Strobing Makeup for Every Skin Tone

We love what contouring does for our face shape, but some days we prefer a simpler makeup routine that calls for dewy, glowing skin. Enter strobing.

Strobing makes highlighter the star of your makeup routine by focusing on the high points of your face and bringing your best features forward. But not all highlighters were created equal. Here we tell you which strobing makeup to use for fair, light, medium, olive and dark skin tones.

Strobing Makeup for Fair & Light Skin Tones

Pearls and champagne? We’ll take both! For fair skin tones, these are the two shades you should use when it comes to highlighter, while champagne, pale gold and pink highlighters complement light skin tones best. But be careful with pearlescent sheen—too much can leave you looking like an ice-princess. Just a touch will do!

Shop the Look: NYX Bright Idea Illuminating Stick in Pearl Pink Lace, Maybelline Master Strobing Stick in Iridescent

Strobing Makeup for Medium Skin Tones

The trick with medium skin tones is to stay away from highlighters that are too pink. Look for peach shades and creamy beige hues. Apply along on your cheekbones and brow bones for a look to remember.

Shop the Look: YSL Touche Éclat in Light Peach

Strobing Makeup for Olive Skin Tones

Those with olive skin tones need to find a highlighter that will flatter—not fight with—the yellow undertones in their skin. The secret here? Finding highlighters with coral undertones. Want a pro tip? Place a dab of highlighter on your cupid’s bow to make your lips look fuller.

Shop the Look: Urban Decay Afterglow in Fireball

Strobing Makeup for Dark Skin Tones

Darker skin tones get the best out of gold and bronze highlighters. The richer your skin tone is, the more saturated you gold makeup can be. Try a few before you take them home—the wrong shade can leave a grey cast.

Shop the Look: Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer Highlighter in Gold

** Are you ready to ditch contouring for a day of strobing? Sound off in the comments below!