In a world obsessed with Kardashian-esque makeup, illuminated skin is experiencing a moment of rebirth. Strobing, a technique for creating an overall glowing appearance, is much easier to ace than contouring. Plus, it makes skin appear plump and smooth. A makeup miracle? We think so. Here's how to strobe with tips from M.A.C Cosmeetics senior artist Jane McKay.

Step 1: Choose your highlighting products
Highlighters come in two main base colours: silver and gold. Pale skin often looks best with silvery or opalescent illuminators, but opalescent colours appear ashy on dark skin, says McKay, so look for gold reflection if you have a dark tone. Oily complexions may prefer powdered highlighters, but if your skin is dry, choose creamy products.

Step 2: Apply an illuminating cream or primer
After your everyday facial moisturizer, apply a cream or primer with relfective properties. The added hydration will plump your skin, minimize imperfections and give your face a healthier appearance. If you have oily skin, steer clear of your T-zone, which is already light-reflective.

Step 3: Even out skin tone with foundation and concealer
"The centre third of the face is where you'll find most of the convex and concave curvatures," says McKay. It's also where many people show redness. Apply a liquid foundation or BB cream at the centre and blend outward, then dab concealer under your eyes and on any blemishes, gently patting to blend.

Step 4: Powder hot spots
Brush a little powder under your eyes, along the sides of your nose and over your T-zone if these areas tend to get shiny or sweaty.

Step 5: Illuminate the high planes
If you want to wake up your face even more, add a highlighting powder such as Guerlain Meteorites or cream to the high planes of your face—brow bones, cheekbones, bridge of the nose and Cupid's bow—and blend with yoru fingers or a fluffy brush.


Makeup pearl photography: Paul Weeks
Guerlain Meteorites Light Revealing Pearls of Powder, $71, guerlain.ca

Read more:
Makeup contouring: How to highlight and contour your face
Essential makeup brushes for a flawless face
How to tone down red skin with makeup

This article originally appeared in the March 2016 issue of Canadian Living Magazine.