Gilded Goddess: 6 Highlighters You Need This Fall

Getting your glow on isn’t an activity reserved solely for summer. Much to the joy of our shimmer-loving selves, it’s appropriate all-year long—and yes, that includes throughout the fall. While your skin may no longer have the natural shine that so often accompanies summer, there’s no reason you can’t fake it for fall. Instead of embracing any genuine glistening, use highlighters to achieve the same look. Whether you’re partial to powders, creams, or liquids, there’s something for you, and we’re sharing all the details. Keep reading to find out more about the highlighters you’ll need to make room for in your makeup bag this fall.

Glow-Getter #1: The Out of This World Stick

Unless you’ve been living under a rock (no judge), you’ve probably already come into contact with one of the biggest (and brightest) beauty trends 2017 has to offer—colored highlighters. Streaking your cheekbones with shades of blue, purple, and green has skyrocketed in popularity over the past year and there’s no sign the trend will be stopping anytime soon. If you’ve been wary of joining in on the fun, now’s your chance. With Halloween fast approaching, no one will blink an eye at your colored cheeks…except to pay you a complement. Create a prismatic effect with the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Galaxy Stick, swiping it wherever you want your skin to appear other-worldly. We recommend adding the holographic highlighter to cheekbones, brow bones, cupid’s bow, and collarbones to add lots of dimension and luminosity to any look.

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Galaxy Stick, $9.99 MSRP

Glow-Getter #2: The Classic with a Twist

If you’re a beauty junkie in the slightest, you’re no doubt familiar with YSL’s famed Touche Éclat. Come on, it’s a classic! The highlighting pen has long been an essential in the collections of makeup artists and consumers alike. Knowing that, you can understand why we’re so excited about YSL’s updated take on this staple. The YSL Touche Éclat Glow Shot Highlighter has a liquid formula ideal for illuminating any look. Simply apply on bare skin for all over dewy glow or wear overtop of foundation to finish your look. 

YSL Touche Éclat Glow Shot Highlighter, $42 MSRP

Glow-Getter #3: The Heavy Metal Highlight

For anyone interested in serious shimmer and shine, you can’t go wrong with a metallic highlighter. We’re fans of the Maybelline FaceStudio Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter for its melted metal look, of course, but also for the ease of application. Reach for a brush and effortlessly blend the high-shine powder onto cheekbones, below the brows, and down the bridge of the nose.

Maybelline FaceStudio Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter, $9.99 MSRP

Glow-Getter #4: The Luminous Liquid

Everyone loves a multi-tasker. The NYX Professional Makeup Born to Glow Liquid Illuminator is a favorite for just that reason. The liquid formula can be used as a foundation base, or placed on targeted areas after foundation for a natural glow. Another option? If you’re seeking a more striking level of luster, apply both before and after your foundation. 

NYX Professional Makeup Born to Glow Liquid Illuminator, $7.50 MSRP

Glow-Getter #5: The Subtle Shimmer

Okay, we hear you. Not everyone is in the market for a super shiny highlight. We can certainly understand that. Despite being undeniably trendy, positively radiating cheekbones might not suit your day-to-day life. But that doesn’t mean you have to give up on glowing altogether. Instead, you can find a buildable highlighter that can offer you a subtler look. The long-wearing Lancôme Dual Finish Highlighter fits the bill. Available in 5 shades, you can choose to use them dry for a less dramatic highlight, or wet your brush to amp up the intensity.

Lancôme Dual Finish Highlighter, $39.50 MSRP

Glow-Getter #6: The Customizable Color

It’s easy to see the appeal of personalization. Not only does it make everything seem a little bit more special, but it ensures that what you’ve customized is just right for you. The same applies when it comes to customizing your highlight. Sounds pretty cool, right? To make your illumination extremely individual, opt for the Urban Decay Liquid Aura Illuminating Mix-In Medium. Add a shot of the opalescent serum to your foundation and there you go, instant glow. No more worrying about foundation that looks too bright or too dull, you’ll know it’s perfect since you were personally responsible for mixing it. Way to go mix master.

Urban Decay Liquid Aura Illuminating Mix-In Medium, $32 MSRP