,” says Lim.

Lee recommends starting by mixing a drop of liquid highlighter into your foundation for an effortless, lit-from-within finish before experimenting with more targeted placement.

Ultimately, avoiding common mistakes—such as over-applying product or choosing a shade that clashes with your skin tone—is what separates a subtle glow from an overly metallic finish. When matched to your skin type, tone and texture, and applied with intention, highlighter doesn’t just add shine—it recreates the effect of perfect lighting.

Hourglass Unreal Liquid Highlighter, $60

Healthy skin naturally reflects light—and this serum-like liquid highlighter recreates that effect. Infused with ultra-fine light-reflecting pigments, it delivers a fresh, dewy glow that looks luminous rather than glittery.

Sisley L’Orchidée Highlighter, $160

If powder highlighters usually sit on top of your skin, this silky gel-powder formula is worth trying. It melts seamlessly into the complexion for a smooth, radiant finish that looks like naturally glowing skin.

Dior Glassy Glow Stick, $76

Dry, dull skin gets an instant boost with this multi-purpose glow stick. Swipe it across the cheeks, eyes, lips or décolleté for a glass-like sheen, while its hydrating formula helps skin look plumper and smoother throughout the day.

Tom Ford Soleil Glow Highlighter, $100

Recreate the warmth of golden hour any time of day with this luxurious powder highlighter. Ultra-fine pearl pigments leave skin looking softly sun-kissed without visible sparkle, making it ideal for everyday wear.

Kosas Shiny Objects Powder Highlighter, $51

Proof that powder highlighters don’t have to feel drying. Infused with passion fruit extract, this pressed formula delivers a radiant finish while helping skin retain moisture, leaving it comfortable as well as luminous.