Here’s the thing: contouring can look awesome, but it can also be oh-so-complicated, not to mention super intimidating to those of us who aren’t necessarily major beauty buffs. Maybe you’ve tried it and ended up looking like Amy Schumer in her recent viral video, “Girl, You Don’t Need Makeup” or maybe you finally figured out the right way to blend after an hour and a half of trial and error. Regardless, it’s not the easiest skill to master. If you’re interested in defining your features a bit more but don’t necessarily have the time and energy to paint your face ten different colors before you’ve even had a cup of coffee, we’ve got some good news. There’s a new technique that’s taking over makeup counters everywhere. Introducing: strobing.
Strobing is a process that enhances your features using only a highlighting product and natural light, which means you’ll be able to make those cheekbones stand out without caking on layers upon layers of foundation. In her video explaining the technique, beauty vlogger Missy Lynn explains that you can use a highlighter, illuminator or iridescent pigment to strobe. MAC Cosmetics also has a strobing cream ($33), which is designed for this exact purpose.
Once you’ve settled on your lightening product, you’ll apply it to the areas of your face where light would naturally hit: the highest point of your cheekbones, the bridge of the nose, the center of your forehead and along your cupid’s bow. If you want to go all out you can also strobe the inner corners of your eyes, your brow bone and your chin.
Missy Lynn explains that you can either mix an illuminating product into a matte foundation for an overall dewy look or you can simply apply foundation as you normally would and then strobe the areas of your face that would attract light afterward. If you’re prone to oily skin, Missy suggests you skip strobing in places like the chin and T-zone. If the look gets a little too intense, simply use a sponge to lightly dab a little foundation on top of the highlighted areas for a more subdued effect.
And really, its a simple as that. Contouring, it was fun while it lasted, but it looks like we just might be breaking up with you for good. It’s not you, it’s us. Actually, scratch that. It’s most definitely you.
Have you tried strobing before? How did it work for you? Share with us in the comments below.
(h/t Stylecaster, Photos via Missy Lynn)