Highlighter is a timeless makeup product that many people love. While the amount of highlighter applied and the formulas used may change over time, it remains a popular step in makeup routines. It’s a fun excuse for adults to play with shimmery, glittery colors on their face. Plus, it can catch and reflect light beautifully.
Over the years, highlighter trends have changed quite a bit. In the 2010s, it was all about packing on as much highlighter as glittery as you could get it. Who could forget the era of strobing? Of course, then it evolved and adapted to the growing demand for a glass skin moment, and suddenly, highlighter was applied strategically and as wet-looking as possible (via Byrdie).
Highlighter is a makeup essential that can be used in multiple ways to complete any makeup look. While contouring has slowly faded into the past, highlighter has stuck around and even overtook contouring. A new TikTok trend promises to achieve the sculpting effect of contouring by only using highlighter. If it works for Bella Hadid, it’s definitely worth considering.
Jaw highlighting is the new contouring
According to Teen Vogue, Bella Hadid has become a major trendsetter over the years. She sets new fashion and beauty trends with every unique look she sports, and her killer style and captivating beauty have everyone in awe. Although many people strive to achieve her sculpted and sleek look, a makeup trend that promises to help you achieve a knife-sharp jawline like Bella Hadid’s has gone viral on TikTok. Makeup artist Rachel OCool tried to replicate a Bella Hadid photo by highlighting her jaw, and her video has now become a trend.
Officially named “jaw highlighting,” this method suggests you try applying a highlighter in an entirely new location: the edge of your jawline, per Byrdie. While contour has undoubtedly been used in that spot, applying a highlighter to your jawline is a brand-new approach that promises to achieve that coveted sharp and chiseled jawline look. Makeup lovers can’t get enough of the trend that they confirm works. In fact, we tried it out and said, “It’s official: contouring is out, jaw highlighting is in.”
Dior makeup’s international pro-artist Jamie Coombes weighed in on the trend and gave it his stamp of approval, too. “Jaw highlighting helps to create the appearance of a sharp, sculpted jawline, using glassy light reflection … I would use the technique to complement a natural ‘no make-up-make-up look,” Coombes said, per Vogue. However, Coombes does clarify that while this trend is fun to try, you’re likely only to get the most dramatic effects if you already naturally have strong bone structure, but it can still help you fake it a little.
