Highlighters are one of those makeup products you don’t really know you need until you try it…see how much better you look and then you neeeeeed it. My first foray into the world of highlighting was inspired by watching one of my girl Sazan‘s make up tutorials. She recommended Benefit’s Watt’s Up as a great highlighter if you are going for a more natural look, so I decided to give it a try. I started off small. Just a little on the bridge of my nose and cupids bow. The results were subtle and yet significant haha. Needless to say I was hooked on highlighter from that moment forward. Today I’m reviewing 8 of my favorite highlighters on the market. So no matter what kind you’re looking for I’ve got you covered!
1. TARTE twinkle lighting palette volume II
I recently picked up this palette after a highlighting class at Sephora* I love this palette because the formula is smooth and blendable, not cakey, and lasts a solid 8 hours. The colors included are Daylight (white gold) Skylight (pearl) Spotlight (champagne) Candlelight (rose gold). It’s pretty much got everything you need for any look you’re going for, and I love that you can layer them as well.
PS. the palette has a great vanilla scent to it.
2. MAC mineralize skinfinish in lightscapade
If you’re looking to create a bold and intense glow, I would suggest skipping this product. If you are just looking for an everyday all over glow that is super natural then this is perfect for you! I’ve even used it as an all over setting powder (my skin is more fair, I’m not sure how this would play on a tanner person). Another reason it’s great for everyday is the lack of glitter. Only downside is it isn’t super long lasting, but I just keep it in my purse to occasionally reapply.
3. STILA heaven’s hue highlighter in kitten
This is a pretty versatile highlight in terms of intensity. It is super buildable so you can go for a more soft look or layer the product to make it more intense. It’s best applied with a finger or sponge as it’s not quite a powder and not quite a cream (though it sets like a powder).
4. TRISH McEVOY luminizer
This hands down my favorite for everyday wear. It has the most gorgeous pigment that luminizes without the glitter. I am just not a huge fan of glitter for daytime. The application brush makes it super easy to apply, especially in the corners of your eyes and cupids bow. It’s the perfect finishing touch for little extra everyday glow.
5. MAKE UP FOR EVER star lit liquid in pink beige and gold champagne
This is the boldest, most glam formula of the bunch. Subtle it is not, and if you don’t like glitter, this product is definitely not for you! I personally reserved it for a boughie night out in South Beach. It works well layered over a blush or another highlighter for an extra pop. My favorite way to use it is actually as an eyeshadow, it lasts pretty well through the night without creasing. I also will mix a little bit into my foundation to give me an all over shine.
6. MILK MAKEUP highlighter in lit
Milk Makeup’s mantra is “for the girl on the go who spends less time getting done up, more time getting stuff done.” This is probably the most low maintenance highlighter of the bunch. It’s basically a swipe and go. I love it on my cheekbones, and also use it as an eyeshadow base. I recommend blending with your fingertips.
7. LAURA GELLER BEAUTY easy illuminating stick in ethereal
I love this with this gorgeous shade of pink. It’s not my favorite highlighter on it’s own, but it is great base to layer with blush or another powder highlight.
8. BENEFIT COSMETICS watt’s up
As I mentioned earlier, this is my OG go to highlighting stick. I love the champagne hue, and the cream-to-powder formula. It layers on top of my makeup well without looking heavy or caky and I’ve found it doesn’t settle into my pores over time. This a solid versatile highlight, and my personal favorite if you are looking for something to take you from day to night. 
TARTE twinkle lighting palette volume II | MAC mineralize skinfinish in lightscapade | STILA heaven’s hue highlighter in kitten | TRISH McEVOY luminizer | MAKE UP FOR EVER star lit liquid in pink beige and gold champagne | MILK MAKEUP highlighter in lit | LAURA GELLER BEAUTY easy illuminating stick in ethereal | BENEFIT COSMETICS watt’s up
*Sephora offers several FREE tutorial classes with their expert makeup artists – would highly recommend signing up for one!
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