The Dos And Don’ts Of Using Highlighter On Mature Skin

When done well, a highlighter will add a stunning, subtle sheen to the skin. On the flip side, the wrong formula, application, or placement can have us looking like a glistening disco ball. Throw deep-set wrinkles, large pores and rough texture into the mix and just one swipe of iridescent highlighter will accentuate all the areas you’d rather smooth and diffuse.

However, don’t let this scare you off using highlighter for mature skin entirely.

By following a few simple dos and don’ts, here’s how to guarantee a soft glow every single time.

The dos and don’ts of using highlighter

Don’t: Overdo it on the shimmer

When it comes to nailing your highlight, the key is to bring a subtle gloss to the skin. As mature skin will have fine lines and typically be on the drier side, it’s important to avoid highlighters with pigmented shimmer or chunks of glitter. Instead, opt for light-reflecting balms that will deliver discreet luminosity.

bh recommends: Chanel Baume Essential Multi-Use Glow Stick ($71, David Jones)

Do: use a brush

And a big fluffy one at that. Diffuse the product into the skin and avoid using too much product in one spot or having it sink into another. Buff, buff, buff for the most natural finish possible.

Do: consider a brightening concealer

To highlight the skin simply means to brighten and enhance, which is why it can successfully be done using a concealer. Place a creamy concealer in all the areas you’d like to fill out (think: opposite to where you’d contour) like your Cupid’s bow, the tip of your nose, forehead and the tops of your cheekbones.

Don’t: apply to uneven texture

Avoid placing any sort of highlighter on areas that are dry, uneven, rough or wrinkled. Why? Because a highlighter will only draw attention to these areasnot distract or conceal them.

Do: use cream and liquid

Powder formulations have the tendency to settle into fine lines. Opt for a cream or liquid to avoid any product from creasing into the skin.

bh recommends: Clinqiue Chubby Stick Sculpting Highlight ($48, Clinique)

Don’t: layer over foundation

Instead of applying your foundation and then your highlighter, try buffing your highlighter into your skin beforehand. By reversing these steps, you will avoid an overly harsh application and instead, your makeup will have a natural dew.

Do: apply to these areas

As mentioned before, a highlighter should sit in the opposite areas to your contour. Focus on the high points of your face like your Cupid’s bow, the bridge and tip of your nose, top of your cheekbones, brow bone, forehead, chin and anywhere else you’d like to add volume.

Main image credit: @inhersixties

Do you use a highlighter? If so, do you have any tips for applying it to mature skin?