It’s January. It’s cold and dry. Winter skin can always do with a perk up and the trendy makeup technique “strobing” is perfect to fake a healthy glow.
I don’t think that strobing is really anything new, but just an updated version of the highlighting that makeup artists have been using all along. Strobing is the technique of highlighting the planes of the face that catch the light naturally if you were in the spotlight on stage or being photographed with a flash. Think red carpet photos where the actresses seemingly glow. Today there are some really amazing products to use for highlighting the face. They come in creams, powders or liquids and are really easy to use. The new formulations give a natural glow or highlight without too much shimmer or sparkle so it looks very believable.
I posted this photo on Instagram last week of a model whose makeup I did using a natural version of strobing. She has flawless skin (being she’s only 19) so it was easy and a pleasure to do her makeup! I decided to recreate her makeup on myself, a much older version! Here is a breakdown of the makeup I used. Anyone can achieve a bright, glowing look no matter her age or time of the year!
I like to start by prepping the skin with a super hydrating mask. Winter skin can be parched and for my photo I prepped my skin with Cliv Max Hyaluronic sheet mask. Hyaluronic acid is great at plumping fine lines and deeply moisturizing. On the model for the photo shoot I used Embryolisse rich hydrating cream.
Even out the skin tone with a moisturizing foundation using a flat top kabuki brush. Check out my video tutorial showing how to apply foundation for a flawless skin.
Use concealer under the eyes and on any imperfections. Here I used Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer in Vanilla under my eyes. I defined the eyes with a wash of peachy pink shadow with a touch of shimmer, Champagne Quartz from Bobbi Brown. It’s best to choose a shade that is slightly lighter than your skin tone but still flesh toned. I used a dark brown liner,Sepia Ink from Bobbi Brown to get in between the lashes to make the lash line look thicker. I also used a black liquid liner on the inner rim of the upper eyelid. ( a trick to make your lashes look thicker) Plenty of mascara and a flesh toned eyeliner on the waterline to make the eyes appear larger and more awake.
For the strobing I chose a liquid from Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Opal. I used this along the tops of my cheekbones, down the center of my nose but not the tip and on the cupid’s bow of the mouth. I also used the highlighting shade of Charlotte Tilbury’s Bronze & Glow to highlight the inner corners of the eyes. Once you are finished with your makeup you can add some powder highlighter on top of the liquid highlighter if you feel it’s necessary.
I defined the brows using Hourglass Brow Sculpting Pencil in warm brunette and applied a pink cream blush, Peony from Stila, on the apples of the cheeks. You could give your face a little definition with some light contouring as well but this look is really about looking as youthful and glowing as possible.
For the lips I used a natural color chubby stick from Bite Beauty combined with a touch of pink lip liner to keep the lips a natural looking color.
Strobing is a great technique but beware of going too far or you could end up looking like a Vegas showgirl, just a little goes a long way. This technique is also perfect if you are being photographed. Make sure to powder the other areas of your face so only the highlighted areas are shiny.
I hope you like the look! Let me know in the comments below if there is another makeup look you would like to see.
Photos: Allana Wesley-White
Indeed this make up is some what different from other type of make ups though