table of contents:
- how to choose the best highlighter makeup for your skin type
- what is highlighter makeup and why it matters for your skin type
- powder highlighter makeup for oily and combo skin
- cream highlighter makeup for dry and mature skin
- mixing cream and powder highlighter makeup for a custom look
- highlighter makeup application tips based on skin type
- skin type and highlighter resources on subtl beauty’s makeup blog
- add highlighter makeup to your subtl beauty stak
how to choose the best highlighter makeup for your skin type
while highlighter makeup can be a game-changer for enhancing your natural glow, finding the perfect formula for your skin type may seem like a daunting task. whether your skin thrives with a cream or powder highlighter makeup, subtl is here to help you choose the best option to suit your skin type. but first, here’s a current swatch of our entire highlighter makeup collection:
@subtlbeauty Replying to @A Stutz Swatching all the subtl beauty highlighters! #subtlbeauty #subtlstack #travelmakeup #highlightershades ♬ original sound - Subtl Beauty
read on to learn the answer to “what is highlighter makeup,” how it works for different skin types, and which formula will flatter you the best – including oily, dry, combo, and mature skin types.
what is highlighter makeup and why it matters for your skin type
first things first: what is highlighter makeup? it’s a product made to brighten and enhance the high points of your face (think your cheekbones, brow bones, and the bridge of your nose). highlighter works by reflecting light, creating a lifted, glowing look that can add dimension.
but not all highlighters are created equal, subtl beauties!
if you’ve ever felt like highlighter makeup didn’t sit right on your skin, it might have been the formula. for example, oily and combo skin types often do best with powder highlighter to control shine. dry or mature skin types do well with cream highlighter for a hydrated, dewy finish.
finding the right highlighter makeup formula for your skin type can make all the difference.
powder highlighter makeup for oily and combo skin
according to cerave, “oily skin is caused by the overproduction of sebum from your skin’s sebaceous glands (and oily skin means less wrinkles, so says a study!).” for combo skin, cerave says: “combination skin means that there are some areas of your face that are dry and other areas of your face that are more oily.” here are skin symptoms of both oily and combo skin:
- shiny t-zone (forehead, nose, and chin)
- larger pores in the t-zone area
- frequent breakouts or clogged pores, especially on the forehead, nose, and chin
- greasy texture on the skin throughout the day
- uneven skin texture with dry patches in other areas (especially around cheeks)
- makeup breakdown or melting
- blackheads or whiteheads, particularly in the t-zone
- occasional tightness or dryness on the cheeks
- sensitivity in some areas due to excess oil production
for oily and combo skin, powder highlighter makeup is the recommended go-to. powder highlighters offer a natural, buildable glow without adding any extra shine, making them a+ for controlling oil. powder highlighters also tend to have a lightweight formula, helping to set makeup in place, ensuring a long-lasting, fresh finish throughout the day, even while traveling.
subtl application tip: before applying highlighter makeup, sweep a light dusting of translucent pressed powder all over to create a smooth, matte base. next, apply powder highlighter to the high points of your face, like your cheekbones and brow bones. use a light hand with your travel makeup brush to build the glow gradually, ensuring it stays fresh without looking overly shiny.
cream highlighter makeup for dry and mature skin
according to cerave, “dry skin produces less sebum than other types, which helps keep your skin lubricated and protected from moisture loss.” for mature skin, nivea says: “mature skin is commonly defined as skin showing signs of aging, typically for those 40 and over, though some may notice these changes earlier.” here are skin symptoms of both dry and mature skin:
- tight, rough texture that feels dehydrated or flaky
- visible fine lines or wrinkles
- dull, lackluster complexion
- sensitive or irritated patches
- skin that feels dry or scaly after cleansing
- skin that may look more “crepey” or loose
for dry and mature skin, cream highlighter makeup is the best option. cream highlighter provide a hydrating, dewy finish that won’t accentuate any dryness or fine lines you may be experiencing, leaving your complexion looking ultra-fresh and clean girl-approved. not only that, but cream highlighter makeup can add moisture while delivering a smooth, skin-like glow.
subtl application tip: before applying highlighter makeup, make sure your skin is moisturized and primed. then, apply cream highlighter to the high points of your face, like the cheekbones, brow bones, and cupid’s bow. use a travel makeup brush or your fingers to blend it in for a seamless, hydrated glow – the creamy highlighter texture will blend effortlessly, we promise.
mixing cream and powder highlighter makeup for a custom look
if you can’t decide between cream or powder highlighter, why not have both? mixing them is the perfect way to get the best of both worlds. start with a base of cream highlighter for a bridgerton-worthy glow – the creamy texture adds moisture, giving a fresh, natural radiance. then, layer a powder highlighter on top to boost staying power and add dimension to your look.
we love this technique because it’s customizable and works for all skin types. oily and combination skin gals, the powder layer controls shine and locks your glow in place, ensuring a fresh finish without a greasy look. dry and mature skin gals, the cream base adds a hydrating boost, while the powder sets everything without emphasizing texture or fine lines.
subtl application tip: after applying your cream highlighter makeup, lightly dust your favorite powder highlighter over the top with a fluffy travel makeup brush. focus on the high points of your face, like your cheekbones and brow bones. don’t forget to blend until your desired vibe.
highlighter makeup application tips based on skin type
applying highlighter makeup is all about knowing your skin type to choose the right formula and technique. subtl to the rescue! here are some highlighter tips based on your skin type:
- for oily skin: apply highlighter makeup sparingly to the high points of your face to avoid over-shining. focusing on these areas gives you a fresh glow without adding extra shine.
- for dry skin: to get a hydrated, luminous finish, blend cream highlighter with your fingers; they’ll help to press the product into your skin, not emphasizing any dry patches.
- for combination skin: focus your powder highlighter makeup on the high points of your face that are naturally drier, like the tops of your cheekbones and the bridge of your nose. for the oil-prone areas (like the t-zone), keep the powder light and build gradually.
- for mature skin: apply cream highlighter with your fingers to gently press the product onto the high points of your face, like the cheekbones and brow bones. this helps the highlighter makeup melt into your skin, avoiding any emphasis on fine lines or texture.
skin type and highlighter resources on subtl beauty’s makeup blog
have you explored our bite-sized makeup blog yet?
not only do we keep it updated with beginner-friendly makeup tutorials, but it’s also filled with articles providing travel tips, vacation destination ideas, info on brand formulas, and more. check out these skin type and highlighter makeup resources from our makeup blog:
- highlighter makeup 101
- where to apply highlighter makeup: tips & tricks for highlighter application
- how to highlight: tips and tricks for applying highlighter makeup
- how to use your new subtl beauty highlighter makeup
- trying on the new cream highlighters!
- how to cream contour and highlight
- the best highlighter makeup guide on the internet
- makeup routine for oily skin
- what is the best makeup for oily skin?
- dry vs. dehydrated skin: how to tell the difference
- the ultimate guide to prepping your skin for flawless makeup application
- how to apply makeup to dry vs. oily skin
- how to apply makeup to dry skin for a flawless, hydrated finish
- how to find the right bronzer powder for your skin & how to apply correctly
- dry vs. oily products to love or leave
add highlighter makeup to your innovative subtl beauty stak
ready to glow while embracing your skin type? join 1000+ subtl beauties and grab a stak of travel size makeup, perfect for your fave highlighter looks. not only is it travel-friendly and a game changer for convenience, but our refillable, innovative stak is also customizable. between airport runs and busy mom mornings, it can help you tackle anything and everything.
click here to take our beauty quiz to get matched with your perfect travel size makeup shades.
not sure which subtl highlighter makeup shade to try? here’s our powder and cream lineup:
unsure if subtl’s travel size makeup is right for you? check out these benefits:
- compact and portable: perfect for on-the-go, fits easily in any bag or carry-on.
- convenient for travel: ideal for minimizing liquid limits, tsa, and packing light.
- saves space: travel size makeup helps you carry only the essentials without the bulk.
- great for quick touch-ups: handy for mid-day refreshes or last-minute plans.
- cost-effective: subtl’s products contain 3.5 grams, more than other travel brands.
- perfect for testing new products: travel size makeup is one of the most cost-effective ways to experiment with new products or formulas without a big investment.
- long-lasting: despite the compact size, subtl’s travel size makeup lasts around 3 months or more, offering extended use without the need for frequent repurchases.
- designed to be refillable: subtl beauty staks are designed to be completely refillable, making them not only eco-friendly but also budget-friendly for long-term use.
@natviolette On the go 🤝 @Subtl Beauty #subtlbeautypartner ♬ original sound - Natalie
click here to customize a subtl travel size makeup stak with your favorite highlighter makeup shade (or shades; no judgment here!).