Just like fries in a restaurant, illuminators are often seen as the add-on or side dish to your main beauty routine. Though in our opinion, they’re often the part that leaves the biggest impact (particularly when eaten with aioli and tomato sauce). While powder bronzers will always have a place in our makeup bags, if you want dewy, glazed donut skin, a liquid illuminator is what you need.
Where do you apply liquid illuminator?
For a noticeable glow, it’s ideal to apply liquid illuminator over the top of your foundation, however, for something more subtle, apply it underneath.
Makeup artist, Rae Morris says, “If you’ve got quite good or unlined skin, use a luminising primer all over to give you that glow straight away. If you don’t have the most amazing skin, then an illuminating primer will enhance lines and blemishes, so it’s best to use the foundation that you love and highlight certain areas [afterwards].”
How to choose the perfect liquid illuminator shade?
All liquid illuminators will come in pearly, light-reflecting iridescent tones, however, they’ll often come in gold or pink hues. When it comes to selecting the perfect shade to complement your skin tone, makeup artist Toby Henney says “bronze and gold look fantastic on tanned, olive skin, where as I would do a pretty soft pink for those with fairer skin.”
How to apply liquid illuminator
There’s more than one way to apply illuminating makeup. The versatile nature of a liquid illuminator means it can be mixed into your foundation for an added glow or even mixed into your liquid bronzer or blush to really keep things looking lit-from-within. Alternatively, a liquid illuminator can be applied on its own, to the high points of your face (cheekbones, brow bone and even down the nose) for some added definition and shine. This product is high on the user-friendly list so don’t be afraid to take some creative liberty when applying.
Image credit: @bushraxo
Liquid illuminators we love…
Armani Fluid Sheer Highlighter
If you’re someone who avoids makeup in favour of letting your skin breathe, this is the illuminator for you. Formulated with the surprising but oh-so-welcome addition of acne-fighter, salicylic acid, there should be nothing getting in the way of the glow you so truly deserve.
$65 at Sephora
Nude by Nature Soft Focus Illuminator
This Best in Beauty nominee needs no introduction, though, if you’re yet to try the Nude by Nature Soft Focus Illuminator, you’re in for a treat. Worn as a base or as a spot treatment for your brows or cheekbones, this sheer formula will melt into your skin, leaving behind a natural iridescence that can only be compared to Edward Cullen stepping out into the sun.
“I use this in so many different ways. When i’m feeling lazy I just pop this on without foundation or anything and it gives my skin such a fresh a lovely glow. When i’m putting more effort in I put it on before my foundation. and when my skin is looking especially lacklustre i mix it in with my foundation so I can give my skin some life.” – Kakid66
Want to know more? Read Nude by Nature Soft Focus Illuminator reviews here…
$24.95 at Big W
M.A.C Strobe Cream
For something more moisturising, M.A.C’s strobe cream acts as an illuminator and lightweight hydrator in one. Quickly eliminate dull skin, leaving it bright, radiant and (thanks to the addition of green tea extract) refreshed.
“A moisturiser like consistency with an iridescent finish, this product is a staple for fans of a natural, radiant, glowing from within look. It is also very versatile in how you can use it.” – Justsash
Want to know more? Read M.A.C Strobe Cream reviews here…
$57 at MECCA
FAQs
Is liquid illuminator the same as highlighter?
Technically no. As both products focus on adding shimmer and glow to our complexions, it’s easy to think they’re the same thing. Though certain qualities overlap, a highlighter is typically used in more concentrated areas on the face, casting a light on areas that you want to emphasise. With an illuminator, however, you’re working to add a delicate sheen to your entire complexion. Which is why you’ll likely be recommended to add a few drops to your foundation or moisturiser.
What does illuminator do for your face?
Liquid illuminators are designed to provide a healthy dose of glow to your skin and are often on the more ‘natural’ end of the spectrum than their cousin, the highlighter. A liquid illuminator whether worn alone or mixed in with your makeup will add a touch of sheen to your skin. Think pearly instead of disco ball.
Image credit: @jastookes
Can you use illuminator as primer?
Yes, of course. In fact, a sheer liquid illuminator will often deliver a light veil of dewy sheen for your makeup to grip on to. However, if you’re after something that’s long-lasting, we recommending giving your liquid illuminator a road test before a big event. Why? They can often vacate the premises sooner than we’d like.
Main image credit: @lilyalridge
Do you like wearing liquid illuminator? What’s your best tip for glowing skin?
liquid highlighters give a natural look as the blend well to the skin, whereas for me i find that powder higlighters pop more which i love!
it really does
you need to try the Armani Fluid Sheer Highlighter
It’s a good way to not wear too much make up also. Thanks BH.
good point
Not sure if I need or want this but I’ve learned something new.
I have too and would really like to try
Armani Fluid Sheer Highlighter is really good
This is something I could use to give my skin more glow.
Drinking tonnes of water definitely helps.
yes it does
I always think one has to be really careful using liquid illuminater because if applied incorrectly it does not look good.
I do not need it when I wear no makeup, as my skin is so reflective on its own lol
I have used them before but not currently
Not using it, only foundation and a touch of setting powder.
I love that healthy glow look – I think I need to investigate more about this. The Armani option sounded great, I’d love to try that out
I would like to use this more, thanks bh! a very helpful read and wonderful products.
Like Chrystalage I’m not sure if this is for me but I’d be interested in giving it a try. I should check through my stash, who knows, there could be some illuminator hiding there.
Good article -I have learned a lot and will need to try.
I love mixing a tiny bit with bb cream for nice minimal coverage.
I use my BB cream with moisturizer to give a light cover
Oooh that’s so cool!!! I love the idea of this product!
same here
Not currently using one but I have used the Giorgio Armani one in the past and loved it.
Not for me but it might suit others. Thank you for the information.
I prefer a highlighter to an illuminator as my skin is prone to oiliness. I equate shine & “dewiness” to a sweaty, greasy look.
where as my skin is dry and I equate dewiness to a youthful look LOL
I really like the look illuminators provide.
same but I might need a new one
Armani Fluid Sheer Highlighter is really nice but only with fingers. The brush make it look patchy