Knowing where to put highlighter is one of the most useful makeup techniques you can learn, especially if you favor glowy, dewy looks. Applied thoughtfully, highlighter makeup can brighten your face, accentuate your favorite features, and give your skin a natural, lit-from-within radiance.
Whether you prefer sticks, creams, or powders, understanding how and where to use highlighter is key—otherwise even the most subtly radiant formulas can end up looking a little overdone. Below, we’re breaking down nine of the best spots to highlight for a balanced, glowing finish and sharing details on our favorite highlighters to add to your routine.
What Is Highlighter?
Highlighter is a makeup product designed to reflect light and give your skin a radiant, glowy finish. Modern highlighters often have skin-like, glassy, or soft-focus finishes rather than harsh metallic shine, creating a natural luminosity or a subtle lit-from-within glow.
Highlighter makeup can come in a few different formats. Creams and sticks, such as the Buttermelt Glow Boosting Highlighter Stix, are great for precise application and buildable intensity. Powders, such as the Buttermelt Highlighter, are ideal for layering over foundation or blush for a more intense glow.
Where Should You Put Highlighter?
When it comes to highlighter, pros often recommend applying it to the high points of your face—but what does that actually mean? We’re breaking it down and showing exactly how to apply highlighter for a natural, glowing effect. Here are nine spots you won’t want to miss.
1. The tops of your cheekbones
The cheekbones are one of the most popular places to apply highlighter—and for good reason. A touch of shimmer on the highest point of your cheekbones helps lift your features and catch the light beautifully.
For a dewy, fresh look, opt for a cream highlighter like the Buttermelt Glow Boosting Highlighter Stix—the buttery formula blends seamlessly into the skin for a natural, lit-from-within glow. Opt for a cool-toned shade like That’s So Melt if you have cool skin, or reach for one with a more golden tint to complement warm skin tones (we love A Whole Melt).
2. Down the bridge of the nose
The bridge of your nose is one of the highest points of the face—it catches light naturally, which is why freckles often pop up there in the summer. To add a subtle, natural glow, lightly sweep a powder highlighter, such as the Buttermelt Highlighter, along the bridge, stopping just before the tip.
Use a small, precise brush and blend well to avoid a harsh stripe. For rounder or wider nose shapes, keep the line thin and subtle; if you have oily skin, you may even choose to skip this step to prevent excess shine.
3. Above your Cupid’s bow
You can fake a fuller pout by lining your cupid’s bow with a reflective highlighter. Use a highlighter pencil, like WONDER™ PENCIL MICRO HIGHLIGHTER PENCIL, to trace the “v” along the top of your lip. This dual-ended pencil includes two color-coordinated shades—one matte, one shimmer—and is ideal for precision detailing work. After highlighting your cupid’s bow (and blending it out for a seamless finish), coat your pout in a reflective lip gloss for added shine.
4. On the inner corners of your eyes
You can make your lips appear fuller by highlighting your Cupid’s bow (that little dip in the center of your top lip). Use a highlighter pencil like the Wonder™ Pencil Micro Highlighter Pencil to trace the “v” at the top of your lip, then blend lightly for a seamless finish. Follow with a reflective lip gloss to enhance the shine.
Editor’s tip: Keep the highlight on your Cupid’s bow subtle—too much shimmer can look unnatural and detract from the rest of your look.
5. In the center of your eyelids
Highlighter isn’t always the first product you think of for eye makeup, but adding a bit of shimmer to the center of your lids can make eyes appear bigger, brighter, and more awake. For a subtle, lit-from-within effect, use a highlighter rather than a full shimmer eyeshadow—highlighter gives a natural glow, while shadow is better for more opaque color payoff.
For the best results, apply with your fingertips rather than a brush—this helps the product melt into the skin for a soft, diffused glow. The Jumbo Multi-Use Highlighter Stick works well here; smudge a small amount onto the center of the lid and gently blend out to achieve a luminous finish.
6. Along your brow bones
Like your inner corners, highlighting your brow bones—the skin just beneath your arches—can help lift your brows and make your eyes look more awake. If you have mature skin, stick to a dewy formula with minimal shimmer to keep the look natural and flattering (the sheer Buttermelt Glow Boosting Highlighter Stix in Big Melt Energy is an excellent pick).
When applying highlighter beneath your brows, be careful not to overdo it: The goal is to add a hint of luminosity, not gild your brows. We recommend using a small amount of highlighter and blending upward toward the brow (rather than outward) to avoid harsh lines and maintain a subtle, polished glow.
7. At the center of your chin
If you have oily skin, you might hesitate to highlight your T-zone or chin out of fear that doing so will make your skin look greasy. However, using highlighter strategically across the face creates balance and ties your look together. To draw attention to the center of your face while keeping shine under control, opt for a matte highlighter (like the matte end of the Wonder™ Pencil Micro Highlighter Pencil) instead of a shimmery or dewy one.
8. Along your hairline
Adding a subtle touch of highlighter along the hairline right at the center of your forehead can add dimension and keep your face from looking flat, but this is an optional, more advanced placement. Use a light hand and blend carefully—overdoing it can look shiny in close-up photos.
9. On your collarbones
Highlighter makeup isn’t just for your face—you can extend the glow to your body. For a radiant décolleté, lightly dust powder highlighter along the tops of your collarbones to catch the light. If you want an all-over glow, mix a liquid or cream highlighter into your body lotion for a soft, skin-like sheen.
Editor’s tip: Powder formulas are ideal for use in warmer, humid climates or with lighter fabrics to avoid excess shine, while cream or liquid formulas shine (no pun intended) when you want a dewier, more blended finish.
How To Use Highlighter Makeup on Mature Skin
For mature skin, highlighter works best when used strategically to lift and brighten rather than cover large areas. Here’s a quick overview on how to apply highlighter on mature skin:
Be choosy with your placement: Focus on the highest points of the face—cheekbones, brow bones, and inner corners of the eyes—using highlighters with soft, skin-like or satin finishes instead of intense shimmer.
Use a light hand: Apply in small, targeted amounts and blend carefully to avoid emphasizing fine lines. Avoid heavy, reflective formulas on areas prone to creasing, like the T-zone or under-eye, to keep your glow natural and flattering.
Choose the right formula: Powder makeup can settle into fine lines, emphasizing texture. To keep your skin looking radiant and fresh, opt for a cream highlighter instead. We recommend the Buttermelt Glow Boosting Highlighter Stix, which contains coconut butter and cupuaçu butter for a luxurious, silky feel.
How To Apply Highlighter for Beginners: A Step-by-Step Breakdown
Now that you know where to put highlighter, let’s talk about how to apply it. The technique varies slightly by formula (and the finish you’re after), so below are five easy steps to help you get a smooth, glow-boosting result every time.
Step 1: Find the right shade and formula
It kind of goes without saying, but it’s important to choose the right highlighter makeup for your needs. Cream and stick formulas are best for subtle, skin-like luminosity and easy, targeted application, while powders deliver more visible shine and are great for layering or amping up glow. Liquids sit in between, ranging from soft sheen to high-impact radiance depending on how much you apply.
Shade matters, too. For the most natural-looking finish, pick a tone that complements your skin: cool tones tend to look best with soft champagne or pearly highlights, warm tones shine with golden hues, and neutral tones can usually pull off both.
Step 2: Prep your skin
Before diving into your makeup look, prep your skin with a makeup primer. Along with helping your makeup last longer, the right primer can address concerns like dryness, visible pores, and fine lines. For the best glow payoff and longevity, consider opting for a hydrating primer, such as The Face Glue Gripping Primer—highlighter looks smoother and more radiant on moisturized skin.
For help finding the best primer for your skin type and concerns, check out our article Prime Time: How To Choose The Right Makeup Primer.
Step 3: Apply your face makeup
After prepping your skin, apply foundation and concealer if you’re using them. Next, add some color back into your face with blush. For the smoothest blend, we recommend matching your formulas. For example, if you plan to use a cream highlighter, reach for a cream blush. If you’re using a powder highlighter, like the Buttermelt Highlighter, pair it with a powder blush (we’re partial to the Buttermelt Blush, which contains mango, almond, and shea butters and provides up to 12 hours of fade-resistant wear).
Step 4: Layer on your highlighter
Next, apply your highlighter to the areas outlined above using your preferred tool (whether that’s a brush, sponge, fingers, or a combination of the three). Start small and build gradually, since it’s much easier to add glow than to take excess shimmer away without disturbing your base.
If you need help determining which tool(s) to use for your application, here’s a quick overview:
- Fan or small highlighting brush: Best for a soft, diffused look. Use it to sweep powder highlighter on your cheekbones and along your brow bones.
- Damp sponge: Great for pressing product into the skin for a seamless, skin-like finish (especially with creams/liquids).
- Fingers: Ideal for precise placement and maximum payoff—the warmth helps the product melt into the skin.
Step 5: Add finishing touches and set
Complete your makeup as desired, then lock your look in place by spritzing your face with setting spray. We have several formulas to choose from, but to maintain your glow, we recommend opting for a radiant or natural-finish formula rather than a matte option. The Face Glue Setting Spray gets our vote—it’s hydrating, long-lasting, and dries down with a natural, skin-like finish.
Common Highlighter Mistakes To Avoid
Even the best highlighter can look off if it’s applied in the wrong spots or with a heavy hand. Watch out for these common missteps to keep your glow looking polished, not patchy:
- Overplacing shimmer on textured areas: Intense shine can emphasize pores, fine lines, and uneven texture, especially on the T-zone and around the nose.
- Applying highlighter before blush or bronzer: Applying highlighter before blush and bronzer can muddy your glow. Apply blush and bronzer first, if using, then layer your highlighter on top so it stays bright and luminous.
- Using shades that are too dark or too icy for your skin tone: Mismatched tones can look ashy or muddy instead of radiant. Always opt for a shade that complements both your skin tone and undertone for the most natural-looking finish.
- Not blending the edges: Harsh lines can detract from the “lit-from-within” effect. Always soften the edges of your highlighter to keep the look soft and luminous rather than streaky..
- Going too heavy, too fast: Piling on product can make highlighter look chalky or metallic. Instead, start light and build where you want more glow.
Next Up: Matte vs. Dewy Makeup: Which Should You Choose?
Now that you know how to apply highlighter like a pro, share a picture of your favorite highlighter looks on social media, and tag us @nyxcosmetics.
PRODUCTS USED
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JUMBO MULTI-USE HIGHLIGHTER STICK
Ultra-smooth, pearl finish stick highlighter
BUTTERMELT HIGHLIGHTER
Butter smooth glowy highlighter in eight shades.
Wonder™ Pencil Micro Highlighter Pencil
Dual-Ended Highlighter and Concealer Stick
Buttermelt Glow Boosting Highlighter Stix
Meet the Buttermelt Glow Boosting Highlighter Stix, your shortcut to instant, dewy glow. This creamy highlighter stick melts into skin for buttery-smooth luminosity and a melty, glazed finish.
Buttermelt Blush
High pigment buttery soft powder blush. Fade & transfer resistant with up to 12HR wear.
THE FACE GLUE GRIPPING PRIMER
Up to 24h hydrating and gripping makeup prepping glue
