Forget about regular contouring. The latest beauty trend is strobing makeup to highlight your face and get glowing.
Face contouring continues to get more complicated. We’ve had colorless contouring, hair contouring, and even cleavage contouring. Just when it seemed like wardrobe contouring was poised to be the next thing, there’s a new beauty trend that is getting attention. Put down that contouring palette for just a sec, because there’s a new way to highlight your face. Strobing makeup is the latest makeup trend that you need to know about.
Here’s the lowdown on strobing makeup:
What is it?
When you heard the name, you probably thought about strobe lights, which is the right line of thinking. Strobing is about highlighting the face with light and only light. Think that dewy, I-have-four-green-juices-a-day glow mixed with a very good facial.
How is it different than contouring?
As any contouring diagram will tell you, contouring features a mix of darker shades for chiseling and lighter shades for highlighting. Strobing is a technique that only uses light to enhance your face. There are no bronzer or dark powders involved here.
So, it gives your more of a shimmery look?
Yes, but it is more luminizing than sparkly. You’re not covering your face in glitter the way you did for sixth-grade dances; the idea is a lit-from-within glow.
Isn’t it the same as highlighting your face but with a new name?
It’s very similar, but strobing is more complicated. It’s like how contouring is similar to applying bronzer, but there are more steps.
Is it as complicated as contouring?
You don’t have to worry about blending dark and light shades with your skin, so it is easier than contouring. However, getting a flawless base does require some work. If you apply too much highlighting product or in the wrong spot, your face can look greasy or like Edward Cullen from Twilight in the sun.
How do I get the look?
Start with a moisturized face. Try mixing a bit of luminizer with your foundation, or look for one with a dewy finish. Avoid anything that is matte. Then use a highlighter to enhance the areas where light naturally hits your face, including your temples, cheekbones, and bridge of your nose. Avoid your forehead if you’re concerned about looking oily.
What products should I use for strobing makeup?
You can use the highlighters you already have in your makeup bag or the lighter shades in your contouring palette. Champagne colors work well on fairer skin, while golds look great on dark complexions. Look for products with a subtle shimmer and not glitter chunks.
- Liquids work great because they can be mixed into makeup. Try Born To Glow Liquid Illuminator.
- To get the perfect base, you can start with a luminizing foundation, such as Diorskin Nude Skin-Glowing Makeup SPF 15.
- Pens give you good control, such as Touche Eclat Radiant Touch.