Finding the perfect highlighter is like finding the right shade of foundation—it can make a huge difference in how your skin glows and looks. But with so many shades and formulas out there, how do you choose the right one for your skin tone? Don’t worry! Here’s an easy guide to help you pick the perfect highlighter that complements your complexion and gives you that radiant glow.

Step 1: Know Your Skin Tone

The first step to choosing the right highlighter is understanding your skin tone. Skin tones typically fall into three main categories: fair/light, medium/olive, and deep/dark. Each skin tone looks best with specific highlighter shades that blend naturally into the skin while still providing that extra glow.

Fair/Light Skin Tones: If you have a light complexion, you’ll want to stick to highlighter shades that are on the lighter side. Look for colors like champagne, pearly white, or soft pinks. These shades will give your skin a natural, soft glow without looking too harsh or over-the-top

Medium/Olive Skin Tones: For medium or olive skin tones, highlighters with golden or warm peachy undertones are ideal. Shades like rose gold, soft gold, or even warm peach will blend beautifully into your skin, giving you a sun-kissed radiance

Deep/Dark Skin Tones: If you have darker skin, opt for highlighters with rich, bronze, or deep gold hues. Shades like bronze, copper, and gold will give your skin a stunning glow and won’t leave a white cast, which can happen with lighter shades.

Step 2: Consider Your Undertone

In addition to your overall skin tone, your undertone plays a big role in which highlighter will suit you best. Undertones fall into three categories: cool, warm, and neutral.

Cool Undertones: If your skin has pink, red, or bluish hues, you have cool undertones. Highlighters with silver or frosty pink tones will complement your cool undertone, giving you a fresh and bright glow.

Warm Undertones: If your skin has golden, yellow, or peachy tones, you have warm undertones. Highlighters with golden, champagne, or bronze hues will enhance your natural warmth and make your skin look radiant.

Neutral Undertones: If you have a mix of both cool and warm undertones, you can wear just about any highlighter shade. Play around with different tones to see which ones you prefer, but rose gold or soft peach shades tend to be universally flattering on neutral undertones.

Step 3: Choose the Right Formula

Highlighters come in a variety of formulas: powder, cream, and liquid. The type of formula you choose can also affect how the highlighter looks on your skin.

Powder Highlighter: Powder highlighters are great for oily or combination skin types. They’re easy to apply and blend and work well on top of makeup. Powder highlighters are also perfect for creating a more subtle, buildable glow, allowing you to control the intensity.

Cream Highlighter: If you have dry or normal skin, a cream highlighter is a fantastic choice. It melts into the skin for a more natural, dewy finish and can be layered with other products for extra glow. Cream highlighters tend to work best on bare skin or with minimal makeup.

Liquid Highlighter: Liquid highlighters offer a high-impact glow and are perfect for achieving a dewy, radiant look. They’re versatile and can be mixed with foundation or moisturizer for an all-over glow or used on specific areas for extra shine. Liquid formulas work well for all skin types, but a little goes a long way!

Step 4: Test It in Natural Light

When choosing a highlighter, always test it in natural light. Makeup often looks different under artificial lighting, so stepping outside or checking it in natural daylight will give you a true sense of how the highlighter blends with your skin. Swatch the highlighter on your cheekbones, brow bone, or the back of your hand to see how it reflects the light.

Step 5: Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment

Choosing the perfect highlighter is all about finding what works best for you! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different shades and finishes to discover what makes your skin glow. You might even find that you like different highlighter shades for different occasions—perhaps a subtle champagne for daytime and a bold gold for nighttime.

Conclusion

The perfect highlighter can enhance your natural features and give your skin a healthy, radiant glow. By knowing your skin tone and undertone, choosing the right formula, and testing shades in natural light, you’ll be able to find a highlighter that’s just right for you. Whether you’re going for a soft, everyday glow or a dramatic, luminous look, the right highlighter can make all the difference in your makeup routine.

Happy glowing!