7 highlighter mistakes and how to fix them

Scroll through social media and it's clear that radiant cheekbones are the epitome of makeup perfection. Whether you're strobing, highlighting, or dousing yourself with loose shimmery powder, there's no denying that this dewy, attention-grabbing trend has taken the beauty world by storm and shows no signs of slowing down. But what if your highlight doesn't look as flawless as all the models and makeup artists you see as you browse your feeds? Believe it or not, as easy as bright glowing may seem, you can actually make a few mistakes. Done right, your highlighter should brighten your skin and give it a subtle glow that mimics the way sunlight bounces off your face. In no way should this make you look like a disco ball. To help you capture the trend once and for all, we share the top mistakes you can make when highlighting, as well as the best ways to fix them. Ready to shine like never before? Grab your highlighter and go!

Mistake #1: You look brilliant...but not in a good way

With highlighter in hand, you expect to look like a tanned goddess after application, right? So, it's understandable the frustration you feel when you look in the mirror only to see an oily face staring back at you. Decision? Switch your method! You can achieve a radiant look in one of two ways. You can use highlighter and finishing powder or spray OR you can apply highlighter before blush. When you apply highlighter before blush, the blush pigment will help mattify and soften your glow.

Mistake #2: You're Using the Wrong Brush

Have you ever wondered why your lightweight, luminous highlighter glides on so well? Think about the brush you use to apply it. There are different types of makeup brushes, and when it comes to powder highlighter, it's best to use a fluffy bristle brush to lightly powder the skin. This way, your skin will appear to have been lightly kissed by the highlighter rather than smothered by it.

Mistake #3: You're Applying It in the Wrong Place

Just as you need to contour certain areas of your face to give the appearance of the chiseled and fine bone structure of your dreams, you must also consider placement when working with a highlighter. When applying, apply highlighter only where light will naturally bounce off your face, such as above the cheekbones, down the bridge of the nose, into the inner corner of the eye, and just above cupid's arch. Great end result, right? Please.

Mistake #4: You're Using the Wrong Base

Do you have a favorite highlighter and a favorite foundation, how could they be wrong? Well, if you're using a powder highlighter with a liquid base, here's your answer. Generally speaking, when it comes to food pairing, you should stick to the same formulas—powder and powder, liquid and liquid. When you mix these two components, you can accidentally ruin your makeup and get an unnatural look.

Mistake #5: You don't mix

In addition to choosing the right formulas, it's important to mix them together to reduce any noticeable lines and streaks. Use the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Blend Artist Contour Blender to lightly blend the complexion for a more natural glow.

Mistake #6: You're Using the Wrong Shade

So, you're using the right tools, formulas, and blending techniques, but you still can't figure out what a selection is. The next thing to do is take a look at the marker color you are using. You may be using a shade that is too light or too dark for your skin tone. There are so many different highlighters on the market that there is definitely a shade for everyone, you just need to try on a little to find your perfect match. Most of the time, you can get away with assuming that if you have fair skin, pink-tone highlighters will accentuate your features, peach undertones for a medium complexion, and bronze tones for dark skin. Just remember that whatever shades you choose, they should be two to three shades lighter than your foundation to achieve a really vibrant look.

Mistake #7: Applying highlighter in the wrong light

Last but not least, if all else fails and you're not making any of the aforementioned mistakes, it can be as simple as the lighting you're applying highlighter under. It is always recommended to apply makeup in natural light, because when you start messing with fluorescent paints, it can drastically change the way you think about cosmetics. Moreover, in addition to where you apply it, it's a good idea to think about where your marker will be displayed. If you're going to be in direct sunlight all day, use a less shimmery highlighter than if you were spending the evening under the moon.