But no need to worry — strobing is an easy, flattering technique that only requires one product and is even being call the new “anti-contouring.” Essentially, strobing is just another word for using a healthy amount of either a liquid or powder highlighter to shape and emphasize certain features of the face. Highlighter products reflect light, bringing the features where you apply them to come forward and stand out.
It creates a glowing, dewy appearance and the fact that you can skip the heavy contour simply by focusing more on the highlighting is a win in itself. Now let’s get to strobing!
1. Highlight cheek bones
First, choose a finely-milled powder highlighter like TheBalm’s Mary Lou-Manizer. Using a small, tapered brush, sweep the highlighter along the tops of your cheekbones, curving upwards around the eye area if you’d like.
2. Highlight above the brow
Now, dab some highlighter above the highest point of your brow. This will visually draw the eyes upwards and give your face a lifted appearance.
3. Highlight brow bone
Using your finger, add a bit to your brow bone.
4. Highlight cupid's bow
Sweep your brush lightly above your top lip, highlighting the cupid’s bow. This accentuates your lip shape, creating the illusion of fullness.
5. Elongate nose
To create the appearance of a slimmer, straighter nose, apply a thin line of highlighter down the center and a pop on the tip.
More: Contouring and highlighting techniques for your face shape
6. Highlight chin and forehead (optional)
You can also apply a bit to the center of your chin and forehead.
Easy as that! You’ve been strobed!
One of the best things about this technique is that it’s flattering in any lighting environment. Since your highlighter reflects light, it will adapt to any lighting situation you find yourself in.