How to Use a Highlighter Stick on Face and Body: Application Tips and Tricks

Quick Answer

To use a highlighter stick on your face and body, start with a clean, moisturized base. Apply the stick directly to the high points of your face—cheekbones, brow bone, and cupid's bow—and blend with your fingertips or a damp sponge. For the body, swipe along collarbones and shoulders, then blend for a seamless, lit-from-within glow.

Highlighter sticks are one of the most versatile makeup products you can own. Unlike powder highlighters, cream sticks melt into the skin for a dewy, natural finish that works on both the face and body. Whether you're prepping for a night out or just want a daily glow, a highlighter stick can be your best friend.

But applying a highlighter stick isn't just about swiping and hoping for the best. Placement, blending, and layering all matter. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to get a flawless highlight on your face and body, and point out common mistakes to avoid along the way.

Why Choose a Highlighter Stick?

Highlighter sticks offer a creamy, blendable formula that melts into the skin for a natural, dewy finish. Unlike powder highlighters, which can look dry or settle into fine lines, cream sticks give a more skin-like glow. They're also incredibly convenient—no brushes or tools required, just your fingers or a sponge.

Another advantage is their multitasking nature. Many highlighter sticks, like the MULTI-BENE STICKS from NOTO Botanics, can be used on both lips and cheeks, making them perfect for travel or quick touch-ups. Plus, they often contain skincare ingredients that nourish while they beautify.

• Cream formulas blend seamlessly and are great for dry or mature skin.
• Sticks are mess-free and perfect for on-the-go application.

Preparing Your Skin

Before applying any highlighter, your skin should be clean and well-moisturized. A hydrated base helps the cream stick glide on smoothly and prevents patchiness. If you're applying to your face, follow your regular skincare routine and let your moisturizer absorb for a few minutes.

For body application, exfoliate and moisturize the areas you plan to highlight, like your collarbones or shoulders. This ensures an even application and a more believable glow. If you have dry patches, a hydrating mist like the BASIL YARROW MIST can help prep your skin.

• Always start with a moisturized base to avoid streaks.
• Exfoliate body areas before highlighting for a smooth finish.

Where to Apply Highlighter on Your Face

The classic placement for highlighter is on the high points of your face where light naturally hits. This includes the tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, your brow bone, and the cupid's bow. You can also add a touch to the inner corners of your eyes to make them look more awake.

For a more sculpted look, apply a small amount to the center of your forehead and chin. But remember, a little goes a long way. Start with a light hand and build up the intensity if you want a more dramatic glow.

• Use your ring finger to blend highlighter on delicate areas like the inner eye.
• Avoid the T-zone if you have oily skin, as it can accentuate shine.

How to Apply Highlighter on Your Body

Highlighter on the body can add a gorgeous, sun-kissed sheen to your collarbones, shoulders, and even your legs. Apply the stick directly to the areas you want to highlight, then blend with your fingers or a damp sponge in a tapping motion. This ensures the product melts into the skin without looking streaky.

For a subtle, all-over glow, mix a small amount of highlighter with your body lotion and apply as usual. This is a great trick for special occasions when you want a lit-from-within radiance.

• Apply highlighter to the tops of your shoulders and collarbones for a subtle glow.
• Mix a bit of highlighter with body lotion for an all-over shimmer.

Step-by-Step Highlighter Stick Application

1. Prep your skin: Cleanse and moisturize your face and body areas you plan to highlight. Let the moisturizer absorb for a few minutes. Skipping this step can lead to patchy application.
2. Apply the stick directly: Swirl the highlighter stick directly onto the high points of your face—cheekbones, brow bone, cupid's bow—or body areas like collarbones and shoulders. Start with a light hand; you can always add more.
3. Blend with fingertips or a sponge: Use your ring finger or a damp sponge to gently tap and blend the product into your skin for a seamless finish. Avoid rubbing, which can disturb your base makeup.
4. Build up intensity if desired: For a more intense glow, apply a second thin layer and blend again. For a subtle look, leave it at one layer. Remember, it's easier to add than to remove.
5. Set if needed: If you have oily skin or want longer wear, lightly dust a translucent powder over the highlighted areas. This step is optional and can dull the glow, so use sparingly.

Product Spotlight: NOTO Botanics Multi-Bene Sticks

• OSCILLATE - MULTI-BENE STICK // LIPS + CHEEKS: This multi-stick delivers a vibrant yet wearable hue that melts into skin, building from a sheer stain to bold pigment. Made with skincare-first ingredients, it nourishes and repairs while giving skin that unmistakable heat. Its blendable formula makes it easy to use as a highlighter on both lips and cheeks, offering a natural, dewy flush that also cares for your skin.
• TOUCH - MULTI-BENE STICK // LIPS + CHEEKS: Our pink lip and cheek stick is a sultry and earthy tone that builds, nourishes, and repairs. A multitasking makeup stick that minimizes your morning routine and revives your skin with vitamins and natural ingredients. This stick's creamy texture is perfect for highlighting cheeks and lips, providing a subtle, skin-like glow while simplifying your beauty routine.

Using a highlighter stick on your face and body is an easy way to achieve a natural, radiant glow. With the right preparation, placement, and blending, you can avoid common mistakes and get a flawless finish every time. Whether you choose a dedicated highlighter or a multitasking stick like the MULTI-BENE STICKS from NOTO Botanics, the key is to start light and build up. Happy glowing!