Highlighter

Highlighter is used to add light and dimension to the face. Applied to areas that naturally catch the light: cheekbones, brow bone, nose bridge and cupid's bow, it creates the illusion of lifted, glowing skin. BY TERRY's formulas range from subtle radiance to a more intense luminous glow.

The two main types are powder highlighter and liquid or cream highlighter. Powder formulas — like the Starlight Glow CC Highlighter — give a more defined, buildable effect and work well over a full makeup look. Liquid formulas — like the Brightening CC Serum — blend into the skin for a more natural, dewy finish and can be mixed with foundation for an all-over glow.

Cream and liquid highlighters blend into the skin for a softer, more natural glow, ideal for a no-makeup makeup look or for mixing with foundation. Powder highlighters sit on top of the skin for a more defined, intensified effect. For a natural result, apply cream formulas with fingertips; for more precision, use a brush.

Highlighter should always be lighter than your skin tone, that's what creates the light-reflecting effect. How much lighter depends on the finish you want. A shade or two above your skin tone gives a subtle glow; a more contrasting highlight creates a bolder, high-impact result.

For fair skin, champagne and pearl tones tend to work best. For medium skin, gold and warm rose shades complement naturally. For deeper skin tones, bronze and copper highlighters give the most luminous result. BY TERRY's Brightening CC Serum is available in multiple shades to suit a range of skin tones.

The most common placements are the tops of the cheekbones, the brow bone, the bridge of the nose and the cupid's bow. For a more glowing effect, add to the inner corners of the eyes and the centre of the forehead. On a mature complexion, focus on the cheekbones and brow bone and avoid the nose bridge and forehead, where extra light can draw attention to texture.

Liquid highlighters — like the Brightening CC Serum — can be mixed with foundation or applied before it for an all-over glow. Powder and gel-to-powder highlighters — like the Starlight Glow CC Highlighter — are applied after foundation as the final step in your base routine.

Bronzer and blush go first, highlighter last. Building colour and warmth before adding light means the highlighter sits on top of the finished base and catches the light cleanly rather than blending in with everything beneath it.

The terms are often used interchangeably. Illuminator tends to describe products with a more all-over, diffused glow, often liquid formulas mixed into foundation or applied before it. Highlighter typically refers to a product applied to specific points for a more targeted, reflective effect. BY TERRY's Brightening CC Serum bridges both, it can be used as an illuminating base or a targeted liquid highlighter.

No. Bronzer adds warmth and the appearance of a tan; highlighter adds light and luminosity. They work best together: bronzer builds depth and dimension, highlighter lifts and illuminates. Apply bronzer first, then highlighter on the high points of the face.

A liquid or serum formula is the most forgiving starting point — the Brightening CC Serum blends easily with fingertips and can be layered to build coverage, making it difficult to over-apply. For a powder option, the Starlight Glow CC Highlighter is buildable and easy to control with a light hand.

Not necessarily. Fingertips blend liquid and cream highlighters beautifully for a natural, skin-like glow. For powder formulas, a brush gives more precision and control — the Tool-Expert Face & Body Brush works well for highlighter application across the face and body.

Used correctly, yes. Highlighter on the cheekbones and brow bone creates the appearance of lifted, luminous skin. The key is placement and formula, a liquid or dewy formula tends to look more natural on mature skin than a heavily glittery powder. Avoid applying to areas with visible texture, as light can enhance rather than minimise it.