There are countless ways to achieve radiant, glowy skin—but nothing does it quite as effortlessly as a liquid highlighter. While powder formulas have long reigned supreme (we’re still obsessed with Becca’s iconic Champagne Pop), liquid highlighters bring a fresh, modern twist to the glow game. They deliver the same luminous pigment and intensity but with a smoother, more seamless finish that melts into the skin. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to build, blend, and layer with your favorite complexion products for that lit-from-within effect. The best part? Liquid highlighters are making a major comeback in 2025, offering a wide range of options for every skin tone and glow preference—whether you love a subtle sheen or a high-impact shine.

Best liquid highlighters, at a glance

• Best Liquid Highlighter Overall: Rare Beauty Positive Light Liquid Luminizer, $25
• Best Pigmented Liquid Highlighter: Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Beauty Light Wand, $42
• Best Lightweight Liquid Highlighter: Saie Glowy Super Gel, $16
• Best Affordable Liquid Highlighter: Nyx Professional Makeup Born to Glow Liquid Illuminator, $10

I switched to Team Liquid Highlighter not too long ago—and honestly, I’m never going back. Anything that saves me time during my morning routine is a win, especially on those busy office days when I have less than 15 minutes to pull together my everyday look. And nothing simplifies the process quite like liquid and creamy formulas.

Of all the makeup products I’ve tried, liquid highlighters stand out as the most versatile. They’re the ultimate multitaskers—perfect for achieving that dewy, “glazed” skin trend we’re all loving right now. I like to mix a few drops into my foundation for an all-over radiant finish, tap a bit onto the high points of my face for a soft, luminous glow, and even swipe some across my eyelids for a glossy, effortless sheen.

Some of the deeper shades double beautifully as bronzing drops, while others work wonders as body highlighters (looking at you, Refy Body Glow). Whether you’re aiming for a subtle glow or full-on bronze goddess vibes, liquid highlighters can do it all. The best part? There’s no wrong way to use them—just experiment and discover your own favorite way to glow.

The Best Liquid Highlighters

To help you narrow down your pick, we’ve put together a handy guide of the very best liquid highlighters for the days when you want to look a tad more radiant. From affordable finds and premium buys to trending ones and the all-time classics that stand the test of time (plus a few newer releases that have just landed on the beauty desk), these are the ones worth trying. So read up and get glowing.

Best Liquid Highlighter Overall: Rare Beauty Positive Light Liquid Luminizer

Why We Love It:
Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty Positive Light Liquid Luminizer is everything you want in a highlighter—dewy, lightweight, long-lasting, and universally flattering across all skin tones and types. Its silky formula glides on effortlessly, giving your complexion that natural, lit-from-within radiance without feeling heavy or greasy.

What makes it stand out even more is its botanical blend of white water lily, gardenia, and lotus extracts, which help soothe, nourish, and hydrate the skin with every application. It’s skincare-meets-makeup at its best.

Glamour contributor Lauren Dana raved about its staying power in her review, noting, “I left it on for well over eight hours, during which I went to brunch with my husband, worked up a sweat on the treadmill, took a nap—hey, it was the weekend—before going out again later in the afternoon.” In short, it’s a glow that truly goes the distance.

Best Buildable Liquid Highlighter: Iconic London Illuminator

Why We Love It:
Iconic? Absolutely. The ICONIC London Illuminator has earned its cult-favorite status among celebrities, makeup artists, and beauty lovers alike—and for good reason. This best-selling liquid highlighter delivers an intense, luminous glow that can be tailored to any look or occasion.

Its versatility is unmatched—you can apply it directly onto bare skin for a radiant, lit-from-within effect or mix a few drops into your foundation, moisturizer, or primer for an all-over glossy sheen. The lightweight, blendable formula melts beautifully into the skin, leaving behind a flawless, high-impact finish that feels as good as it looks. Whether you want a soft daytime glow or a red-carpet-worthy shine, this illuminator has you covered.

Best Pigmented Liquid Highlighter: Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Beauty Light Wand

Why We Love It:
Inspired by the magic of Hollywood lighting filters, Charlotte Tilbury’s Hollywood Flawless Filter delivers that flawless, red-carpet-ready glow in a bottle. This liquid highlighter gives your skin a high-gloss, soft-focus finish, blurring imperfections and leaving your complexion looking like it’s lit from within.

Infused with rose-gold pigments, it enhances your natural warmth and adds a subtle, sun-kissed radiance—perfect for both everyday wear and glam nights out. The built-in sponge tip applicator makes it effortless to apply and blend, whether you’re using it alone, under foundation, or as a finishing touch.

And here’s the icing on the cake: it’s vegan, cruelty-free, and designed to make your skin look just as good as it feels.

Best Liquid Highlighter for Face and Body: E.L.F. Halo Glow Liquid Filter

Why We Love It:
With eight versatile shades designed to complement every undertone, this liquid highlighter is all about customizable radiance. Whether you prefer to wear it alone for a natural glow, mixed into your foundation or moisturizer for an all-over dewy finish, or layered on top of your makeup for that extra pop of shine, it delivers seamless luminosity every time.

What truly sets it apart is its hydrating, skin-loving formula. Infused with squalane and hyaluronic acid, it not only enhances your glow but also helps to nourish and plump your skin, leaving it smooth, radiant, and refreshed throughout the day. This one’s the perfect blend of skincare and makeup magic.

Best Affordable Liquid Highlighter: Nyx Professional Makeup Born to Glow Liquid Illuminator

Why We Love It:
If you’re after a budget-friendly glow that delivers big results, this drugstore liquid highlighter is the one to grab. It proves that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get that radiant, lit-from-within finish. Simply dab it on your Cupid’s bow, brow bones, cheekbones, and collarbones—basically, anywhere the light naturally hits your face—for an instant touch of luminosity.

The lightweight formula blends like a dream, giving you a soft, natural sheen or a buildable glow depending on your vibe. It’s an easy, affordable way to add dimension and brightness to your look—because glowing skin should never come with a luxury price tag.

Best Liquid Highlighter for a Radiant Glow: Pai Skincare The Impossible Glow

Why We Love It:
This radiance-boosting face highlighter truly delivers on its promise—an irresistible dewy glow that turns heads wherever you go. Its lightweight, silky texture melts seamlessly into the skin, leaving behind a healthy, luminous finish that looks completely natural yet totally stunning.

What makes it even better is its skin-loving, hydrating formula. Enriched with hyaluronic acid, sustainable sea kelp, and vitamin C–rich lemon fruit water, it helps to lock in moisture, brighten the complexion, and nourish dry skin with every use. Think of it as your shortcut to that fresh, just-had-a-facial kind of glow—radiant, refreshed, and effortlessly beautiful.

Best Lightweight Liquid Highlighter: Saie Glowy Super Gel

Why We Love It:
Say goodbye to traditional powder and cream highlighters—this water-based formula takes glowing skin to a whole new level. Lightweight, breathable, and incredibly easy to blend, it delivers a fresh, natural radiance that looks like it’s coming from within rather than sitting on top of your skin.

It’s also super versatile—you can mix it into your favorite lotion, moisturizer, or SPF for a subtle, all-over glow, or apply it directly to the high points of your face (like your cheekbones, brow bones, and nose bridge) for a more defined highlight. Effortless, hydrating, and glow-enhancing, this is the perfect everyday illuminator for anyone who loves a natural, dewy finish.

Best Liquid Highlighter for Body: Refy Body Glow

Why We Love It:
Who says highlighter is just for your face? This liquid body glow proves that radiant skin can (and should) shine from head to toe. Designed to be applied on your collarbones, décolletage, and shoulders, it delivers that gorgeous, sun-kissed sheen that makes your skin look effortlessly healthy and luminous.

The formula is refreshingly lightweight and moisturizing, gliding over the skin to create a smooth, glossy finish without any stickiness or residue. It’s perfect for special occasions, vacations, or anytime you want to give your skin that extra touch of radiance. In short, it’s your go-to glow booster for body confidence and camera-ready skin.

Best Premium Liquid Highlighter: Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Highlighting Fluid

Why We Love It:
Leave it to Chanel to redefine elegance with this luxurious liquid highlighter. Revered as one of the best highlighters in the beauty world, it delivers a refined, lit-from-within glow that exudes sophistication and timeless glamour.

The formula is long-lasting—up to eight hours of wear—so your radiance stays fresh from morning meetings to evening soirées. Its silky texture blends seamlessly into the skin, enhancing your natural features with a soft, luminous sheen rather than an overt shimmer. Perfect for anyone who prefers a polished, high-end finish, this Chanel gem is the ultimate expression of understated luxury and effortless glow.

Best Liquid Highlighter for a Shimmery Look: Kiko Milano Glow Fusion Highlighting Drops

Why We Love It:
This glow highlighter from Kiko Milano is the ultimate skin enhancer for achieving that flawless, “glass skin” effect. Infused with light-reflective pearls, it delivers a luminous, shimmery finish that instantly brightens your complexion and adds depth and dimension in all the right places.

The formula is noncomedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores—so you can glow without worrying about breakouts. It feels silky, blends effortlessly, and gives your skin that smooth, mirror-like radiance we all crave. Elegant, lightweight, and endlessly wearable, this is one must-have highlighter you’ll want to keep front and center on your vanity.

Best Versatile Liquid Highlighter: Vieve Skin Dew

Why We Love It:
Who can say no to a multitasking glow tint that flatters every skin tone and type? This lightweight illuminator glides on effortlessly, melting into the skin for a smooth, radiant finish that feels as good as it looks. It’s makeup that acts like skincare—perfect for those who want their glow to come with a dose of nourishment.

Packed with papaya fruit extract, shea butter, argan oil, and squalane, it helps to hydrate, soften, and revitalize your complexion while adding a natural luminosity. The result? Skin that looks dewy, healthy, and lit from within—all without a hint of heaviness. A true everyday essential for that effortless, no-makeup glow.

AQs: Liquid Highlighters for an Effortless Glow

1. What is a liquid highlighter?
A liquid highlighter is a lightweight, fluid formula designed to add radiance and dimension to your skin. It can be applied directly to the high points of your face—like your cheekbones, brow bones, and cupid’s bow—or mixed into your foundation or moisturizer for an all-over glow.

2. How do I apply liquid highlighter correctly?
Use your fingertips, a damp makeup sponge, or a soft brush. Dab a small amount on areas where light naturally hits your face—cheekbones, bridge of the nose, and temples. Blend well for a seamless finish. For an all-over glow, mix a drop or two with your foundation or primer.

3. Can I use liquid highlighter on oily skin?
Yes! If you have oily skin, choose a lightweight, non-greasy formula and apply it strategically to avoid looking overly shiny. Setting your T-zone with a translucent powder can help balance the glow.

4. Can liquid highlighters be used on bare skin?
Absolutely. Liquid highlighters look beautiful on bare or minimal makeup days. Apply a few drops to moisturized skin for a natural, dewy finish.

5. What’s the difference between liquid and powder highlighters?
Powder highlighters give a more intense, reflective finish, while liquid highlighters provide a softer, more natural glow. Liquids also blend more easily with other cream or liquid products, making them perfect for dewy makeup looks.

6. How long does a liquid highlighter last?
Most liquid highlighters can last up to 6–8 hours, depending on your skin type and the formula. Opt for long-wearing or transfer-resistant versions if you need all-day radiance.

7. Can I use liquid highlighter on my body?
Yes! Many liquid highlighters work beautifully on the body. Apply them to your collarbones, shoulders, and legs for a healthy, sun-kissed shimmer.

8. How much highlighter should I use?
A little goes a long way. Start with a pea-sized amount and build up as needed. Overapplying can make the skin look greasy rather than glowy.

9. Are liquid highlighters suitable for sensitive skin?
Many formulas today include soothing, skin-friendly ingredients like squalane, hyaluronic acid, or botanical extracts. Always check the ingredient list and do a patch test if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin.

10. Can I layer liquid highlighter with powder products?
Yes, but with care. For best results, apply liquid highlighter before setting your face with powder. If you want to add extra pop, dust a powder highlighter on top after the liquid has set.