Strobing 101 + Top 10 Strobing Products.
/If you are looking for the most luminous looking skin that will carry you straight into fall, I am here to tell you the easiest way to get it. You've probably heard of the term strobing. Strobing is actually one of the year's hottest makeup techniques, yet it's quite simple. Think of it as the lazy girls way to contour. I've got a quick how-to and the best strobing products that will have you looking luminous in no-time.
"The name 'Strobing’ is new, but the technique itself is not. It’s actually something I’ve been doing for years! Strobing is great for minimalists and it doesn't take as much experience as contouring. The technique is less artistry. You only need your fingers and a great highlighter," says L'Oréal Paris Celebrity Makeup Artist, Sir John.
Basically strobing is highlighting, but strong highlighting. Strobing is where you apply more highlighter and no contouring products. The idea is to use enough strobing/highlighting product that your skin naturally glows and is contoured. Think the JLo glow.
The idea is to apply the highlighter to places that you want to bring out or forward in which to reflect light and bring about the glow and overall more luminous look.
Where to Apply Highlighter for Strobing
- Tops of Cheekbones
- Down the Center of Your Nose
- Above Brows
- Dotted in the Center of Your Cupid's Bow
- Center of Your Chin
I have told you about my favorite highlighters, but strobing is about beautiful skin plus strong highlighting. Sir John says that “It’s important to start with skincare that helps create a luminous complexion. You feel a little sexier when your skin has a nice glow. I like something that’s rich in texture or has SPF to help give skin a light reflective quality.”
Best Products for Strobing
Here are my ten favorite products for strobing - they include a skin care product that will have you glowing from the beginning plus the perfect highlighting products.
1. L’Oréal Paris Youth Code Skin Illuminator All-in-One Moisturizer - $17.99
Skin instantly glows all over as it's drenched in hydrationg. Capsules burst and match your skintone to automatically color-correct as it illuminates.
2. NARS Blush in Tribulation - $30.00
This is a perfect highlighting shade in a shimmery sand color with just a hint of rosey pink to it. Brush it on with a fluffy shadow brush.
3. Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Highlight - $22.00
This Chubby Stick in Hefty Highlight has pearlized light-reflecting pigments in it to add a gorgeous, luminous sheen that makes features pop.
4. L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Liquid Glow Illuminator - $12.99
This liquid illuminator is specially formulated to deliver high-intensity results and a gorgeous pearlescent finish that brightens the skin instantly from within. Light-reflecting liquids glide on and spreads with fingers to refresh and enhance for a luminous result. It comes in three shades but I like Ice Glacé for strobing best.
5. CIRCA Magic Hour Illuminating Glow - $14.00
This liquid highlighter adds a soft natural glow to the face to help perfect, sculpt and illuminate. It's almost and translucent as it leaves a beautiful dewy glow to the skin while adding depth and dimension to the face.
6. FLOWER Glisten Up! Highlighter Chubby - $9.98
This chubby stick sheer highlighter leaves skin illuminated. It's surprisingly silky and luxurious as it brightens and lightens the face. It comes in three shades but I suggest Pearl Shimmer for strobing and the most natural looking glow.
7. Colourpop Super Shock Cheek Lunch Money - $8.00
This cream to powder formula is perfect to strobe and highlight the areas of the face. This shade is great as it is light gold with a bit rose tones to it.
8. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder
Ambient Lighting Powder is a soft finishing powder that uses state-of-the art technology to recreate the most flattering types of light to create the look of “light” a.k.a. a natural glow to your face. I like Luminous Light applied with a heavy hand.
Touche Éclat is an innovative luminizing pen that brings light and radiance anywhere it touches. There are different shades, but for the most highlighting and luminosity, I recommend Luminous Radiance.
10. L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Powder Glow Illuminator - $12.99
This is a pressed powder that can be used as a blush, highlighting and illuminating powder to illuminate skin. It is super velvety. It comes in different shades/formulas based on your undertone to enhance and harmonize the skin - but to highlight, I'd use Ice to add the accent of light. I swirl a large fluffy shadow brush all over the palette and apply to the areas I described above.
