Stila Heaven’s: This highlighter trend is making you look older in…

Stila Heavens highlighter trend — Stila Heaven’s Hue Highlighter.

Let’s talk about that glow. You know the one—the ethereal, lit-from-within radiance that seems to promise a filter IRL. For years, cream and liquid highlighters have reigned supreme, promising a seamless, dewy finish. And one product, the Stila Heaven’s Hue Highlighter, has been a cult favorite, celebrated for its unique putty-to-powder texture and intense shimmer. But as we step into 2025, a new conversation is emerging. Is it possible that this beloved highlighter trend, and products like it, might actually be adding years to your look instead of subtracting them?

It sounds counterintuitive, right? How could something designed to reflect light and create a youthful glow have the opposite effect? The truth lies in formulation, application, and how these products interact with mature skin texture. Let’s dive into the evidence-informed reasons why your highlighter might be working against you and what you can do about it.

Why Some Highlighters Can Age Your Appearance

It’s not the concept of highlighting that’s the problem—it’s the execution. The goal is to mimic the natural, hydrated glow of youthful skin. However, many popular highlighters, including some with a putty or chunky glitter formula, can inadvertently emphasize the very things we often want to soften.

The Texture Trap: Emphasizing Fine Lines and Wrinkles

As skin matures, its texture naturally changes. Fine lines, wrinkles, and a loss of elasticity become more prominent. A highlighter with large, reflective particles or a thick, creamy consistency can settle into these lines, drawing direct attention to them. Instead of a smooth, diffused glow, you get distinct shiny lines tracing your crow’s feet or smile lines. The Stila Heaven’s Hue Highlighter, while beautiful on some skin types, has a denser texture that can be challenging to blend sheerly, making this a potential pitfall.

The Pore Problem: Creating a Cakey, Artificial Look

Similarly, heavy highlighters can accentuate enlarged pores and any surface dryness or flakiness. The product can cling to dry patches, creating a spotty, uneven finish that looks more like makeup sitting on top of the skin rather than blending into it. This “cakey” appearance is a dead giveaway of makeup that’s working against your skin’s natural beauty, not with it.

The Glitter Factor: Harsh vs. Soft-Focus Light Reflection

There’s a huge difference between a soft, pearlized sheen and obvious chunks of glitter. The latter can look harsh under modern, high-definition lighting and in daylight. Youthful skin reflects light in a soft, diffuse way. Chunky glitter reflects light in sharp, distinct points, which can look artificial and dated—exactly the opposite of the “no-makeup” makeup look that dominates 2025 beauty trends.

How to Choose a Flattering Highlighter in 2025

Don’t worry—this doesn’t mean you have to abandon highlighters altogether! It just means being more strategic with your product choices. The key is to opt for formulas that complement your skin’s texture, not fight it.

• Liquid and Serum Formulas: These are often the most forgiving. They blend seamlessly into the skin, offering a hydrating glow that looks like it’s coming from within.
• Extremely Fine-Milled Powder Highlighters: If you prefer a powder, look for ones that feel like silk and have no detectable glitter particles. They should provide a soft-focus, blurred effect.
• Cream-to-Powder with a Light Touch: If you love the concept of a putty highlighter like the Stila one, the trick is to use the absolute smallest amount and blend, blend, blend. Use your fingertip to warm up a tiny dab and press—don’t drag—it onto the high points of your face.

How to Use Highlighter for a Youthful Glow

Application is just as important as product selection. Here’s how to get that coveted IRL filter effect without emphasizing texture.

1. Start with a Well-Prepared Canvas: This is the most crucial step. Hydrated, exfoliated skin provides a smooth base. Always follow a good skincare routine,
   including a double cleanse with a cleansing balm to ensure a perfectly clean and moisturized face. This is especially important for those with dry skin.
2. Placement is Everything: Focus on the areas that naturally catch light: the very tops of your cheekbones, the brow bone, the inner corners of your eyes, and the cupid’s bow. Avoid applying highlighter anywhere lines form when you smile.
3. Less is More: Start with a minuscule amount. You can always build it up, but it’s much harder to tone down an overly intense highlight.
4. Blend with a Light Hand: Use a damp beauty sponge, a dense brush, or your ring finger to gently pat and press the product into the skin. Avoid any swiping or dragging motions.
5. Set Strategically: If you’re using a cream or liquid formula under powder foundation, you may not need to set it. If you’re wearing it over powder, ensure your setting spray melts everything together for a seamless finish.

Final Thoughts + CTA

The world of beauty is always evolving, and what worked five years ago might not be serving us today. While the Stila Heaven’s Hue Highlighter is an iconic product with a gorgeous payoff, its formula may not be the most flattering choice for everyone, particularly those concerned with fine lines or textured skin. The 2025 approach is all about subtlety, skincare-infused formulas, and application techniques that enhance your natural features without a trace of heaviness.

Remember, makeup should be fun and make you feel confident. It’s not about following every trend blindly, but about finding what truly makes you look and feel your best. If you’re curious to experiment with a different type of glow or want to see how the Stila highlighter works on your skin type, it’s all about how you use it!

Ready to find your perfect