What Is Strobing | Why It's Better For Imperfect Skin

Contouring has been all the rage for some time now but it's finally getting shoved aside for a new trend called strobing. If you're not a fan of highlighting then you're likely to skip this trend because it revolves around glowy, highlighted skin. It's finally time to stop throwing money left and right for contour palettes because one highlighter is all you need!

What Is Strobing? 

 Everyone has been doing it for a while now but it was accompanied by a contrasting shade. Instead of adding a contour to carve out the cheek bones, a highlighter is used to bring forward the highest points of your face. To join the strobing party, just ditch the contour and highlight like JLO. Look at the photo above. See how the contour on Kim Kardashian gives the appearance of a skinnier lifted face. Well, strobing is all about youthful and glowy skin. Plus, it's not as much as a hassle. Your natural skin tone is used as a contour because the rest of your face is lifted by the highlight. Less work equals less effort and we all want that! 

How To Do It 

Following the chart above, look at the highlighted points on her face. Notice how the check bones, nose, forehead, temples and the Cupid's bow are bright. That's every where a highlighter should be applied to accomplish strobing. Now instead of using a contour to carve the lower points of your face they are left bare and matte to leave a natural contour. This technique makes your skin look less muddy, as well as being more wearable for the average woman. 

What To Use 

A powder or liquid highlight is fine. If a liquid is used do it before and after foundation. 

When doing the rest of your makeup use a matte powder to set the face but avoid the highlighted areas. We don't want the highlight to be disturbed. It's also a good idea to use a matte blush on the cheeks to avoid over doing it. If warmth is desired, dust a bronzer lightly around the outside perimeter of the face and keep it subtle. 

Why It's Better Than Contouring If Your Skin Has Imperfections 

Contouring is beautiful but it can disturb foundation. If you suffer from acne on your cheeks blending in contouring  powder can remove all of the coverage from the foundation. Strobing on the other hand doesn't require blending in troublesome spots. Just be sure not to highlight over any breakouts you may have. Luckily, most people don't have breakouts where highlighting is done, so most of everyone should be good to go! 

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Are you sad contouring has been replaced?

Will you try strobing? Or perhaps you've already been doing it?

Let me know in the comments below!