Strobe effect

The contouring trend has been hot for a while now, thanks to Instagram-famous makeup artists and the Kardashian sisters (especially Kim). We love it for the technique’s cheekbone-hollowing, face-slimming effects, and when it’s done right, it looks quite mesmerising. The concept is easy – using makeup products two shades darker and lighter than your skin tone, you make features recede and pop as desired as we have shown you in previous Newsday WMN articles. But the skill and time it takes to perfect the look simply isn’t for everyone.

Strobing focuses exclusively on highlighter, applied where light would naturally hit your face (your cheekbones, brow bones, the center of your forehead, down your nose, and on your chin.) Dabbing on these soft, shimmery shades will make your complexion look radiant, fresh, and healthy, while your skin won’t feel suffocated by layers and layers of makeup in the Caribbean heat because you’re only using one extra product.

On the subject of colour, strobing shades are not “one size fits all” (makeup rarely is). Creating light in the complexion starts with selecting the appropriate tone to brighten its undertones. This could be anything from pure white through to a deep gold or pewter. The important thing is that the result is a dewy glow.

When applying, here are two tried-and-true tips for a strobe-like effect:

Fuse your skincare and makeup together as much possible for a dewy, wet-shine finish. For example, if you’re going to use concealer, add moisturiser to it.

Add shine to the areas of your face that catch light naturally, like your cheekbones, bridge of the nose, or temples.

After some research, I’ve compiles a list of the very best illuminisers and highlighters to achieve the perfect glow. The list includes brands and options to suit every budget and skin tone. And they can all be found locally at beauty retailers nationwide.

The Balm Mary Lou Manizer

Rimmel Good to Glow

Glam Goddess Highlighters

Benefit High Beam Luminescent

Benefit Watt’s up

Kardashian Beauty Intimate spotlight

Mac Daddy Artist Couture Glow Powders

AV Highlight Bronze Palette

Nars Albatross highlight Blush

MAC Mineralize skin finish in Soft and Subtle

Tarte Provocateur Shimmering powder

Becca Champagne Pop highlighter