It’s January, so you know what that means — we’ve hit that time of year where winter seems like it will never end and the promise of spring sounds like a fantasy. With over 160 days until summer, unless you are taking a vacation to somewhere sunny, the need for a “summer-glow” is reaching an all-time high. Luckily for us, thanks to the glory of highlighters, we can glow through all four seasons! 

Photo: Marjani Beauty

There are so many highlighters on the market, but you want to make sure you buy one that pops on your melanin, right? Whether you prefer a cream to a powder or like to layer liquids and cream like Byrdie’s Maya Allen, here’s 7 highlighters that are bound to make the sun jealous: 

1. FENTY BEAUTY KILLAWATT HIGHLIGHTER 

Video: Lonyea Maiden

We came to know the now infamous Fenty Beauty Killawatt Highlighter via the shade "Trophy Wife." You couldn't go anywhere without seeing a gorgeous gal giving off a golden glow from the help of this cream-powder highlight. 

The weightless, long-lasting formula can now be found in six shades (including four duo highlighters). Put it on your cheeks, eyes, collarbone, shoulder or wherever you want to glow. This highlighter retails for $34 on the Fenty Beauty website.

2. BECCA LIQUID SHIMMERING SKIN PERFECTOR 

Video: Jarry The Worst

Looking for an illuminating glow that makes you look sunkissed without overdoing it? Look no further! This liquid highlighter from Becca gives a dewy finish and can be used in multiple ways. It comes in seven radiant shades and retails for $41 on Becca Cosmetics website

3. BOBBI BROWN HIGHLIGHTING POWDER – BRONZE GLOW

Video: MonicaStyle Muse

MonicaStyleMuse said it best, “Who need to wait ‘til the summer to have this glow?” Not us, and you don’t have to wait either! Bobbi Brown’s highlighting powder pops on your skin thanks to it’s light-reflective qualities and quality pigmentation. You can get your hands on this powder for $48 on the Bobbi Brown website

4. MAC MINERALIZE SKINFINISH – GOLD DEPOSIT

Video: Avielle Amor

It’s safe to say this is a cult-favorite, and from the glow it provides, we can see why. MAC’s highlighting powder is made to add highlight to your face and body. The Gold Deposit shade is the perfect choice to take your makeup look to the next level. It retails for $35 on the MAC Cosmetics website

5. COVER FX CUSTOM ENHANCER DROPS

Video: MRSDIVALIKE

Come through drippin’ with these enhancer drops! The illuminating drops from Cover FX provide buildable highlighting. They can be used on their own or added to your foundation for an all-over glow. Head to the Cover FX website to grab your own; it retails for $42.

6. NARS THE MULTIPLE 

Video: NARS Cosmetics

Its purpose is in its name. This multiple purpose stick can be used for your eyes, lips and body but we are focusing on the glow it gives to your cheeks. The creamy formula glides on smoothly and leaves the skin with a sheer glow. It retails on the NARS Cosmetics website for $39.

7. NYX BORN TO GLOW LIQUID ILLUMINATOR

Video: AMI FULLEST

If you want to glow without spending all your gold — well money — then NYX may be what you need. This drugstore luminous illuminator comes in four distinct shade and can be used as needed. Retailing at $7.50 on the NYX Cosmetics website, you can’t go wrong giving it a try. 


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