How to Use Loose Highlighter Powder

If your cheekbones can never be sparkly enough and your cupid’s bow is never quite illuminated enough, we have just the thing for you. You (desperately) need to know all about loose powder highlighter. While luminous liquids and shimmery pressed face powders are no doubt amazing ways to get your glow on, a loose powder can kick your makeup look up another notch. Trust us, the last thing anyone will think to say about your complexion is that it looks dull. Introducing loose highlighters into your face makeup routine may sound intimidating, but there’s no need to fear. As long as you follow the right steps—and avoid spilling sparkles all over your vanity—you’ll find loose highlighter powders are just as easy to master as those of the cream and compact variety. Below, we’re sharing exactly how to use loose highlighter powder. But first, we have to tell you all about our best loose powder highlighter.

OUR BEST LOOSE POWDER HIGHLIGHTER

Before we share the steps to apply loose powder highlighter, you have to pick out the powder you plan to use. The L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Lumi Shimmerista Highlighting Powder is a loose powder (duh) that creates a natural glow with a prismatic finish. The lightweight formula blends easily onto skin and allows you to build up product depending on the level of luminosity you’re after. It’s available in two shades: Moonlight for a cool prismatic glow and Sunlight for a warm prismatic glow. Choose the shade that best coordinates with your makeup look and you can't go wrong! 

HOW TO USE LOOSE POWDER HIGHLIGHTER

Let’s jump right into it! Here’s how to use loose powder highlighter.

Step 1: Use a radiant base

Even if you’re only wearing highlighter, it’s important to have a base of primer on your face. You can even pick one that will help add to your illuminated look. We love the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro Glow-Lock Makeup Primer, especially if you follow it with the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation and L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Super-Blendable Multi-Use Concealer. Once you’ve applied the perfect base for your highlighter, move right along to the next step.

Step 2: Shake and tap

Loose powders are known for being messy, and with good reason. One little spill and you’ll be finding sparkles on the floor for years to come. (Just kidding—kind of.) That’s why you won’t want to stray from these steps. While the lid on the highlighting powder is tightly secured, shake it upside down for a moment or two. Then, tap it on your vanity or counter.

Step 3: Pick up powder

The little trick in Step 2 helps deposit product on the lid of the highlighter, which you can use as a makeshift palette. Using the highlighter that’s in the lid, rather than dipping straight into the jar or pot that contains the bulk of the product, means you’ll run a smaller risk of making a mess or picking up too much product. Swirl a small tapered makeup brush or fan brush around the inside of the lid, coating it in highlighter, then tap off any excess on the edge. Use a tapered brush for a more contrasted, precise highlight. Use a fan brush if you want a more blended, softer highlight.

Step 4: Highlight high points

It’s time to glow get ‘em—your high points, that is! Use the brush to dust highlighting powder above your cheekbones, on the tip of your nose, and on your cupid’s bow. For extra glow, use a smaller brush to highlight the inner corners of your eyes and your brow bones.

Step 5: Highlight your body, too

News flash: Loose highlighter powder isn’t reserved for your face! If you want the skin below your neck to shine, it can—and you don’t even need a separate product to get the job done. With a fluffy makeup brush, sweep the same highlighter powder onto your collarbones and shoulders.

Step 6: Set with a spray

Don’t let your look slip away throughout the day. To ensure the highlighter stays in place, give your skin a few spritzes of a setting spray, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Spray & Set Makeup Extender Setting Spray. If you want an extra boost of radiance, you can also consider setting your look with the L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Lumi Shake & Glow Dew Mist, which will leave you with a natural, dewy glow that lasts.

Think there’s room to upgrade your highlighting game even more? Check out our articles on the 5 Highlighter Mistakes You Could Be Making and 8 Highlighter Hacks to Help Make Your Skin Look Glow-y to see for yourself.