Best Finds: Seven highlighters that look fantastic in natural light
If there’s one thing that I changed in my beauty routine in the past year, it’s to rely less on contour and focus on highlights. I used to regularly hit pan on my contour powders but I’ve since changed my makeup look to focus on glowy skin. I love how a touch of well-placed highlighter can instantly brighten my face and make me feel like the star of a Kdrama! It’s also perfect for days when I feel gloomy or lack sleep. as it makes me look alive and put together. However, some highlighters look great on camera but too much for real life. If you want something that’s more subtle and natural-looking, we’ve put together some picks to suit every kind of budget!
EB Advance Glow Out Highlighter in Strobe (P299 from department stores)
This highlighter has a creamy powder texture that is easily applied with a brush or with fingers. It’s not as glowy as the other products on this list, but it delivers just enough shimmer to make you look fresh and put together. Strobe is a champagne color that would work for most people but it’s also available in Candlelight for deeper skin tones.
Sunnies Face Glow Boss Shimmer Stick in Hey Girl (P495 from Sunnies Face)
Another champagne shade but in a stick form, this highlighter gives a subtle glow that needs to be built up. The cream formula also doesn’t quite set so it’s best to set this with a powder highlighter or regular powder on top.
Happy Skin Color Play Multi-Use Mousse in Stardust (P599 from Happy Skin)
This highlighter is what you need if you love the look of glass skin! It gives a dewy glow that looks, almost wet, with no obvious glitter. It also has a cool opal shade that flatters any skin tone, and it just captures the light incredibly well.
Revlon Colorstay Endless Glow in Citrine (P775 from department stores)
Though this highlighter comes in liquid form, the formula feels dry and long-lasting, which seems perfect for oilier skin types. There are five shades available but Citrine is our favorite because it has an iridescent sheen that looks a bit lilac. Be careful though - this is very pigmented so a little goes a long way, and you can build up the product for a more blinding highlight!
Colourpop Supershock Highlighter in Wisp ($8 from Colourpop)
I had to get this highlighter when I saw it on Angela after the PV team’s Colourpop haul. This highlighter looks so wet on my skin, and its golden tones complement my warm skin tone. The pigment needs to be built up though, and the jelly powder consistency makes it a bit of a challenge to apply. My tip is to use a flat foundation brush to pack it on.
Bobbi Brown Highlighting Powder in Afternoon Glow (P2,650 from Bobbi Brown)
This highlighter’s rose gold shade doubles as a blush when several layers are applied, but a light application results in a subtle but dewy glow. It’s also very pigmented so you won’t need to put much effort to building up a gorgeous highlight.
Pat McGrath Skin Fetish Highlighting Balm Duo in Nude (P3,100 from Sephora)
Of the products in this list, this highlighter definitely has the most skin-like finish. However, this highlighter can be a bit tricky to use as it has a balm on one end and a highlighter on the other. Wear the highlighter alone for a shimmery highlight, just the balm for a dewy look, or layer the two to get the best of both worlds! You do have to be careful with application as applying it directly from the stick can cause your face base to move. Use your fingers or a brush instead.
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette in Radiant Light (P2,900 from Sephora)
Strictly speaking, these aren’t highlighters but finishing powders, so you can apply them all over your face a “lit from within” effect. It’s a great option if you want a very subtle effect - Radiant Light has a golden warmth that can be built up for effect. Use clean fingers to lightly pat it along the cheekbones.
What’s your favorite off-cam highlighter? Which one of these seven do you like best?
Photography by Nicole Quindara
