Indiana State Beauty Practice Exam

What is the purpose of a highlighter in makeup application?

1. To darken specific areas

2. To add shine and bring attention to certain areas

3. To set the foundation

4. To absorb excess oil

The correct answer is: To add shine and bring attention to certain areas

In makeup application, a highlighter is specifically designed to add shine and draw attention to certain areas of the face. Its primary function is to reflect light, which can create a luminous glow on the skin and emphasize features such as the cheekbones, brow bones, and the bridge of the nose. By strategically applying highlighter, a makeup artist can enhance the overall dimension of the face, making it appear more radiant and sculpted. In contrast, darkening specific areas is achieved through contouring products, which serve to create shadows and depth, rather than shine. Setting the foundation is typically accomplished with powders or sprays that help keep makeup in place but do not add the luminescence that highlighters provide. Additionally, while some products may help control excess oil, that function is primarily associated with mattifying primers or powders, rather than highlighters, which are intended to give a dewy finish.