Strobing makeup tutorial: Master the anti-contouring look in 5 quick steps

Date August 17, 2015

As someone who’s struggled through most of her adult life with dry, dehydrated and lacklustre skin, I’m so thrilled that strobing is suddenly the hottest makeup trend. Simply put, it’s a process that brings light to the complexion, giving off a dewy, youthful vibe that reads way softer than the heavy contoured look we’ve all grown accustomed to.

My years of obsessive moisturizing and highlighting are finally paying off as I’ve gotten the look down pat, in just a few easy steps. If you’re ready to embrace strobing’s angelic haze, follow along and you’ll soon be on your way to lighting up every room you walk into.

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strobing makeup tutorial step one

Step one:

Start by hydrating the skin with a boosting and brightening moisturizer, like Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Cream, which is packed with hyaluronic acid, rose hip oil and vitamin E. Massage into the face and lightly tap in with fingertips to boost blood flow and rejuvenate your complexion.

Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte Magic Cream ($125, charlottetilbury.com)

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strobing makeup tutorial step two

Step two:

Use a foundation brush to mix a brightening cream like M.A.C’s Strobe Cream into your usual tinted moisturizer to give skin an all-over, lit-from-within glowing base.

M.A.C Strobe Cream ($40, maccosmetics.ca)

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strobing makeup tutorial step three

Step three:

In one stroke, sweep the mixture in a half-moon motion under your eyes along your cheekbones.

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strobing makeup tutorial step four

Step four:

Eschew heavy contouring in favour of the warmth and subtle definition of a cream blush. I blended Lise Watier’s Blush Fondant Supreme in “Naturel” into the apples of my cheeks using my fingertips.

Lise Watier Blush Fondant Supreme in “Naturel” ($30, lisewatier.com)

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strobing makeup tutorial step five

Step five:

Use a fine-tipped makeup brush to dot on an illuminating cream highlighter, like my absolute favourite, RMS Beauty Living Luminizer. The ideal spots to hit? The tops of the cheekbones, the bridge of the nose, along the brow bone and the edges of the cupid’s bow. Use your fingertips again to tap in the product until it is softly diffused.

RMS Beauty Living Luminizer ($42, detoxmarket.ca)

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