You can use certain shades of lipstick to highlight, specifically focusing on lighter, shimmery, or metallic lipsticks.
While the reference primarily discusses using darker lipstick for contouring, the opposite approach can achieve highlighting, provided you select the right colors and textures. Here's how:
Choosing the Right Lipstick
- Color: Opt for light shades, such as pearlescent pinks, light golds, bronzes, or champagne colors. Avoid dark or matte shades, which are better suited for contouring.
- Finish: Look for lipsticks with a shimmer, metallic, or satin finish. These will reflect light, creating the highlighting effect. Avoid matte lipsticks.
- Texture: Creamy lipsticks are easier to blend and work well as highlighters.
Application Technique
- Prep Your Skin: Apply your foundation, concealer, and any other base makeup first.
- Apply Sparingly: Dab a small amount of lipstick onto the high points of your face:
- Cheekbones
- Brow bone
- Inner corner of the eyes
- Cupid's bow (the dip in your upper lip)
- Bridge of the nose (optional, use sparingly)
- Blend, Blend, Blend: Use a makeup sponge, your fingers, or a blending brush to gently blend the lipstick into your skin. Focus on softening the edges and creating a seamless transition. The goal is to avoid harsh lines.
- Set (Optional): If desired, you can lightly dust a translucent powder over the highlighted areas to set the lipstick and prevent it from creasing.
Important Considerations
- Hygiene: If applying directly from the lipstick bullet, be sure to clean it afterward to prevent contamination. Alternatively, use a lip brush to apply the product.
- Skin Tone: Choose a shade that complements your skin tone. Light, cool-toned pinks often work well for fair skin, while golden or bronze shades flatter warmer skin tones.
- Experiment: Try different shades and finishes to see what works best for you.
By carefully selecting a light, shimmery lipstick and blending it properly, you can achieve a subtle and radiant highlighting effect. Remember that a little goes a long way!
