If a couple of months ago, everyone was raving about contouring, strobing is the new trend that seems to have taken the beauty world by storm. The reason why it’s becoming so popular is because it’s easier to accomplish than contouring, but it has similar effects. Still, strobing is definitely not the same as contouring, and we’re going to explain the differences between the two in today’s article. Let’s see what is strobing and how it differs from its predecessor, contouring.
What Is Strobing?
Strobing is a makeup technique done using all illuminating products. Basically, you’re going to need a lot of highlighter to do it. That’s because strobing is the act of applying highlighter on the areas of your face that the light usually hits naturally. So, you’ll have to apply highlighter to your cheekbones, down your nose, on your chin, in the center of your forehead, and on your brow bones.
Since highlighters are based on soft shades and are full of shimmer, your complexion is going to look healthy, radiant, and fresh, in some cases even ethereal (depending on the amount of highlighter you use). The great thing about strobing is that you only need one product to do it. This ensures you’ll pay no extra money for different makeup products, as well as have your skin feel less suffocated by many layers of makeup.
How Does Strobing Differ from Contouring?
The obvious difference between strobing and contouring is that contouring uses darker shades, while strobing relies strictly on light and shimmery ones. Not only that, but contouring implies using more than one product, since in order to make your features pop and get those shades looking as natural as possible, you can’t use only one shade. Usually, for contouring, people use a combination of products two shades lighter and two shades darker than one’s skin tone.
Another difference we’d like to point out is that contouring is much more difficult to do right. This is especially true for people who don’t usually apply a lot of makeup and who aren’t professional makeup artists. On the other hand, the art of strobing can be mastered by anyone much more easily.
Quick Guide to Strobing
1. Hydrate Your Skin
Hydration is extremely important, regardless of whether or not you’re using this technique. A moisturizer will replenish your skin, which will ensure an even lovelier glow.
2. Choose the Right Highlighter
Not all highlighters work on your skin tone. You have to choose one that matches it, otherwise you’re going to end up with a frosted look instead of a subtle shine.
3. Apply the Highlighter on Areas That Catch the Light
Figuring out the areas where you should apply the highlighter isn’t difficult. Look in the mirror and search for areas that catch the light, such as your cupid’s bow, your brow bones, your cheekbones, the corners of your eye, the bridge of your nose, and your temples.
4. Don’t Forget to Blend
Blending is an extremely important step. Use a fan brush or your fingers to blend the highlighter and make sure there are no harsh edges.
So, what is strobing? Basically, an easy way to accentuate your features. The next time you do your makeup, give strobing a chance and don’t forget to tell us how it went.
Image Source: here.