When it comes to highlighters, we want a multidimensional, micro pearl-packed product that delivers an otherworldly glow. And we want it to look as good in natural light as it does on Instagram.
The right liquid highlighter shade can awaken skin, taking it from dull and lifeless to opalescent and dewy. However, the wrong shade can look fake, wash you out and come across as dirty or ghoulish. Not exactly the stuff #highlighteronfleek is made of.
Liquid highlighter formulas tend to be easier to blend than powder highlighters and they have the effect of melting into skin so the opalescent glow looks like it’s radiating from within. For a next-level glow, you can even layer liquid formulas under powder highlighters.
But first, it’s important to find the best liquid highlighter for your skin tone. Sue Katz, co-founder of AmazingCosmetics, suggests looking for a shade that closely matches your skin tone if you’re looking for a subtle highlight. For fair complexions, whitish or light gold colors work best, like AmazingCosmetics Illuminate Primer + Highlighter in Glow ($35). Medium and tan complexions benefit from pink or peachy shades, while those with deeper complexions should play around with gold and bronze.
Above, we’ve rounded up the most flattering liquid highlighter shades for all skin tones.
[ Next: The Definitive Guide to Where and How to Apply Highlighter ]
The Best Liquid Highlighters for All Skin Tones
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Fair Skin
Cover FX Shimmer Veil in Celestial, $28 at Sephora
This versatile, crease-proof highlighter in the Celestial shade has a glistening pearl finish to enliven pale complexions. For an otherworldly glow, dab on eyes and lips.
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Fair Skin
BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector Liquid Highlighter in Pearl, $41 at BECCA
Pearly and icy are highlighter buzzwords for those with pale skin. This is the lightest shade in BECCA's extensive highlighter collection and it delivers a dewy, radiant finish that will wake up skin.
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Fair Skin
Too Faced Bottle of Unicorn Tears Mystical Highlighter Drops, $30 at Too Faced
Too Faced's highlighter drops are highly coveted thanks to the holographic bottle and the fact that the product is inspired by the brand's iconic Unicorn Tears lipstick. The multifunctional liquid can be mixed with foundation or moisturizer or applied straight to skin. The icy, holographic finish is pure unicorn goals and does wonders for pale complexions.
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Olive Skin
Maybelline FaceStudio Master Strobing Liquid Illuminating Highlighter in 200 Medium/Nude Glow, $9.99 at Ulta Beauty
Get your glow on with this flattering liquid highlighter. This "nude glow" shade has been specifically designed for medium skin tones. The illuminating formula contains micro pearls that add a soft warmth to olive complexions.
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Olive Skin
Make Up For Ever Star Lit Liquid in 4 Golden Peach, $24 at Make Up For Ever
Peach is one of the hero hues for brightening olive skin. This golden peach liquid highlighter comes in a nail polish-like package. The fine brush makes it easy to apply the shimmering product to areas large and small. Don't let the bottle fool you as the liquid highlighter has a sheer, water-based formula that can be built up for a powerful pearlescent finish.
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Olive Skin
Tom Ford Skin Illuminator in Fire Lust, $50 at Nordstrom
This shade is fire. After all, it's inspired by the look of skin bathed in summer evening light. The result is a flattering peach-pink liquid. It looks beautiful on all complexions and imparts a natural sun-kissed (read: not muddy) finish to olive skin. The micronized pearls deliver shine as opposed to disco sparkle for an incandescent result. Think of it as a very flattering Instagram filter.
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Tan Skin
Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat Glow Shot Liquid Highlighter in 3 Sunset, $42 at Sephora
The Touche Éclat Radiance Perfecting Pen is a staple in many makeup bags. This is the liquid version. It has the same Touche Éclat formula plus hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and golden pigments. The deepest shade is designed for medium to dark skin, making it a fantastic option for tan complexions. The prismatic micro pearls deliver an otherworldly glow without chunky glitter.
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Tan Skin
Makeup Revolution Liquid Highlighter in Rose Gold, $9 at Ulta Beauty
Rose gold is a universally flattering shade that looks especially beautiful on tan skin. The dropper applicator in this liquid highlighter makes it easy to get the right amount of the ethereal pigment. Only a few drops are needed to take skin from matte to dazzling. For evening, apply it on your face and body.
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Tan Skin
Benefit Sun Beam Golden Bronze Liquid Highlighter, $26 at Nordstrom
Benefit's liquid highlighters have earned a legion of fans because of their easy-to-apply brushes and flattering formulas. The sun-kissed effect of this golden bronze shade is perfect for tan skin.
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Brown Skin
Lancôme Custom Highlight Drops in Golden Glow, $35 at Macy's
Save the soft pearly colors for lighter skin tones and embrace golden shades. These custom drops are everything we could ask for in a liquid highlighter. The formula reflects the light, blends easy, doesn't settle into fine lines and creates a dewy glow. Crucially, the shimmer is intense enough that it shows up on brown skin. Mix a few drops of the water-in-oil emulsion with foundation or primer or dot it straight on cheeks for a bolder finish.
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Brown Skin
L'Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Liquid Glow Illuminator in Golden, $11.99 at Ulta Beauty
Women of color take note: various shades of gold and bronze look beautiful against deep complexions. This golden shade is a winner for brown-skinned ladies with warm undertones. It has excellent pigmentation and can be blended out for a natural finish that's impossible to overdo.
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Brown Skin
Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Glow in Bronzed, $25 at Anastasia Beverly Hills
Intense? Yup. Weightless formula? Yup. Major glowing goddess vibes? You bet. Anastasia Beverly Hills' liquid highlighter may feel like nothing on skin, but it's packed with luster and metallic finishes for next-level radiance. This copper bronze shade is the perfect complement to the dark tones in brown skin.
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Deep Skin
E.L.F. Cosmetics Power Glow Liquid Highlighter in Bronze, $6 at E.L.F. Cosmetics
Those with darker complexions need to consider how pigmented the formula is. If a product is too sheer, it won't deliver an Instagram-worthy glow. Rest assured this bronze highlighter does. The concentrated liquid highlighter has a rich finish that's noticeable whether it's applied to the entire face or just on cheekbones. What's more, the formula is vegan, cruelty-free and enriched with argan oil to keep skin hydrated. Oh, it's also budget-friendly.
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Deep Skin
NYX Professional Makeup Born to Glow! Liquid Illuminator in Sun Goddess, $7.50 at NYX Cosmetics
Remember that bronze is beautiful on dark complexions. It will be hard not to dab this bronze pearl illuminator over the entire face thanks to the way it catches the light and creates a natural finish. Go ahead and apply it all over. While enhancing cheekbones and brow bones, apply a few strokes to your décolletage.
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Deep Skin
Wet N Wild MegaGlo Liquid Highlighter in Go With the Glow, $5.99 at Ulta Beauty
The wrong highlighter can make dark skin look ashy. That won't happen with this highlighter. It's the right combination of pearl pigments and color. Plus, the glow can be dialed up or down thanks to the buildable formula. The affordable product also keeps skin moisturized and smooth thanks to grapeseed oil, vitamin E and murumuru seed butter.
