How to Apply Highlighter for an Oblong (Long) Face

Why Placement Matters for Oblong Faces

Highlighting brings forward the areas it touches. On an oblong face, the goal is to avoid adding more length and instead create the illusion of width. This means focusing the highlighter on specific central areas and avoiding the chin tip and forehead edges.

Step-by-Step Highlighter Placement

• Step 1: Prep Your Skin
  Start with your regular foundation and concealer. Set with a light dusting of powder if needed.
• Step 2: Cheekbones
  Apply highlighter to the tops of your cheekbones, focusing on the central third of the face. Avoid sweeping the highlighter too far toward your temples, as this can elongate the face further.
• Step 3: Bridge of the Nose
  Lightly tap highlighter down the center of your nose, but stop before reaching the very tip. This keeps the highlight from extending the face lengthwise.
• Step 4: Brow Bone
  Apply a small amount just under the arch of each brow to lift the eyes without adding vertical emphasis.
• Step 5: Cupid’s Bow
  Add a touch to the cupid’s bow to bring attention to the lips and create a fuller look.
• Step 6: Skip the Chin
  Do not apply highlighter to the chin tip, as this would visually lengthen the face even more.

Pro Tips for Oblong Face Highlighting

• Blend well to keep the highlighted areas soft and natural.
• Pair with blush applied horizontally on the apples of the cheeks, sweeping toward the ears to add width.
• Contour the top of the forehead near the hairline and the bottom of the chin to visually "cut" the length.

Personalize Your Placement

For the most accurate results, scan your face with Makeup Check AI. It detects your exact face shape and features from a selfie, so you’ll never have to guess your shape or undertone again. Get tailored highlighter and blush recommendations for your unique proportions.