Highlighter. It's more than just a glow – it's an attitude. From subtle radiance to full-on strobe, the right highlighter can transform your entire look. But with new formulas and shades popping up constantly, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. This season, we’s seeing a shift away from the intensely blinding glow of years past and toward more nuanced, skin-loving radiance. Let’s dive into the must-follow highlighter trends that will elevate your makeup game this season.

1. The "Inner Radiance" Trend: Less is More

Gone are the days of looking like a walking disco ball (unless that’s your vibe, of course!). The dominant trend this season is "inner radiance." This isn't about covering your face in glitter; it's about enhancing your natural glow. Think of it as creating the illusion of healthy, lit-from-within skin.

  • What it means: Focusing on placement in the high points of the face – cheekbones, brow bone, Cupid's bow – to subtly enhance existing structure, not to create a stark, artificial shine.
  • Formula Focus: Cream and liquid highlighters are key for achieving this effect. They blend seamlessly with the skin, creating a diffused, natural glow. Powder highlighters can still work, but application is crucial (see "Application Techniques" below).
  • Shade Palette: Champagnes, soft golds, and even slightly cool-toned pearlescent shades are the go-to choices. Think of shades that complement your skin tone without being overly bold.
  • Product Recommendations:
    • Budget-Friendly: NYX Born to Glow! Liquid Highlighter (various shades) - Affordable and provides a beautiful, buildable glow.
    • Mid-Range: Fenty Beauty Kill Watts by Rihanna Liquid Highlighter - A cult favorite for a reason, offering a range of shades and intensities.
    • Luxury: Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter - While marketed as a filter, it’s incredibly effective as a subtle highlighter, imparting a gorgeous, radiant finish.

2. Skin-Loving Formulas: Highlighting with Benefits

The beauty industry is all about multi-tasking, and highlighters are no exception. This season, we're seeing a surge in formulas that not only illuminate but also nourish and protect the skin.

  • What to look for: Ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid (for hydration), Vitamin E (for antioxidant protection), and Ceramides (to strengthen the skin barrier) are increasingly common in highlighter formulas.
  • The benefit: These highlighters not only look good but also feel good. They help to keep your skin hydrated and healthy, which is essential for achieving a natural-looking glow.
  • Product Recommendations:
    • Milk Makeup - Glass Glow Highlighter Serum: A serum-like formula that provides a dewy, radiant finish while hydrating the skin.
    • Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez - Positive Light Liquid Luminizer: Infused with light-reflecting pigments and nourishing ingredients.
    • Saie - Glowy Super Gel: A gel-based highlighter packed with Hyaluronic Acid and antioxidants.

3. The Return of the Bronze-Glow Hybrid

Remember the bronzer-highlighter combo that was all the rage a few years ago? It’s back, but with a more sophisticated twist. This season's iteration focuses on a seamless blend of bronzed warmth and subtle radiance.

  • What it is: Products that combine the contouring benefits of bronzer with the illuminating properties of highlighter. These aren’t just bronzers with shimmer; they's thoughtfully formulated to give a lit-from-within bronze.
  • How to use it: Apply to the areas you would normally bronze (cheekbones, temples, jawline) and blend seamlessly. Layer a touch of a traditional highlighter on the highest points for an extra pop of light.
  • Product Recommendations:
    • Huda Beauty Next Generation Complexion Base: This acts as a tinted moisturizer/complexion enhancer with subtle bronzing and highlighting properties.
    • Patrick Ta - Major Sculpt Creme Contour & Highlight Duo: A luxurious cream contour and highlight duo perfect for sculpting and illuminating.
    • Too Faced - Sunbaked Bronzer & Highlight: A classic combination for a warm, sun-kissed glow.

4. Unexpected Placement: Beyond the Cheekbones

While the classic cheekbone placement will always be a staple, this season is all about experimenting with unexpected right highlighter placement.

  • The brow bone: A subtle touch of highlighter on the brow bone can instantly brighten the eyes and lift the brow.
  • The inner corner of the eye: This instantly makes your eyes look wider and more awake.
  • The bridge of the nose: A touch of highlighter here can slim and define the nose.
  • The collarbone and shoulders: For a dewy, ethereal glow.
  • Application Techniques: Use a small, precise brush for these areas to avoid overdoing it. A light hand is key.

5. Color Play: Subtle Pops of Color

While champagne and gold remain popular, don's be afraid to experiment with subtle pops of color. This season, we’s seeing a rise in pearlescent pinks, lavenders, and even pale peaches.

  • How to wear it: These shades work best on fair to medium skin tones. Apply sparingly and blend well to avoid looking clownish.
  • Pairing with other makeup: These colorful highlighters look stunning with monochromatic eyeshadow looks and rosy lip colors.
  • Product Recommendations:
    • ColourPop - Super Nova Jelly Gel highlighter in “Cosmic”: A pearlescent lavender shade that gives a subtle, otherworldly glow.
    • Kosas - Wet Oil-Spiked Blush in “Pinktop”: Technically a blush, but can be used as a subtle highlighter on fair skin.

Application Techniques: Mastering the Glow

No matter which trend you choose, proper application is key to achieving a flawless look.

  • Cream/Liquid Highlighters: Use your fingers or a damp beauty sponge to blend seamlessly into the skin.
  • Powder Highlighters: Use a fan brush or a small, tapered brush to apply to the high points of the face. Build the intensity gradually.
  • "Strobing" vs. Contour: Strobing focuses solely on highlighting the high points of the face, while contouring involves sculpting the face with shadow. You can combine the two techniques for a more defined look.
  • Blending is Key: Harsh lines are a highlighter's worst enemy. Blend, blend, blend!

Beyond the Basics: Pro Tips & Tricks

  • Consider Your Skin Tone: Cool-toned skin looks best with silver or icy highlighters, while warm-toned skin looks best with gold or bronze highlighters.
  • Layering: Layer different highlighters to create a custom glow. Start with a subtle base and then layer a more intense highlighter on top.
  • Setting Spray: Set your highlighter with a setting spray to lock in the glow and prevent it from creasing.
  • Experiment: Don’s be afraid to try new techniques and shades. The best way to find what works for you is to experiment!

Final Thoughts: Embrace Your Inner Radiance

​Highlighter is a tool to enhance your natural beauty, not to mask it. This season's trends are all about embracing a healthy, lit-from-within glow. So, experiment with different formulas, placements, and shades until you find what makes you feel confident and radiant. Shine bright!