What is highlighter and where do you apply it?

Highlighter is makeup that reflects light to create a luminous accent. Apply it selectively to areas you want to brighten, such as the tops of your cheekbones. Start with a little product, blend the edges and add more only where you want extra shine.

From a soft champagne sheen to striking sparkle, the result depends on the colour, formula, amount and placement. This guide explains how to apply highlighter, combine it with blush and choose a shade that suits your look.

Jump to: what highlighter does · the right placement · the step-by-step guide · the order · choosing a colour · fixing mistakes · frequently asked questions

What does highlighter do, and how does it differ from blush and bronzer?

Highlighter emphasises light and shine. As you turn your face slightly, the accent may become more or less visible. Highlighting a small area can therefore make a noticeable difference.

Product	Main effect	How to use it in your look
Highlighter	Shine and light reflection.	A targeted accent, for example on top of the cheekbone.
Blush	Colour on the cheeks.	Pink, peach or another colour that complements your look.
Bronzer	Warmth and colour for the complexion.	A warmer appearance in the areas where you want to add it.

These effects can overlap. For example, blush or bronzer may also contain shimmer. Consider the result of your products together: your blush may already provide the shine you want.

Where do you apply highlighter?

The tops of your cheekbones are an easy starting point. Look straight into a mirror and turn your head slightly left and right. Find the higher, outer part of your cheek where you want a luminous accent. Apply a short, narrow layer there and blend the transition.

Placement does not need to be exactly the same for everyone. Start with one small accent on each side and observe how the light falls. For a subtle look, keep the shine within a limited area.

A small accent on the bridge of the nose or above the Cupid's bow is another option if you want shine there and the product is suitable for that use. These extra areas are optional. For a luminous body accent, you can use the Cloud Highlighters by By Dash Beauty on your shoulders and décolletage too.

Applying highlighter in five steps

These steps help you build up the amount and placement gradually. Cloud Highlighters have a soft, bouncy texture with a powder-like finish. Use a small amount on a highlighter brush.

1. Finish your base. If you use foundation, concealer or blush, apply them as you prefer first. Let a very damp or sticky base settle briefly. You do not need a full makeup look: highlighter can be a standalone accent.
2. Pick up a little product. Start with a light touch of the brush. Gently tap off any loose excess powder. For cream or liquid, start with a small amount according to the product instructions.
3. Place a short accent. Work on the upper, outer part of your cheekbone. Light pressure gives you more control over where the shine goes. Apply one thin layer first.
4. Blend the edges. Use small, gentle movements along the transition. If helpful, use a clean part of the brush so you do not keep adding highlighter as you blend. Keep the shine within your chosen area.
5. Assess and build. Check your face from the front and slightly to the side. Want more effect? Add a thin layer only to the centre of the accent, then soften the transition again.

Practical exercise: do one side first. Compare the placement and amount in the same light before doing the other side. This helps you discover how much shine you like.

Does highlighter go before or after powder and blush?

Adapt the order to the formula and your base. Powder highlighter over a finished base, and cream or liquid before a final layer of powder, are useful starting points. Some formulas can also be applied over other textures. Follow your product's instructions.

Texture	A practical starting point
Powder highlighter	Use a small amount on a base that is no longer very sticky. Gently distribute it with a suitable brush.
Cream or liquid	Dab on a small amount according to the product instructions. Too much rubbing can move your base; test how the formula works with your other products.
Cloud Highlighter	The bouncy texture gives a powder-like finish. Pick up a little with the highlighter brush, place it on the cheekbone and blend the edges.

Want to place the shine precisely above your blush? Applying blush first and highlighter afterwards is useful. You can also soften the transition afterwards with a little blush, provided the products layer well. See our step-by-step guide to applying blush.

Which highlighter colour suits you?

Consider the colour, depth of the shade and shine. Do you want the highlighter to blend softly with your skin, or create a visible, contrasting accent? Both can be deliberate choices.

Light champagne and pearl shades create a different effect from gold or bronze. Your undertone can help when comparing: gold adds a warmer accent, while a pearly shade may appear lighter. No fixed rule requires one colour for a particular skin tone.

Apply a thin layer and look straight ahead when less light falls on your cheekbone. Do you see an unwanted white, grey or dark stripe? Try less product, blend the edges or compare another shade.

The four Cloud Highlighters by By Dash Beauty

Shade	Colour and effect	Worth exploring if you want
Diamond Dust	Between pearly white and champagne, with fine shimmer and visible glitter particles.	A light highlight with extra sparkle.
Champagne Pop	A champagne shade with a light beige undertone.	A luminous champagne accent.
Golden Hour	A warm golden shade.	A golden glow.
Bronze Glow	A deep, warm bronze shade.	A bronze highlight.

Compare the product images and build up the amount to your own taste. Lighting, screen settings and the amount applied affect how a shade appears. Explore all Cloud Highlighters and sets or the matching highlighter brush, with soft synthetic bristles and a rounded brush head.

Looking for a matching cheek colour too? Our blush selection guide explains how to compare colour, undertone and texture.

Common highlighter mistakes and how to fix them

What do you see?	What can you try?
A harsh, shiny stripe	Blend only the edges with a clean brush and light pressure. Keep the accent smaller next time.
More shine than you wanted	Do not add more highlighter. Gently soften it with a clean tool suited to your formula. If it is still too much, remove a little makeup locally and redo that area.
The highlighter looks patchy	Check whether the base is still very sticky or has more product in certain spots. Next time, use less highlighter and assess one thin layer first.
Your foundation moves with it	Stop rubbing. Repair the disturbed base and then gently apply a smaller amount of highlighter.
An unwanted white, grey or dark cast	Check your look from different angles. Try a thinner layer or a shade that better matches your desired effect.

To draw less attention to skin texture, try a smaller highlight and less product. Check the effect in ordinary daylight before adding another layer.

Frequently asked questions about highlighter

Can you use highlighter without foundation?

Yes, highlighter can create a targeted accent on the skin without a full foundation base. Follow your product's instructions, start with a little and see how the formula spreads over your skincare. A very sticky base can make even application harder.

Which brush do you use for highlighter?

A soft brush small enough for your chosen area gives you control over placement. For Cloud Highlighters, there is the By Dash Beauty highlighter brush with synthetic bristles and a rounded head. Fingers or a sponge may suit other formulas; follow their product instructions.

Does highlighter always have to contain glitter?

The visible effect ranges from a fine sheen to obvious sparkle. Look at the finish of the specific highlighter. Diamond Dust, for example, combines fine shimmer with visible glitter particles. Choose the effect you like and how noticeable you want the shine to be.

Can you apply highlighter over blush?

Yes, if the formulas layer well. Place a thin layer on the part of your cheekbone you want to brighten and blend the transition. If your blush already has plenty of shimmer, first decide whether you want more shine.

Can you use highlighter on dark skin?

Yes. Compare the depth, undertone and shine of different shades. A warm gold or bronze can be a starting point for a warm accent; a lighter shade can deliberately add more contrast. Assess a thin layer on your own skin and choose the result you like.

How do you get a subtle glow?

Use a little product on a small area and pay attention to the edges. View the shine from several angles. Add a second thin layer only if you want more effect. Both the finish and the amount determine how noticeable your highlight will be.

Ready to choose your glow? Compare the four Cloud Highlighters by By Dash Beauty and choose the colour and finish that suit your look.