Glow Up with Highlighters: Our Favorite Illuminating Products

Introduction

When it comes to achieving a radiant and youthful glow, highlighters have become an essential part of every makeup lover’s routine. These shimmering products have taken the beauty industry by storm, adding a luminous touch to the high points of the face and body. In this article, we will explore the world of highlighters, from choosing the right shade to our favorite products for different skin tones and preferences.

What are Highlighters?

Highlighters, also known as illuminators, are makeup products designed to catch and reflect light, creating a luminous effect on the skin. Typically available in powder, cream, or liquid form, highlighters are applied to the high points of the face, such as the cheekbones, bridge of the nose, brow bone, and cupid’s bow. They add dimension and radiance to the skin, enhancing natural features and giving a youthful glow.

Choosing the Right Highlighter Shade

Selecting the perfect highlighter shade is crucial for achieving a seamless and flattering glow. When choosing a highlighter shade, it’s important to consider your skin tone and undertones. Fair skin tones usually look best with light champagne or pearl shades, while medium skin tones can opt for golden or peachy tones. Darker skin tones can go for richer bronze or deep gold shades.

To determine your undertones, look at the veins on your wrist. If they appear blue or purple, you likely have cool undertones. If they look greenish, you have warm undertones. Those with neutral undertones have a mix of both. Choosing a highlighter shade that complements your undertones will help create a harmonious and natural-looking glow.

Cream vs. Powder Highlighters

Cream and powder highlighters are the two main formulations available. Each has its own advantages and choosing the right one depends on personal preference and skin type.

Cream highlighters are ideal for those with dry or mature skin as they provide hydration and a dewy finish. They blend seamlessly into the skin, giving a natural-looking glow. Cream highlighters can be applied with fingers or a damp beauty sponge for a smooth application.

Powder highlighters, on the other hand, work well for oily or combination skin types. They offer a more intense and long-lasting glow. Powder highlighters can be applied with a fluffy brush and easily built up for a more dramatic effect.

Application Techniques

There are various application techniques to achieve different highlighting effects. Here are a few popular methods:

Fingertip Technique: Apply a cream highlighter using your ring finger and gently tap it onto the desired areas. This technique provides a soft, natural-looking glow.

Brush Application: Use a fan brush or a small fluffy brush to apply powder highlighter. Lightly sweep the product onto the high points of your face for a subtle glow or build it up for a more intense shine.

Mix with Foundation: For an all-over radiance, mix a liquid highlighter with your foundation before applying it to your face. This technique creates a luminous base for your makeup.

Layering Technique: Apply a cream highlighter first and then set it with a matching powder highlighter. This layering technique intensifies the glow and enhances its longevity.

Experiment with different techniques to find the one that suits you best and achieves the desired effect.

Favorite Highlighters for Fair Skin

Finding the perfect highlighter for fair skin can be challenging, but there are options that beautifully complement fair complexions. Here are some of our favorite illuminating products for fair skin:

“Champagne Pop” by Becca: This cult-favorite highlighter has a light golden shade with a hint of peach, perfect for fair skin tones. Its finely milled texture blends effortlessly and provides a stunning luminosity.

“Mary-Lou Manizer” by theBalm: This classic highlighter has a champagne shade that adds a radiant glow to fair skin. It has a smooth formula and can be built up for a more intense highlight.

“Moonstone” by Anastasia Beverly Hills: With its pale gold shade, this highlighter imparts a beautiful glow to fair skin. It has a buttery texture and blends seamlessly for a natural-looking highlight.

Remember to choose a shade that complements your undertones to achieve the most flattering glow.

Favorite Highlighters for Medium Skin

Medium skin tones have a wide range of highlighter options to choose from. Here are some of our favorite illuminating products for medium skin:

“Opal” by Becca: This versatile highlighter has a golden opal shade that flatters medium skin tones. Its creamy texture and luminous finish create a stunning glow that suits various makeup looks.

“Trophy Wife” by Fenty Beauty: For those seeking a bold and intense highlight, this gold shade delivers a show-stopping glow on medium skin tones. Its high-pigmented formula provides a dazzling shine.

“Peach Lights” by Makeup Revolution: This peachy-gold highlighter adds warmth and radiance to medium skin. It has a silky texture and blends effortlessly for a natural-looking glow.

Medium skin tones have the advantage of being able to pull off a wide range of highlighter shades. Experiment with different tones and finishes to find the ones that enhance your complexion the most.

Favorite Highlighters for Dark Skin

Highlighters that complement dark skin tones enhance natural beauty and add a striking glow. Here are some of our favorite illuminating products for dark skin:

“Taj Mahal” by NARS: This vibrant golden highlighter with a hint of red undertones complements deep skin tones beautifully. Its pigmented formula offers a rich and luminous finish.

“Cognac” by Danessa Myricks Beauty: This rich bronze shade is perfect for adding warmth and radiance to dark skin. Its creamy texture blends seamlessly for a glowing complexion.

“Trophy Wife” by Fenty Beauty: The intense gold shade of this highlighter suits dark skin tones, providing a radiant and captivating glow. Its metallic finish catches the light effortlessly.

Dark skin tones can rock bold and vibrant highlighter shades. Embrace the opportunity to play with different colors and finishes to create stunning makeup looks.

Multi-purpose Highlighters

Some highlighters are designed to be multi-purpose and can be used on various areas of the face and body. Here are a few versatile highlighters worth trying:

“Haloscope” by Glossier: This stick highlighter not only provides a radiant glow to the high points of the face but also contains nourishing ingredients like coconut oil and vitamin E. It can also be used on the collarbones and shoulders for a subtle sheen.

“Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter” by Fenty Beauty: This compact duo features a soft powder highlighter and a more intense shade. Apart from the face, it can be used as an eyeshadow or applied to the body for a luminous effect.

“Shimmering Skin Perfector Liquid Highlighter” by Becca: This liquid highlighter can be mixed with foundation for an all-over glow or applied on specific areas of the face for targeted highlighting. It can also be used on the body for a radiant look.

Multi-purpose highlighters offer versatility and convenience, allowing you to experiment with different ways to illuminate your features.

Long-lasting Highlighters

When it comes to long-lasting highlighters, formulas with excellent staying power are essential. Here are a few highlighters known for their longevity:

“Mary-Lou Manizer” by theBalm: This powder highlighter has a long-lasting formula that stays put throughout the day. It maintains its luminosity even in humid conditions, ensuring a lasting glow.

“Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter” by Becca: This powder highlighter has a silky texture and excellent staying power. It adheres to the skin without fading or smudging, providing a radiant glow that lasts.

“Hollywood Beauty Light Wand” by Charlotte Tilbury: This liquid highlighter boasts a long-lasting formula that sets and stays in place for hours. Its lightweight texture blends seamlessly and delivers a lit-from-within glow that lasts all day.

Long-lasting highlighters are ideal for events, long workdays, or any occasion where you want your glow to stay intact from morning to night.

Budget-friendly Highlighters

Achieving a gorgeous glow doesn’t have to break the bank. There are plenty of budget-friendly highlighters that offer excellent quality and value for money. Here are a few options:

“Wet n Wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder: This drugstore favorite provides a stunning glow at an affordable price. It comes in a range of shades and offers a buttery texture that blends seamlessly.

“Makeup Revolution Baked Highlighter: With its affordable price tag, this baked highlighter delivers a radiant finish without compromising on quality. It provides a buildable glow and a smooth application.

“Essence Pure Nude Highlighter: This budget-friendly highlighter gives a subtle and natural glow to the skin. Its finely milled formula provides a soft luminosity that is perfect for everyday wear.

Budget-friendly highlighters offer a great opportunity to experiment with different shades and finishes without breaking the bank.

Cruelty-free and Vegan Highlighters

For those who prefer cruelty-free and vegan beauty options, there are several brands that offer ethical highlighters. Here are a few cruelty-free and vegan highlighter options:

“Cover FX Custom Enhancer Drops: This liquid highlighter is not only cruelty-free but also vegan. It comes in a variety of shades and can be mixed with foundation or applied directly for an intense glow.

“Milani Strobelight Instant Glow Powder: Milani is a cruelty-free brand that offers a range of vegan highlighters. The Strobelight Instant Glow Powder provides a beautiful luminosity without compromising on ethics.

“Physicians Formula Butter Highlighter: Physicians Formula is known for its cruelty-free and vegan-friendly products. Their Butter Highlighter delivers a radiant glow and is suitable for those looking for ethical options.

Choosing cruelty-free and vegan highlighters allows you to prioritize your values while still enjoying the benefits of a stunning glow.

Summer Glow: Highlighters for Warm Weather

During the summer months, it’s important to choose highlighters that can withstand the heat and provide a radiant summer glow. Here are some highlighters perfect for warm weather:

“NARS Liquid Highlighter: This liquid highlighter offers a lightweight formula that blends effortlessly into the skin. Its long-lasting formula withstands humidity and provides a dewy summer glow.

“Fenty Beauty Killawatt Foil Freestyle Highlighter: This cream-to-powder highlighter duo offers stunning metallic shades that give a radiant summer glow. Its lightweight texture and high-impact finish make it perfect for hot summer days.

“Anastasia Beverly Hills Sun Dipped Glow Kit: This versatile palette features four warm-toned highlighters that beautifully enhance summer makeup looks. Its finely milled powders give a luminous sheen that lasts all day.

Choose highlighters with lightweight formulas, long-lasting power, and warm-toned shades to achieve a sun-kissed summer glow.

Celebrity Favorites

Celebrities and makeup artists often have their go-to highlighters that provide a red carpet-worthy glow. Here are some highlighters favored by celebrities:

“Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter in Champagne Pop: This collaboration between Becca and makeup artist Jaclyn Hill has become a celebrity favorite. Its universally flattering shade and intense glow make it a staple in many makeup kits.

“Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Baked Powder Compact: This highlighter is loved by celebrities for its natural-looking radiance. It has a buildable formula that imparts a subtle glow without any shimmer or glitter.

“Pat McGrath Skin Fetish Highlighter & Balm Duo: This luxurious highlighter duo is a favorite among celebrities for its ability to create a lit-from-within glow. The balm provides a glossy sheen, while the powder adds a luminous finish.

“Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate: This contouring and highlighting duo is a celebrity staple for achieving sculpted cheekbones and a radiant glow. The cream formula blends seamlessly into the skin, creating a flawless complexion.

Celebrities often rely on these highlighters to achieve a camera-ready glow for red carpet events and photoshoots.

Conclusion

Highlighters are essential for achieving a glowing and radiant complexion. Whether you have fair, medium, or dark skin, there are highlighter options that cater to your specific needs. From choosing the right shade and formulation to applying it with various techniques, you can enhance your natural features and create a luminous look.

Remember to consider your skin tone, undertones, and personal preferences when selecting a highlighter. Whether you prefer cream or powder formulations, there are options available for every skin type. Experiment with different application techniques to achieve the desired level of intensity and glow.

Don’t be afraid to try multi-purpose highlighters, long-lasting formulas, budget-friendly options, and cruelty-free and vegan alternatives. These choices allow you to customize your glow while aligning with your values.

So go ahead and embrace the power of highlighters to transform your look and glow up with confidence!

FAQs

Can highlighters be used on oily skin without looking greasy? 

Absolutely! Opt for powder highlighters and apply them with a light hand to prevent a greasy appearance. Setting your makeup with a mattifying powder beforehand can also help control shine.

Can highlighters be used on mature skin without emphasizing fine lines? 

Yes, definitely! Choose cream highlighters with a hydrating formula that won’t settle into fine lines. Gently tap the product onto the skin for a natural-looking glow.

Can I use a highlighter on my body? 

Yes, highlighters can be applied to the body to add a luminous effect. Apply them on the collarbones, shoulders, or any other areas you want to highlight.

How do I choose the right shade of highlighter for my skin tone? 

Consider your skin undertones when selecting a shade. Cool undertones pair well with light champagne or pearl shades, warm undertones with golden or peachy tones, and neutral undertones with a mix of both.

Can I wear highlighter on a daily basis? 

Absolutely! Highlighters can be worn every day to add a subtle glow to your complexion. Opt for a natural-looking shade and apply it lightly for a radiant and fresh-faced look.