7 Easy Highlighting Techniques for Makeup Newbies
Let's be real—highlighting can feel like rocket science when you're just starting out with makeup. One minute you're watching tutorials where everyone looks like a glowing goddess, and the next you're staring at your reflection wondering if you've accidentally turned yourself into a disco ball. But here's the thing: highlighting techniques for beginners don't have to be complicated. With the right approach and a bit of practice, you can master that perfect glow without looking like you've been dipped in glitter. Whether you're completely new to makeup or just want to nail the basics, these seven easy techniques will have you highlighting like a pro in no time.
Makeup highlighting is essentially the art of using light-reflecting products to enhance the high points of your face—those areas where light naturally hits. Think of it as your face's way of saying "hello, gorgeous" to the world. Unlike contouring, which uses darker shades to create shadows and definition, highlighting brings forward and emphasises your best features with luminous products.
The magic of highlighting for beginners lies in its instant impact. Even if you're wearing minimal makeup, a touch of highlighter on your cheekbones can make you look more awake, radiant, and put-together. It's like having good lighting follow you everywhere—who wouldn't want that?
Here's why mastering basic highlighting should be on every makeup newbie's priority list:
Creates instant dimension and structure to your face
Makes your skin look healthier and more youthful
Enhances your natural bone structure without heavy makeup
Works beautifully on its own or as part of a full makeup look
Boosts confidence with that perfect "lit from within" glow
The key is understanding that highlighting isn't about adding shimmer everywhere—it's about strategically placing light to flatter your unique features. When done right, people won't even notice you're wearing highlighter; they'll just think you look absolutely radiant.
8 gmIlluminzer Highlighter
Before diving into techniques, let's talk about the tools of the trade. The good news? You don't need a massive collection to get started. The best highlighter for beginners is often the simplest one that works with your skin type and comfort level.
Powder highlighters are your best friend when you're starting out. They're forgiving, easy to blend, and nearly impossible to overdo. Plus, they work well with most skin types and last longer throughout the day.
Cream highlighters give the most natural finish and are perfect if you prefer a subtle, dewy look. They blend seamlessly into the skin but require a gentler touch during application.
Liquid highlighters offer buildable coverage and can be mixed with foundation for an all-over glow. They're brilliant for creating that "no-makeup makeup" look that's so popular right now.
8gHigh Light It-Up Highlighter
Getting the shade right is crucial for natural-looking results. If you have cool undertones, champagne and silver-toned highlighters will complement your skin beautifully. Those with warm undertones should reach for gold and bronze shades that enhance their natural warmth. If you're somewhere in between with neutral undertones, rose gold and pearl shades are your perfect match.
A fluffy, tapered brush works wonders for powder highlighters, while a damp beauty sponge is perfect for cream formulas. Don't underestimate your fingers either—they're brilliant for quick, natural application, especially with cream products.
Understanding highlighting placement is like having a roadmap to gorgeous skin. The secret is knowing where light naturally hits your face and enhancing those spots strategically.
Start with the cheekbones—this is your highlighting sweet spot. Apply highlighter to the highest point of your cheekbones, blending upwards towards your temples. Next, add a subtle touch to the bridge of your nose for that perfect straight-nose illusion.
11 gmHighlighter Duo lightweight & Long Lasting Highly-Pigmented Powder
The cupid's bow (that little dip above your upper lip) loves a hint of highlighter to make your lips look fuller and more defined. Don't forget the inner corners of your eyes—this tiny detail makes your eyes look brighter and more awake instantly.
Finally, a light sweep across your brow bone opens up your entire eye area and makes your eyebrows look more lifted and defined.
Once you've mastered the basics, you can customise your approach. Round faces benefit from highlighting the temples and jawline to create length, while square faces look amazing with highlighter on the center of the forehead and chin tip to soften angular features.
Now for the fun part—let's dive into seven foolproof easy highlighting techniques that'll have you glowing like your favourite influencer. Each technique builds on the last, so you can start simple and work your way up to more advanced looks.
12 gmGlam Highlighter Palette
This is your bread and butter technique—the one you'll use most often. Using a fluffy brush, apply highlighter to the highest point of your cheekbones, starting from the apple and sweeping upwards towards your hairline. The trick is to blend in small, circular motions rather than harsh strokes.
Start with less product than you think you need—you can always build up the intensity. The goal is a natural-looking glow that catches the light beautifully without screaming "I'm wearing highlighter!"
Nose highlighting can be tricky, but when done right, it's absolutely gorgeous. Use a small, precise brush to apply highlighter down the bridge of your nose, starting between your eyebrows and stopping at the tip. Avoid the sides of your nose—this can actually make it appear wider.
The key is keeping the line thin and well-blended. Think of it as drawing attention to the center of your nose rather than the entire thing.
This technique is pure magic for making your eyes look bigger and brighter. Using your finger or a small brush, dab a tiny amount of highlighter into the inner corners of your eyes. This works especially well with champagne or pearl shades that complement most eye colours.
12 gmMaster Chrome Metallic Highlighter
For evening looks, you can be a bit more generous with the product, but for daytime, less is definitely more.
Want fuller-looking lips without lip fillers? Highlighting your cupid's bow is the answer. Use a small brush to apply a tiny amount of highlighter to that little dip above your upper lip. This creates the illusion of more defined, plumper lips.
Make sure to blend the edges so it looks natural rather than like you've drawn a line across your lip.
For those days when you want to look effortlessly radiant, try mixing a drop of liquid highlighter with your foundation or moisturiser. This creates an all-over glow that looks like perfect skin rather than obvious makeup.
Start with just one drop—you can always add more if needed. This technique is perfect for achieving that coveted "no-makeup makeup" look.
12mlCraze Cloud Puff Highlighter
Strobing is essentially highlighting without the contouring. It's all about creating a dewy, glowing complexion using only light-reflecting products. Focus on the high points of your face—cheekbones, nose bridge, forehead center, and chin—with a luminous highlighter.
This technique works brilliantly for everyday wear and is much quicker than a full contour and highlight routine.
Once you're comfortable with individual techniques, try layering cream and powder highlighters for maximum impact. Apply cream highlighter first for a natural base glow, then add powder highlighter on top for extra intensity and longevity.
This technique is perfect for special occasions when you want your glow to last all night and photograph beautifully.
3.5 gmLumi-glow Pressed Highlighter with Shea Butter and Amla
Contouring and highlighting are like best friends in the makeup world—they work together to create dimension and structure. While highlighting brings features forward, contouring uses shadows to recede areas and create definition.
Think of contouring as creating shadows where you want to add depth—under your cheekbones, along your jawline, and on the sides of your nose. Highlighting does the opposite, bringing forward the areas you want to emphasise.
The key is using products that are only one to two shades different from your natural skin tone. Anything more dramatic can look unnatural, especially in daylight.
Start with a light contour under your cheekbones using a matte bronzer, then add your highlighter on top of the cheekbones. This creates beautiful dimension without looking overdone. Remember to blend everything seamlessly—harsh lines are the enemy of natural-looking makeup.
6MlRENEE You Are Glowing Liquid Highlighter
Even with the best intentions, highlighting can go wrong. Here are some highlighting tips to help you avoid common pitfalls and achieve that perfect glow every time.
Applied too much highlighter? Don't panic. Gently press a damp beauty sponge over the area to tone it down, or dust a bit of translucent powder on top to diffuse the intensity.
If you've chosen the wrong shade, you can often fix it by layering a more suitable shade on top or blending it out with a clean brush.
Primer is your secret weapon for long-lasting highlight. Apply it to the areas you plan to highlight before your foundation. For extra staying power, set cream highlighters with a matching powder highlighter.
14gBorn To Shine Stick Highlighter
Natural light is the most forgiving for highlighting, so try to do your makeup near a window when possible. Indoor lighting can make highlighter appear more intense, so use a lighter hand when applying makeup under artificial lights.
Speaking of trying new products, platforms like Smytten make it incredibly easy to experiment with different highlighter formulas and shades without committing to full-size products. With trial packs from trusted makeup brands, you can discover your perfect highlighting products through their curated selection of mini-sized options.
For fair skin, use champagne or pearl-toned highlighters with a light hand, focusing on cheekbones and inner corners of eyes. Avoid overly warm or bronze tones that can look unnatural.
Start with a powder highlighter, use a fluffy brush, and apply to the high points of your face where light naturally hits—cheekbones, nose bridge, and inner eye corners.
18 gmDream Touch Blusher & Highlighter Palette
The classic cheekbone highlight and inner corner brightening are the most beginner-friendly for daily use. They're subtle yet effective.
Basic techniques work for all face shapes, but placement may vary slightly to enhance your natural features and create balance.
Strobing focuses solely on highlighting without contouring, creating an all-over dewy, glowing effect using only light-reflecting products.
Start with a light layer and build gradually—you can always add more, but it's harder to remove excess product. Less is more when you're learning.
Mastering highlighting techniques for beginners is all about practice, patience, and finding what works for your unique features. Remember, makeup should enhance your natural beauty, not mask it. Start with one or two techniques that feel comfortable, then gradually experiment with others as your confidence grows.
The beauty of highlighting is that it's incredibly forgiving—even if you make mistakes, they're usually easy to fix. Don't be afraid to play around with different products, shades, and techniques until you find your signature glow.
With Smytten's extensive collection of makeup trial packs, you can explore highlighting products from various brands without the commitment of full-size purchases. Their platform connects you with over 1,500 trusted beauty brands, making it easier than ever to find your perfect highlighter match. After all, why settle for maybe when you can try it all and discover what truly makes you glow?
