Makeup highlighters are a type of product that is often missing from the makeup kit of many women, due to the fact that it is considered as non essential. However, these products have a myriad of benefits that should not be dismissed without a careful consideration. A good makeup highlighter can provide a gentle face lift, can open up the eyes by reflecting light, while also emphasizing the cheekbones.
Analyzing your features closely in the mirror is the first step you should take in order to be able to determine which areas you might want to emphasize and which you would rather downplay. Makeup highlighter is usually applied underneath the brow, near the tear-duct and on top of the cheekbones. Translucent powder can also be applied down the nostrils and on the bridge of the nose or across the middle of the chin line and on the forehead. 
Different areas of the face might be highlighted best with different types of highlighters. While the eye area, the cheekbones or the chin are best emphasized with a powder or cream highlighter, pen highlighters might be a better choice for areas where precision is required for best results. A pen highlighter might be particularly useful if creating the illusion of a longer nose is desired.
On the other hand, a powder might be better suited for the opposite illusion. Highlighters with gel-like texture should generally be avoided, as these can prove hard to apply and might cause irritation in more sensitive areas such as the eyes.
The color palette choice greatly depends on your overall skin tone. Generally speaking, pale colors with a gentle sheen that match both the texture and the skin tone are a good choice. Women over the age of 40 should make sure to avoid highlighters containing glitter at all costs, as these are unflattering and may make wrinkles and fine lines more visible. 
Those who are interested in purchasing eco-friendly makeup products will definitely want to look for mineral highlighter varieties as these are suitable for most skin types and tend to be easy to apply. It is also important to keep in mind that price is not necessarily an indicative of quality, so keeping an open mind and testing it before purchasing if possible is highly recommended.
The rule that says that less is generally more is also applied to highlighters. Applying too much highlighter will increase the time needed for a particular makeup style due to the retouches that will be needed in order to get a flawless look. If you are unsure about what highlighter colors work for you or how to apply them properly, checking with a professional makeup artist can be a wise strategy.
If you are not convinced that a highlighter might be a necessary product for you, you can also substitute it with products you already own and save money in the process. A pearly white or vanilla eyeshadow combined with a little bit of bronzer is a smart combo you should try before going out and buying a whole new product, especially if you are undecided about its utility.
