Where to Put Highlighter Makeup: Glow Like a Pro With These Techniques

If you want a natural, effortless look, highlighter should be part of your makeup arsenal. A lit-from-within glow is a subtle way to look fresh and radiant. But achieving that glow isn’t just about sweeping highlighter across your cheeks and calling it a day. Knowing where to put highlighter makeup can take your look from basic to breathtaking.

Here’s your step-by-step guide to mastering highlighting techniques for a glow-up that’s very Filipina-friendly.

What is a Highlighter and Why Do You Need It?

Before we discuss highlighting tips, what even is a highlighter in the makeup world?

Highlighter is a makeup product designed to reflect light and add a luminous finish to specific areas of the face. It comes in various forms, including powder, cream, and liquid. Each type gives a different level of glow and texture.

So, what’s the point? While contour adds shadow and structure, highlighter brings light and dimension. It emphasizes the high points of your face where natural light would naturally hit. These include cheekbones, brow bones, and the tip of your nose. The result? Skin that looks fresh, lifted, and radiant, even on your most tired days.

For Filipina beauties, highlighting is especially powerful. The golden and olive undertones common in our skin reflect warm-toned highlighters beautifully, giving that healthy, dewy glow that doesn’t look greasy or overly glittery. When used right, highlighter enhances your features without overpowering them. That’s the glow-up we’re after.

How to Apply Highlighter

1. Prep your skin

Before any product touches your face, skincare is key. A smooth, well-moisturized base helps highlighter sit beautifully without clinging to dry patches or textured areas. Opt for a hydrating serum and a lightweight moisturizer to plump the skin, followed by sunscreen if you're heading outdoors.

And if you’re doing a full makeup routine, apply a glow-boosting primer to create a lit-from-within finish. Not sure how to build your routine? We’ve got you covered with this handy guide on how to apply makeup step by step.

2. Choose the right highlighter for your skin tone

Filipina skin tones are beautifully diverse, from fair and light to golden and olive. Choosing the right highlighter shade makes all the difference. Fortunately, there’s a diverse range of highlighter makeup in the Philippines. Here’s what we recommend:

• Fair to light skin: Go for champagne, pearl, or soft pink tones, like Pixi On-the-Glow Superglow - Petal Dew

• Medium to tan skin: Opt for golds, peaches, or rose-golds

• Deep skin: Try bronze, copper, or even deeper rose-gold tones, such as Pixi On-the-Glow Superglow - Natural Lustre

3. Know where to put highlighter

Here’s where the real magic happens. Proper highlighter makeup placement helps bring dimension to your features and gives your skin a natural-looking lift. Use a brush, sponge, or your fingers to apply the product to these key areas:

• Cheekbones: The classic spot. Sweep highlighter along the tops of your cheeks for a lifted glow.

• Brow bone: Just below your eyebrows to give the illusion of a more lifted eye.

• Nose bridge and tip: A little goes a long way. This defines your nose while keeping the look soft and fresh.

• Cupid’s bow: A touch on your upper lip adds volume and draws attention to your pout.

• Inner corners of the eyes: Instantly brightens and wakes up tired eyes. Try Pixi On-the-Glow Superglow in Ice Pearl.

Keep in mind: blend is your best friend. Highlighter should melt into your skin, not sit on top of it.

4. Layer for dimension

Want to take your glow to the next level? Try layering different textures. Start with a cream or highlighter makeup stick as a base, then top it off with a powder highlighter for extra impact. This trick works exceptionally well for night-outs or photoshoots when you want that next-level luminosity.

Pair it with proper bronzer placement for contour and warmth, and you’ve got a face that’s both sculpted and glowing.

5. Glow with purpose

Highlighting is all about enhancing, not overwhelming, your natural features. Skip the chunky glitter and go for finely milled products that reflect light rather than sparkle. The goal? Skin that looks dewy, not disco. Pro tip: if you accidentally go overboard, tone it down with a damp sponge or blend it out with a bit of foundation or setting powder.

The key to an effortless look is also to choose a flattering shade. For example, Pixi On-the-Glow Superglow in Gilded Gold makes your skin appear sun-kissed, perfect for medium to tan Filipinas.

6. Lock it in

After all that glow, make sure your masterpiece lasts. Use a setting spray to blend all your layers and achieve a dewy, second-skin finish. You can even tap a bit more highlighter after spraying to amplify the shine.

Your Glow-Up Awaits

Mastering the glow is all about using the right tools, techniques, and tones that best suit your skin. Explore the Pixi On-the-Glow Superglow collection for a fuss-free, Filipina-friendly way to shine.

And if you loved learning about where to put highlighter makeup, there’s more beauty wisdom waiting for you! Visit our blog for expert tips on skincare, makeup, and all things beauty.