Face Illuminators

Face Illuminator is a beauty staple to achieve that subtle yet extraordinary glow right after your makeup. It reflects light to make your makeup look flawlessly luminous. It adds an overall glow to your skin. However, it is all subtle and natural.

Highlighter vs Illuminator

Both highlighter and illuminator add glow to the skin. So, are they the same? If not, how are they different? Well, there are a few features that set highlighters and illuminators apart.

• A highlighter focuses on the high points of your face to attract light and accentuate the bone appearance whereas, an illuminator can be used all over the face to impart a luminous glow.
• Highlighters are lighter in color but Illuminators always contain a hint of glimmer.
• Highlighters are well-pigmented and hence, give a bolder appearance all on their own. Illuminators can be applied alone, mixed with foundation, or over it for the desired effect.
• Highlighters impart an intense look whereas illuminators add a natural and subtle glow.
• Moreover, you can always use an illuminator as your highlighter. For this purpose, apply the illuminator only on the high points of your face for a natural, glowing look.

Types of Illuminators

Illuminators are available in different formulas. Liquid illuminators can be mixed with a liquid foundation or moisturizer for a natural finish. Or else, you can always wear the illuminator after your foundation and blend well for perfection. Liquid illuminators provide a soft, natural-looking glow. Cream illuminators are available in stick or pencil forms. It can be mixed with the foundation or can be layered over the foundation for a flawless look. Sweep and blend, you are ready to roll. Powder illuminators can be used as a setting powder with a fan brush. It provides a long-lasting finish. Dab it gently over your makeup for a naturally dewy appearance.

How To Use An Illuminator

• Choose the right product based on your skin type, skin concern, and desired coverage. Briefly read through the ingredients to understand if the product is suitable for your skin type.
• Choose bronze or golden shades of illuminators for dark and olive skin tones.
• Choose pink or pearl shades of illuminators for fair skin tones.
• Apply the illuminator on the cheekbones after applying the foundation.
• Apply it down the bridge of the nose, chin, forehead, and upper lips.
• Blend in using an appropriate brush or sponge.

Best Liquid Face Illuminators

• NARS Illuminator in Orgasm
• Benefit Cosmetics High Beam Liquid Face Highlighter
• Maybelline Master Strobing Liquid Illuminating Highlighter
• Urban Decay Naked Skin Highlighting Fluid in Aura
• NYX Professional Makeup Away We Glow Highlighter

Best Powder Face Illuminators

• Milani Cosmetics Baked Luminous Glow Highlighter
• NARS Highlighting Powder
• Benefit Cosmetics Cookie
• E.l.f. Cosmetics Studio Baked Highlighter
• Fenty Beauty Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter
• Anastasia Beverly Hills Sundipped Glow Hills
• Maybelline New Your Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter

Best Stick Face Illuminators

• Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Highlighter
• Cover Fx Enhance Click Stick
• NYX Bright Idea Illuminating Stick
• Maybelline Master Strobing Stick
• L’Oreal paris Infallible Shaping Stick

Best Face Illuminator For Oily Skin

• Revlon Photo Ready Skinlights Face Illuminator
• Wet n Wild Megaglo Highlighting Powder
• Maybelline New York Gigi Hadid Strobe Cream
• Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette
• Becca Cosmetics Shimmering Skin Perfector

Best Natural Face Illuminators

• BareMinerals BarePro Glow Highlighter

Best Face Illuminator Without Shimmer

• Chanel Les Beiges Sheer Healthy Glow Highlighting Fluid
• E.l.f. Jelly Highlighter
• Rare Beauty Positive Light Liquid Luminizer Highlight
• BareMinerals Endless Glow Pressed Highlighting Powder