I think we can all agree that dewy, lit-from-within skin is something to strive for. Of course, it’s possible to get a major glow from smoothing on serums and creams, but the easiest way to look impossibly glowy is by applying highlighter.
Highlighter may seem like the kind of product that you can pick out on a whim, but in reality, it’s like choosing a foundation—you should base it on your skin’s tone and needs for the most flawless, illuminated finish. I reached out to makeup artists to learn more about how best to choose highlighter, plus which highlighters have a forever spot in their kits.
“When looking for a highlighter, someone would want to select a product that is about two shades lighter than their skin,” says makeup artist Marsha Page. “You can also find the perfect highlighter by selecting a shade that compliments your skin’s undertones.”
For the most natural-looking finish, makeup artist Judi Gabbay recommends staying away from highlighters with chunks of glitter in them and opting for more subtle shimmers. “They tend to appear muddy or dirty on skin,” Gabbay says.
Cream highlighters are a great option for anyone who wants a natural, blendable finish. “Cream highlighters are great to use alone, under the skin before foundation, or over foundation for a dewy effect,” says Gabbay.
This is Gabbay’s go-to cream highlighter. ” I love RMS beauty living luminizer highlighter for a natural, clean girl aesthetic glow.” With the addition of coconut oil, vitamin E, and castor seed oil, this highlighter also doubles as skincare. The subtle shimmer gives you the ultimate reflective finish.
With tons of warm shades, this multi-tasking stick can be used anywhere. For a natural-looking glow, Page always reaches for this cream highlighting stick. “It’s natural and sheer and can be used on different areas of the face,” she says.
For just $6, this cream highlighter packs a major punch. In fact, it’s one of Page’s all-time favorites. “It is easy to apply and gives a beautiful long-lasting glow to the skin,” she says. Plus, you can’t beat the bouncy texture.
Surratt never messes around in terms of quality makeup products. Their cream highlighter stick was inspired by the jewels in Place Vendome in Paris. It’s made with real diamond and gold dust, making it easily the most opulent option on the list. It imparts skin with an ethereal glow.
Though it comes in three different colors, the undertones of this highlighting stick are meant to flatter all skin tones. Your skin looks impossibly dewy after swiping it on. Plus, it’s made with vitis vita grape extract, which helps encourage collagen and hyaluronic acid production in skin.
The best part about this highlighter is that you can truly use it anywhere—swipe it on your cheekbones, your clavicles, your eyelids, you name it. It’s sheer and delivers a glow rather than a shimmer.
Fortified with almond seed oil rosa rubiginosa oil, this highlighter also works to moisturize and hide imperfections. It delivers a sun-kissed glow to skin and builds easily. Plus, it’s refillable and sustainable, so you can feel good about making it your go-to highlighter.
If you want a more dramatic finish, Page says that powder highlighters are the way to go. But they can also be a great option for anyone who has oily skin. “A powder highlighter is perfect for more oily skin, as it adds sheen to the skin without the dewiness from a cream or liquid highlighter,” says Gabbay.
Since this compact comes with four different highlighter colors, it’s endlessly customizable to fit your needs. “My favorite powder highlighter is Dior Backstage Glow palette,” says Gabbay. “The palette has four shades for all areas of the face and is super finely milled.” This helps add a more dramatic glow to your skin.
For a more subtle powder highlighter, don’t sleep on these pressed compacts from Hourglass. With six different shades, these powders are made with all skin tones in mind. “Because of the variety of shades, [they] reflect light beautifully on most skin tones,” says Page.
This highlighter is a great option for deeper skin tones. “It blends beautifully and comes in warm red tones,” says Page. It comes in five swirled shades that help impart subtle radiance. Shea butter and vitamin E also work to soften skin.
Fenty’s highlighters are perfect for anyone who loves experimenting with makeup. The shimmers range from subtle to other-worldly, with a few options imparting a shimmer to your face that you could probably see from outer-space. Snag a single shade or opt for an expert-crafted duo.
If subtle shimmer is your preference but you prefer a pressed powder, this option from Tom Ford is your perfect match. It comes in a peachy tone that mimics sunlight on skin. The powder goes on super sheer but is easy to build.
Liquid highlighters are the most multi-purpose options. “One of the best benefits of liquid highlighters is that you can mix it into your liquid foundation for an all-over dewy look to the skin,” says Page. “If you are looking for a glow with a dewy wet finish, liquid highlighter is your best bet.” They’re also easy to blend out to your desired finish.
This TikTok favorite highlighter is worth the hype. Gabbay shares that if she’s reaching for a highlighter, she always goes for a liquid option first, and this is her holy grail. “Charlotte Tilbury’s spotlight wand is a staple in my makeup bag,” she says. “Its sponge tip makes it an easy application on the go.”
“Koh Gen Do Aqua Illuminator is great because it offers buildable coverage so that you can achieve your desired level of glow and sparkle,” says Page. This innovative highlighter is also perfect for adding to your foundation for a boost of radiance. Formulated with the brand’s signature T3 oil, which is a blend of jojoba oil, olive squalane, and shea butter, it also adds major moisture to skin.
This liquid highlighter blends into skin seamlessly and looks extremely natural. Though they often sell out, eight different shades give you tons of options for a glow that truly suits you. Pearl particles reflect light.
There are no rules for how best to wear this luminizer. Use it to highlight the high points of your face, mix it with foundation, use it as a dewy primer, or even wear it alone for a fresh-looking glow. Vitamin C, glycerin, and rose hip oil also make sure it works overtime as skincare.
This Kevin Aucoin highlighter is a classic. Perfect for both face and body, it will give you a multi-faceted shimmer. Blend it with your foundation or dot it onto your face for tons of radiance. Bonus: a little goes a long way, so one bottle will last you for quite a while.
These glow drops are the highlighter-serum hybrid that you never knew you needed. Infused with polyglutamic acid, a powerful humectant, these hydrating serums give your skin an overall glow.
