The key to achieving the enduring K-beauty-born dewy skin trend is as much about the hydrating skincare as it is the luminous makeup – and when it comes to the latter, a liquid highlighter is the most important tool in your cosmetic bag.
Applied on the cheekbones, to the tip of the nose, temple and cupid’s bow, liquid highlighters are favoured by those looking for a natural lit-from-within glow that is easy to blend and more forgiving in their buildable application.
How do you apply liquid highlighter?
According to Laura Mercier’s Makeup Artist and National Education and Events Manager, Jess Kohn, “Adding a dot or two of the product to the highest point of your cheekbone, and then lightly tapping it along the cheekbone itself with a finger will allow for a seamless blend”. She spotlights the Laura Mercier RoseGlow Liquid Highlighter that comes with “a built-in sponge applicator, allowing you to have full control of the amount of product being used and its placement”.
The easiest way to approach your liquid highlighter placement is to consider the high points of the face - these luminous formulas will enhance the natural features. Alongside the cheekbone as mentioned by Kohn above, consider also placing a dot on the cupid’s bow aka the centre of your top lip, the inner corners of the eyes to make them sparkle, the bridge of the nose and the brow bone. Avoid the T-zone as this can cause the complexion to appear oily.
Can you put liquid highlighter over powder?
“The simple answer is yes”, reveals Kohn. She cautions though that “there is a risk that when putting a cream over a powder the two products may not blend together, resulting in a patchy finish. For a tried and tested method, apply all of your liquid or cream-based products on top of each other so the formulas can melt together to give your desired finish. If you want added longevity from your liquid highlighter, you try dusting a small amount of powder highlight with a fan brush on top to lock it in and add that added gleam”.
Professional makeup artist Emily Wood agrees but explains “For true compatibility, the trick is to tap, not swipe. Use the warmth of your fingers to apply the liquid highlight, and gently press the product into your skin to blend seamlessly. If it feels like it’s not blending, a quick spritz of Revolution’s Superfix Setting spray on a sponge can work magic. It’s less about rules and more about working in light layers and being patient with your blend”.
How do you find the right shade of liquid highlighter?
“My advice would be to aim for a shade that matches the undertone in your skin”, says Laura Mercier’s expert. “For example, if you have a warm, golden complexion, gold tones will likely be the most flattering option. If you have a cooler undertone in your skin, a highlighter with a similar palette will compliment you best”. For the latter, eye up pearlescent or silver.
She continues, “When highlighting we are aiming to draw attention to a certain area by making it appear lighter and brighter, so choosing a product that is a shade or two lighter than your skin tone will add dimension to the skin in a flattering and natural way”. Wood adds, “If the goal is for a natural finish, find something that feels like an extension of your skin, apply it to your skin and step into natural light to see how it reflects off you”.
Shop the best liquid highlighters below
VIEVE Skin Dew
Boosted with skin-loving ingredients that you’ll recognise from the products in your bathroom cabinet, the VIEVE Skin Dew glides onto the skin, imparting a glossy radiance with each dot. There is squalane for hydration, sunflower seed oil to calm inflammation and sacha inchi which is rich in omega fatty acids. Last but not least is antibacterial papaya fruit extract.
Not greasy but simply moisturising, it imparts an immediate glow on the high points of the face thanks to light-reflecting pigments.
Buy now £24.00, Cult Beauty
ICONIC London Illuminator
The ICONIC London Illuminator has been a fixture in my makeup bag for many years now. You only need a small amount. Just a few drops from the pipette make a huge, glowy impact. The finish is almost metallic and will help you create glass skin-like shine.
There are four shades with pink tones as well as bronze to suit all skin tones.
Buy now £32.00, lookfantastic
Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Wand
Charlotte calls these wands “diva lights” and it’s no wonder, because you’ll look like you’re headed straight for the red carpet with one just swipe. It has a gorgeous blendable, creamy formula that really looks as if you’re underneath the Hollywood lights.
The Light Wand contains Glow Gel - a specialised ingredient that enhances skin’s luminosity and gives it a gloss-like finish. There are also brightening pigments and Lindera Extract to mimic the actual look of lights. It comes with a soft cushion applicator, so it’s easy to apply and carry on the go.
Buy now £29.00, Cut Beauty
Pai The Impossible Glow
If you’re on the hunt for that lit-from-within glow, look no further. Pai’s founder Sarah formulated this after being unable to use products due to her sensitivities, so the skincare benefits are amazing. This is a rich bronze which suits all skin tones. It’s totally customisable too, whether you want to apply it directly onto the skin or mix it into your foundation or moisturiser - the possibilities are endless.
It contains hero ingredients hydrating hyaluronic acid and sea kelp as well as vitamin C-rich lemon water to boost your radiance even further. Glowing goddess, here we come.
Buy now £19.00, lookfantastic
Refy Gloss Highlighter
Refy’s cult highlighter does what it says on the tin, imparting a glossy glow wherever you put it. This is the one I turn to when I want to go for body sheen, too, just adding a little to my moisturiser and smoothing it on.
Buy now £18.00, Refy
Rare Beauty Positive Light Liquid Highlighter
Selena Gomez’s entire Rare Beauty range is sublime — and this highlighter is no different. It adds lustre, but still manages to blend into skin just so. Her products frequently sell out so if you like the look of this one, snap it up, pronto.
Buy now £24.00, Sephora
Lisa Eldridge Beauty Elevated Glow Highlighter
Conceived by the A-Lister favourite make-up artist Lisa Eldridge, this highlighter really mimics that healthy glow very well, and can be applied under or over base.
Buy now £27.00, Selfridges
Gucci Beauty Illuminateur de Beauté Liquid Highlighter
Gucci’s beauty collection is always at the forefront of the latest buzzed-about cosmetics agenda. Much like the fashion arm of the iconic Italian house, it plays a huge part in setting the aforementioned trends. So if you need any more of a sign that luminosity is here to stay, you only need to look to its latest launch, the Illuminateur de Beaute.
This is the first liquid highlighter to join Gucci’s line-up and there is just one universal shade. The brand is likely best known for its floral fragrances housed in beautifully adorned botanical-embellished bottles or lipstick with pigments as sought-after as its packaging.
With a droplet applicator, this product is designed to be multi-use. First and foremost, the hugely nourishing formulation brings instant hydration. Next comes the illumination. This is created with a combination of ultra-fine luminous pearls and black rose extract.
The formula is very lightweight as soon as you glide it over the complexion. It has a subtle rose gold sheen that is incredibly flattering on my sun-parched skin, giving an immediate bronzed glow. It’s almost serum-like in its thinness but is buildable so you can easily control the level of illumination. It sits nicely under or over base products without balling, enhancing any dewy look with a just-left-the-beach finish.
Buy now £37.00, John Lewis
Laura Mercier RoseGlow Liquid Highlighter
Application is a breeze with the Laura Mercier RoseGlow Liquid Highlighter which comes complete with a sponge-ended tip to dab on the illuminating formula and blend out with ease.
In either of the three colourways - champagne pink, gold glow or peach bronze, the swipe of the product imparts a glimmery sheen that provides an effortless glow to add dimension to your makeup look. It is enriched with oils that encourage the hue to glide onto the skin and lock in place for all-day shine.
Buy now £30.00, lookfantastic
