What Is The Strobing Makeup Technique?

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Written by Luz Marina Carpio Hernández

Last update: 01 February, 2024

Strobing is an easy highlighting technique that creates a luminous glow on the face without needing layers of makeup. The final result is a light and natural makeup look that looks young and summery. Minimalism and illumination are key to strobing, a makeup trend characterized by the use of illuminators in strategic points of the face.

Strobing allows for a subtle finish while pursuing luminosity that looks natural. Therefore, it moves away from resources such as bronzers or powders with intense tones. It only requires appropriate brushes so that the facial illumination is perfect. In this quick guide, we’re going to reveal the easiest way to do this type of makeup.

Strobing: The makeup technique that favors light and features

If you’re looking for a precise definition of strobing, the Foto Pose Venezuela Organization offers one that is easy to understand and, above all, to imagine. They talk about a technique that focuses on the focal points of the face to illuminate it without losing its naturalness.

They specify that, by using a brush, the places of the face that capture the light are accentuated, that is, the following:

The eyebrows
The cupid’s bow
The igh area of the temples
The high area of the cheekbones

The bridge of the nose, the tear trough and the chin are other points of the complexion covered by the illuminating makeup.

The purpose is to provide reflections that enhance your beauty without resorting to exaggerated pigmentations. Hence the Spanish translation of strobing is “iluminar con destellos” (to illuminate with sparkles). It also alludes to the term “strobing,” which consists of radiating anything with small, repetitive flashes.

Although this type of makeup application prefers the use of highlighters, it also gives you the license to apply color correctors, since they have a similar function: to provide light. As advantages, the sparkles help to highlight the cheekbones, open your look, and give volume to your forehead.

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Strobing: la técnica de maquillaje favorecedora de la luz y de los rasgos — Strobing is a makeup trend that is characterized by the use of highlighter on several key points of the face.

A complete guide to applying strobing makeup

Strobing has its raison d’être in illuminators. You can find these products in powder, cream, or liquid form. While all 3 versions serve the same purpose, some particularities distinguish them, beyond consistency.

The powders are traditional, easy to use, and have a silky finish.
The creamy presentation provides excellent coverage but requires greater expertise in the application so that the transition between colors is not abrupt.
As for the liquid cosmetic, it adds more shine than light, so it’s not usually recommended if you will be attending an event with too much artificial lighting.

So, now that you know the options of illuminators for the strobing effect, let’s take a look at a quick guide on how to give yourself a makeover using the strobing effect.

1. Cleanse your face

Cleansing and moisturizing your face is the crucial first step for any makeup trend to look flawless. If the complexion is clean, products are set properly and the finish is flawless. In addition, you reduce the chances of unwanted effects like acne.

2. “Make” a primer

A light coat of primer or BB creamas translucent as possible, is ideal for evening out the skin tone before moving on to highlighting. Omit matte or “heavy” foundations, as they detract from the naturalness of highlighting with sparkles.

3. Correct any spots or imperfections on your face

After evening out the complexion, you proceed with corrections if you need any. Professional Pharmacy magazine lists pimples, dark circles, blemishes, and dilated vessels among the most common imperfections.

To correct them, don’t put the product directly on what you want to camouflage. Spread a little on a fingertip and proceed to touch up. Apart from these points, a rule of strobing is to apply a color corrector on the points of the face that you will illuminate. Try to keep the amount of substance as small as possible.

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4. Highlight

This is the big strobing moment: with a brush, highlight and blend above the cheekbone. Do the same on the temple area and above the arch of the eyebrow. Continue on the septum, Cupid’s bow, and chin.

This is how you highlight the look and stylize the rest of your facial features. Remember to give a little light to the tear trough and under the eyebrow.

5. Put on a little blush

Complement the strobing effect with a little blush on your cheeks. But this step is only optional, in case you’re in the mood for a more professional look.

Guía para aplicar el maquillaje strobing — Strobing makeup can be applied on all skin types. The key is to choose the right highlighter for your particular skin tone.

How to make your strobing makeup look better?

To make strobing sparkles “dreamy” it’s essential to work with a highlighter 1 or 2 shades lighter than your complexion; if you are dark-skinned, soft shades do not make the effect look artificial.

Likewise, don’t do your makeup in a dim or poorly lit room. It’s essential to be where there is natural light so that you can see the results immediately. Also, make sure avoid filling in wrinkles with highlighters, since you will only end up emphasizing them by doing this.

Avoid glitter or metallic shadows and close the makeup with a long-lasting fixative, as it helps the makeup to last longer and the finish to be fresh and luminous.