Our tester says: “I was really impressed with this drugstore formula. It’s super pigmented—literally one tap of product on each cheek is enough—and stays put for hours. I like that it’s under $10. It’s lasted me over four months and performs just as well as as other higher-priced highlighters in my collection,” says Kilkeary.
Best for Deep Skin Tones: Iconic London Illuminator
Original video from Jazmin Gathers testing Iconic London Illuminator Liquid Highlight
A cult-favorite among both celebrities and makeup artists, this best-selling liquid highlighter is incredibly versatile—apply it on bare skin for a gentle sheen, or mix it into your foundation, moisturizer, or primer anytime you want a customizable, glossy finish.
Our tester says: “This Iconic London highlighter is perfect if you’re looking for a dewy, glowy look. I tend to prefer a matte finish with my makeup, so I set it with a highlighter and it still gave me a natural glow without taking the pigment away. It lasted all day and blended well with my other liquid-based products. It’s perfect for a natural, light makeup look,” says Glamour senior social media manager Jazmin Gathers.
Best for Mature Skin: Tarte Glow Tape Highlighter
Original video from Charlotte Twine testing Tarte Glow Tape Highlighter
Makeup artists tell us liquid highlighters are especially flattering on mature skin, since they can blur the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This pigmented formula does exactly that with shea butter to create a silky, even-textured, fresh finish.
Our tester says: “Tarte highlighter’s applicator is supercool. The pen-like makeup has a sponge on top, and when you click the top to the left the highlighter appears on the sponge. When I put about three dots on my cheeks, it’s more than enough product, and it can actually double as a blusher—the Rose Glow shade is perfect for my fair complexion, and I found I didn’t need to also use blush. It’s the perfect step in my two-minute makeup routine, when I just need to run out the door super fast. And since it’s in a convenient portable applicator, I can also throw it in my bag to use later in the day when I need to refresh my look. The texture is just creamy enough to moisturize my skin and yet stay on my cheeks. I used it on my cheeks, chin, on top of my brow bones, and the tip of my nose to give a sun kissed-gleam that wasn’t sparkly, just a perfect shine,” says Glamour copy manager Charlotte Twine.
Best Highlighter and Bronzer: Live Tinted Hueglow Liquid Highlighter Drops
Original video from Jenifer Calle testing Live Tinted Hueglow Liquid Highlighter Drops
For a lit-from-within glow that comes before foundation, try these multi-use highlighter drops that blend seamlessly into moisturizer. They have a blend of squalane, sunflower seed oil, and hyaluronic acid to smooth dry, flaky patches and improve skin texture overall. And if you want a little extra shimmer, they layer beautifully on top of makeup too (without causing it to pill or separate).
