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7 of the best highlighters you need for the ultimate summer glow

04.06.2020

By Redzhanna Jazmin

7 of the best highlighters you need for the ultimate summer glow

Summer’s here (it actually never ends) and it’s time to look the part. If isolation and the MCO has left you a little duller, now is as good a time as any to reintroduce some life back into your cheeks. Granted, we can’t exactly go on a beach holiday right now (in case you forgot, the pandemic is still ongoing), so if you can’t get your summer glow organically, store-bought is fine.

Looking for a natural, dewy finish for the most convincing no-makeup makeup of your life? Or maybe you’re all for high-impact, high-vis glow? Perhaps you’re on the deeper side of the skin tone spectrum and you’re looking for your perfect match? Whatever you’re looking for, we have the highlight for you.

For that high-impact glow

Fenty Beauty Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter Duos

We couldn’t, in good conscience, talk about highlighters without mentioning literally everyone’s cult favourite. Queen Rihanna was not playing around with these Killawatt highlighters. The formula means big payoff with little product, so it’s really bang for your buck. The best part? There’s a shimmer for everyone—you can opt for a more neutral shade combo or just go wild with the colour.

Pat McGrath Labs Sublime Skin Highlighting Trio

Mother McGrath is renowned for her bolder-is-better looks, and this highlighter trio is an absolute necessity. It’s perfect for all but is especially radiant on deeper skin tones, with the Iridescent Pink shade being a particular stunner. The colour payoff is impressive and the satin finish is truly divine, but if that’s not enough to convince you then perhaps the head-turning packaging will.

For a little versatility

Marc Jacobs Beauty Dew Drops Coconut Gel Highlighter

This gel highlighter comes in two different shades and can be worn under or over foundation for an opulent glow. The formula may take a little getting used to, but its buildability sets it apart from the rest. It can be made as impactful or as subtle as you want, depending on how heavy-handedly you layer it on.

Dior Backstage Glow Face Palette

If you’re looking for multi-function, you’ve found it. This quad palette has both highlighter and blush, so you can get a truly rosy glow. There are two different shade options to choose from, plus its excellent texture and colour payoff truly makes it a must-have. Note: it’s better suited for fairer skin tones as the shimmer makes the shine quite icy.

For a natural, dewy finish

Decorté’s Dip in Glow Highlighter

Trick everyone into thinking you’re naturally *blessed* with healthy, dewy skin. The award-winning formula adds a fresh, natural glow to the skin without the hyper-artificial shimmer. The brand recommends you use their melty, blendable formula to sculpt the natural high points of the face and highlight your best features—it’s the perfect companion for your no-makeup makeup look.

For the subtle sheen

Chanel’s Baume Essentiel Multi-Use Glow Stick

Looking for a discreet, allover glow? Chanel’s Baume Essentiel has a blendable, moisturising formula that melts into the skin and subtly sculpts the face as it catches the light—and it’s also super easy to use (have we mentioned how much we love stick formulations?) A surefire winner!

For the contour enthusiast

Tom Ford Beauty Shade & Illuminate Face Palette

Why limit yourself to just one thing? Get bang for your buck with this 2-in-1 highlight and contour palette that’s perfect for touching up when you are on-the-go. The creamy consistency allows for seamless blending and the ultimate natural finish.

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