How To Apply Highlighter To An Asymmetrical Face

Fun fact: Makeup, a form of body art, dates back centuries, starting with the earliest recorded makeup routine in ​​4000 B.C., as Britannica tells us. Specific products included eyeliner, eye shadows made from ground gemstones, and white powders used to lighten skin tone. A modern day version of that product is highlighter, and used specifically, it can brighten and define facial structures of all varieties, including asymmetric faces. 

Obviously, while the materials of present-day makeup products have changed, many of the properties remain the same, especially for highlighters. To echo its ancestor in the past — powders — highlighter products are used to lighten the appearance of your skin tone. Also different from the makeup of the past are, of course, humans: Harvard reveals that human skulls and bone structures changed over time to fit new environments, and actually shrunk as a result. So, because of these changes in the body, the effects of our facial symmetry have diversified, especially when they're asymmetrical, and modern-day makeup artists have secrets for applying products to different faces. To help with a minimalist, clean makeup look, consider these tricks for creating an even, defined makeup look with your highlighter.

Highlighter remains a versatile makeup addition because of its ability to be used in multiple facial areas. Many highlighters also have multiple purposes, like lifting the arches of your brows, accentuating your eyes, making your lips look fuller, and emphasizing cheekbones. However, the goal of each is the same; to define and balance out the light of your face, which could affect how centered and symmetrical your facial structure is.

But what does it mean to have an asymmetrical face? According to Jefferson Health, an asymmetrical face is defined as having unbalanced facial features: For example, if your lower jaw is longer than the width of your face, which will make it more pronounced. For asymmetrical faces in particular, it can be tricky to navigate where to apply product in order for your features to appear even. Plus, choosing where to apply your product affects how much actual product you use and distribute.

For asymmetrical faces, Iconic London suggests following the center line of your face, meaning you would apply highlighter along the slope of your nose, down to your chin. This will open up the frame of your face and give it a strong definition. They also suggest applying highlighter under the eyes in an upside-down triangle shape, to even out the shape of your eyes. Charlotte Tilbury also agrees, dosing small amounts of highlighter on or below the eyelids will open them up and make them rounder, and more in contrast to the symmetry of the facial structure.

You'll also find that these highlighting methods for asymmetric faces overlap with the routines of other symmetries, like when you apply makeup to a heart-shaped face. Don't worry, because these suggestions are merely an outline for the personalized routine that you want to create. It's about choosing what features you're proud of and want to show off — or get snatched. Plus, because highlighting has brightening properties, it can promote a healthy and balanced skin tone, making your face instantly more even as a whole.