There’s something effortlessly chic about the way French women approach makeup, focusing on enhancing natural beauty rather than covering it up. In France, less is often more, and when it comes to highlighting, this philosophy truly shines.
Highlighting the French way is all about subtlety, sophistication, and a gentle touch, adding just the right amount of glow to accentuate your features. If you’re tired of the overly shimmery or sparkly look and want to embrace an elegant glow that whispers of romance and luxury, then you’ve come to the right place.
Today I’ll take you on a journey to discover the secrets of applying highlighter the French way, with tips and techniques to achieve that signature je ne sais quoi that has captured hearts across the globe. So grab your favorite highlighter, my chéries, and let’s add sparkly Parisian flair to your makeup routine!
What is Highlighter?
Highlighter is a cosmetic product designed to reflect light and bring a luminous glow to specific areas of the face. It typically comes in powder, cream, or liquid form and is used to accentuate features such as the cheekbones, brow bone, and cupid’s bow.
In the context of French makeup, highlighter is particularly significant because it embodies the French beauty philosophy of enhancing one’s natural features rather than transforming them.
French natural makeup is often described as understated and chic, prioritizing healthy, glowing skin over heavy, contoured looks. Highlighter, when applied with a light and skilled touch, helps to achieve this effect.
Highlighters come in various forms to suit different skin types, preferences, and desired effects. Here’s a quick look at the different types of highlighters:
- Powder: These common highlighters are applied with a wide wand brush. They come in a range of finishes and are easy to apply.
- Cream: These highlighters have a blendable texture that will melt into the skin giving you a dewy glow. Best for dry skin.
- Liquid: These highlighters come in a bottle and are applied using a dropper or brush. They offer precise application and buildable glow.
French Girl Highlighter Tips
Using highlighter the French way means opting for a soft, subtle glow that highlights the natural contours of the face without appearing overly shiny or glittery. It’s all about creating an effortless radiance that looks as though it’s emanating from within the skin rather than sitting on top of it.
This enhances the natural beauty and creates an elegant, sophisticated appearance that is quintessentially French. In this approach, a highlighter isn’t just a makeup product; it’s a tool to celebrate and emphasize the innate elegance of the face, in line with the French ethos of embracing one’s unique beauty. Be sure to try a few highlighters in the store so you can choose the right one for your skin tone!
Best French Highlighter to Use
Before we get started, are you wondering what the best French highlighter is? You must know about this cult French makeup product.
The YSL Touche Éclat is a cult classic in the world of beauty and a quintessential example of French elegance in makeup. Often referred to as a “magic pen,” this illuminating pen is not just a highlighter but also a concealer that works to brighten, smooth, and perfect the skin’s appearance.
With its lightweight formula and sleek, click-pen design, it offers precision application, allowing users to target specific areas like the under-eyes, cupid’s bow, or brow bone. Touche Éclat has garnered praise for its ability to provide a subtle, radiant glow without any noticeable shimmer, embodying the effortlessly chic French approach to beauty.
Available in various shades to suit different skin tones, it has become a must-have in many makeup bags, admired for its versatility and timeless appeal.
Get your own from YSL, Sephora, Nordstrom, Macy’s, or Saks.
Prep Your Skin
Ok let’s get started with applying highlighter. The first thing you need to do is prep your skin. Preparing your skin for highlighter is an essential step to ensure that the product applies smoothly and achieves the desired glow.
- Start by cleansing your face to remove any dirt, oil, or makeup residue, as a clean base will help the highlighter adhere better.
- Follow with a hydrating toner or serum, paying attention to the areas where you plan to apply the highlighter, as well-moisturized skin will allow for a more even application.
- Next, apply a good French moisturizer that suits your skin type, letting it fully absorb into the skin. If you have any dry patches or uneven texture, consider gentle exfoliation before moisturizing to create a smoother canvas.
- You may also choose to apply a makeup primer, especially one with illuminating properties, as this can enhance the highlighter’s glow and ensure longevity.
- Finally, apply your foundation and concealer as usual, but hold off on setting powders or matte products on the areas where the highlighter will be applied, as these can dull its shine.
Properly prepped skin will not only make the application of highlighter easier but also enhance its effect, allowing for a natural, radiant glow that complements your overall makeup look.
Where to Apply Highlighter
Highlighter is applied to specific areas of the face to enhance natural features and create a radiant glow. The key to applying highlighter is to focus on the high points of the face where light naturally hits, creating a flattering and youthful appearance.
Common areas to highlight include the tops of the cheekbones, which adds lift and definition to the face. The brow bone can be highlighted to give the eyes a more open and awake look. Highlighting down the bridge of the nose can create the illusion of a slimmer nose, while a touch on the tip can make it appear more upturned.
The inner corners of the eyes can be highlighted to brighten the eyes and make them appear larger. A dab of highlighter on the cupid’s bow, right above the upper lip, adds fullness to the lips.
Some French women even like to add a touch of highlighter to the collarbones and shoulders for a glowing and elegant look beyond the face.
The magic of highlighter lies in its ability to bring forth these features and lend a luminous quality to the skin, playing with light and shadow to accentuate the natural contours of the face in a flattering way.
Apply the Highlighter
Here are the best ways to apply highlighter depending on the type you are using.
Powder Highlighter Application Technique
Applying a powder highlighter requires a delicate touch and the right tools to achieve a flawless, glowing finish.
- First, choose a brush that’s designed for highlighting; a fan brush or a tapered highlighting brush is often preferred for precise application.
- Gently dip the brush into the powder highlighter, picking up a small amount of product.
- Tap off any excess to avoid over-applying, as powder highlighters can be quite pigmented. Then, lightly sweep the brush over the areas of the face you wish to highlight, such as the tops of the cheekbones, brow bone, and the bridge of the nose.
- Use gentle, gliding motions and focus on building the product gradually, rather than applying a heavy amount all at once.
- The aim is to create a soft, luminous glow that enhances the high points of the face without looking overly sparkly or metallic.
- If necessary, blend the edges with a clean, fluffy brush to ensure a seamless transition into the rest of your makeup.
The beauty of powder highlighter lies in its versatility, and with careful application, it can provide a subtle sheen or an intense glow, depending on your preference and the look you’re aiming to achieve.
Cream Highlighter Application Technique
Applying cream highlighter is a process that accentuates a soft and natural glow, blending seamlessly with the skin. Cream highlighters are typically preferred for their ability to impart a dewy radiance that looks effortlessly luminous.
- To begin, you may use your fingers, a makeup sponge, or a stippling brush for application. If using your fingers, gently warm the product between your fingertips to make it more pliable, which will aid in a smooth application.
- Dab the cream highlighter onto the areas you wish to highlight, such as the tops of the cheekbones, brow bone, or cupid’s bow.
- Using gentle patting and tapping motions, blend the product into the skin, being mindful to avoid any harsh lines or visible edges.
- The warmth of your fingers can further help to meld the cream highlighter into the skin, creating a seamless finish.
- If you prefer using a sponge or brush, ensure that they’re dampened or synthetic, respectively, to achieve optimal blending.
Cream highlighters are often favored for their natural, skin-like finish, and with proper application, they can enhance your features with a gentle, sophisticated glow that epitomizes the beauty of understated elegance.
Liquid Highlighter Application Technique
The application of liquid highlighter offers a versatile and customizable glow, whether you want a subtle radiance or a more pronounced shine. Liquid highlighters typically come with a dropper or brush applicator, allowing for precise placement. To apply, you can use your fingers, a small synthetic brush, or a damp makeup sponge.
- Start by placing a small amount of the liquid highlighter on the back of your hand, or if you prefer, apply it directly to the desired highlighting areas like the cheekbones, brow bone, or bridge of the nose.
- If you’re aiming for an all-over glow, you can also mix a drop or two of liquid highlighter with your foundation.
- Once applied, gently blend the liquid highlighter into the skin using tapping and patting motions. This technique helps to meld the product with the skin, creating a seamless and luminous effect.
Liquid highlighters are known for their buildable nature, so you can add more product as needed to achieve your desired intensity.
The key is to blend thoroughly to avoid any streaks or harsh lines. With careful application, liquid highlighter can provide a fresh-faced, luminous appearance that enhances your natural beauty with an elegant touch of radiance.
Build and Blend the Highlighter
Building and blending the highlighter is a crucial step in achieving a refined and natural-looking glow. Whether using powder, cream, liquid, or any other form of highlighter, the principle remains the same:
- Start with a small amount of product and gradually build to your desired intensity. By applying the highlighter in thin layers, you maintain control over the final look, avoiding the risk of overdoing it.
- Blend the product well using gentle, circular motions if using a brush, or patting and tapping motions if using your fingers or a sponge. Focus on creating a seamless transition between the highlighter and the rest of your makeup, so there are no obvious lines or demarcations.
- If you find that you’ve applied too much, you can softly diffuse the highlighter by going over the area with a clean makeup sponge or the brush you used for your foundation. This helps to meld the highlighter with the skin, creating a natural, radiant effect.
Building and blending are about finesse and a thoughtful approach, adjusting and refining as you go to achieve a glow that complements your features without overshadowing them. This subtle, harmonious interplay of light and shadow is what makes highlighting such an essential and beautiful aspect of makeup artistry.
Finishing Makeup Touches
The finishing touches in makeup are like the final brush strokes in a painting, pulling everything together and ensuring that your look lasts. After applying highlighter and completing your makeup, consider the following final steps to set and perfect your look:
- Setting Spray: A spritz of setting spray can lock your makeup in place and keep it looking fresh for hours. Some setting sprays even contain illuminating particles that can enhance the glow of your highlighter. Hold the bottle at arm’s length, and mist your face in a crisscross pattern, allowing it to dry naturally.
- Face Powder: If you have areas prone to shine, such as the T-zone, a light dusting of translucent powder can mattify without dulling the highlighter’s glow. Use a large, fluffy brush and apply the powder sparingly, focusing on the areas that need it.
- Blush and Bronzer: Consider harmonizing the highlighter with complementary blush and bronzer. Apply blush to the apples of the cheeks and bronzer to the perimeters of the face to create dimension and a balanced, radiant look.
- Touch-up Tools: It’s a good idea to have some essential touch-up tools on hand, such as blotting papers for absorbing excess oil without disturbing your makeup, or a compact mirror for quick checks throughout the day.
- Layering for Extra Glow: If you desire a more intense highlight, consider layering different highlighter textures or applying a second layer to key areas like the cheekbones, blending gently.
- Highlighting the Body: Don’t forget that highlighter can be applied to the collarbones, shoulders, or even the legs for an all-over, glowing appearance.
These finishing touches serve to enhance and preserve your makeup, allowing the highlighter and other elements to shine in the best possible way. Remember, balance is key, and these final steps should complement, not compete with, the beautiful highlighting work you’ve done.
Whether you’re preparing for a full day of activities or a special night out, these finishing techniques can make all the difference in the longevity and harmony of your “highlighted” look.
