Brow highlight is a makeup technique that uses a highlighter to accentuate the eyebrows and create a more defined and lifted look. It involves applying a light-reflecting product, such as a powder, cream, pencil, or pen, to the area directly underneath the brow bone or at the outer end of the brow near the temple.
How Brow Highlight Works
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Adds Dimension: By strategically placing a highlighter, you create a contrast between the brow and the surrounding skin, making the brow appear more prominent and sculpted. As makeup artist Kelsey Deenihan explains, "[Placing] a small amount of highlighter at the end of the brow around the temple area will add dimension and give an overall glow to the skin."
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Creates a Lift: Highlighting under the brow bone can create an illusion of a lifted brow, opening up the eye area and giving a more youthful appearance.
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Enhances Overall Look: Beyond just defining the brows, brow highlight contributes to a brighter, more polished overall makeup look by adding a subtle glow to the face.
Products Used for Brow Highlighting
Various products can be used for brow highlighting:
- Highlighter Powders: Offer a sheer, buildable highlight.
- Cream Highlighters: Provide a more intense, luminous highlight.
- Highlighting Pens/Pencils: Allow for precise application and control.
Many brands offer products specifically designed for brow highlighting, such as Anastasia Beverly Hills' brow highlighters and Sigma's Clean Up + Highlight Brow Crayon. There are also dual-ended brow pencils that include both a brow definer and a highlighter, like the Definer & Highlight Duo Pencil from BROW AID.
Techniques and Applications
The technique can vary depending on the desired look and the individual's brow shape. Some people apply highlight along the entire length of the brow bone, while others focus on the outer corners for a more subtle effect. The application can also be used to accentuate other facial features, such as the cupid's bow, as suggested in the Madluvv blog post on using brow highlighter.
