This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Virginia Tech chapter.

2016 brought a lot of things, some good, some bad and some just weird. But one of the best things to come out of this year was the one and only highlight trend. It seems like all of us this year just wanted to glow like a disco ball no matter where we went. And the more highlight you slap on your face, the more Instagram-worthy you look. There are a lot of methods to this highlighting trend but how do you get the perfect highlight? The “I want to blind people when I step outside” kind of highlight? Well, we gotcha covered, follow these tried-and-true steps to get your perfect highlight.

Step 1: Use an oil as a base

This will help give the highlight something to cling to. I used Farsali’s Rose Gold Elixir because it dries quickly and doesn’t disturb the makeup underneath it.

Step 2: Pat oil into skin

Be sure to keep the oil contained to only the areas that you want highlighted. Check out the picture below to see what parts to highlight.

Step 3: Use a liquid highlighter

I used L’Oreal’s Lumi liquid illuminator. Get a highlight that compliments your skin tone. If you have browner skin like me, use a gold based highlight because sliver based will make you look washed out. If you have lighter skin, use pearl colored but avoid darker highlighters. Cream highlighters also work if you don’t have liquid.

Step4: Blend into skin

Use a smaller fan brush so that’s it’s easier to direct the liquid and keep the shape of your highlight. This brush is from Michael’s because paint brushes make great (and cheap) makeup brushes!

Step 5: Use a powder highlight

A rule of thumb in makeup is set cream or liquid with powder to make it last longer. Same rule applies here. Set the liquid highlight with a powder one. I like my highlight as gleam-y as possible so I use the pigmented Star Powder from Makeup Forever.

Step 6: Buff into skin

Use a large, fluffy fan brush so the highlight looks more natural and less harsh.

Step 7: GLOW

That’s it! If you don’t feel like using all three products, just use one. Go forth and glow, Baby, glow!

Images from @littlerosiesturn

How to Get the Perfect Highlight