11 best liquid highlighters for that effortless ‘lit from within’ glow
There are many ways through which you can achieve glowy skin, but nothing makes it as effortless and seamless as liquid highlighters. Sure, powdery formulas have long been a cult-favourite (Becca Champagne Pop, we're looking at you), but there's no denying that liquid makeup products offer something ~different~.
Liquid highlighters can be just as pigmented and blinding as their powdery counterparts, all while being extremely easy to build and blend with the rest of your complexion products. The best part? There's plenty of options on a more natural side that look great even when applied on bare skin – perfect for the days when you want your skin to look just a tad healthier and more radiant.
Best liquid highlighters at a glance – our top picks:
- Best liquid highlighter overall: Rare Beauty Positive Light Liquid Luminizer, £24, Space NK
- Best pigmented liquid highlighter: Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Beauty Light Wand, £30, Charlotte Tilbury
- Best lightweight liquid highlighter: Saie Glowy Super Gel, £22, Cult Beauty
- Best affordable liquid highlighter: NYX Professional Makeup Born to Glow Liquid Illuminator, Amazon
I converted to team liquid highlighter not so long ago, but once I did – I never looked back. I'm all for reducing the amount of time that it takes for me to get ready, especially on office days when I only have less than 15 minutes to do my usual everyday look. And nothing cuts down my makeup routine better than opting for liquid and creamy formulas.
Out of all products I've tried, I found that liquid highlighters are the most versatile. They're one of those multi-task makeup products that you can use in every way possible to get your most dewy, “glazed”-looking skin yet. Personally, I love mixing a few drops in my foundation for an all-over glowy finish, dabbing a bit on the high points of my cheeks and even popping a bit on top of my eyelids for a glossy look.
Some darker shades can even be used as bronzing drops, while others can work as body highlighters (hi, REFY Body Glow) – ideal for when you want to channel your inner bronze goddess. Long story short, there's no limit as to how you can apply a liquid highlighter. Simply experiment and find out your favourite way to glow.
To help you narrow down your pick, we've put together a handy guide of the very best liquid highlighters that the beauty market has to offer – from affordable finds to premium buys, trending bits and the all-time classics that stood the test of time. Plus, a few newer releases that have just landed on the GLAMOUR beauty desk earlier this year. So read up and get glowing.
Behold, your glow-giving roundup of the best liquid highlighters for glazed skin…
Rare Beauty Positive Light Liquid Luminizer
Why we love it: This liquid highlighter from Selena Gomez's Rare Beauty is dewy, lightweight, long-lasting and designed to work for all skin tones and skin types. The best part is that its formulation contains a botanical blend of white waterlily, gardenia and lotus, which helps to nourish and soothe the skin with each application.
Looking for some extra savings? Check out our Space NK discount codes to save while you shop for the best liquid highlighters.
Why we love it: Iconic? You bet. A cult favourite among both celebrities and makeup artists, this best-selling liquid highlighter is incredibly versatile – you can mix it in with your favourite foundation, moisturiser or even primer anytime you're in the mood for an easily customisable glossy finish.
Check out our LookFantastic discount codes to save money when shopping for the best liquid highlighters.
Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Beauty Light Wand
Why we love it: Inspired by Hollywood filters, Charlotte Tilbury's liquid highlighter provides a high gloss, soft-focus finish that makes your skin look as if it's glowing from within. Its rose gold pigments help create a sun-kissed look too – plus, did we mention that it has a vegan and cruelty-free formula?
e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter
Why we love it: Available in 8 different shades to match every undertone, this liquid highlighter can be worn on its own, mixed in with your favourite products or applied over the top of your makeup look. It also has a hydrating formula, thanks to ingredients such as squalane and hyaluronic acid.
Make sure to check out our Amazon discount codes to save money at checkout.
NYX Professional Makeup Born to Glow Liquid Illuminator, Amazon
Why we love it: Looking for an affordable drugstore product that can elevate your makeup without breaking the bank? Say no more. All you need to do is get your hands on this highlighter and dab it on your cupid's bow, brow bones, collarbones and all the high points of your face in order to create some extra luminosity.
Make sure to check out our Amazon discount codes.
KIKO Milano Glow Fusion Highlighting Drops
Why we love it: This glow highlighter from KIKO Milan is the perfect skin enhancer – it comes infused with reflective pearls for a shimmery boost as well as a non-comedogenic formula that helps maintain that coveted ‘glass skin’ look. Definitely one worth adding to your wishlist.
Make sure to check out our Amazon discount codes.
Pai Skincare The Impossible Glow
Why we love it: This face highlighter does exactly what is says on the tin – it provides an impossibly irresistable dewy glow that's bound to catch everyone's eye. And thanks to a hydrating formulation that contains hyaluronic acid, sustainable sea kelp and vitamin C-rich lemon fruit water, you can be sure that it's designed with dry skin in mind.
Make sure to check out our Amazon discount codes.
Saie Glowy Super Gel, Cult Beauty
Why we love it: Forget old-school powder highlighters and cream highlighters – this water-based product puts them all to shame. Perfect for mixing in with your favourite lotion, moisturiser or SPF cream, it accentuates the high points of the face and creates a natural glow with ease.
Check out our Cult Beauty discount codes to save money when shopping for the best liquid highlighters.
Why we love it: Liquid highlighters aren't just for your face. In fact, this body glow product is designed to be applied to your collarbone, decolletage and shoulders and features a refreshingly moisturising formula that glides on and gives you the most perfect glowing skin. What more could you ask for?
Why we love it: Nobody can resist a multi-tasking glow tint that suits all skin tones and skin types perfectly. This lightweight illuminator melts into your skin with ease, delivering skincare-esque benefits with ingredients such as papaya fruit extract, shea butter, argan oil and squalane. 10/10, would recommend.
Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Highlighting Fluid
Why we love it: This product from Chanel is one of the best highlighters around for a good reason. It stays on your face for up to 8 hours at a time comfortably and gives it a lit-from-within glow that's bound to become the talk of the town. Perfect for a highly sophisticated look.
