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Halo Glow Liquid Filter, is great for an allover, diffused radiance.
Byrdie / Joy Kim
When choosing ahighlighter, the world is your oyster.
Do you want a liquid formula with a molten metal-like gleam?
Theres a product for that.
PHOTO: Chanel
A clear balm that makes your complexion look effortlessly dewy?
Theres a product for that, too.
Theres also no shortage of ways to wear them.
(To that point, this definitely delivers more of a natural glow.)
Also nice: It stays put once you apply it and layers beautifully over other makeup.
Its pricey, yes, but you get a ton of product in the tube.
PHOTO: Sephora
And given all of these amazing attributes, we deemed it worth every penny.
Fair warning, though, the pigment and glow factor is pretty intense.
The liquid is smooth and layers nicely under other cream and powder makeup products.
Big plus: there are 10 shades available, which is a nice array for a highlighter.
Prefer to use them solo?
They totally work in that scenario too (and can even pull double duty as eyeshadow).
PHOTO: Charlotte Tilbury
If you historically dont love powder formulas, this will change your mind.
The texture is smooth and silky and melts into skin without any trace of chalkiness.
Our only caveat with the palette is it may not be the best choice for beginners.
Chelsea, tester with combination skin:The glow of this highlighter is perfectly radiant.
It nails that balance between subtle, radiant, and glowy.
Best Allover Glow
e.l.f.
PHOTO: Dior
Bonus points: it comes in a dozen shades (a rarity for highlighters).
Even just one drop of this liquid formula delivers a ton of pearlescent radiance.
For special occasions or anytime you want a megawatt shine, this is it.
Wendy, tester with combination skin:This is extremely glowy!
It has a very shimmery finish that’s even more noticeable (almost blinding) in the sunlight.
Wendy, tester with combination skin:This is high on my list of favorite highlighters.
PHOTO: e.l.f.
This winner delivers exactly that.
It doesnt give that classic highlighter finish, but we love that for everyday looks.
Saleam, tester with combination skin:This looks very natural and skin-like, but better.
It gives a slightly dewy finish without the sparkly or greasy look.
It doesnt feel like Im wearing highlighter.
This is more for the natural-ish girlies.
PHOTO: Ulta
Our tester noted how nicely it melded with other products for an undetectable finish.
And then theres the shimmer level, a perfect balance of glow and radiance that really is universally pleasing.
Exhibit A: This highlighter stick.
And the stick format is made for easy, on-the-go program.
Because it is so subtle, its pretty foolproof and nearly impossible to mess up.
Given how natural and dewy it is, its not particularly long-lasting.
PHOTO: Live Tinted
It didn’t emphasize texture or fine linesit provides a simple, straightforward glassy glow.
Our tester noted that she was a little concerned with how intense it looked upon program.
Still, thats a minor drawback, considering the beautiful illumination effect you get.
Plus, how pretty is the packaging?
Amanda Rosenthal, writer with combination/sensitive skin:This highlighter packs a punch!
It is definitely pigmented and has an intense glow.
PHOTO: Maccosmetics
However, when blended, it definitely sheers out a bit.
It reflects light beautifully and adds a nice illuminating effect.
Yes, it adds luminescence to the skin, but it skews toward the subtler end of the spectrum.
Chelsea, tester with combination skin:The formula is moisturizing and luxurious in feel.
The creamy texture also melts beautifully into skin.
Amanda Rosenthal, writer with combination/oily skin:The glow is, dare I say, breathtaking?!
PHOTO: Sephora
Its the perfect cherry on top for any makeup look.
For highlighters, we tried 15 different ones in the lab over the course of a day.
We also tested dozens of other highlighters at home to clock how they perfumed in our daily lives.
The intention of highlighter is to give your complexion a glow and enhance your features.
Apply it to the areas of your face that you want to draw attention to.
“I like to highlight through the center of the face,” says celebrity makeup artistEmily Amick.
PHOTO: Sephora
Theres no one-size fits all app when it comes to makeup, she says.
Again, it all depends on what you want your makeup to look like.
Amick explains that if you want a really bright highlight, opt for a powder.
Some liquid highlighters can even be used in lieu ofprimersas a prep step, adds Sotomayor.
If you prefer powders, consider the formula and applications.
Not to sound like a broken record, but again, it depends on the look you want.
PHOTO: Saie
(Just verify you apply these before using any punch in ofsetting powder, notes Sotomayor.)
In related news, you could also use one in lieu of setting powder, he adds.
She’s always testing new products to recommend the best of the best to readers.
PHOTO: Sephora
