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Highlighter is a staple for anyone’s makeup collection. And while classic powder highlighters are reliable, liquid highlighter drops offer a more intense, long-lasting glow. This beautiful glow comes at a cost, however, as liquid highlighters can be a little trickier to use. Keep reading for a step by step guide on how to apply liquid highlighter drops for an illuminating glow, as well as some creative ways to use liquid highlighter for your other beauty needs.
What’s The Difference Between Liquid and Powder Highlighter?
While all highlighters serve the same purpose, liquid highlighter drops work differently to traditional powder highlighters. Highlighter drops usually offer a much more intense glow than powder, and are more long lasting due to their ‘sticking’ power. I recommend using liquid highlighter instead of a powder on days you want your summer glow to last all day.
Since liquid highlighter is more difficult to blend out than traditional powder highlighter, I recommend using a tiny amount of product and adding more if you need a more intense glow. Luckily liquid highlighter is incredibly blendable, so you can keep layering until you reach the level of glow you desire.
What Are The Best Spots to Apply Liquid Highlighter?
You should use liquid highlighter on the areas where sun naturally hits the face. This creates a natural, sun-kissed look.
These areas include:
- Your cheekbones
- The bridge of your nose
- Your Cupid’s bow
- Your browbones
How To Perfect Your Base Before Applying Liquid Highlighter
Step 1: Prep Your Skin
The idea of using a highlighter is to give your skin a beautiful, natural glow. But you don’t need to leave this all down to your highlighter – proper skincare is also important!
Before applying any makeup, be sure to wash your face, use an exfoliating tonic (I love the PIXI Glow Tonic), and apply a lightweight moisturiser, preferably one containing SPF.
For best results you should also apply a skin primer – I love The Illuminator Primer by Estee Lauder.
Step 2: Apply Foundation
While foundation is optional, you’ll get your best glow with a little coverage. I like to apply mine with a wet beautyblender for the most natural finish. You can also add a couple drops of your liquid highlighter directly into your foundation for a dewy finish!
Try one of these staple foundations
Choose Your Highlighter Formula
Try out these beautiful liquid highlighter formulas
What Tools Do You Need to Apply Liquid Highlighter Drops?
I recommend using a makeup sponge such as the Original Beauty Blender or the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge in order to perfectly blend your liquid highlighter and give the most natural finish.
How To Apply Liquid Highlighter Drops for a Natural, Glowy Finish
Apply One Drop of Highlighter to Your Ring Finger
Your ring finger is perfect for applying highlighter as you’re unlikely to apply too much force.
Liquid highlighter is incredibly pigmented, so make sure not to use too much product. You can always add more product later if you wish! One drop is enough to give your cheekbones a radiant glow.
Apply the Product to Your Cheekbones
Gently dab the liquid highlighter onto the high points of your cheeks. There’s no need to blend at this point – simply apply the product evenly to your face.
Apply Highlighter to the Other High Points of Your Face
Use either the excess product left on your fingers or another drop of highlighter to apply product to your browbones, the bridge of your nose and your Cupid’s bow.
Blend the Product Out With Your Makeup Sponge
Use a damp makeup sponge to blend the highlighter into your face. Use a light dabbing motion to blend the product evenly.
Repeat if Necessary
Liquid highlighter is incredibly buildable, so repeat these steps as many times as you like if you feel you’d like more of a glow.
Creative Ways to Use Liquid Highlighter
Liquid highlighter drops are incredibly versatile. Check out these other creative ways to use liquid highlighter in your beauty routine.
Give Matte Eyeshadows Some Shimmer
Update your matte eyeshadows by mixing them with a shimmery liquid highlighter. Apply a drop of liquid highlighter to the back of your hand before adding a little bit of powder off the top of your chosen eyeshadow.
Then use an eyeshadow brush to mix the two together and apply the formula to your lids.
Add to Your Moisturiser for a Full Body Glow
Liquid highlighter can be used on your entire body. Mix a few drops of liquid highlighter into your body lotion to give your entire body a summery glow.
This trick is perfect before heading to the beach!
Add to Your Foundation for a Dewy Finish
If you find your foundation is a little too matte, you can add 1-3 drops of your highlighter before mixing them and applying as usual. This will add a radiant glow to your otherwise dull foundation.
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