Dazzling shine: cosmetic products for strobing

The article was first published in the magazine “Makeup&YOU Professional” and is intended for professional makeup artists.

Alesya Kuzmenok, makeup artist for television projects and Ukrainian Fashion Week shows, multiple winner of Ukrainian makeup championships

So, taking into account fashion trends in makeup, let’s talk about those “miraculous” cosmetic products that allow us to do facial strobing, which is so relevant today! Strobing is a makeup technique in which cream, gel or compact textures are applied to all the prominent parts of the face to give them a dewy glow.

Shimmer

Perhaps, let's start with the main source of shine, radiance and glow of the skin, the favorite of makeup artists and celebrities - shimmer! Unlike luminizer (more on that later), shimmer contains larger sparkles that can be seen with the naked eye. Therefore, I recommend it only as an evening or holiday remedy. Shimmers are produced in the form of powder and blush - crumbly, creamy and in balls. Apply it to complete your makeup on:

• cheekbones (above blush): creates glossy highlights, softens facial features;
• center of the forehead: makes the face more open and youthful;
• chin: emphasizes the shade of lipstick and the expressiveness of the lips.

Bronzer

Bronzer is a “radiant” strobing product that gives the skin not only a glow, but also a light tan. It comes in the form of powder, sticks and even radiant creams. It is applied according to the shimmer principle, that is, to complete the makeup - on the cheekbones, wings of the nose, forehead and chin. However, you can often cover your shoulders and décolleté with bronzer to look even more impressive in an evening dress.

Luminizer

Luminizer contains microscopic glitter mixed with pigments. In most cases, this is a light fluid or makeup base that slightly brightens and gives the skin a delicate natural glow. Sometimes they are produced in the form of a transparent ultra-light powder. Since the shine of the luminizer is barely noticeable, it can be applied during daytime makeup to the entire face or focus on its convex parts - cheekbones, bridge of the nose and chin. Facial strobing luminizers are especially recommended for dry, dehydrated skin!

Highlighter

The most popular and my favorite product for creating the effect of glowing skin is highlighter. Thanks to the smallest reflective particles, it gives the skin a natural radiant appearance in any light, brightens dark areas of the face, hides wrinkles, gives a fresh look, and is suitable for daily use. The texture of the highlighter can be different: crumbly, creamy, compact or liquid. Whichever option you choose, apply it only to:

• cheekbones (the most convex part);
• center of forehead;
• under and above the eyebrow – emphasizes the shape of the eyebrows and optically lifts them, opens the eyes;
• the bridge of the nose – makes the shape ideal;
• inner corners of the eyes – “spaces out” close-set eyes, making them more expressive;
• above the upper lip - gives volume and relief to the lips;
• chin.

But everything is individual, and not every girl needs to be allocated all seven areas. For example, if the eyelid is drooping, then this area does not need additional volume. Skin type also dictates conditions. If you have combination or oily skin, then your option is a dry highlighter. It should be applied only to the sides of the face, excluding the T-zone and highlighting no more than three areas. Dry and aging skin really loves this miracle product; cream and liquid are best! The most important thing: highlighter needs to be applied delicately, fragmentarily and control the amount of product on the face.

Glitter

Glitter is dry crumbly or gel glitter that can be used to sparkle your eyes, lips, body and even hair. It is advisable to apply it on a special liquid base to ensure durability. To use glitter on the body, you need to mix it with moisturizing milk or oil. Glitter gives the image a carnival brightness, looks great on stage, but is completely unsuitable for daytime makeup!