Ok. Let’s just get serious here. As we get older, we tend to lose that “I just worked out” or “I just did a berry cleanse” or “I just woke up like this” glow. That glo, tho – is so gorgeous. Just throw on some lipstick and mascara with that glow. But… watch out, ladies. There is a slippery slope between having a glow and looking like an explosion of glitter on your face. Looking for a little cheat to give you that glow in a matter of seconds? Got it. Found it.
Tips:
- Buy a few. Keep one in your bathroom, one in your purse, one in your desk drawer at work… Pop a little of this genius glow onto your skin and VOILA – instant gorge.
- Try before you buy. Nervous about the glow on your skin? Stop in Sephora or Ulta for a little test drive first.
- Start with “best reviewed” highlighters because if hundreds of people love it, chances you’re golden. <wink>
How to NOT Mess It Up
- Sweep a soft, synthetic-bristled brush or makeup sponge across the surface of a highlighter.
- Lightly apply to the high points of your face
- Highpoints: the forehead, bridge of the nose, top of cheekbones, cupid’s bow and decolletage
- Do NOT overdo it. Less is more.
- Super subtle. No glitter explosion/gold mania.
- Not Needing a You Tube videos to “get” the technique.
Shop…
RIGHT here! Theeee Best of the Best… Based on Top Reviews/Most Purchased/Most Effective/Most Natural…
I mean, how easy is THAT to get that Glow?
I love a good bronzer and highlighter combination since I have very pale skin but it can easily look I’ve been heavy handed. These are great tips for keeping things subtle and shimmering all summer long!
I got my makeup done at sephora the other day and it was the first time I had ever had illuminator glow on my cheeks. Seriously it was heaven! I love the packaging on the marc jacobs and the milk. Wonder how easy they would be to use though.
There is nothing better than looking like a bronzed goddess! I love using a little illuminator on my cheeks and collarbone area. Thanks for the tips. I love going to Sephora for that trial use!
I’ve never used a highlighter before but I’d like to experiment and try it. Looks like a lot of fun and very pretty when used well.
I really needed this post today! As a mom of 2 little boys, I’ve been feeling really run down and frumpy. I’d love to get some of that glow back! You always look so gorgeous, so I trust your advice 🙂
When it comes to highlighters, I find the best way to keep from looking like a glitter explosion is to avoid ones that have chunky glitter in them. These tend to make you look like a disco ball even when you use a light hand, lol
I never use highlighters but I am thinking I am going to have to get some soon. I need to step my makeup game up!
I love a good highlighter! I usually try to use a fan brush to apply it when I am using a powder and it usually turns out just right and not too heavy.
I like the look of this product line.
I am a fan of the natural look.
I love highlighter! It’s such a nice way to get a dewy look without having to put on much makeup!
I absolutely love NARS’s blushes for highlighting! I usually also use their Laguna bronzer. As someone with very pale skin it’s easy to go too far, but these products look perfect.
Now, that is the best way to get the good highlighters, straight from your blog! Yeah, that’s a great way for people to learn more about these products.
I am obsessed with the highlighter/bronzer combination. I absolutely adore NARS and Anastasia Beverly Hills. They make my top two highlighters. I also keep Benefit Girl Meets Pearl in my purse for quick touch ups. Thanks for these great ideas. I’m putting Laura Mercier on my wishlist!
Great picks Karen!! I absolutely love the Marc Jacobs one – if you have the coconut primer you can mix a little in on your hands and then just press them against your face and it gives you the prettiest ‘I just did a berry cleanse’ glow haha (that cracked me up that did:D) xx
I wonder why do you specifically recommend a synthetic bristled brush? I would think natural brushes would get the job done just as well or even better.
For me it’s highlighter season! 😉 I only wear highlighter in the summer because that’s when I have a tan all over except for my face. (I really protect it with a high spf and sun hat). I love Neutrogena’s highlighter!
To be honest, I’ve never used a highlighter before and I think it’s awesome to be able to get that glow in an instant! I think it’s awesome that you listed the best sellers here! I really appreciate it.
It has been ages since I’ve used an illuminator, but I’m going have to check out some of these recommendations the next time I’m in Ulta or Sephora. Thanks for sharing!
I’m a big fan of the glow. Dry skin can leave you looking a little dull so having a fabulous highlight or highlighting primer really does make me feel amazing.
Testing before you buy is essential. I love highlighters that give me a sheen or glow, but not the ones with all the glitter. I’ve tried a few in-store that were highly reviewed only to find out that I didn’t like them. One of my favorites is the Becca Backlighting Primer. It gives me skin that all over glow I crave.
I love a nice peachy highlighter! I definitely think you have to have the right one for your skin tone and totally agree no glitter explosion haha.
I love this Marc Jacobs Beauty Glow Stick Glistening Illuminator. I was hesitant in using it at first because of my skin color, but to my surprise, it looks good on me. I have a friend with total opposite skin type as compared to mine but still, it looks great on her. It is a total wonder.
I have never used a highlighter and really no make up. I wish I knew about it more and knew how to apply all the fun stuff. I need to learn!
I am always so chicken to try a bronzer in fear that I would look “too” made up, but this really looks natural on you!
Man I’m just now getting into a lot of makeup! I have some really cute lol stains but bronzer are next!
I don’t use highlighters in my make up routine but I definitely need to start! I’ll ahve to check these out and see which one works for me!