Highlighter: Which Illuminator Is Right for You?

Highlighter is a godsend, but with so many options, it can be somewhat daunting picking the one that's right for you.
Sure, we all intend to look like Jourdan Dunn (dewy, well-rested and youthful) when we set out to apply highlighter, but unless you're using one that makes sense for your life—you're not reaping all of the glow-y goodness you deserve. For instance, if you're a no-fuss kind of girl, you should avoid a multi-step palette at all costs. Opposite, however, goes for those who dedicate a good chunk of time to their morning makeup routine. 
To find the highlighter that works for you, Check below: 

Chances are that somewhere, in the depths of your makeup bag, exisits a makeup highlighter of some sort. But is it the right product for you? For instance, if you're in a rush you might want to use a swipe-on stick instead of a full-on highlighter-and-contour palette. The struggle is real—keep checking to make sure you've got the best one for you.  
  
Whether you're against fake baking in general or you're simply in between tanning appointments, this sheer fluid comes in a variety of tones that suit all skin types. Pick the one that's a few shades darker than your natural color, mix it in with your foundation and there you have it—instant color. You won't be sorry. 
 Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer, $75
 
We all have those mornings: You know, when you're rushing out the door and have to resort to haphazardly doing your makeup in the car. If you don't want to deal (but also don't want to look like a zombie), quickly swipe this easy-to-apply stick to the high points of your face and you're good to go in mere minutes. 
 Glossier Haloscope in Quartz, $22
 
Most of the time you want a highlighter to give you a healthy, natural-looking glow, but other times you want something a bit more dramatic. This brand-new holographic-inspired version slides on metallic (in a mesmerizing and magical way). It looks good alone on your lids but it's also vexing on the high points of your face if you're really doing it up—say for a night in Vegas.
 Milk Makeup Holographic Stick, $28
 

If you're a makeup kind of girl but you're conscientious about the kind of ingredients that you put on your skin, this one's for you. It's made with Aragan oil, so it's mositurizing but also leaves a shimmery finish that's on par with other top sellers.  
Josie Maran Argan Enlightenment Illuminizer, $26
 

Just because you're on a budget doesn't mean you have to nix products like illuminator from your repertoire. Besides, this one comes highly recommended by celeb makeup artist Julianne Kaye, who mixes it with foundation and even with lotion, which she puts all over her body for a nice sheen. Nice. 
Revlon Photo Ready Skin Lights Face Illuminator, $7.54
 

No one has perfect skin, but if you're especially blemish prone (or maybe it's just that time of the month), this highlighter will magically buff away imperfections. It's a favorite of celeb makeup artist Suzie Kim. She says it's the finely-milled texture that helps to smooth out the skin. Sold. 
Hourglass Ambient Strobe Lighting Powder, $38
 

You might be hungover. You might be working extra late at the office. Whatever the reason that you're missing out on ZZZs, it's going to show on your face. Do some damage control by enlisting this long-standing MUA favorite. Just click the pen and dab and blend under your eyes—those bags will be history, guaranteed.  
Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat, $42
 

The name speaks for itself, so use your imagination. Mix this pink-y shade with your foundation or layer it over-top for an all over flush. Pro tip: It looks extra sexy at night layered over your going out makeup. 
Nars Super Orgasm, $30
 

You're a makeup pro, so much so that you friends call you the contour queen. But just because you know your way around a makeup brush doesn't mean that your selfie-ready face couldn't use a little shimmer. This kit's not for beginners, so jazz up matte makeup only if you know your stuff. 
Anastasia Beverly Hills Glow Kit, $40
 

This one's sold out, unfortunately, so you'll basically have to be a celeb yourself if you plan to get your hands on it. It lives up to the hype, though, the highlighter-balm combo is the stuff your dewy skin dreams are made of. 
Pat McGrath Skin Fetish, $72