10 Liquid Highlighters for Glowing Summer Skin
Staying at home and practicing social distancing this summer means you’re probably seeing less sunlight than usual, and your skin may appear more washed out as a result. While there’s no substitute to good old vitamin D, highlighter replicates the sun’s effects when applied to certain features, like your cheekbones and nose bridge, to create the illusion of light on your skin. Liquid highlighter is especially suited for a dewy look during the summer months, as it’s easily blendable and less concentrated than powder or cream versions. With each major brand touting its own unique formula, we’ve assembled a line-up of some of the most popular (and best) liquid highlighters on the market to make choosing a product to experiment with that much easier.
The doe-foot applicator of Benefit’s High Beam allows its user to swipe on highlighter (like lip gloss) for a soft rose gold shine designed to be worn both with or without foundation. It's definitely one of the best liquid highlighters out there.
High Beam Liquid Highlighter, $18, Benefit Cosmetics
These drops work like a highlighter but they’re technically skincare. Cruelty-free and made out of all clean ingredients (so without things like parabens, fragrance, and mineral oil), they’re offered in seven shades ranging from Halo, which is holographic, to Candlelight, a golden bronze.
Custom Enhancer Drops, $42, Cover FX
Seeking a tried-and-true highlighter at an affordable price point? This “glotion” is popular not just as a dupe or drugstore buy, but one of the best liquid highlighters celebrated by makeup aficionados for its subtle luminescence and smooth absorption into skin.
True Match Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer, $15, L’Oréal Paris
A little bit of PRO Glow goes a long way; a small amount is enough to illuminate skin and the highlight lasts all day. Its versatile high pigment means it can be used as-is or subdued when mixed with moisturizer or foundation.
tarteist PRO Glow Liquid Highlighter, $29, Sephora
This vegan illuminator is packaged in a small bottle but don’t be fooled—it packs a dramatic punch. Kim and Khloe Kardashian and Tammy Hembrow are included amongst those who wear the cult brand for its intense bronzing effect.
Illuminator, $41, Iconic London
Founded with sustainability and natural ingredients at its forefront, Ilia’s packaging is made out of recycled aluminum and glass. The algae and marine actives aid in its function as both a serum and highlighter, solidifying its position as one of the best liquid highlighters out there.
Liquid Light Serum Highlighter, $42, Ilia
Whereas face makeup like highlighter tends to settle into fine lines and acne scars, the Shimmering Skin Perfector has the bonus of smoothing and blurring textured skin.
Shimmering Skin Perfector Liquid Highlighter, $69, Sephora
Remember that viral K-beauty "Glass Skin" skin-care video? We’ve been chasing that effect ever since, and this gel liquid highlighter grants a youthful, glass-like sheen with minimal effort; simply spread it all-over over a freshly moisturized face.
Glass Glow Face and Body Gloss, $32, Kevyn Aucoin
From Rihanna’s revolutionary beauty brand, the Liquid Diamond Bomb has a water-like formula that’s dispensed through a rollerball and dries on as a superfine glitter highlighter. If it's made by Queen Rih, you know it's one of the best liquid highlighters.
Liquid Diamond Bomb Glitter Highlighter, $28, Fenty Beauty
