Contouring has reached peak trend status, and the sculpted, razor sharp bone structure is almost starting to look a little … dated? See: the 1980s. But a beautifully defined jawline is still a desirable look, so what’s a girl to do? Enter strobing, the softer, subtler way to contour. Allow us to explain.
So what is strobing, exactly? While contouring uses a deeper shade than your natural skin tone to create depth and shadow, strobing uses the same technique but with lightness instead. Strategically placing the product on the high planes of the face”the opposite of where you would contour in the hollows”creates a stunning effect. Think glowy, radiant skin that defines bone structure in a more natural way.
Placement of strobing is the key to achieving a beautifully sculpted face in an artful, ever-so-slightly way. Anywhere the light hits your face naturally will instantly boost illumination and look the most authentic when placing the product. Meaning, the uppermost part of the cheekbones, down the bridge of the nose, right under the eyebrows, and on the centre of the forehead and chin. A little extra can be added to the cupid’s bow and directly under the centre of the bottom lip for a little extra oomph in your pout.
The beauty of strobing (besides the ethereal, glowing complexion it imparts) is the versatility in product choice; whether you prefer a cream, liquid, or powder, there is a product to suit your inclination and will look good doing it.
Looking for the real deal? MAC, who has been creating a so-beautiful-they’re-out-of-this-world-gorgeous-almost-alien-look on models for many seasons backstage, has a secret weapon: Strobe Cream. With its iridescent, luminizing particles, it almost invisible catches light, making the glow look like it’s all you. The creamy, good-for-skin formula sinks in beautifully yet stays all day.
MAC Strobe Cream, $40, MAC Cosmetics
Girls with a pink undertone should reach for NARS’ iconic The Multiple in Copacabana. With its pearly, silvery sheen, cool tone skinned girls will get that gorgeous glow in a snap; the cream to powder stick is a piece of cake to apply and highlights all the right places.
NARS The Multiple in Copacabana, $49, Sephora
For a golden glow, pat on Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel Sheer Illuminating Fluid; it’s a super soft, super flattering complexion-brightening booster. The thin, liquidy consistency means a little goes a long way, and either a concealor brush or fingers works best when patting on and blending the light-reflecting formula.
Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel Sheer Illuminating Fluid, $53, The Bay
For a universally flattering and impossible-to-mess-up radiance, brush on Hourglass’s Ambient Lighting Powder. With five shades to choose from, this magic palette is akin to the dimmer on your light switch. It actually “filters out harsh light and refines the appearance of the complexion,” meaning light is diffused and softened when reflecting off your face. My, what a gorgeous glow you have!
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder, $52, Sephora
