I feel like 2018 was the year that I got really into highlighters, and I’m definitely not letting that trend go in 2019. Big influencers and YouTube stars were highlighting their noses and brow bones to the heavens, and listen, I love a little glow from within but on a budget. Okurrrr! Highlighters, budget-friendly or high-end, can really pull an entire look together with one swipe on your cheek bones. Plus I love wearing matte foundation because I have combination skin which can end up making my face feel flat and dead so wearing highlighter brings the life back to my face.
I always put highlighter on the high points of my face in the exact spots that the sun would naturally hit, as if I was actually sun-kissed. Nobody has to know the wiser.
Cheekbones: I apply my highlighter slightly above my blush and pull it towards my temples for a nice, even glow to the skin. This is a traditional spot for highlighter because your cheeks are what touches the sun first.
Above the brows: Since Rihanna started doing the highlighter “C” where you attach the highlighter above your brows to your cheekbone highlight, I’ve been totally obsessed. It just gives your face a “wow” factor that is really cool and unique. This can be a lot for some people, but honestly my curly bangs cover my face, so you can only see it when the wind blows anyways.
Bridge of my nose: Right between the eyes is my sweet spot for dabbing a little highlighter. It’s such an attention grabber!
Tip of the nose: This spot is a very classic place to swipe a little bit of highlighter. I love doing this because it’s so pretty and highlights an attractive part of the face.
Cupid’s bow: I love putting a little bit of highlighter above my cupid’s bow right before I line my lips and fill them in with a matching lipstick. It really highlights the curve of your upper lip and gives it a fuller look.
Under you’ll find my current favorite highlighters that I’ve been using no-stop for the year:
Maybelline Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter in Rose Gold ($7.50-$10)
I actually discovered this gem by watching a review from Tati Westbrook on Youtube, and it looked so stunning on her that I knew I had to have it for myself. It’s a very smooth, but powdery highlighter that just glides right over the skin. The best part about this highlighter, besides the amazing price (less than $10), is the color rose gold. The name is perfectly matched, and I love it on my skin tone.
Becca Pressed Highlighter in Champagne Pop ($20-38)
This is another one that I picked up due to the media hype around this product, and the hype was totally well-deserved! I was not disappointed in this product at all. It’s definitely a more glitter-y highlighter, but the texture isn’t chunky at all when it goes on the skin. Becca has several color options for this highlighter, but I love champagne pop because it’s a beautiful gold color. I actually picked up the travel of this just so I could test it out before splurging on the big size.
Smashbox x Casey Holmes Spotlight Palette in Gold ($35)
If you’ve been following me for awhile, then you know I love Casey Holmes and I’ve been following her channel since I was in middle school (I know long-time supporter of her). So when she announced that she was coming out with a trio highlighter palette, I knew I had to snatch it up to support her in her endeavors. Of course, it’s the perfect little trio for traveling and for my everyday makeup looks. This palette comes in two colors, silver and gold, but I’m a gold-gal so I had to pick up that version.
Anastasia Sun Dipped Glow Kit ($39)
I told you that I love me some gold highlighters, and this fits that category perfectly with a few differences. I love highlighter palettes because you get so many options to choose from and you’re only paying $10 a color. My favorite colors are Tourmaline and Bronzed for my cheekbones and above my brows, but I’ve been recently using Moonstone for the tip and bridge of my nose.
That’s it for now! There are a ton more highlighters out there that I want to check out, but we’ll see if they make it to the master list of favorites. What are your favorite highlighters and where do you light to shine the most? Let’s chat in the comments below!
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