If we lived in an ideal world, we would have a personal ring light following us everywhere. After all, ain’t sporting a dewy glowy complexion every beauty aficionados’ dream come true? However, in addition to a great skincare regimen, the right type of highlighter can bequeath you with that soft-focus glow in a matter of minutes. Think of them as a quick (n easy) hack to add radiance and enhance the high points of your face—bridge of the nose, cheekbones, brow bones and inner corner of the eyes, with just an extra dose of light. The only thing that you need to consider: choosing the ‘just right’ product that is beautifully glossy, doesn’t slide off the face and packs a punch every time. From luxurious liquid formulations to soft powders, here’s our roundup of the best-in-class highlighters for that otherworldly glow!
Presenting the 4 best highlighters to add to your vanity kit, asap!
1. Powder Puff: Bobbi Brown Highlighting Powder
Imagine being cast in most flattering light possible. This is what Bobbi Brown’s highlighting powder does for you. The superfine powder glides on skin evenly and won't settle into fine lines, making it perfect for highlighting, strobing or anything in between. Since this is super creamy and pigmented, use a lighter hand and blend to get the right kinda sheen.
Up Your Game: While you can use your fingertips to blend the product, we recommend using a fan brush for that eye-popping glow.
2. Crème de la crème: M.A.C Strobe Cream
A translucent, creamy highlight that makes for perfectly juicy skin? Yes please! This M.A.C Strobe Cream goes on sheer to enliven dull, tired skin; plus, it’s not packed with too much glitter, so you don’t have to worry donning a ‘90s raver sparkle. In addition to the highpoints of your face, you can also use this on your collar bones and décolletage for that subtle sheen. PS: you can choose from five gorgeous hues to find your perfect fit.
Up Your Game: Replace your daily moisturizer with this genius product for a subtle glow.
3. The Crème-Powder Duo: Huda Beauty 3D Highlighter Palette
It’s all about the texture with this one. Combining best of both the worlds, this palette is packed with two different textures—oil layered with powdery pigments for a melted strobe-y effect. It’s enriched with Karite Butter that imparts the creamy (not chalky) texture, blends like a dream and creates a flawless, lit-from-within canvas. If that wasn’t enough, the palette lets you build and sculpt your highlight to a desired level of radiance; from subtle, natural radiance to a glorious 3-D iridescent finish.
Up Your Game: Dab on the lightest highlight from cheek to temple to set and bring out the pop. Apply the darker shade under the cheekbones to add dimension and shape.
4. Liquid Gold: Purearth Sitara Strobelighter Serum
A Liquid highlighter is your answer to sport an overall luminosity; just like the Purearth Sitara Strobelighter Serum that glides and melts into your skin effortlessly for a sun kissed, radiant glow. What we love most about though, is that it’s infused with Organic Oils, Ayurvedic Botanicals and natural minerals that nourishes your skin, in addition to imparting that va va voom glimmer. Oh, and it comes in a lovely Rose Gold hue! PS: You can also wear this as an illuminating primer and layer it with a BB cream or foundation for a very natural glint. Gotta love the product that does double duty like a boss!
Up Your Game: For a flawless application, take some product on the back of your hand to warm it up, making it more fluid and easier to blend.
