Strobing Makeup
15 Illuminating Products That Will Make You a Master at Strobing
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We may have recently said goodbye to Summer Fridays and lazy weekends spent shoreside, but well-moisturized skin maintains that hard-earned, sun-kissed bronze well into Fall. Before the September chill hits, make the most of your dewy flush by investing in some gorgeous highlighters.
And with strobing (the use of illuminators to make features pop) still taking the lead as one of the hottest makeup techniques, grabbing a pretty pale shimmer will ensure you look on-trend. So brush up on these highlighter hacks, and then go shopping! Your new favorite get-glowing product awaits you.
Tata Harper Luminous Definition: How to Contour and Highlight Kit
Why we love it: If you truly do not like sparkles, this natural beauty pick is for you. The ever-so-sheer pearly cream blends so subtly into skin that you'd swear the wearer wasn't even wearing makeup.
How to use it: Warm it up in your fingertips and press it onto the skin or apply with a brush anywhere you choose! You can't go overboard with this one. You can also contrast it against the equally subdued contour cream for a more defined look.
Buy it now: Tata Harper Luminous Definition: How to Contour and Highlight Kit ($77)
Tom Ford Skin Illuminating Powder Duo
Why we love it: Though the darker shade in this compact looks like a bronzer, it isn't. It's actually a deeper-hued highlighting palette so you can contour your strobe (I know, mind blown). Or swirl both colors together for the ultimate shimmer
How to use it: This is a fantastic one for cheekbones, though we don't mind it as a subtle anti-smoky eye shadow either to brighten up your lids.
Buy it now: Tom Ford Skin Illuminating Powder Duo ($80)
NARS Highlighting Blush in Albatross
Why we love it: Don't be scared by the white color! It comes out way more sheer than it appears to give you an elegant highlight.
How to use it: Focus this one on the tops of cheeks or a sweep all over the face. Since the fine particles spread easily, it also works well on the décolletage.
Buy it now: NARS Highlighting Blush in Albatross ($30)
Charlotte Tilbury + Norman Parkinson Dreamy Glow Highlighter
Why we love it: The limited-edition, vintage-inspired powder is as pretty as its posh packaging.
How to use it: Dust the feathery, golden-peach-hued pigment all over your face as your final makeup step. Think of it as an upgraded pearlized finishing powder.
Buy it now: Charlotte Tilbury + Norman Parkinson Dreamy Glow Highlighter ($65)
Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel
Why we love it: Don't let the word "tan" in this product fool you — the bronze liquid acts like a golden luminizer, making it an excellent pick for medium skin tones.
How to use it: Emulsify a few drops into your fingers and press it into skin. We love it on our cheeks, eyelids, or shoulders (if we're wearing a gown).
Buy it now: Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel ($48)
Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Highlight
Why we love it: Nothing is easier than a fat illuminating marker of blendable cream!
How to use it: Swipe the champagne cheek lipstick atop your bronzer for an instantly candlelit look. This is also an easy one to throw in your purse for strobing on the go.
Buy it now: Clinique Clinique Chubby Stick in Hefty Highlight ($22)
Laura Mercier Candleglow Luminizing Palette
Why we love it: Type A ladies will love this palette. Rather than cluttering your vanity with a slew of strobing essentials, you can get an all-in-one-deal with this set, featuring two powders and four eye colors.
How to use it: Mix, match, and spot(light) treat areas to give you a candlelit look from every angle.
Buy it now: Laura Mercier Candleglow Luminizing Palette ($58)
YSL Touche Éclat Rock Resille' Radiant Touch
Why we love it: If you don't have a Touche Éclat pen, it's time to get one. This version of the cult product has a funky polka-dot makeover.
How to use it: Beauty pros swear by the magic illuminating formula to detract from dark circles and undereye bags. Also try it down the center of your nose to make it appear thinner.
Buy it now: YSL Touche Éclat Rock Resille' Radiant Touch ($42)
RMS Beauty Living Luminizer
Why we love it: This miracle jar is small enough to fit in even the tiniest of clutches, is derived from certified organic ingredients, and even Gisele Bündchen is a fan. Basically, it's the Beyoncé of luminizers.
How to use it: The creamy coconut oil-infused balm feels good against skin, while leaving the most translucent golden stain. Use it everywhere from eyelids to cheeks and even your collarbone.
Buy it now: RMS Beauty Living Luminizer ($38)
Kevyn Aucoin The Celestial Cream in Candlelight
Why we love it: It's a triple threat! The shimmery cream works as a standalone foundation, primer, or highlighter.
How to use it: On days when you don't feel like wearing foundation, blend this all over your face instead for a dewy sheen.
Buy it now: Kevyn Aucoin The Celestial Cream in Candlelight ($52)
Benefit Cosmetics Watt's Up! Cream-to-Powder Highlighter
Why we love it: For a bolder gleam, try this champagne shimmer that pops against all skin tones — even pale ones.
How to use it: Blend it in under your eyebrows to make your arch appear higher, illuminate the inner corner of eyes to make them look bigger, or swipe on tops of cheeks to distract from dark circles.
Buy it now: Benefit Cosmetics Watt's Up! Cream-to-Powder Highlighter ($30)
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette
Why we love it: These rosy powders are so beautiful, you won't want to close the case!
How to use it: Whether you keep the colors separate or mix to make a bespoke highlighter, there's a plethora of ways to rock this trio. We are partial to using the middle shade on eyes, the peace on cheeks, and the copper applied all over the face with big brush.
Buy it now: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette ($58)
Perricone MD No Highlighter Highlighter
Why we love it: Give your skin some radiance with this vitamin infused liquid.
How to use it: Shake the bottle to mix it up, then create dots with the application brush for where you want your strobe, and then blend away!
Buy it now: Perricone MD No Highlighter Highlighter ($35)
MAC Strobe Cream
Why we love it: Those with dry skin should stay away from powders in favor of brightening creams.
How to use it: Use it as an all-over base or mix it with some foundation for a hint of pearl. You'll just look better, but no one will know exactly why.
Buy it now: MAC Strobe Cream ($33)
La Mer Crème de la Mer
Why we love it: Sometimes your strobe needs a luxe finish and this holiday compact (available in October) delivers, as its infused with gemstones and shimmering pearls. Would you expect any less from La Mer?
How to use it: Apply a sheer lip balm and then pat a bit of this blush gleam into the center of your bottom lip to make it appear fuller. Of course, the powder also looks lovely on cheeks and eyes.
Buy it now: La Mer Crème de la Mer ($110)
