Wait, what? Turns out you’ve been applying your highlighter all wrong

This make-up hack has gone viral on TikTok

Highlighter white pencils

by Samantha Price |
Updated on

Applying highlighter is thankfully one of the more straight forward steps in a make-up routine. Let's be honest, it doesn't exactly induce the same amount of fear as winged eyeliner, does it?

You only have to identify the high points of your face, find the right product, and voilà. Picture perfect every time. So, you might be left wondering how you could possibly apply it wrong.

Well, it seems that TikTok has come up with a new way of highlighting your face, which could be a totally new solution. As well as saving you from splashing out on highlighter palettes, it's a great "on the go" tool that you can just throw in your bag.

If you're looking to recreate the look, the technique consists of applying a white eyeliner as a highlighter and blending it in. Pretty simple, right?

Well, it would be if the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil was still in stock.

Yep, this viral TikTok hack saw the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in "Milk" go out of stock almost everywhere. It seems that TikTok was not prepared for how well eyeliner would double up as the perfect highlighter.

Thankfully, we've found some pretty good alternatives that will honestly change the way you apply your makeup forever.

CHECK OUT: The best white eyeliner to apply as highlighter

Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this page, we never allow this to influence product selections.

Gallery

The best white eyeliner to apply as highlighter

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CREDIT: Superdrug

NYX Professional Makeup Slim Eye Pencil White

Ok, so it's not quite the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil but these reviews are raving over this NYX liner. With a thinner tip, this pencil would be better for highlighting precise areas like under the brow bone, the Cupid's bow and tip of the nose.

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CREDIT: Urban Decay

24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Yeyo

Just check out the reviews for this Urban Decay eyeliner and it says it all. This highly rated eyeliner goes on smoothly, lasts all day and blends effortlessly. If you're looking for a highlight with a shimmer, this is the one.

GIMME SUPER STARS! JUMBO EYE PENCIL VAULT 12 PIECE GIFT SET3 of 6
CREDIT: Beauty Bay

Gimme Super Stars! Jumbo Eye Pencil Vault 12 Piece Gift Set

We may or may not have found the highly coveted NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in "Milk" as part of this amazing set...With 12 highly pigmented shades of eyeliner, two of which double up as a highlighter, we can't see where you could go wrong by buying yourself this as a little treat.

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CREDIT: Beauty Bay

Power Pencil Waterproof in White

If you're worried about your highlighter losing it's pop throughout the day, this waterproof pencil liner won't budge. With a slightly thicker tip, it's perfect for using to highlight those key areas.

KIKO Milano Long Lasting Stick5 of 6
CREDIT: Amazon

KIKO Milano Long Lasting Stick

Looking for an eyeliner with a shimmer that'll double up as a highlighter? This one from KIKO Milano is selling out pretty fast, be sure to get yours before it sells out.

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CREDIT: Amazon

Barry M Kohl Pencil, 30 in White

This soft white eyeliner by Barry M makes for a perfect blending technique if you're wanting to use as a highlighter. In a vibrant white, this long lasting eyeliner will have you glowing throughout the day.

The best white eyeliners you can use as a highlighter are usually thick pencil liners, because they'll probably withstand a bit more wear until you see any breakage.

You'll definitely want to consider a pencil eyeliner for this trick, as the creamy consistency will be so much better for blending.

As for those of us with a pale complexion who'd have trouble seeing any difference when applying white eyeliner on our skin, not to worry. Our shortlist of the best highlighters that work on all skin tones has you covered.

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Tips on finding the best highlighter technique

Apply to the high points

For the perfect finish a highlighter should be applied to the places where light would naturally fall on your face, this means the top of your cheekbones, under the brow bone, the tip of the nose and on the cupids bow of your lips.

Think about the finish

When choosing a type of highlighter, it’s also important to consider the look you want to achieve. While liquid highlighters are great for giving a delicate finish, they may be not right for a night out when you want to really make an impact. Therefore, it’s good to have a wardrobe of highlighters for different occasions so you can switch it up as the mood takes you.

Don’t be afraid to customise

Finally, don’t be afraid to have fun. Whether that means applying it in different ways or combining different shades to get a colour that’s truly fit for you, it’s all about finding what you like and rocking it with confidence.

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