In 2018, it’s all about opalescence. Highlighting, aka strobing, is still (literally) stealing the spotlight.
And there isn’t just one path to a lit complexion. For a subtle glow, opt for a liquid illuminator that is blended well. If you’re after a more beam-like shimmer, grab a highlighter brush and dust on a powder. Sticks, meanwhile, may be the most goof-proof of all.
We rounded up our favorite 7 highlighters that will make your cheekbones, eyes, and lips radiant. Pinky promise that if you use a gentle touch —and remember to blend— you will look less like you’re ready to star in a Tim Burton movie and way more like you’re channeling Selena Gomez or Karlie Kloss.
Cover FX Glitter Drops
The dropper applicator dispenses just the right amount of this concentrated liquid glitter. It’s a transcendental trip whether you use it alone, over or under makeup, or mixed into with moisturizer, foundation, lip gloss, or blush. Nab all three luxe shades at Sephora.
Sleek MakeUP Distorted Dreams Highlighting Palette
Within this just launched palette, you’ll find five reflective, holographic shades with serious color (two velvety powders and three luxurious creams) that illuminate the eyelids, cheeks, and lips for a supernatural glow. Grab this multi-purpose palette at ULTA.
Too Faced Diamond Highlighter
Create buildable, prismatic looks by swirling the pink, blue, and canary shades to create a dimensional look that reads a little different every time. We dare you to resist singing “Shine bright like a diamond” as you dazzle up your lips, cheeks, and eyes. Rihanna would be proud. It’s available at ULTA.
Benefit Sun Beam
The golden-bronze, brush-on liquid gives all skin tones a sunny-day glow sans the whole skin damage thing. “Mix it with your eye cream, then apply to the lids, brow bone, and inner corner of the eye using a concealer brush for a brightening effect,” José Rivera, Benefit Makeup Master, told Beauty News NYC. A tip for lips? “Mix Sun Beam with your favorite liquid foundation, then press onto the skin around and on the lip line before lining your lips for a natural contrast, further enhancing the shape of your lips” Rivera shared. Pick up this bottle of liquid sunshine at BenefitCosmetics.com.
VMV Hypoallergenics Boldly Glow Coconut Oil Skin Bloom Blush Stick
Whew! That’s a mouthful for a name, but this gorgeous stick is worth every word. While technically a blush, the shade shown, Luminous, is totally a highlighter — and one that nourishes your skin while living up to its name. The coconut oil, as well as the green tea extract, comes from VMV’s farm in the Philippines. It can be purchased at VMVhypoallergenics.com.
Physician’s Formula Butter Highlighter
Coming on the heels of the company’s cult favorite butter bronzer, each of the five shades of butter highlighter have an unusual texture: it’s a little bouncy to the touch. It melts into skin as a cream, but finishes off with a light, powdery sheen. And the butter? It originates far from the Land O’ Lakes: we’re talking murumuru, cupuacu, and tucuma butters from the Amazon rainforest. Find it at Target.
Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Highlight
The brand’s Chubby Stick is iconic in all its forms, and this latest incarnation doesn’t fall short. This long-lasting and oil-free cream stick helps you spotlight your best features, whether you glide it over bare skin or makeup. Pair it with its foil, the Chubby Stick Sculpting Contour; the colors are beautiful for all seasons. It’s available at Nordstrom.
