
Recently, I’ve noticed a new trend mentioned among my favorite sites and blogs. While the technique isn’t so new, the phrase is new to me. It’s calledΒ strobing. This makeup technique has been around for a while. But it’s been overshadowed by the current contouring obsession. While contouring uses bronzer to focusΒ on the shadows of your face, strobing uses a highlighter or illuminator to focusΒ on and enhance the highlights of your face. It’s really simple, actually. All you do is apply a highlighter or bronzerΒ to the high points of your face — brow bone, bridge of the nose, cheekbones, cupid’s bow. Read on to learn how to strobe and get your highlight on fleek!
*Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of those links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
What You Need
There are different types of products you can use to master the strobing technique. It all just depends on your skin type and preference. You can use powders, creams, or liquids. My skin tends to get oily so I prefer powder highlighters. I feel like it sets my liquid foundation better and it just looks better when it sets.
Here are the products I used in this post:
- BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in “Opal”
- SOHO Silk All-Over Eyeshadow Brush
- e.l.f. Studio Small Stipple Brush
These are my products of preference but feel free to use whatever you have on hand!
Before Strobing
As I said before, strobing focuses on the highlights of your face. Combined with contouring, you can bring out your best features and have that perfect summer glow. It’s the finishing touch to your makeup and it could totally transform your look. Here’s how you can achieve that look! And before we start, here’s how I look without any highlighter on.

Now grab your favorite highlighter or illuminator and come strobe with me!
For this post, I’m using the BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in “Opal” withΒ a SOHO silk all-overΒ eyeshadow brush because it’s small enough to get the details that I want. Plus, the highlighter can get really shimmery and I don’t want it all over my face.
How to Strobe and Get Your Highlight on Fleek
- Highlight the bridge of your nose.
- Don’t forget the cupid’s bow!
- Highlight the chin.
- Then highlight the brow bone.
- Highlight the cheek bone. For the cheekbones, I’m using the e.l.f. Studio small stippleΒ brush because it covers a little more area and I want my cheeks to pop.
- Lastly, highlight the inner corner of your eyes.
And you’re done! Here’s the finished look.
After Strobing

It’s a little subtle in this pictureΒ because I couldn’t find the right lighting. But compared to the very first picture, you can notice the glow in my face. It really brightens your face and makes you look more awake. And trust me, it shows up a lot more in person! I hope you all had fun with this tutorial.
Related: New Year, New Glow with Derma E
Show me your #HighlightOnFleek photos!
Also in the comments, tell me what your favorite highlighters and illuminators are. Don’t forget to like and subscribe if you want to see more beauty posts.
You can also connect with me on social media.
Brynn
Your Cupid’s Bow photo is great haha I always make the same face! I think the strobing phenomenon is interesting, but I have to contour too otherwise my face is SO pale. Great job! You look so glowy!
Avec Valerie
BrynnAww, thanks a lot! I have to contour as well. Without it, I feel like I’m so pale and my look isn’t finished. xx
Laura
Yay!! Good job girl ? your makeup looks flawless ?
http://lookitslaura.com
Avec Valerie
LauraThanks girl! π
alohalotte
Just noticed that I wasn’t following your blog anymore. Don’t know why but I was wondering why I never see your great posts, haha.
xx
Avec Valerie
alohalotteThat’s so strange! Another one of my friends was having this issue. She said she wasn’t seeing any of my posts but on my end, I could see that she was still following me. I hope it’s all sorted out now! xx