Chrissy Tiegan, Jourdan Dunn and Gigi Hadid are proof of the power of precise highlighter application
Credit: @Patrickta; Getty Images; @hadidnews

While the pursuit of dewy, lit-from-within skin starts with a subscribed skincare routine of serums, oils and exfoliators – cheating a great skin day with some strobing products certainly doesn’t hurt. From powder and liquid to cream sticks and concealers that bounce light – the bevvy of illuminating products available is copious and can be overwhelming.

Credit: Instagram @romeestrijd

We asked make-up artist and L’Oréal Paris Makeup Director for Australia, Tobi Henney to demystify the difference between creating light-catching features and full-blown disco ball skin. Highlighter rookie? Henney suggests starting with creams before graduating to powders. 

“Powder illuminators can accentuate fine lines if not used correctly, so I always recommend starting with creamy highlighters that you can avoid going overboard with,” says Henney.
As for placement, precision is key. “Keep illuminators to the tops of the cheekbones, bridge of the nose, cupids bow and inner eye,” she says. “But for a foolproof glow, mix a little liquid illuminator into your foundation for beautiful glowing skin.”

RIMMEL, Good to Glow Highlighter un Soho Glow, $12.95. SHOP NOW
TOM FORD, Shimmer Shot in Spin Spin Sugar, $66. SHOP NOW
NYX, Born To Glow Liquid Illuminator in Sunbeam, $14.95. SHOP NOW

BENEFIT COSMETICS, Watt’s Up! Highlighter, $53. SHOP NOW
MARC JACOBS BEAUTY, Glow Stick Glistening Illuminator, $38. SHOP NOW

Click-top highlighting sticks can be used to simultaneously brighten shadows under the eyes and bounce light off the tops of cheekbones. If you are up for promotion to powder illuminators, up the accuracy of application via a small, fluffy brush that will let you build up light in layers. Here’s to bright days and lit-up nights ahead.

YVES SAINT LAURENT, Touche Eclat Slogan Edition, $63. SHOP NOW
L’OREAL PARIS, Lumi Magique Touch of Light Highlighter, $27.95. SHOP NOW
Estee Lauder, Double Wear Brush-On Glow BB Highlighter, $40. SHOP NOW

La Mer, THE ILLUMINATING POWDER, $230. SHOP NOW

Laura Mercier, ‘Fall in Love Face’ Illuminator Collection, $65. Available exclusive in Sephora stores from November 18th

DIOR, Diorific Poudrier Splendor, $110. SHOP NOW

STILA, Star Light, Star Bright Highlighting Palette, $57. SHOP NOW