Image: MomJunction Design Team
The best liquid highlighters give a radiant finish and a gorgeous glow to your skin. Each formula is different but can help you achieve a dewy complexion and rejuvenate dull skin. Liquid highlighters are easily blendable and suit every skin type. Besides making your skin glow, they also help accentuate your facial features to let you look bold and confident. Keep scrolling to find our list of makeup artist-approved liquid highlighters that help achieve a healthy and glowy finish and take your pick.
Top Picks
14 Best Liquid Highlighters For A Healthy Glow In 2024
1. Best Pigmentation: Wet n Wild MegaGlo Liquid Highlighter
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 7,109 positive reviews on Amazon are proof that this product meets customers' expectations.
Wet n Wild’s intensely pigmented formula is touted for its multi-dimensional shimmer effect. Formulated with micro-fine pearl pigments, murumuru seed butter, and vitamin E, this professional-grade liquid highlighter palette provides a smooth and delicate texture. It ensures an intense makeup look with a multi-shimmer glow. The grapeseed oil and other effective ingredients hydrate and smoothen the skin’s texture, giving you a radiant glow. Check out the video review here to learn more about how the product works.
Pros
- Helps sculpt, define, and highlight high points
- Suitable for all ages and skin tones
- Cruelty-free and vegan-friendly
- Buildable coverage
Cons
- Some may find it a little too shimmery
- May crumble over time
2. Best Long-Lasting: Elizabeth Mott Show Me Your Glow Shimmer Shadow And Highlighter
Elizabeth Mott Show Me Your Glow Shimmer Shadow And Highlighter is a versatile product that can add a subtle shimmer and glow to your eyes, cheekbones, and other facial features. The long-lasting liquid highlighter has a creamy texture that glides on smoothly and evenly and comes in multiple shades to suit different skin tones. Whether you’re going for a natural daytime look or a more dramatic nighttime look, it can give you visible results and help you flaunt that perfect look.
Pros
- Safe and gentle on the skin
- Easy to blend
- Suitable for all skin types
- Cruelty-free and vegan
Cons
- May not be suitable for very oily skin
- limited shade range
3. Best Two-In-One: Pai Skincare The Impossible Glow Bronze
Use this two-in-one glow bronze by Pai Skincare as a highlighter or add it to your body cream for an instant glow. Besides boosting luminosity, the liquid highlighter drop also hydrates and keeps your skin soft. Infused with hyaluronic acid, sea kelp, mica, and lemon fruit water, the bronze drops offer several skincare benefits, including brightening your skin, keeping it moisturized for a long duration, protecting the skin from losing hydration, and offering a deeper level of radiance. Additionally, you may also add these drops to a moisturizer or SPF-based lotions or creams.
Pros
- Vegan-friendly
- Blends well
- Smooth texture
- Free of parabens, GMOs, artificial colors, and dyes
- Formulated with clean ingredients
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- Consistency may be watery
"This liquid highlighter blends seamlessly on my skin, giving it a subtle bronze finish. The texture is silky, leaving a soft, sun-kissed radiance that looks great under both natural and artificial light. Additionally, application and removal are easy. I'm very happy with this clean, effective product."
Quick tip4. Best Silky: Maybelline New York Master Strobing Liquid Illuminating Highlighter
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Do not miss out on this product that has earned 742 positive reviews on Amazon.
The Maybelline New York illuminating liquid highlighter is a multi-functional illuminator that delivers diffused and overall highlighting for the ultimate glow. The silky formula with micro-fine pearls glides onto your skin and helps you enhance your features in multiple ways. It is available in varying shades for different skin tones and helps spotlight high points.
Pros
- Delivers results instantly
- Can give a strobing effect
- A little goes a long way
- Can be worn with foundation
Cons
- Tube may be tiny
- May be slightly darker than you expect
"This liquid highlighter gives me a natural, subtle glow and not the flashy Instagram highlight that doesn't suit my makeup style. It's easy to apply with my beauty blender and lasts all day. It's also great for layering a powder highlight for a more pronounced effect if desired."
5. Best With Featherlight Texture: The Beauty Crop Glow Milk Liquid Highlighter
Include this liquid highlighter by The Beauty Crop in your makeup kit for a healthy, dewy glow. Packed with coconut and argan oil, this liquid highlighter smoothens and hydrates the skin. It also minimizes aging signs by offering the right radiance. In addition, the highlighter creates a dreamy and dewy look. According to the testers’ experiences, the smooth texture of the Glow milk glides effortlessly on the skin. Take a look at the review video to learn about the application process.
Pros
- Featherlight texture
- Long-lasting formula
- Easy to use
- Doesn’t have glitter particles
- Does not feel sticky
- Moisturizing formula
Cons
- Bottle size may be smaller than expected
- May not blend with moisturizers
"Using the right amount of these highlighting drops transforms my skin to a sun-kissed glow. I quickly fell for this highlighter and have used it daily for three years. The applicator can be slightly messy, so I refrain from carrying it while traveling. The formula though, is great for my skin, and I recommend it!"
6. Best Fragrance-Free: Perricone MD No Makeup Highlighter
Infused with Chinese ginger plant extract and vitamin C Ester, the Perricone MD highlighter gets rid of dull skin and illuminates your skin, and these ingredients minimize the skin’s discoloration gradually. In addition, the tried-and-tested highlighter is scientifically formulated with light-reflecting pigment pearls, which evens out the skin tone. The blendable formula ensures even application, and you may apply this dewy liquid highlighter independently or mix it with a moisturizer.
Pros
- Has lightweight consistency
- Offers good coverage
- Does not feel patchy
- Fragrance-free formula
Cons
- Shade may differ slightly
- Quantity may be lesser than expected
"I'm glad I found this product. It adds a subtle, natural glow to my skin and is great for daily use. The highlighter blends easily and gives me a refreshed look, even when I'm pinched for time. It's a good staple for a minimal yet dewy makeup routine."
Beauty tip7. Best For Dewy Texture: E.L.F. Beautifully Bare Liquid Highlighter
With illuminating pigments proven to deliver visible results, this liquid highlighter offers a glowing and dewy complexion. You can use its pearlescent drops for strobing and highlighting and achieving a smoother skin texture. Enriched with vitamin E, this liquid highlighter is perfect for all skin types and tones. You can have a look at this video review and tutorial to know how the highlighter works.
Pros
- Offers a subtle shine
- Rich in antioxidant properties
- Stays on the skin for long
- A little goes a long way
- Gives a natural-looking glow
Cons
- May be slightly watery
"I enjoy using this illuminator. It lends a natural dewy glow to the skin. You can also apply it as a primer, under the foundation, as it leaves the skin looking healthy and radiant. Though some might prefer a more glittery finish, I love the soft glow that lasts all night."
8. Best For UV Protection: Ilia Liquid Light Serum Highlighter
Formulated with clean ingredients, the vegan liquid highlighter is a mix of organic and natural botanicals that has proven efficacy in offering a brightening and naturally dewy glow. Its serum-like consistency melts into the skin and ensures freshness with a soft touch and metallic glow. It also helps protect the skin from pollution and UV light. This highlighter is free of gluten, parabens, silicone, phthalates, sulfates, synthetic dyes, and artificial fragrances.
Pros
- Hydrolyzed algae helps control oil and bacteria
- Quick-drying formula
- Can be applied with a brush
- Cruelty-free
- Available in three colors
Cons
- Tube may be smaller than expected
- Some may not like watery texture
"I love the weightless feel of this product on my skin and its illuminating properties. Mix it with moisturizer, and the dewy look lasts even longer. And just one pump goes a long way and ensures long-lasting use."
9. Best With Super-Fine Pearls:Rare Beauty Positive Light Liquid Luminizer
Nourish your skin and get an instant glow with this celebrity-endorsed highlighter by Rare Beauty. A personal favorite of celebrity makeup artists, this highlighter comes with a blendable formula, making it suitable for sensitive skin and other skin types. It layers well on the existing makeup without creasing. Additionally, with the botanical blend of white water lily, gardenia, and lotus, the glow-enhancing liquid highlighter helps achieve smooth skin. Use it on dry skin to get visible results.
Pros
- Offers light coverage
- Infused with super-fine pearls for a natural shine
- Vegan-friendly
- Long-wearing formula
- Comes with a convenient applicator
- Dermatologist-tested
- Paraben-free
Cons
- May be less suitable for wrinkled skin
- Quantity may be lesser than expected
"The product's light formula offers a subtle shine and natural dewy glow. Although the wand could be better, blending it out provides great results. It can tend to look flaky if your skin isn’t properly hydrated, but when applied right, it gives a smoother, youthful appearance. It's great for long-term use, but don't overdo it as the pigment is blinding."
Point to consider10. Best For All Skin Tones: Petansy Teayason Liquid Highlighter
A must-have for your makeup kit, the liquid highlighter is a skin-enhancing formula with a smooth texture and buildable coverage. It helps provide a realistic shape and an intense look. Several reviewers say it is easily mixable and shines instantly while radiating the face and delivering an HD-shimmer effect. The fluorescent pigments of this liquid highlighter give the skin a moist and radiant look without any dryness. It works well for all skin tones and types. The buildable liquid highlighter formula also helps remove dark, uneven, pale, and lifeless shadows.
Pros
- Lightweight formula
- Comes in a portable bottle
- Easy to mix with foundation
- Can be used for stroboscopy and highlighting
Cons
- Tubes may be tiny
- May have a watery consistency
11. Best Blendable: Juicy Couture Bling Queen Liquid highlighter
Juicy Couture brings you this exclusive wear-it-everywhere liquid highlighter so that you can recreate your favorite celebrity-inspired look. It is a smooth, blendable, and buildable formula that helps you accentuate your facial features and highlight your sharper features. You can easily apply it over your cheekbone, eyes, or anywhere you want with your index finger and blend gently to get a perfectly shiny texture.
Pros
- Suitable for party looks
- A little goes a long way
- Easy to control the level of glow
- Apt for creating a lit-from-within effect
Cons
- Some may find it a little too shimmery
"The Juicy Couture Bling highlighter is indeed a touch of bling! Its creamy, rose gold color blends smoothly, and a tiny amount goes a long way. The product doubles as a cream eyeshadow, which has worked well for me. Great for a natural, peachy glow, this product is a staple for me now."
12. Best Dermatologist-Tested:L’Oreal Paris Makeup True Match Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer
Obtain a gorgeous glow with this glow enhancer by L’Oreal Paris. You may use this glow enhancer as a highlighter, to contour cheeks, or for an overall glow. Infused with glycerin and shea butter, this enhancer ensures continuous hydration. Wear it alone or blend it under the foundation for the desired look.
Pros
- Feels lightweight on the skin
- Fragrance-free
- Non-sticky formula
- Available in four shades
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- May be less suitable for oily skin
- May not offer full coverage
"The coverage can seem light to some, but it is buildable. This formula is suitable for daily use with your sunscreen, as it creates a naturally sun-kissed look without appearing artificial."
13. Best Buildable Formula: Iman Cosmetics Luxury Liquid Illuminator
Hop on to the glass skin trend with this multi-purpose liquid highlighter by Iman Cosmetics, which is buildable and helps you highlight your sharper features. It results in iconic and radiant skin for every skin tone and type. One to two drops of this radiant liquid highlighter is all you need to achieve a subtle glow.
Pros
- Easy to customize
- Suitable for eyes, cheeks, and lips
- Can be used with any beauty tool
- Comes in three types of shades
Cons
- May have a slightly thick consistency
14. Best With Shimmery Finish:Milani Strobe Light Liquid Highlighter
Pamper your skin with the Milani Strobe shimmery liquid highlighter. You may apply this highlighter independently on the targeted areas or blend it with your foundation to obtain radiance all over your face. The unique formula offers an impeccable shine and shimmer and makes the skin look dewy and healthy. In addition, the micro-pearl beads ensure easy blending.
Pros
- Little goes a long way
- Has no glitter particles
- Cruelty-free liquid highlighter
- Works great for medium to dark skin tones
Cons
- May be less suitable for sensitive skin
- Consistency may be slightly runny
"This highlighter is easy to use and also easy to remove. It gives my skin a beautiful, radiant look. The soft gold sheen, minus the sparkles, make it a versatile addition to any look. You may have to reapply it occasionally through the day, but the warm glow makes it worth it."
How To Choose The Right Liquid Highlighter?
Here are some factors you should consider while buying a liquid highlighter for your skin.
- Skin type: Pick a liquid highlighter based on your skin type and tone. It will help if you pick a hydrating highlighter in a liquid or creamy formula.
- Skin pores: If you have larger pores, pick a thicker highlighter to cover the pores perfectly and provide a smoother texture to your skin.
- Shade: Highlighters come mainly in two shades: pink and peach. A pink-colored highlighter is perfect for pale to light skin tones and even a medium skin tone. For medium to dark skin tones, highlighters with peach and gold shades are ideal.
- Ingredients: Check the ingredients before buying a liquid highlighter to protect your skin from allergies. Choose highlighters validated by leading dermatologists and with natural, clean ingredients, as they have numerous skincare benefits and no side effects on the skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How should I use a liquid highlighter?
Get a pea-sized drop of liquid highlighter on your finger. Dab the highlighter on your cheekbones, cupid’s bow, and nose bridge for an instant glow. Finally, blend the applied highlighter using your fingertips or a soft makeup sponge.
2. Should I apply a liquid highlighter before the foundation?
Liquid highlighters break down the foundation. Therefore, it is advisable to use a highlighter before applying foundation or mix a few drops of it with some moisturizer and apply it along with the makeup.
3. How long does a liquid highlighter last after application?
Depending on the brand, water- and sweat-proof highlighters can last up to twelve hours without fading or smudging.
4. Should I apply a highlighter over a concealer?
It can be better to apply a highlighter after concealing any existing spots and blemishes. Using a highlighter on natural skin can make skin imperfections stand out even more.
5. Are liquid highlighters washable?
You can remove liquid highlighters from your face with regular or oil-based makeup removers. However, if you need to remove highlighter stains from clothes, you can spot-clean with dish soap or detergent and warm water.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Poulami Nag, our in-house content writer and editor, loves all things skincare, beauty, and fashion. She likes testing new makeup products and experimenting with new looks. To bring you this specially curated list of the top liquid highlighters, she has gone through several customer testimonials and tried on some top-rated highlighters herself. She has also outlined a buying guide and answered a few of your common queries to help you get started.
The Bottom Line
The best liquid highlighters can be a game-changer if you have dry skin. They pack the right amount of glow and shimmer to give your makeup a dewy finish. When buying a liquid highlighter, make sure it is long-lasting and easily blendable so you don’t require constant touch-ups. Also, ensure the highlighter is formulated with natural ingredients and free of harsh chemicals to prevent irritation and acne breakouts. For example, you may consider the Ilia Liquid Light Serum Highlighter, as it is vegan and provides protection from UV rays, The Beauty Crop Glow Milk Liquid Highlighter for its quality ingredients, and the Rare Beauty Positive Light Liquid Luminizer for its fine pearls that offer a natural shine. We hope our list can help you understand the available options and choose one that meets your needs.
Infographic: How To Use Liquid Highlighters?
Liquid highlighters, with their fluid texture and glowy finish, offer a versatile and effortless way to enhance your natural glow. From a subtle glow to intense radiance, these liquid formulas create a luminous sheen that elevates your complexion. Refer to the infographic below to learn how to use liquid highlighters efficiently to achieve a flawless finish.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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