I try my hardest to keep my skin in tip-top shape so it looks glowy and healthy. I make sure to exfoliate it on the regular to slough off those dead skin cells and promote skin elasticity and collagen production. I am vigilant about keeping it hydrated with my favorite serums, moisturizers, and face oils. And I also make sure to drink enough water and get enough of those good-for-the-skin nutrients and vitamins.
Probably like many of you out there, though, I do have to admit that there are some days when my skin just isn't having it. On those days my skin looks a little dry, a little dull, and just not as bouncy or dewy. I might have a couple of dry patches on my face, or some redness, or some pimples.
But I do have a trick to faking luminous and dewy skin (and yes, even when my skin looks and feels pretty good). I make sure it's ultra-moisturized and prepped, I apply my regular makeup, and I use my secret weapon: A really good creamy highlighter.
A creamy highlighter will be your best friend for that dewy, glowy look. The creamy consistency ensures that the product glides on so smoothly and blends in well. I normally apply the highlighter on my forehead, cheekbones, inner eyes, the bridge of my nose, and chin. You can also apply it to your brow bone and Cupid's bow. I usually blend with my fingers, but sometimes I'll use a brush, too. And there you go—radiant skin in just a couple of minutes.
Take a look at some of the best cream highlighters out there to get that absolutely glowing look. Some are my favorites, others are editors' picks, and the rest are highly rated finds.
This is currently my favorite highlighter. I love that it's in stick form, so it's so easy to apply. It leaves a nice, translucent sheen on my face. Plus, it has some nourishing ingredients like squalane, olive fruit oil, and a phytosterol and amino acid blend.
I love a versatile product, and this one has so many uses. Apply it to your cheeks, brow bone, and décolleté. It comes in four different shades.
Benefit's product was my first foray into cream highlighters, and basically highlighters, in general. It leaves a soft and luminous sheen that's super easy to blend in. It's also handy that there's a blender applicator at one end so you don't really need an extra brush.
Glossier's Haloscope is actually infused with crystal extract so it will really give you that glow. The oil-based formula comes in three different shades.
For a highly rated drugstore find, you'll want to add Maybelline's strobing stick to your cart. The lightweight product is formulated with micro-fine pearls and is available in two shades.
This highlighter has more of a gel consistency so you know it will glide on like butter. It's super sheer and has an iridescent undertone to make your skin glow naturally. The formula also contains vitis vita grape extract to detox skin cells and encourage collagen and hyaluronic acid production.
Creamy and iridescent, this luminizer from RMS Beauty is a highly rated find. The product is made with natural ingredients and comes in five different shades, so it can work with all types of skin tones.
You can use this lightweight and sheer balm on both the face and body. It leaves that popular glass-skin finish that everyone is all about right now.
Here's another bestselling versatile option for you, as it works on your face, eyes, and lips. The sheer and hydrating balm glides smoothly and leaves a natural finish.
If you're still attached to your powder highlighters, this one from Physicians Formula might be a good compromise because it has a cream-to-powder finish. It's made with nourishing murumuru, cupuaçu, and tucuma butters.
You won't find any shimmer or glitter in this clear highlighting balm. Instead, you'll be left with a dewy, glassy look. It also contains green tea and aloe vera extracts to calm redness and hydrate.
For something extra long-lasting, look no further than this highlighter from L'Oréal. It lasts up to 24 hours and the formula also contains SPF 17 sun protection.
Again, we love a hardworking, multitasking product. This stick from Nars can be used on the eyes, cheeks, lips, and even body. The sheer formula is cream-to-powder and blends in smoothly.
Honest Beauty's multipurpose balm is made with a blend of fruit and botanical oils to condition and moisturize the skin. It leaves just a hint of shimmer.
Clinique's Chubby Stick has light-reflecting optics so you can easily find your light (so to speak). The formula is long-lasting and oil-free.
Highlighting Brushes to Try
