RUBY REVEALS | THE ART OF SUBTLE HIGHLIGHT

Heading on a night out and want a glow that whispers, rather than shouts? Read on for my tips on how to achieve a highlight that feels natural, not overdone. Think fresh from a facial, rather than a disco-ball 🪩

What does ‘highlight’ do? 

Highlighter enhances the natural high points of your face, picking up the light where it naturally hits. Unlike heavy contouring, this technique enhances your natural features, rather than masking them.

How to pick the right highlighter for me? 

SKIN TYPE

The key to subtle highlight starts with choosing the right product texture for your skin type. Powder is best for oily or combination skin or those that love a soft airbrushed finish. Liquid is best for a dewy, glossier look with a bit more intensity. Cream is best for dry or dehydrated skin for a dewy fresh finish.

SKIN TONE

Choose a shade that compliments your skin tone. For fair skin, opt for pearl or champagne hues, peachy/golden shades complement a medium skin tone, and deeper skin tones work best with bronze/gold hues.

How should I apply highlight? 

TOOLS 

The best tools for highlight depend on the formulation you’re using. Usually, powder would be applied with a brush, and cream and liquid applied with your fingers. Do whatever works for you, but I usually recommend dabbing in with your fingers at the end to ensure a seamless blend with the rest of your makeup.

PLACEMENT IS KEY

Avoid placing highlight all over your face - it's meant to accentuate, not overwhelm. Keep it where the light naturally hits!

Cheekbones - This is the classic spot. Apply a small amount right on the high point of your cheekbones, blending it out toward the temples. The aim is to catch the light naturally.

Cupid's Bow - A bit on the cupid's bow to define your lips and give them a fuller appearance.

Bridge of the nose - A soft highlight down the bridge of your nose can give an extra glow, but be careful to keep it light to avoid it looking like a stripe!

Brow Bone - A tiny touch under your brows to lift the eyes without looking too dramatic.

BLEND, BLEND, BLEND

For the most natural finish, always blend, blend, blend. Use a sponge, brush or your fingers to make sure there are no harsh lines and that the highlight seamlessly melts into your skin.

There you have it! A subtle highlight that whispers, not shouts. It's all about the right formula, placement, and blending. Now go ahead and glow like you mean it-without the fear of being mistaken for a discoball!