Beauty Advice

The best highlighters and illuminators for your makeup bag

Get your glow on! Highlighters and illuminators are must-haves for your makeup bag to brighten your complexion in an instant. Highlighters are ideal for accentuating bone structure and boosting radiance, while illuminators work to give your skin an all-over soft and subtle glow.

Not sure where to start? Help is at hand as our Health and Beauty Editor, Ellie Smith, rounds up some of the best highlighters and illuminators on the market.

The best highlighters and illuminators for your makeup bag

Studio 10 Youth Lift Glow-plexion

Studio 10’s highlighting primer is better skin in a bottle. Wear alone on makeup-free days or underneath foundation for a natural ‘lit from within’ glow’ and instant complexion boost. A true multitasker, it also contains hydrating hyaluronic acid and firming skincare ingredients to lift and tone.

Use code LIZLOVES for 20% off at Studio 10

studio10beauty.com, £26

Delilah Pure Light Illuminating Powder

This micro-fine, soft highlighting powder leaves skin looking effortlessly healthy, smooth and luminous. Apply to the high points of the face (cheekbones, temples, bridge of the nose) to accentuate bone structure and boost radiance. The rose gold compact looks gorgeous on any dressing table and also comes with a luxurious velvet pouch.

Use code LIZLOVES for 20% off at Delilah

delilahcosmetics.com, £36

No7 Instant Radiance Highlighter

This affordable, buttery smooth highlighter leaves a soft and subtle champagne glow. Apply directly to the face and then gently blend in with fingers to soften any harsh lines. Be sure to apply cream products before any powder formulas to ensure they sit nicely on the skin.

boots.com, £10

Fenty Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter

Opt for this cream-powder hybrid from Fenty if you’re after a bit more oomph from your highlighter. Laced with a superfine shimmer, it creates a show-stopping sheen that’s perfect for evening dos. The extensive shade range has something for every skin tone.

boots.com, £28

Hourglass Ambient Metallic Strobe Palette

With soft pink, pale gold and rose gold highlighting powders, this cult favourite palette has a shade for every season, as well as the velvety smooth, soft-focus finish we’ve come to expect from Hourglass.

hourglasscosmetics.co.uk £61
All prices correct at time of publishing