Makeup Trend : Strobing for a radiant and glowing skin

Contouring is out! Strobing is now the latest makeup trend, but it is actually nothing more than a heavy highlight with no contour involved. It is all about that glow, and if you don't know what I mean, just take a look at Jennifer Lopez or Victoria's Secret models. 

You don't necessarily need the exact same items that I will show to achieve it, these are just my suggestions and what I like to use. In my case, I did not go crazy on the highlight since I wanted to keep the look natural, but for an evening out, a strong highlight would look amazing! This is only up to you :)

The Technique

The idea is to bring light to your face. The highlight will emphasize these areas, in opposition to shadow and dark colors that sculpt and create depth. You will add the highlight on the bridge of the nose (except if you have a bump on your nose, you'll want to avoid it) and the tip, the Cupid's bow (above your lips), the chin, the highest point of your cheekbones, the brow bone (under and above), the highest point of your eyelid and the inner corner of your eyes. 


Add some colors to your cheeks with blush but ditch the bronzer and the contouring.

The Base

I recommend using a base to even out the skin and create a flawless base. If you already have a good skin to start with, just use a tinted moisturizer. I picked this Guerlain Baby Glow because it gives a beautiful fInish and since it has SPF25, it is perfect for the summer time! If  you have oily skin or a lot to cover (redness or blemishes), use a foundation like the Make Up For Ever HD/Ultra HD. Then add some concealer if you have dark circles (I love this Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer because it covers perfectly any darkness but also brightens the under eye. Dust some powder to fix the make up and you have your base! However, you want to pick a luminous powder in order to keep the glow while setting the base.  This is why I picked the Light Reflecting Loose Powder, also by Nars.

The Glow

You can use any highlight, but you will need to pick a high quality for a better and more natural glow. My favorite one for the summer is this Shimmer Bloc by Laura Mercier in Golden Mosaic. I added my all-time favorite blush by Nars in Orgasm. I chose a shimmery blush for and stronger highlight. The peachy pink color create a beautiful and natural flush. If you are uncomfortable with shimmery blush,  pick one with a subtle sheen or a cream texture.
I used the Sigma Small Duo Fibre brush F55 for both in order to diffuse the powder more nicely. Then I sprayed some Make Up For Ever Mist & Fix to blend the powders onto the skin, add some glow and protect the makeup.

Side Note

You should know that shimmers and highlights tend to emphasize imperfections and pores. If you have such skin or need oil control, I think you should use a primer to smooth the surface of the skin and control the sebum production. Below is a small selection that I think works well.

Benefit - The POREfessional

L'Oréal - Infaillible Mattifying Primer

Make Up For Ever - Step 1 Mattifying Primer

Shimmer and pores are not very well together. Also, if you are scared of shimmers, I recommend using a highlighting pen like the Yves Saint-Laurent Touche Eclat. It will highlight your skin very subtly. And for blush, again a cream blush will add some glow without being overwhelming.