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.”
Get Glowing: 11 Must-Try Illuminators
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Armani Fluid Sheer
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
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Buxom Divine Goddess Luminizer
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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M·A·C Cosmetics Strobe Cream
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
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NARS Illuminator
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
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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
