For most people, stabbing a $34 highlighter with a fork isn't exactly common practice, especially when it's the buzziest shade [2] from Rihanna's sought-after Fenty Beauty line! But most people also aren't beauty influencers like Nickole Hoang [3], who is willing to go the extra mile for a flawlessly poppin' highlight. In a new Instagram video showing her special hack [4] for using Fenty Beauty's Trophy Wife [5] ($34), Hoang doesn't just stick a fork into the gold highlighter . . . she also uses a lighter on her Match Stix [6] ($25) contouring shades. But before you let it hurt your soul to imagine intentionally damaged makeup, give the video a watch — it has incredible results.
Using a fork, the beauty babe scrapes Trophy Wife into a loose powder. She mixes it with Farsali Rose Gold Elixir [7] ($35) to create her own liquid highlighter, which she then uses on her collarbones, cheekbones, and shoulders to create a luxe golden shimmer. But you'll want to watch the video for more than just her highlighter hack — Hoang also uses another unconventional tool while preparing her fierce makeup look. In her Instagram caption [8], Hoang explains the reasoning behind her lighter trick, too: "Heating your cream contour up is actually a great way to get a smoother application. Especially when the weather gets colder, super fast and effective." (But if the idea of treating your makeup with fire gives you the heebie-jeebies, she notes that applying traditionally works just fine, too!)
Always one to embrace the unexpected, Rihanna herself "liked" and commented [9] on the video with her seal of approval. As if we could expect a bad gal like RiRi to play by the beauty rules! Once we overcome our nerves about using a fork on our highlighter, we'll definitely be trying this hack — but in the meantime, we'll just admire Hoang's dazzling results.