How to Choose a Highlighter: Discover Your Perfect Glow

Who Is Highlighter For?

Highlighter - sometimes called an illuminator or complexion enhancer - is for anyone who wants to bring a little more light back to their skin. It works by catching and reflecting light, thanks to finely milled pearlescent pigments that sit softly on the surface of the skin.

The result? A fresher, more radiant-looking complexion that feels healthy, smooth and naturally luminous. Whether you love a minimal, skin-first look or something more sculpted, highlighter fits seamlessly into any makeup routine.

How to Apply Highlighter

To get that flattering, lifted glow, apply your highlighter to the high points of the face - where light naturally hits. Think the tops of the cheekbones, the bridge of the nose, the brow bone and the cupid’s bow.

For a seamless, skin-like finish, liquid and cream formulas like the Rare Beauty Positive Light Liquid Luminizer are best gently tapped in with your fingertips. They melt into the skin and create a glow that looks almost like it’s coming from within.

If you prefer powders, the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder or the Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Wand can be swept on with a brush to create a softer, more diffused effect. Whichever texture you choose, the secret is to start light and build - a subtle glow always feels more modern and wearable.

How to Choose a Highlighter by Finish

For a Natural Radiance Boost

If you’re after an effortless, everyday glow, go for formulas that softly reflect the light without looking glittery. The Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Highlighting Gelée is perfect for this - it blends seamlessly into the skin and adds just the right amount of luminosity.

For a Warm, Golden Glow

Want that sun‑kissed look all year round? Golden-toned highlighters are your go‑to. The Benefit Cookie Highlighter delivers a soft golden sheen, while radiant formulas from YSL Beauty Highlighters add warmth and dimension to the complexion.

For a Soft, Luminous Veil

If you prefer something more subtle, finely milled powders are ideal for creating a delicate, all-over glow. The Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder is a favourite for blurring and enhancing the skin with a barely-there luminosity.

For a Dewy, ‘Wet-Look’ Finish

For that hydrated, glass-skin effect, cream and liquid highlighters are key. Lightweight options like the Tarte Glow Tape Liquid Highlighter or the Sephora Collection Gleam & Go Liquid Highlighter create a glossy, fresh finish that looks especially beautiful on bare or minimal skin.

How to Choose the Right Highlighter for Your Skin Tone

The right shade makes all the difference when it comes to keeping your glow looking seamless. Fair skin tones tend to suit champagne, pearl or soft pink highlights, while medium and olive tones are beautifully enhanced by peachy and golden hues.

For deeper complexions, richer golds and warm bronze shades work best, adding depth and radiance without looking chalky. If you’re unsure, choosing something close to your natural skin tone is always a safe and flattering place to start.

How to Choose the Right Texture for Your Skin Type

Oily or Combination Skin

Powder highlighters are often the easiest to wear, adding glow without tipping into excess shine. They also tend to last longer throughout the day.

Dry Skin

Cream and liquid formulas are your best friend here. They blend effortlessly into the skin and help maintain a smooth, hydrated finish without clinging to dryness.

Normal Skin

If your skin feels balanced, you can play with both finishes - it really comes down to personal preference and the look you want to achieve.

What Else Can You Do with Highlighter?

The Takeaway

Highlighter is all about enhancing what’s already there. The right formula, texture and tone will work with your skin and not sit on top of it giving you that effortless, lit-from-within glow.

Whether you keep it soft and subtle or go a little bolder, there’s no wrong way to glow.

By Sephora UK Makeup Editorial Team

Writers and experts

Updated: 28 May 2026