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How Do I Add Highlights to Photoshop Skin?

Last updated on September 24, 2022 @ 3:25 pm

Adding highlights to skin in Photoshop is a great way to make your subject’s skin tone more radiant and to add a sense of drama to your image. There are a few different ways that you can go about adding highlights to skin in Photoshop, and the method that you choose will ultimately depend on the look that you are going for.

In this article, we will show you how to add highlights to skin in Photoshop using three different methods.

Method 1: Using the Highlight Tool

The first method that we are going to show you for adding highlights to skin in Photoshop is by using the Highlight tool. This tool is found in the toolbar on the left side of the screen (it looks like a white circle with a yellow dot in the center). To use this tool, simply click and drag it over the areas of the skin that you want to highlight.

You can adjust the size of the tool by clicking and dragging on the slider at the top of the screen. As you drag the tool over the skin, you will see a preview of what your highlights will look like. When you are happy with the results, simply click on the “Apply” button.

Method 2: Using a Layer Mask

Another great way to add highlights to skin in Photoshop is by using a layer mask. This method is very versatile and gives you a lot of control over where your highlights will be placed. To start, create a new layer above your background layer. Next, select a soft round brush and set your foreground color to white.

Once you have done this, simply paint over the areas of the skin that you want to highlight. You can adjust the opacity of your brush strokes by pressing the “-” key on your keyboard. When you are happy with the results, click on the “Apply” button.

PRO TIP: Adding highlights to skin in Photoshop can result in an unnatural and overdone look. Be careful when using this technique and make sure to keep the highlights subtle.

Method 3: Using Selective Color

The last method that we are going to show you for adding highlights to skin in Photoshop is by using selective color. This method is quick and easy, and it gives you great results with very little effort. To start, duplicate your background layer.

Next, go to Image > Adjustments > Selective Color. In the dialogue box that appears, select “Yellows” from the drop-down menu and increase the “Yellow” slider until you are happy with the results. Click on the “OK” button when you are done.

Conclusion

There are many different ways that you can add highlights to skin in Photoshop. The method that you choose will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and what look you are going for. In this article, we showed you three different methods for adding highlights to skin in Photoshop.

Dale Leydon

Dale Leydon

Sysadmin turned Javascript developer. Owner of 20+ apps graveyard, and a couple of successful ones.