As a teenager, I would often rummage through my Mother's beauty bag to borrow her make-up - think MAC Studio Fix Foundation and Mary Kay Tinted Moisturiser.
On one occasion, I came across a flyer that featured Somali supermodel, Iman, posing for her self-titled cosmetics line. The high points of her toasted toffee brown skin beamed with a golden glow that was balanced by deeper hues in the contours. Blown away by this image, I mixed creamy blushers with iridescent bronzers in an attempt to re-create the look. Let's just say it wasn't a success.
Back then, highlighting was very much a celebrity and backstage beauty secret, so you had to be a pro to know how to get the glow right. Today, highlighters play a major part in our make-up routines, but just like most products for your skin, there isn't a one-size-fits-all solution.
How To Highlight Dark Skin Tones
Step 1 - Identify Your Skin Type
Highlighters come in different consistencies - some of which work better on some skin-types more than others.
'It is often assumed that darker skin-tones tend to be oilier than others, which is false, so it's important to understand what type of skin you have before picking a product,' says Eryca Freemantle, Global Make-Up Educator and Strategist.
'Powders and cream-based highlighters require different application methods, subject to the type and natural colouring of the skin,' she adds. 'Therefore, I suggest you swatch highlighters on your face, not your hands, to get an accurate idea of what sits best on your skin.'
Step 2 - Get The Right Shade
This is a big one to watch out for as the wrong shade of highlighter can make dark skin tones look ashy or chalky.
Although there is a wider selection of highlighters on the market now, it's still easy to make the wrong choices when shopping. 'When it comes to dark skin tones, golden highlighters work best, as silvery or pink shades can look a bit dull and even grey,' says Adriana Brito, MAKE UP FOR EVER UK & Ireland National Trainer.
Step 3 - Nail The Application
Once you've got your hands on a highlighter that ticks all of your boxes, it's time to brush up on application tips.
Much like blusher, highlighters are usually applied after base products such as foundations and concealers. 'A flawless canvas is everything when it comes to complexion, so first things first: always prep your skin,' Brito explains. 'Start off by applying concealer a few shades lighter than your skin tone to the areas you want to highlight and set it with powder.'
Try...
MAKEUP FOR EVER Ultra HD Pressed Powder in either Banana or Peach, £26
'Next, dust on a golden powder highlighter to the highest points of your cheekbones, bridge of your nose and cupids bow.
'As a final step, you can emphasise those highlighted areas by using a bronzer on your cheekbones, sides of your nose, jawline and corners of your forehead.'
5 Must-Have Highlighters For Dark Skin
1. SLEEK Highlighting Palette in Cleopatra's Kiss, £9.99
The best of both worlds, this chic compact from SLEEK features two baked bronzing powders and two dazzling metallic cream formulas that can be layered to add a luminous sheen from your cheekbones right down to your collarbone.
2. TOO FACED Love Light Prismatic Highlighter in You Light Up My Life, £25
Made with unique Prisma Shine patented technology, TOO FACED's Love Light Prismatic Highlighters are an amalgamation of baked, powder, cream and liquid formulas that have been fused together to create the ultimate glow. What's more, this gorgeous golden shade is bound to sparkle on all variations of dark skin.
3. ICONIC LONDON Illuminator in Glow, £32.99
Loved by beauty influencers everywhere, ICONIC LONDON's Illuminator in Glow is a terracotta-toned highlighter that'll give you a beautiful bronzed glow with just a few drops.
4. MAC Mineralize Skin-Finish in Gold Deposit, £25.50
Ideal for dry skin, MAC's Mineralize Skin-Finish in Gold Deposit is a hydrating baked powder formula that has a stunning colour pay-off that reflects a soft golden bronze shimmer.
5. BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter in Topaz, £32
Infused with multi-toned pigment pearls, BECCA's Shimmering Skin Perfector in Topaz is a pressed powder with a creamy texture that blends bronzed and golden glitter-like specks for show-stopping shine.
