I’m all about taking good care of my skin, and getting that glow from within… but I also love adding a bit of highlighter to my makeup look to help things along. Actually, I have trouble going without it! Here’s what I look for in a highlighter, as well as some of my favourite picks.
Many highlighters have passed through my hands over the years, and I find myself coming back to the same ones over and over, which made me realize that I’m actually quite picky when it comes to choosing them. Unless there is special occasion that calls for it, I do NOT want glitter in my highlighter. Rather, I am looking for something shimmery and quite pigmented that can be blended down to look natural. This way, I only need to apply a little swipe above my blush, under my brows, and on my cupid’s bow to get the pretty light effect I’m after. In the past, I’ve tried highlighters that were very subtle and buildable, but it made me feel as though I was applying too much product on my face. In terms of shades, I find golden or rose gold hues go well with my skin tone, but I also enjoy silvery highlights on occasion. If I am really applying myself, I use a fan brush for my powder highlighters, but 99% of the time, I use my fingers.
Here are my four go-to highlighters:
BECCA Cosmetics Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter (Champagne Pop)
This is a cult favourite, and if you’ve tried it, you’ll know why. I got my first one years ago, and I’ve repurchased it since. It gives me the perfect glow, and doesn’t look powdery at all. I haven’t hit pan on many products, but I’ve actually repurchased this one. I’ve tried other shades in the same formula, and keep coming back to Champagne Pop. I’ve also repeatedly gotten compliments on my glow while wearing it!
$50 at SEPHORA
(Featured here: Limited Edition Pop Goes The Glow Champagne Pop Face & Eye Palette)
DERMABLEND Glow Creator Liquid Highlighter (Pearl)
I’ve only had this for a few months, but it has joined my favourites. It is super pigmented, and you only need a few drops for a ton of glow. I use it alone as a highlighter, and a little goes a long way. It can also be mixed with moisturizer or foundation for an all-over glow.
$36 at dermablend.ca
Marc Jacobs Beauty Glow Stick Glistening Illuminator (Spotlight)
I’ve had this highlighting stick for years, and it’s my pick for when I want more of a natural look, or if I’m travelling. I am a huge fan of cream formulas when it comes to highlighters and blushes, because they are so easily blendable and portable.
$55 at SEPHORA
Fenty Beauty Diamond Bomb All-Over Diamond Veil (How Many Carats?!)
I don’t really consider this to be highlighter, because it doesn’t have much of a pigment. It’s pure sparkle! It’s fun to apply on your eyelids or your body, but I rarely use it in the same key spots I usually apply my other glow enhancers. The effect is very pretty, though.
$52 at SEPHORA
What do you look for in a highlighter? What’s your favourite highlighter of all time?
Note: these products are PR samples provided by brands. As always, opinions are my own.