Welcome to the Ultimate Natural Highlighter Guide! If you're looking to achieve that luminous glow on your skin, but want to do it using natural and organic ingredients, then you've come to the right place. In this guide, we'll take you through everything you need to know about natural highlighters, from the science behind them to the best application techniques and even some DIY recipes you can try at home.
Why Natural Highlighters Are Better Than Synthetic Ones
Before we dive into the specifics of natural highlighters, let's first talk about why they're better than synthetic ones. First of all, natural highlighters are made with ingredients that are better for your skin and don't contain harmful chemicals or toxins that could cause irritation or damage. Secondly, many natural highlighters are cruelty-free and vegan, so you can feel good about using them. Finally, natural highlighters often provide a more subtle, buildable glow that looks more natural than many synthetic highlighters, which can often look overly shimmery or glittery.
Another advantage of natural highlighters is that they are often more environmentally friendly than synthetic ones. Many natural highlighters are made with sustainably sourced ingredients and come in eco-friendly packaging. This means that you can enjoy a beautiful glow while also reducing your impact on the planet.
Additionally, natural highlighters can offer a wider range of shades and tones than synthetic ones. This is because natural ingredients can be combined in unique ways to create a variety of colors and finishes. Whether you're looking for a warm golden glow or a cool pink shimmer, there's a natural highlighter out there that can meet your needs.
The Science Behind Natural Highlighters: How They Work on Your Skin
So how do natural highlighters actually work on your skin? Highlighters contain tiny reflective particles that bounce light off your skin, creating a brightening effect and giving you a luminous glow. The type of particle used can differ depending on the type of highlighter - for example, liquid highlighters often contain light-reflecting pigments, while cream and stick highlighters are oftentimes made with mica.
But did you know that natural highlighters can also provide skincare benefits? Many natural highlighters contain ingredients like jojoba oil, coconut oil, and shea butter, which can help moisturize and nourish your skin. These ingredients can also help soothe inflammation and reduce redness, making natural highlighters a great choice for those with sensitive skin.
Another benefit of natural highlighters is that they are often free from harmful chemicals and synthetic fragrances. This means that they are less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions, making them a safer choice for your skin. Plus, many natural highlighters are cruelty-free and vegan, making them a more ethical choice for those who care about animal welfare.
Understanding Different Types of Natural Highlighters: Powder, Liquid, Cream, Stick
There are several different types of natural highlighters, and each has its own pros and cons. Powder highlighters are typically best suited for oily skin, as they can help absorb excess oil and mattify your skin. Liquid highlighters are perfect for those seeking a more subtle, natural-looking glow and can be easily mixed in with foundation or moisturizer. Cream highlighters work best for those who prefer a more dewy finish, while stick highlighters are great for on-the-go touch-ups and can be applied directly to your cheekbones or other high points of your face.
It's important to note that the type of highlighter you choose can also depend on the occasion and your personal preference. For a daytime look, a subtle liquid or cream highlighter may be more appropriate, while a bold powder or stick highlighter can add drama to a nighttime look. Additionally, when choosing a natural highlighter, it's important to consider the ingredients and ensure they align with your values and skin type. Look for highlighters made with natural, non-toxic ingredients that are gentle on your skin and the environment.
How to Choose the Right Shade of Highlighter for Your Skin Tone
One of the most important things to consider when choosing a highlighter is your skin tone. If you have fair skin, aim for a champagne or icy white shade, while those with medium skin tones can opt for a rose gold or peach-hued highlighter. If you have deeper skin, look for highlighters with bronze or gold undertones to complement your skin. When in doubt, it's always a good idea to test the shade on your skin before committing to a purchase.
Another factor to consider when choosing a highlighter is the type of finish you prefer. If you want a subtle, natural-looking glow, go for a highlighter with a matte or satin finish. For a more intense, shimmery effect, choose a highlighter with a metallic or glittery finish. Keep in mind that the finish can also affect how the highlighter looks on your skin, so it's important to experiment with different finishes to find the one that works best for you.
The Best Application Techniques for a Flawless Highlight
Now that you've chosen your perfect shade, it's time to apply it. For powder highlighters, use a fan brush and gently sweep the product onto your cheekbones, nose, and brow bone. For liquid highlighters, mix a drop or two into your foundation or moisturizer for a subtle glow, or dab onto your cheekbones and blend with your fingers or a sponge. For cream and stick highlighters, apply directly to your skin and blend with your fingers or a brush.
It's important to remember that less is more when it comes to highlighter. Start with a small amount and build up the intensity as needed. Also, consider the lighting you'll be in - a highlighter that looks great in natural light may appear too intense in artificial lighting. Finally, don't forget to blend well to avoid any harsh lines or patches of product.
Tips and Tricks to Make Your Highlight Pop: Layering and Blending Techniques
If you want to take your highlight to the next level, try layering and blending techniques. Start with a base layer of highlighter, then go in with a slightly lighter shade and apply it just on the highest point of your cheekbones. You can also use a fluffy brush to blend your highlighter in circular motions for a seamless finish.
Another technique to make your highlight pop is to use a cream highlighter underneath your powder highlighter. Apply the cream highlighter first, then layer the powder highlighter on top for a more intense glow. This technique works especially well for those with dry skin, as it adds an extra layer of hydration to the skin.
When it comes to choosing the right shade of highlighter, consider your skin tone and undertones. For fair skin, a champagne or pearl shade works well, while those with medium skin tones can opt for a rose gold or peachy shade. Deep skin tones look stunning with a bronze or gold highlighter. It's also important to consider your undertones - if you have cool undertones, choose a highlighter with a silver or pink base, while warm undertones look best with a gold or bronze base.
The Dos and Don'ts of Using Natural Highlighter: Common Mistakes to Avoid
While highlighter is a great way to enhance your natural glow, there are a few common mistakes to avoid. Don't apply too much product - a little goes a long way! Also, be sure to blend your highlighter well to avoid harsh lines. Finally, avoid applying highlighter to areas with large pores or acne scars, as it can draw attention to those areas.
Another important tip to keep in mind when using natural highlighter is to choose the right shade for your skin tone. If you have fair skin, opt for a highlighter with a pearl or champagne undertone. For medium skin tones, a gold or rose gold highlighter works best. If you have a deeper skin tone, a bronze or copper highlighter will complement your complexion. Choosing the right shade will ensure that your highlighter looks natural and enhances your features.
How to Incorporate Highlighter into Your Daily Makeup Routine
Highlighters can be used in a variety of ways in your daily makeup routine. Apply a touch of highlighter to your cupid's bow to make your lips appear fuller, or add a bit to the inner corners of your eyes for a brightening effect. You can also mix a drop of liquid highlighter into your moisturizer or primer to give your skin a natural, healthy glow.
Another way to use highlighter is to apply it to the high points of your face, such as your cheekbones, brow bone, and the bridge of your nose. This will give your face a more defined and sculpted look. You can also use a fan brush to apply highlighter to your collarbones and shoulders for a subtle shimmer.
When choosing a highlighter, consider your skin tone and the type of finish you prefer. If you have fair skin, opt for a champagne or pearl-toned highlighter. If you have medium to dark skin, a gold or bronze-toned highlighter will complement your complexion. You can choose between a powder, cream, or liquid highlighter depending on your preference and the look you want to achieve.
DIY Natural Highlighter Recipes You Can Make at Home
If you're feeling crafty, you can even make your own natural highlighter at home! Try mixing a bit of coconut oil with mica powder for a cream highlighter, or mix together arrowroot powder, cocoa powder, and cinnamon for a warm, bronzy glow.
Not only are these DIY highlighters easy to make, but they are also better for your skin than store-bought highlighters. Many commercial highlighters contain harmful chemicals that can irritate your skin or cause breakouts. By making your own highlighter with natural ingredients, you can avoid these potential problems.
Another benefit of making your own highlighter is that you can customize the shade to match your skin tone. Experiment with different ratios of ingredients until you find the perfect shade for you. You can also add essential oils for a subtle scent or extra skincare benefits.
Natural Ingredients to Look for in a High-Quality Highlighter
When choosing a natural highlighter, look for ingredients that are good for your skin. Some key natural ingredients to keep an eye out for include shea butter, coconut oil, vitamin E, and jojoba oil. These ingredients can help nourish your skin while providing a luminous glow.
In addition to the aforementioned ingredients, there are other natural ingredients that can be beneficial for your skin. One such ingredient is aloe vera, which has anti-inflammatory properties and can soothe irritated skin. Another ingredient to look for is chamomile extract, which can help calm and soothe the skin while also providing antioxidant benefits.
It's important to note that not all natural ingredients are suitable for everyone's skin. If you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergies, it's best to do a patch test before using a new product. Additionally, it's always a good idea to consult with a dermatologist or skincare professional before incorporating new products into your routine.
How to Remove Natural Highlighter: Best Practices and Products
Once you're done glowing, it's time to remove your highlighter. Use a gentle cleanser and warm water to remove powder and cream highlighters, or use micellar water to remove liquid highlighters. You can also use a gentle exfoliator once a week to ensure that all your highlighter residue is removed.
It's important to note that when removing natural highlighter, you should avoid using harsh scrubs or rubbing too hard, as this can irritate your skin and cause redness. Additionally, if you have sensitive skin, it's best to opt for fragrance-free and hypoallergenic products to avoid any potential reactions. Always follow up with a moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and healthy.
The Future of Natural Highlighters: Trends and Innovations to Watch Out For
As natural and organic products continue to gain popularity, it's likely that we'll continue to see new trends and innovations in the world of natural highlighters. We may see more highlighters made with superfood ingredients like kale or blueberries, or even highlighters that are eco-friendly and packaged in recyclable materials.
Another trend that we may see in the future of natural highlighters is the use of CBD oil. CBD oil has been gaining popularity in the beauty industry for its anti-inflammatory and calming properties. Highlighters infused with CBD oil could provide a subtle glow while also providing skincare benefits.
In addition, there may be a shift towards more inclusive shade ranges for natural highlighters. As the beauty industry becomes more diverse and inclusive, it's important for natural highlighters to cater to a wider range of skin tones. This could mean more shades that work for deeper skin tones, as well as shades that cater to those with cooler or warmer undertones.
Expert Reviews and Recommendations for the Best Natural Highlighters on the Market
There are countless natural highlighters on the market, so we've rounded up some of the best according to beauty experts. RMS Beauty's Living Luminizer is a cult favorite, as is Kjaer Weis's Radiance Highlighter. For a budget-friendly option, try Physicians Formula Organic Wear Dewy Highlighter. No matter your budget or skin type, there's a natural highlighter out there for you.
That brings us to the end of the Ultimate Natural Highlighter Guide. We hope this guide has been helpful in answering all your questions about natural highlighters and has inspired you to try out a product or two. Remember, a little bit of highlighter goes a long way, so don't be afraid to experiment and find your perfect glow.
It's important to note that natural highlighters not only provide a beautiful glow, but they also offer skincare benefits. Many natural highlighters are made with nourishing ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and vitamin E, which can help hydrate and protect the skin. Additionally, natural highlighters are often free of harmful chemicals and synthetic fragrances, making them a safer choice for those with sensitive skin. So not only will you look great with a natural highlighter, but your skin will thank you too.
