Strobing is totally the new contouring. Here’s how to do it.
‘Strobing’ is the method of using only a shimmery illuminator in order to emphasize the high points of your face. The look has emerged as a lighter, summery and more user-friendly alternative to the popular contouring technique.
This bright look only requires a pearly illuminator/highlighter, a make-up brush and your regular make-up products.
Get the Look
- Moisturise and prime your skin prior to applying your make-up base.
- Apply your foundation and concealer as usual, but skip any powder application.
- After selecting your preferred illuminator shade and formula (see below) take a face-powder brush and apply the product.
- Apply the highlighter to your cheekbones, the centre of your forehead, the tip of your nose, above the arch of your eyebrows, under your eyebrows, your cupid’s bow, and to the centre of your chin.
- When applying the illuminator above your eyebrows and to your brow bone use a large eyeshadow brush, as this will provide a more concentrated color payoff.
- Make sure that the illuminator is thoroughly blended. A little product goes a long way with this look!
- Smile and add a pop of blush to the apples of your cheeks.
- Close your eyes and spritz a finishing spray over your face.
For a bright-eyed look, use an eyeshadow brush to add some highlighter to the inner corner of your eyes/eyelids. This will really make your eyes pop!
Skip your regular powder with this look, as the shimmer looks especially gorgeous when you have dewy skin! If you are concerned about your skin looking oily, I recommend using blotting papers instead of powder in order to avoid a cakey-looking end result.
The use of a moisturizing finishing spray will ensure skin stays hydrated and looks dewy all day long.
Colors & Shades
If you have a pale, rosy complexion, look for a highlighter/illuminator that is pearly and has pink undertones.
Those with medium/olive skin should look for champagne-colored highlighters/illuminators that have golden and yellow undertones.
If you have dark skin, you may find that light highlighters/illuminators are too pale and look chalky on your skin. If this is the case, use a light bronzer – that is very shimmery – in the same way that you would use a regular highlighter.
Consistency & Tools
The most popular forms of highlighters and illuminators come in either a powder or cream formulas.
Powder formulas should be applied with a brush; Fan brushes, stippling brushes and specialized face-powder or contouring brushes will all work well. Just remember, the narrower the brush the more concentrated the application of product will be.
Cream formulas work best when carefully blended with fingertips.
Are you going to try strobing? Tag me on Instagram (@chloe_cmpbll) and let me see your wonderful make-up looks!
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