How To Use Every Type of Highlighter So You Look Illuminated (Not Shiny)

For all-over radiance

When your skin’s in need of a healthy pick-me-up, opt for an all-over glow. NARS’s Illuminator comes in a light-reflecting formula that glides on effortlessly to refresh and enhance the skin with a shimmering incandescence. Wear it on its own or mixed with your favourite foundation.

For lightening dark areas

Minimize the appearance of dark shadows, fine lines and imperfections with a highlighter pen, like Dior’s Skinflash Radiance Booster version. A single click and stroke of the brush in strategic areas (think under the eyes, corners of the nose and cupid’s bow) provides lightweight, radiant coverage, helping you achieve a flawless-looking complexion.

For everyday wear

Give your skin a subtle, gleaming edge everyday, with a radiant-inducing primer like Laura Mercier’s version, ideal for applying before foundation. It comes in a lightweight, creamy formula with a pearl tint that creates a soft-focus effect to minimize the appearance of imperfections. Plus, it’s packed with Vitamins A, C and E which act antioxidants to protect the skin from damaging effects in the environment.

For cheek shine

Lend a coral-pink, glistening touch to lips and cheeks with a highlighter in a creamy formula and stick applicator, like Benefit Cosmetics’ Fine One One. Just glide this three-shade stick on skin for instant shape, lift and a natural-looking pop of colour.

For a sun-kissed glow

Define your contours while illuminating your skin by lightly dusting a highlighting powder over your foundation. Our pick? Cle de Peau’s Luminizing Face Enhancer, which features light-diffusing technology. It’s a rose-scented powder compact that boasts a silky texture, and provides skin with a quick and healthy dose of radiance.