Written by: Anindita Thakur

What is strobing makeup? Tutorial Included

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In makeup artistry, trends and techniques are ever-evolving, each offering a unique way to enhance our natural beauty.

One such technique that has gained popularity in recent years is “strobing.”

What is strobing makeup?

Strobing makeup is a makeup technique that focuses on highlighting specific parts of the face to create a glowing, radiant look. It involves applying highlighter to the high points of the face like the cheekbones, nose, cupid’s bow, and brow bones. Strobing creates dimension and illuminates the facial features in a subtle, natural way.

Unlike heavy contouring, which involves sculpting and defining facial features, strobing emphasizes the strategic placement of highlighter to bring forth a youthful and dewy glow.

Today we’ll take you into the captivating world of the strobing makeup technique, unraveling its secrets and guiding you through the steps to achieve a stunning, dew-kissed appearance that’s bound to turn heads.

What is strobing makeup

Areas to be highlighted for strobing makeup

Among the most common areas to illuminate is the tear trough, giving light to this area is achieved by enlarging the distance between the eyes. It also corrects the perception of sunken eyes and gives an effect of increased size.

The bone where the eyebrows are located is also often highlighted to give more life to the look. Among these strategic areas, the cheekbones, nose and lips should not be overlooked.

What products do you need for strobing makeup?

As with any professional makeup technique, it is very important to choose the right products to achieve the best results. In this section, we will tell you the best products to use so that your experience with this technique is like that of a celebrity.

The first two products on our list are basics that you should never forget, with or without makeup.

1. Facial cleanser

If you want your skin to look radiant, don’t forget to use Lancaster Micellar Delicate Cleansing Water.

2. Moisturizing cream

Its application is very important for a smooth and elastic complexion. You can choose a cream like Filorga Time Filler that gives a matte effect and helps to close pores.

Also, if you want to opt for higher protection, you can use La Roche Posay, Anthelios Ultraprotection Sun Cream spf 50+. The one you choose will be the right one but don’t forget to apply it.

3. Highlighter

Obviously, the key product for this process is highlighter. You can use Catrice Strobing Light Spectrum which has a fresh range with a delicious texture.

4. Dark circles concealer

For this purpose, you can use Revlon Colorstay Dark Circle and Face Concealer which provides long wear and corrects imperfections.

5. Foundation

In this case, we highly recommend Filogra Base De Maquillaje Flahs-Nude, as its liquid and light texture has micro-pigments that easily cover the skin.

6. Eye Illuminator

Especially for brightening and opening up the eyes, a staple product is Essence Illuminating Eye Pencil 01 Everybody’s Shade.

7. Translucent Powder

To completely mattify the skin, Chen Yu Soft Loose Powder is ideal. It contains vitamin E and leaves a very natural finish.

8. Lip Gloss

As a final point, you’ll want to give a touch of shine and volume to the mouth, so Sensai Total Lip Gloss is the ideal product.

9. Brushes

This type of technique is best applied using brushes, so a set like Real Techniques Artist Essentials Brushes can solve all your problems.

Points to highlight in strobing makeup
Points to highlight in strobing makeup

How to apply the strobing makeup technique?

Now it’s time to get down to work and apply the technique step by step.

1. Cleansing the face: Cleansing the face is the first step so that the creams can be absorbed and the skin looks naturally luminous.

2. Applying moisturizer: This step is basic to any makeup technique. Gently apply the cream all over the face, always from the inside out, with the help of your fingers or a brush. Once the face is moisturized and nourished we can proceed with the makeup.

3. Apply a highlighter: Applying a highlighter first is an excellent trick to achieve a more natural and prolonged effect. So, with your brush take an amount of shimmer and apply it without fear on the cheekbones, T-zone, and chin. Then lightly blend the product all over the face to give it a great amount of light.

It is highly recommended that you use a good frontal light (preferably if it is natural) to apply the makeup, as with this you will be able to better distinguish the effect you are achieving.

Strobing makeup look

4. Apply concealer for dark circles under the eyes: It is best to choose a liquid product with a light consistency that allows you to apply it with a small brush. Cover redness and apply it to the entire lower eyelid and then blend it over the entire area with a medium-sized brush. It can also be spread with your fingertips.

5. Apply the foundation: Here, too, a light, liquid product is best for a natural look. Place small portions of foundation on strategic areas of your face using your fingers or a brush. Then spread the product from the inside out so as to achieve full coverage of the face and the beginning of the neck.

As it is a light product, it allows the luminosity that we previously applied to shine through, leaving a light effect on the face.

6. Applying highlighter with color: In this case, the highlighter is applied with a bronzer tone to give a touch of color to the cheeks. The aim is to look tanned and naturally luminous, so it is also applied to the contours of the forehead.

With a very light layer of product, it should be spread on the darker areas and on the chin and neck so that there are no differences in tone. You can play with the range of shades of our highlighter, but remember that we are giving light, not shadows.

Finally, you can apply some shimmer on the upper eyelids.

7. Illuminate the eyes: By applying a highlighter to the lower eyelid and tear troughs, you can enhance the effect of the under-eye concealer and give extra light to the eyes. Apply a generous line on the eyelid line and blend very subtly.

Don’t forget to apply the lightest highlighter in the shade of your palette in a line that frames the lower corner of the eyebrow. The same for the most pronounced part of the chin.

If you need your makeup to last for a long time you can use a makeup sealer. You can apply a lighter shade on the forehead and nose area, even on the cheekbones, always taking care that it does not look exaggerated.

8. Apply translucent powder: This step is optional, but serves to give a matte look to the face, with which our technique will look much better.

9. Apply lip gloss: The icing on the cake of this technique is to look voluminous and juicy. For this reason, applying a light lip gloss in a natural tone is important.

highlighting eyes in strobing makeup
Highlighting eyes in strobing makeup

Find out why women wear lipstick!

Summary: What is strobing makeup and how to apply it?

Strobing is the makeup technique lighting up red carpets and social feeds lately.
By highlighting key parts of the face like the cheekbones, nose, and brow bones, strobing creates a gorgeous glow that looks like your skin is lit from within.
With the right highlighter, brush, and blending, you can sculpt and illuminate your facial features in a glam yet natural way. For a radiant complexion that turns heads, it’s time to start strobing! With this simple technique, you can look like you have a built-in filter wherever you go.

Image source: Kait Nichole

Anindita Thakur
Anindita Thakur

Anindita Thakur is a beauty writer covering perfume, cosmetics, hair care, and skin care. She holds a B.A. Hons in English, M.A. in English, M.A. in History, and a Certificate in Journalism and Mass Communication from Calcutta University. With robust credentials in writing and communications, Ms. Thakur provides engaging articles on beauty trends and tips. Her goal is to educate and inspire audiences on the best products and practices for skin, hair, makeup, and fragrance.

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