Wondering how to get skin that “glows from within”? We have the secret: illuminators. Whether used on the face or body, they create an ethereal glow and perfect-looking skin.
More subtle than highlighters, illuminators contain pearlized pigments like mica that either reflect or diffuse light to even out your skin tone. “This gives skin a fresh look,” says Dolce & Gabbana national makeup artist Christian McCulloch. “As we age, skin loses moisture, which makes it harder for it to look radiant.”
With 12 different shades to choose from, Armani Fluid Sheer can be blended into your foundation or worn solo to even out skin while providing a brightening effect. $59, saks.com
Whether you use Buxom Divine Goddess Luminizer on your face or body, it leaves behind a natural-looking sheen that isn’t streaky or heavy. $28, sephora.com
Dolce & Gabbana The Illuminator Powder
Housed in a gold, gush-worthy case, this powder brushes on fairly sheer, but leaves behind a hint of reflective shimmer to make your facial features pop. $50, saks.com
Edward Bess All Over Seduction
With its supercreamy texture, Edward Bess All Over Seduction plays up the cheeks, eyes and lips and leaves behind a slightly dewy finish. $38, sephora.com
Ilia Illuminator
This pearlescent-colored Ilia Illuminator effortlessly glides onto skin and adds dimension and a dewy-looking finish without any greasy feel. $36, sephora.com
La Bella Donna Highlighter Luminere
Boasting a super lightweight texture, La Bella Donna Highlighter Luminere works double-duty, imparting a radiant, healthy glow while nourishing and hydrating skin with jojoba oil. $30, labelladonna.com
MAKE UP FOREVER Uplight Face Luminizer Gel
Formulated with pearls that reflect light for skin that looks perfect, this oil-free, lightweight gel can be worn on the lids, lips, cheeks and collarbone. $29, sephora.com
A makeup artist staple, M·A·C Cosmetics Strobe Cream acts like an instant refresher for drab-looking skin. It hydrates and brightens with iridescent particles that aren’t too glittery or shimmery. $31, maccosmetics.com
The iconic NARS Illuminator comes in four different shades so you can mix and match them—or wear just one—to precisely match your skin tone. $30, narscosmetics.com
Stila All Over Shimmer Duo
With two hues of a pale, iridescent pink illuminating powder, Stila All Over Shimmer Duo is great for adding a bit of sheen to the cheeks. Plus, it can also be used on the eyes. $22, stilacosmetics.com
Most primers lack pearlized pigments. MAKE Illuminating Primer comes out as a blue-green color, but, once dry, it leaves skin matte with a radiant glow. $32, weseebeauty.com
Related Articles
Five Ways to Shine-Proof Your SkinThe Top 10 Tinted Moisturizers
Seven Collagen-Boosting Foods
11 Mascaras For Memorable Lashes
How to Use M. Steves Anti-Aging Serum