If you’ve watched any Beauty Vloggers recently they are all about the highlight! I’ve used illuminators in years past, but never thought much of it, but now that it’s summer and I want to accentuate the tan/glow on my face and I’ve got my eye on a few highlighters & illuminators that can do that!
What’s the difference?
What’s the difference?
Illuminators are used to add just a bit of shimmer to your face to give it that healthy glow. You can mix it into your foundation or just in the area you want to add the glow to. You want to make sure you’re left with the dewy look not so oily!
Highlighters play of the light and are applied to the areas that the sun would naturally hit your face. Think of it as giving your skin that gorgeous filter when you’re having a romantic candlelit dinner. You are pushing or “highlighting” the features that are your favorite. When applied to the right places it can make you look more youthful, think Jennifer Lopez at 45 and how her skin is always so radiant!
Sonia Kashuk Illuminator
Sonia Kashuk Illuminator
I almost bought this Sonia Kashuk translucent illuminator last weekend, but then opted against it because I didn’t read enough reviews on it. I used a similar product a few years ago and swore by it but then it was discontinued and I couldn’t find anything similar. It looks like the dupe is back! I would opt to put this on mixed in with my foundation for a dewy look or if I just wanted to use it as a highlight I’d dab a little on above my cheek bones and also on my clavicle/shoulders to give a little shimmer off!
Wander Beauty On The Go
Wander Beauty On The Go
This double sided beauty stick was created by a Victoria Secret model for the girl on the go! One side for blush and the other side illuminates. I’ve had this pinged on my “to buy” list for about two months now and after reading countless reviews think it would be 100% worth it! It’s only sold on the Wander Beautywebsite right now, but I imagine Sephora will be picking it by the end of the year! I also love that it works double duty because you can use the blush side as a lipstick as well and it’s free of all the bad stuff we’re looking to cut out of our makeup like paraben’s!
Benefit Watt’s Up
Benefit Watt’s Up
I’m a huge fan of all benefit’s products. I love that this comes in a stick and is blendable. The other side is actually a sponge that you could blend with as well, but after watching some videos it looks like you’re fingers would do a better job with blending. With almost 800 5 star reviews on Sephora, so it’s hard not to want to try this product out.
NYX Born to Glow Illuminator
NYX Born to Glow Illuminator
Since a lot of people prefer drugstore makeup I would say the NYX Illuminator in Sunbeam (less than $5 at Ulta) has gotten the best reviews that I’ve found. Just to emphasize, this isn’t a BB or CC cream, it’s meant to illuminate the face not hide blemishes, which is what I read some people were thinking these products would do.
Josie Maran Illuminzing Wand
Josie Maran Illuminzing Wand
I’m such a fan of this line! All her products are natural and leave your skin feeling fresh! If you want to see this product in action check out her quick 45 second video here. You can instantly see the glow this gives you.
For a lot of these products, especially those in wand form, you’ll end up having them for a long time since you’re not using a lot of the product all at once.
How do you feel about highlighters and illuminators? Do you have a favorite that you’re currently using?
I love Benefit's stuff but I've never tried their illuminator! I definitely might have to check out the VS one! I love that it's dual purpose, so perfect for using out and about!
<3, Pamela
Sequins & Sea Breezes
I've never tried an illuminator but I love highlighters! They add so much to your face to brighten it up.
I remember when I bought a palette that had highlighters, bronzers and blush and learning how to use them. That Benefit one and NYX definitely going on my test list for my next sephora/ulta stop!
I haven't tried either one but I am loving that double sided beauty stick! May need to try one.
I always stayed away from highlighters in the Summer in FL with the potential oil stick/shimmer combination but now that I have a good setting spray I've been incorporating it a little more. I love that Benefit one, just subtle enough 🙂
This is such a great round-up! I don't use illuminators that much but I really should! I love the idea of the double-sided beauty stick, that's such an awesome idea! I will definitely have to check it out and hope it comes to Sephora soon!
xo, Rachel
ablondesmoment.com
I love benefit's Watt's Up! My tired and true is also the Nars compact in Albatross, I just sweep over my foundation and it seems to work better than a cream for my oily skin.
xoxo
Meghan
Oooh, my highlight game is good, but I need some illuminators in my beauty drawer! 🙂
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
I've actually never used a illuminator before! I've been nervous to try one since I have such oily skin and I don't know if it would make it look even worse! Haha! Definitely need to give one a try though! Have an amazing holiday weekend!
<3 Shannon
Upbeat Soles

I've always been a bit clueless about highlighters and illuminators, but I do have a sample of Watt's Up so I definitely need to dig that out this summer!
Love these! The new Becca highlighter in Champagne comes out today and I want to go try it at Sephora. It looks like it will be gorgeous for summer!
I tried the Sonia Kashuk illuminator last year and was not a fan so I'm glad you didn't get it! Right now I'm loving High Beam and I definitely want to try the Wander Beauty one – love that it has blush, too!
I am so in love with this trend, and there are so many products out there to experiment with. I wish my application looked like that first picture!
xo, Whitney and Blaire
Peaches In A Pod
i've never really thought much about highlighters and illuminators but now i'm kinda thinking about it haha. i'd prob opt for the benefit one as i am loyal to those products for sure – with good reason because they are reliable! good rec's girl! xo
cheshirekatblog.com
That Benefit one sounds the best to me followed by the Josie Maran one. There is a Benefit store down the street from work, so maybe I'll go there and check it out later! 🙂 Thank you for sharing lady and have a great day!!! 🙂
I must Jump on this trend! So awesome, thanks for showcasing these products! You're so hip girl and always bring us the cool goods!! Happy Day gorgeous!!
livingoncloudandreanine.blogspot.com
I just got a illuminating sample from Ulta and I can't wait to try it. looks like i'm going to have to try a few of these out too!
I am loving this trend and definitely think I'm going to pick up that NYX product to try mixing with my foundation. I also used to have a Clinique product years ago that was a bronze-toned illuminator, but since that was before I really knew what I was doing with makeup, I got rid of it. Now, I want to pick it up again!
I love highlighters esp in summer when I wear less makeup and just want a little added glimmer. Love this list!
I've been getting so into illuminators and highlighters lately! My favorite one right now is The Body Shop Radiant Highlighter… it works so well under foundation for a major illuminating glow. I have the NYX one, but I just prefer The Body Shop
Kisses,
Sarah
everydaystarlet.com/
I love illuminators! I've tried the Benefit one because I got a sample at Sephora and it works really well. But, recently, I've been the loving the RMS one. I even use it on my collarbones for some added sheen!
Taffeta & Tulips
That Victoria Secrets stick sounds amazing. Right now I use Benefit, but I would LOVE a stick because it's easier to use on the go. Great list, lady!
I have been obsessed with trying to learn how to do this… but I'm the girl who can't even put on blush without looking like a clown so I'm not holding out much hope. I'll keep watching the YouTube tutorials though – memorizing.
I LOVE the Benefit's Watts Up. I don't use it nearly enough. I'm thinking about getting the NYX one too.
I LOVE illuminators and that Sonia Kashuk one looks right up my alley! Loving your list, your feeding my addiction! XO -Kim
thethirtysomethinglife.com
obsessed with all things glowy and hopefully will share my collection next week! i love the creamy stick sonia kashuk highlighters. so good.
I've never used either of those but I'd love to add a little shimmer to my face any day!
I love using highlighters – in the summer I skip eyeshadow and just use a pencil highlighter on the corner of my eyes. I'm also a big fan on Benefit's High Beam.
I've never tried an illuminator but I have recently been obsessed with a highlighting powder from Julep. It has a lot of shimmer so applying the just right amount is a bit of a challenge. I am definitely going to have to take a look at the Benefit one the next time I'm in Sephora, which should be soon as my mascara is currently on it's last leg.
prosecco in the park
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on these! I have a NARS product I use to illuminate and like it but am always up for trying new products!
Kelsey
thepeacockroost.com
The Watts Up has been on my want list! I love a good highlighter!
xo Southern Style
I've heard great things about highlighters! I just use cheap makeup, ha! Maybe I should change that?!!
I love the look but am so OCD/used to fighting shine I just can't hop on board ha. I end up powdering over any shimmer!
I'm also a huge fan of Benefit products, they are seriously amazing! I've been using Watts Up and NARS Albatross as highlighters. I need to look into some illuminators too 🙂
I love a good highlight! I've tried a few cream & liquid ones, they just don't work the best for me. The Balm's Mary Lou-Manizer is my holy grail 🙂
I seriously LOVE that benefit Watts Up product. I have been using it for years. I also really like the Mac Prime and Prep Highlighter. It works really well!
Thanks for this post, I will try one of your suggestion, really need some new illuminator. xx
Nina
ninasstyleblog.com
I love Watt's up!
I am obsessed with Watt's Up. It is hands down my favorite ever! I am all about illuminizers and highlighters. I need them both 😉
I am going to get an illuminator today! I love that pretty glow!
xo,
Jessica
fortheloveofbubbly.com
i've heard amazing things about the benefit one! when my shopping ban is over, i might check it out 🙂
I know NOTHING about illuminators so thanks for sharing this! Who knew?!
I have been hearing a lot about this but I didn't know what it was exactly! Thanks for explaining 🙂
Sarah | sarahanne14.blogspot.com
Benefit can do no wrong in my book. I'll be adding that highlighter to my growing list of their products that I want! (including Fake Up and Benetint 🙂
Alyssa
alyssawithana.com
I have never tried an illuminator but definitely want to! A little shimmer looks so pretty on top of the cheek bones. I usually just try to add a little contrast with blush and bronzer underneath
I love the Benefit product, but if you find something you love I can't wait to hear!
Wishes & Reality
I love that golden shimmer look for the summer! That NYX illuminator is actually pretty awesome. 🙂
Paula
Thirteen Thoughts
I have a deluxe sample of Watts Up, and it's great! It's actually lasted me a long time. i also use the Nars multiple and benefit high beam – they're all so good!
Annessa
seekingsunshine.com
I want to try the NYX and Sonia one, I love JLo's dewy shimmer.
I want to try the Benefitt one!
Im still trying to fins a good highlighter for me! Great post B!
I need to find balance in this area. I love me some highlight, but being very fair skinned makes that challenging. A lot of highlight leaves a chalk appearance to my skin. Or some have a orange tone to them. Oh my did you see Jaclyn Hill's new collab with Becca? Droooollll. But I think it would be too pink for my skin tone. Pale people probs.
I totally forgot about Watts Up until just now! I've been using only my MUFE highlight recently and haven't used any of my other products, but I've been curious about trying out an illuminizer- specifically the Josie Maran Illuminizer, but the Sonia Kashuk might be a good cheaper alternative if I try!
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