Why Strobing Is the New Contouring

If 2014 was the year of contouring, 2015 is set to be the year of the “strobe”. If this is the first time you’ve heard of strobing, take note: it’s about to get huge.

SO WHAT IS STROBING ANYWAY?
Here’s the lowdown:  Whilst contouring focuses on sculpting shadows and angles with bronzer and foundation, strobing focuses on light. It’s an illuminating technique that highlights facial features by dabbing soft reflective products onto key points of the face. This creates the illusion of spot lit, radiant skin. It’s a game-changer.

AND HOW DO YOU DO IT?
The best part about strobing is that it’s easy to do. Skip bronzing completely and start with a well-moisturised, dewy base. Apply a pearly highlighter to the parts of your face that the sun would naturally hit: along your brow bones and cheekbones, down the bridge of your nose, a dab on your Cupid’s bow and onto the tip of your chin.  

WHAT HIGHLIGHTER SHOULD YOU USE?
Select a highlighter with a pearly consistency that glistens, rather than glitters – remember you want to look fresh and glowing, not like a disco ball! Creamy, metallic shades are ideal. If you have fair skin, select a highlighter with illuminous, pink undertones. Olive and medium-toned skin will suit gold-based products – think Jennifer Lopez and GiGi Hadid. And, if you’re dark-skinned, look to rich, rust colours. If you have oily skin and fear brightening face products, try a powder-based highlighter that won’t block pores.
Words by: Photographs by: Shutterstock