Does your complexion have a dry or dull finish? After months of sporting masks, your skin can certainly use a boost for spring. Highlighting and contouring have been staples in the beauty industry for decades, because they have always given makeup artists the ability to sculpt a face. Wide faces can be narrowed, foreheads shortened, and prominent noses can be made to appear smaller. All this is possible to achieve in split seconds, without resorting to plastic surgery.
Strobing works well to enhance good bone structure and well-proportioned faces that don’t need much help. It’s a similar technique to highlighting, minus the contouring, which makes it easier for the general public to achieve. This will instantly give you the look of skin that glows from within. Plus, strobing will detract from dark circles underneath the eyes and enhance sallow skin because it brightens, lightens, and adds clarity to certain areas of your face, making your complexion look healthier and rejuvenated. Another advantage is that it does not require the same precision as contouring or bronzing, which must be done correctly or can make you look worse.
Highlighters generally come in a variety of formulas such as cream, liquid, and powder. Cream and liquids work best on dry and normal skin, while oily skin is most compatible with a powder highlighter. However, if your skin gets shiny easily, make sure to use an oil-free foundation and oil-absorbing matter powder before applying the highlighter, to ensure the shine does not come through from underneath the highlighter. Also, avoid highlighting any areas of skin that have blemishes, pitted scars from past acne, or raised, indented skin.
Strobing works well on all types of coloring. Fair skin can often appear monotone, so strobing will add vibrancy while brightening the eyes and lips. Medium skin can achieve a sun-kissed glow from this technique, while dark complexions will benefit by the contrasting lightness that will enhance the bone structure of the cheekbones, eyes and lips.
In general, strobing is more natural looking and less time consuming than contouring, which must be done right or can look muddy, harsh, or overdone. It’s also a better option for daytime, as opposed to contouring, which is best for photos and events. Nevertheless, too much of a good thing can actually widen your face or make it appear oily. Remember, a little bit goes a long way, because often less is more.
Risselle Naimark is a Professional Freelance Makeup Artist and Skincare Consultant. She carries an extensive line of personalized skincare, cosmetics, and anti-aging products. Risselle is also available for weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, makeup lessons, photo shoots and any of your beauty needs. She can be reached at 718 263-5517.
