With summer’s glow fading by the minute, there’s no better time to fake lit-from-within winter skin. A strict bedtime routine of hydrating serums and ceramide-packed masks will help boost overall moisture levels—but perhaps nothing will provides that ethereal sheen quite like the right highlighter.
Liquid, powder, glitter or glimmer, it’s virtually foolproof and can be dabbed on anywhere, anytime—although most pros recommend tapping it onto the high planes of the face for supernatural skin in seconds. Here, six celebrity makeup artists share their favorite formulas for a healthy, luminous complexion year-round.
Chanel Poudre Lumière in Ivory Gold, AED 229, nordstrom.com
“One of my favorite highlighters is the Chanel Poudre Lumière because it’s buildable and adds the perfect amount of glow on the skin. I usually apply it right after foundation but before bronzers or blush [so it doesn’t] wash out the shade. For a light application, I use a feather brush, and for a bolder look, I like Pat McGrath Labs’s Buffer Brush. Places I like to focus on: cheekbones, nose bridge, chin, and right in the middle of the forehead, wherever I want light to reflect.”—Carola Gonzalez
Glossier Balm Dotcom, AED113 for set of three, netaporter.com; Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder Glow, AED184, sephora.ae
“My favorite highlighter isn’t actually a highlighter. I love to use an emollient balm on areas of the face, like the cheekbones and brow bones. It gives a very expensive, healthy-looking glow that reflects beautifully without any powdery or shimmery texture on the skin. Recently I’ve been loving the Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder Glow, which I sweep lightly across cheeks. It doesn’t leave a heavy-looking texture behind. Then I follow by patting a bit of lip balm right over it with my fingers. The reflection is heavenly.”—Mario Dedivanovic
Marc Jacobs Beauty Coconut Gel Highlighter in Fantasy, AED1 90, sephora.ae
“I love the Marc Jacobs Coconut Gel Highlighter. You can mix [with] your foundation or even sunscreen for the dewy look, and it also works for the body when used alone or blended with moisturizer.”—Hung Vanngo
Tom Ford Skin Illuminating Powder Duo in Moodlight, AED229, netaporter.com
“It’s universal and looks great on all skin tones and textures. I personally love swirling both colors together for the most radiant and perfect natural, balanced glow. If you want a major gleam, lightly mist your buffing brush with a facial water spray before applying the highlighter.”—Andrea Tiller
Kiehl’s Glow Formula Skin Hydrator, AED158.60, kiehls.ae
“My favorite formula by Kiehl’s because of its versatility. I like to use one or two pumps mixed in with foundation to create a natural filter and second-skin finish. [It works] under makeup as a primer or on top of makeup for added [luminosity] And I love it all over the body alone for a healthy sheen, perfect for red carpet or editorial.”—Nina Park
Dior Backstage Glow Face Palette, AED225, sephora.ae
“This Dior palette can be layered to look more subtle or to give a blinding glow—it’s very buildable, works on all skin tones, and I like to use the deepest copper shade as blush or contour. I also love Marc Jacobs Dew Drops because the product is so multipurpose. I can use it as primer—it leaves pearly luminosity on the skin—or I mix it right into foundation to make a non-glowy foundation glowy. And of course, I use it on top of foundation as a highlighter with a synthetic brush so it pops more!”—Nam Vo
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This article first appeared on Vogue.com
