Blame it on my lingering 2016 beauty obsession, but I still believe that no makeup look is complete without a pop of great highlighter. While the trends may have shifted from ultra-glittery pressed powder highlighters to more subtle shimmers, nothing will ever beat adding a glass-like glow to my cheekbones. In my humble opinion, the best liquid highlighters have always been and will always be best suited for the job.
“I love how liquid highlighters can direct people’s attention to the parts of your face in a very subtle way,” says celebrity makeup artist Vincent Oquendo. A small dot on the nose, brow bones, and even the forehead can "define the face and enhance a healthy, radiant look," adds makeup artist Lisa Aharon.
In an era where glass skin is all the rage, liquid highlighters are the perfect fake-it-til-you-make-it product to achieve that clean girl look. The finish options are pretty much endless—whether you prefer a barely-there dew, strive for a glimmer that’s bright enough to blind, or like a sheen that’s somewhere in between. They’re also some of the most versatile products on the market. Apply a luminator as your primer for some all-over glow, add dimension to your base by mixing it in with your cream blush or bronzer, or tap some shimmer on your inner corner to finish off an eyeshadow look.
No matter your glow goals, skin tone, or budget, there’s a liquid highlighter out there for everyone. And to help you navigate your quest, I’ve tapped beauty editors and celebrity makeup artists Oquendo, Aharon, and Natalie Dresher to share their go-tos. Our top 13 picks, ahead.
- The Best Liquid Highlighter Overall: Rare Beauty Positive Light Liquid Luminizer Highlight
- The Best Liquid Highlighter for Ultimate Glow: Iconic London Illuminator Liquid Highlighter
- The Best Liquid Highlighter for Easy Application: Tarte Glow Tape
- The Best Natural-Looking Liquid Highlighter: Saie Glowy Super Gel
- The Best Buildable Liquid Highlighter: Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Highlighter Wand
If there's one thing about Selena Gomez and Rare Beauty, it's that they're going to produce a highly-pigmented product. The Positive Light Liquid Luminizer feels silky smooth on the skin and stays on for hours. While there's a shade for every skin tone, Enchant is a favorite of Dresher's. "I love a pink liquid highlighter on top of the cheekbone," she says. "It luminizes the blush and just adds such interesting dimension to the face."
Shades: 8
Finish: Shimmer
What I Love: Buildable; Lighweight; Long-wearing; Impressive shade range; Pro-approved
What I Don't: Dries down quickly
Review for MC: "My favorite thing about this liquid highlighter is that it provides a wet-looking sheen without feeling wet on the skin. The silky texture glides on so smoothly and blends beautifully over any base. Not only is the highlighter long-wearing, but the product is extremely long-lasting. I had the mini size in my collection for a full year—true story. I use shade Enlighten on my cheekbones, tip of my nose, inner corner, and brow bone to add dimension, and simply tap it out with my finger in seconds!" — Emma Aerin Becker, Freelance Beauty Writer
Emma Aerin Becker uses Rare Beauty Positive Light Liquid Luminizer
The Iconic London Illuminator is high-shine in a bottle. It's a concentrated liquid shimmer that's specifically formulated to deliver an ultra-glowy highlight with just a tad of product. The dropper applicator and thin formula also make it ideal for adding to your liquid foundation, primer, or moisturizer.
Shades: 4
Finish: High shine
What I Love: Super pigmented; Ideal for mixing into other products; Easy to blend; Little goes a long way
What I Don't: More sparkly than a natural glow
Review for MC: "The Iconic London Illuminator has been a fan-favorite highlighter in the beauty world for as long as I can remember. For a super-highlighted glow, I dab a small drop of product onto the high points of my face with my finger. A little definitely goes a long way, so one drop is usually enough to keep me glowing exactly where I want it. For a more natural, all-over dew, I love to mix a few drops into my foundation. The added sheen pops through just perfectly." — Emma Aerin Becker, Freelance Beauty Writer
Emma Aerin Becker uses Iconic London Illuminator
"I absolutely love this highlighter for on-the-go application," says Dresher. "Its squeeze tube applicator allows for easy travel, and it's impossible to mess up placement with the sponge tip." But whether you're on the move or sitting at your vanity, it provides a gorgeous, pearlescent glow without looking glittery. Squeeze on one dot for slight shine, or apply three to four for jaw-dropping glimmer.
Shades: 5
Finish: Shimmer
What I Love: Precise applicator; Easy to blend; Dermatologist-tested; Buildable glow
What I Don't: Some reviewers find the formula too wet, causing it to pick up product underneath.
Review for MC: "While this highlighter provides an amazing sheen and blends out super easily with my finger or a brush, the star of this product is the packaging. The sponge tip allows for precise placement, prevents excessive application, and even locks closed, so you can throw it in your bag without worrying about a shimmering spill. It's packed with light-reflecting mineral pigments (which I appreciate), but I would recommend starting with one light dot and building up from there until you reach our desired shine." — Emma Aerin Becker, Freelance Beauty Writer
Emma Aerin Becker uses Tarte Glow Tape Highlighter
If you're looking for a dew reminiscent of that post-facial glow, this product is for you. The liquid highlighter has a unique gel-based formula and subtle shimmer, making it highly versatile. Apply as a primer or add a few drops into your liquid blush and bronzer for added shine. Even on a no-makeup day, the Saie Glowy Super Gel will ensure your skin is glowing from within—or at least looks like it is.
Shades: 4
Finish: Radiant
What I Love: Lightweight; Non-comedogenic; Great for mixing into other products; Super natural; Hydrating; Multi-purpose
What I Don't: Slightly greasy feel
Review for MC: "I watched way too many influencers rave over the Saie Glowy Super Gel before finally getting my hands on it. Needless to say, I now understand the hype. It's my go-to for no-makeup-makeup days when my skin just needs a little oomph. And when I'm going in for a full glam, I love to use it as a primer under my foundation, so my skin doesn't lose its luminescence and youthfulness under layers of contour and blush." — Emma Aerin Becker, Freelance Beauty Writer
Emma Aerin Becker uses Saie Glowy Super Gel
Darlings, with a quick wave (or dot) of the Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Highlighter Wand, you'll be granted a glowing face just like magic. The sponge tip applicator ensures precise application, and the shimmering product inside is impressively buildable. I'm able to achieve a natural-looking yet utterly reflective glow with just a few dots. I find that blending this in with my fingers gives the most second-skin finish, but you can use a beauty blender, brush—whatever your heart desires.
Shades: 6
Finish: Shimmer
What I Love: Super buildable; Blurring effect on the skin; Multi-use; Precise sponge tip
What I Don't: Packaging leaks easily
Review for MC: "Believe me when I say that I have a stockpile of 40 Beauty Highlighter Wands in the shade Spotlight stuffed in my beauty cabinet. I wish I was lying, but god forbid I ever go a day without using it. I go pretty heavy—dabbing three generously-sized dots on each of my cheeks. It's the sole reason I get compliments on my skin—the glow is unmatched." — Samantha Holender, Senior Beauty Editor
Samantha Holender uses Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Highlighter Wand
Other Liquid Highlighters I Love
"I love all of the RMS highlighters and luminizers," says Aharon. "The one I use most often is the SuperNatural Radiance Serum Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen—both for small areas and all over. It just gives the prettiest glow." The tinted sunscreen provides a super sheer sheen while protecting your skin from UV rays, so you can glimmer in the sunlight without worrying about sun damage.
Shades: 3
Finish: Ultra-sheer shimmer
What I Love: SPF; Great for a natural glow; Includes niacinamide to brighten skin while you wear
What I Don't: Limited shades
Customer Review: "Never used this product before - kind of purchased it on a lark. I am soooo pleasantly surprised. I use it as foundation and sunscreen. Doesn't get oily, lasts all day when I use setting powder, and it has sunscreen. Win/win" — Dermstore.com
This month, Urban Decay released a waterproof liquid highlighter made for both the face and body. Everyone I know—including Aharon—is already obsessed. "It's a great option for longevity as it's waterproof and blends into the skin beautifully." There are eight shades ranging in both color and radiance. Bonus: it can also be used as a light-coverage foundation, body glow, eyeshadow topper, or mixed in with any product of your pleasing.
Shades: 8
Finish: Shimmer
What I Love: Waterproof; Multi-use; Large shade range; Long-wearing
What I Don't: Some reviewers find it too glittery depending on the shade.
Customer Review: "The Urban Decay Face Bond Luminizer Grow drops are AMAZING! I love how a little bit goes a long way and there isn’t a strong smell. The grow drops glide so smoothly across the skin! They add the right light glow to my face. The drops are just the right consistency but not too thin. The light coverage is just perfect! This is a must try!" — Sephora
While certain highlighters can emphasize fine lines, this one will actually blur them. The hydrating formula is packed with bamboo, pea extract, and glucosamine to promote firmer, smoother-looking skin. "It's the most stunning liquid shine in a tube," says Aharon. "It’s buildable and really hydrating, which is the seller for me."
Shades: 3
Finish: Radiant
What I Love: Anti-aging; Blurring; Moisturizing; Natural shine; Can be applied all over or on high points
What I Don't: Glow doesn't last very long, but can be reapplied throughout the day to boost skincare benefits
Customer Review: "This product is the bomb! I will not do my makeup unless I have the shade Brilliance and the brand's Cheek Gelee. I mix a little with my tinted moisturizer—in my palm, the warmth of my hand helps it blend the best. After application you will be astounded! When wearing product I look well rested and always receive compliments on how good I look. Not asked 'what kind of make up are you wearing?'" — Bluemercury.com
"This product was designed to be worn under foundation and also can be used to pinpoint certain features of the face after application," explains Dresher. "I love applying it to the tops of my cheekbones and prior to foundation as well." The muli-tasking highlighter is formulated with light-reflecting pearls for a subtle glow and hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin for 24 hours.
Shades: 2
Finish: Radiant
What I Love: Dual-action; Skincare ingredients; Hydrating
What I Don't: Very small shade range
Customer Review: "I love this product! It gives my skin such a pretty glow on its own or mixed with my foundation. I’m sensitive and have never broken out from it. I’ve bought it twice now and am still so happy with it!" — Sephora
Revlon recently released a face and body glow lotion that Oquendo is "obsessed with." So much so, that he used it on all of the models at the Christian Siriano Spring 2025 show during New York Fashion Week. "I applied the liquid highlighter on the face to highlight and all over the body to give my models an otherworldly shine," he explains. The product primes, luminizes and provides 24-hour hydration, wherever you choose to apply it. And it's under $10.
Shades: 4
Finish: Glittery shimmer
What I Love: Budget-friendly; Made for face and body; Multi-use; 24-hour hydration
What I Don't: Some reviewers find it too glitter-heavy
Customer Review: "I love to use this lotion as a light glowy base to give me some of my summer glow back during the colder months. For my face, I apply it like a light bronzer under my makeup and it just helps to give a nice subtle glow that looks like it is coming from my skin. I also like to use it on my chest and shoulders if I am wearing something with less coverage, I feel like it helps to just give more color and depth to the skin. I love using this during the colder months and during the warmer months when my tan is back it is going to enhance it and give such a nice summery glow! It is very easy to apply, not messy, and it dried quickly. The color is great, not orange at all on my skin tone. There isn't much of a smell at all." — Amazon
For an extra lightweight highlighter that's packed with skincare ingredients, Ilia is that girl. The serum-like formula has a thin, gel base that can be mixed with skincare or foundation or applied directly to the skin for a soft wash of glitter-free metallic glow. Marine actives help to firm and protect skin against free radicals and UV light, while mastic refines the skin’s texture to give a smooth and even appearance.
Shades: 3
Finish: Metallic glow
What I Love: Serum texture; Active skincare ingredients; Ultra-lightweight; Suitable for all skin types
What I Don't: Some reviewers complain it's too sheer
Customer Review: "The perfect low-lift addition to my makeup routine when I need an extra glow! You really just need a couple of drops and it's so light on the skin. I love to brighten my look with this midway through the day when I'm starting to look and feel tired." — Credobeauty.com
L'Oréal's Lumi Glotion is the best all-over liquid highlighter I've ever tried. The shimmering pigments not only provide a gorgeous glow when used for priming, but the hydrating lotion also boasts slight coverage to even out your skin tone. In the winter, I love to grab a slightly darker shade than my skin tone to give my face a sunkissed glow.
Shades: 5
Finish: Shimmer
What I Love: Natural finish; Budget-friendly; Hydrating; Multi-use
What I Don't: Gets greasy throughout the day
Customer Review: "This is the best product I've purchased from Ulta. I love using this lumi glotion for an everyday look instead of having to use foundation. It is easy to apply and I have one bottle for my skin tone then another bottle that is a shade darker than my skin tone to use as a bronzer. I definitely will repurchase when I run out." — Ulta.com
Formulated with niacinamide and hyper-reflective micro pearls, this hydrating liquid-gel absorbs quickly for a second-skin finish and delivers up to 24 hours of radiance and hydration. The pointed doe-foot applicator makes precise highlighting incredibly easy. As an added perk, with shades of pink and copper tones, the product could double as a luminous liquid blush and bronzer.
Shades: 6
Finish: Sheer glow
What I Love: Long-lasting; Precise applicator; Shade range; Natural finish
What I Don't: Some reviewers say the product doesn't mix well with their foundation
Customer Review: "This is the one thing that I will use every single day if I have to. It is literally a two in one and leaves the nicest and healthiest glow without making you look too pink." — Sephora
What to Look for in a Liquid Highlighter
Level of Glow
Liquid highlighters come in all different shapes and sizes. Some provide an intense shine, while others a more subtle dew. Regardless of how bold you want your glow, liquid highlighters should have a more opalescent hue to them rather than thick glitter.
Texture
Additionally, Dresher notes that "liquid highlighters should be pretty thin, so they can be multi-functional and be used to mix into foundations to thin them out, or change the finish of them." Aharon agrees that adaptability is key. "When choosing a liquid highlighter, I prioritize versatility—how well it layers with skincare and other makeup," she says.
Shades
"I consider the shade selection and finish to ensure it complements different skin tones and desired glow levels," says Aharon. Thankfully, the highlighters on my list all have at least three shade options.
How Should I Apply Liquid Highlighter?
The exciting part about liquid highlighter is that it can be applied in so many different ways. Because of the thin formula, you can mix it in with nearly any skincare, foundation, liquid blush, and liquid bronzer. It can even be applied as a liquid eyeshadow. However, Oquendo, Aharon, and Dresher all admit that sweeping on some liquid highlighter to the high points of the face with a fluffy brush is their absolute favorite method. This always includes the cheekbones and brow bones, but Oquendo loves popping a little extra on the "top of the ears and the bow of the lips."
While I'm partial to a heavy nose contour and highlight, Aharon tends to "avoid the nose and chin, as shine in the center of the face isn’t always flattering."
What's the Difference Between a Liquid Highlighters and an Illuminator?
They serve a similar purpose, but the key difference is in application. A highlighter is typically more pigmented and used for strategic placement on high points of the face. On the other hand, an illuminator is applied more liberally for an all-over glow and dewy finish. Illuminators also tend to be specifically formatted to go under or mixed into foundations.
Why Trust Marie Claire
Emma Aerin Becker is a beauty writer with rich experience writing about glowing skin and makeup, having written about moisturizers, hydrafacials, brow pencils, and glitter eyeshadows. She regularly contributes to Marie Claire, and has beauty trend experience with forecasting platform RealSelf.
Marie Claire is an authority on all things makeup, having written stories on the best liquid blushes, bronzers, eyeshadows, and more. The products on this list have all been tried and tested by one of our editors or hand-picked by professional makeup artists.
How We Tested
Our testing process merged long-time editor favorites with new discoveries. We asked the Marie Claire team to share which liquid highlighters they use in their daily lives, and tapped professional makeup artists to learn about their favorites. Finally, we called in additional 13 products for testing.
We evaluated each on glow levels, formula, shade range, pigment, and versatility. Our resulting pool comprised the 13 best liquid highlighters on the market.
Meet The Experts
Vincent Oquendo is a globally recognized makeup artist, known for his bold aesthetic and creative vision. Vincent’s red carpet clients include Kiernan Shipka, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Ariana DeBose, Nicole Richie, Jenna Ortega, Yara Shahidi, and Karla Sofía Gascón. Vincent emulates Old-Hollywood glamour with a dash of modern flare. In addition to the red carpet, Vincent works with photographers such as Alexei Hay, Cass Bird, Miguel Reveriego, and Ben Watts, and his work has been featured in Vogue, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, InStyle, W, and more. Vincent is the Brand Ambassador for LUMIFY Eye Drops.
Natalie Dresher is a celebrity and bridal makeup artist in Miami and New York. With many years of experience in her field, Natalie has become a trusted name in the beauty community. Working with brands like Saie Beauty, Revlon, Maybelline and Dibs she has a lot of experience working with our favorites under her wing.
Lisa Aharon is a New York-based, Vancouver-born makeup artist. She specializes in highlighting her clients’ natural beauty by creating flawless skin looks, working regularly with a wide variety of high-profile clientele, the likes of Rachel Brosnahan, Florence Welch, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Bock, and Anna Kendrick, among others. Her work lives in the pages of Cosmopolitan, L'Officiel, The New York Times, Elle, Schön! Magazine, et al, and Aharon has worked with major brands and photographers such as Ralph Lauren, David Yurman, Annie Leibowitz, and Jurgen Teller.
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