Radiant skin isn’t just a trend—it’s a timeless statement. And when it comes to unlocking that enviable glow, liquid highlighters reign supreme. With their silky textures, buildable finishes, and ability to melt seamlessly into skin, these luminous liquids outshine their powder and cream cousins by delivering a more natural, second-skin glow. Whether you’re looking to mix a few drops into your foundation, spotlight your cheekbones, or glow up your collarbones, this curated list of the Top 10 Best Liquid Highlighters has you covered. Each product on this list has been selected for its performance, versatility, user love, and that unforgettable finish that lights up your entire look.
#1: Gold Award: Rare Beauty Positive Light Liquid Luminizer in Mesmerize (0.5 fl oz)
Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty didn’t just launch products—it launched a philosophy, and the Positive Light Liquid Luminizer in Mesmerize might be its most poetic expression. This rose gold-toned highlighter delivers a dewy, radiant finish that looks like your skin is lit from within. Lightweight and intensely pigmented, it blends effortlessly onto bare skin or over makeup, giving you the power to go from a soft glow to full glam. Just one dot of this formula stretches surprisingly far, which makes the petite 0.5 fl oz bottle feel much larger in practice. The applicator, similar to a concealer wand, makes precise placement a breeze. What makes Mesmerize stand out is its multidimensional shimmer—never glittery, never chunky, just pure glow. Inspired by Selena’s journey toward authenticity and self-love, this highlighter feels as much emotional as cosmetic. If there’s a downside, it’s that it may emphasize pores on very oily skin, but this can be mitigated with a setting mist or powder. And here’s a hidden gem tip: dab a bit of lip balm or mix it into body lotion for full-body radiance.
530+ user ratings with an average of 4.4
#2: Silver Award: Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Wand in Spotlight (0.4 fl oz)
Charlotte Tilbury’s Beauty Light Wand in Spotlight is legendary for a reason. This soft champagne liquid highlighter blends Hollywood glam with real-world ease, earning its place in every celebrity makeup artist’s kit. The squeeze-tube design with a cushion applicator allows for pinpoint precision, while the formula itself glides on like silk. Originally designed for quick backstage touch-ups during fashion weeks, Spotlight now lives permanently in vanities worldwide. It provides a smooth, candlelit glow that flatters all skin tones and doesn’t accentuate texture. The finish is neither too dewy nor too matte—it’s just perfectly luminous. Inspired by the golden-hour skin of supermodels like Gisele Bündchen, it creates a believable, creamy radiance that’s hard to overdo. The price point reflects its luxury status, and some may find the sponge tip hard to clean, but for anyone chasing that elusive “lit-from-within” effect, this wand is pure magic.
3+ user ratings with an average of 3.6
#3: Bronze Award: Iconic London Illuminator in Original (0.45 fl oz)
Few liquid highlighters have achieved cult status as quickly and definitively as Iconic London’s Illuminator in Original. This glow booster is ultra-pigmented and incredibly versatile—just one drop delivers an intense golden shimmer that can be dialed up or down depending on your mood. Its signature glass bottle and dropper design make it feel more like luxury skincare than makeup. This product gained explosive popularity in the influencer era, thanks in part to jaw-dropping application videos where cheekbones transformed into molten gold with just a tap. The Original shade is a luminous champagne-gold that works across many skin tones and blends beautifully into both liquid and powder foundations. While the effect can be blinding if overused, it’s equally stunning when applied sparingly for a soft strobe. It dries fast, so blending is key—but once it’s on, it’s locked in. This product has been praised for its staying power and Instagram-worthy payoff, making it a must-have for full-glam fans.
520+ user ratings with an average of 4.5
#4: Saie Dew Balm in Bronze Nectar (0.43 oz)
Saie’s Dew Balm is a fresh take on what it means to glow. Though technically a balm-liquid hybrid, its emollient, liquid-like texture and skin-conditioning formula put it comfortably in the liquid category. Bronze Nectar is a rich, warm hue that imparts a sun-drenched, dewy finish ideal for deeper skin tones or those craving a post-vacation glow. Packed with elderberry extract and sunflower seed oil, it nourishes while highlighting—making it one of the most skin-friendly options on the market. What makes Dew Balm stand out is its finish: glossy, not sparkly. It’s the kind of shine that looks effortless and healthy. Some users report it’s best applied before setting powder, as it may shift product underneath. But for those embracing a clean, glowy aesthetic, it’s a minimalist’s dream. This highlighter doesn’t try to be flashy—it just makes skin look good.
940+ user ratings with an average of 4.6
#5: L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion in Light Glow (1.35 fl oz)
This drugstore glow giant continues to impress. L’Oréal’s Lumi Glotion in Light Glow offers hydration and radiance in one easy-to-use formula. With glycerin and shea butter in its ingredients list, it doubles as a tinted moisturizer and liquid highlighter. The champagne-pearl shade is sheer but buildable, offering a smooth, natural finish that complements light to medium skin tones. It’s perfect for mixing with foundation or BB cream to customize your glow level, and at 1.35 fl oz, you get generous value. While not as blinding as some of the other picks on this list, Lumi Glotion earns its place with wearability and versatility. Think of it as your skin’s best light filter—and one of the most underrated multitaskers in your routine.
160+ user ratings with an average of 4.6
#6: NYX Born to Glow Liquid Illuminator in Sunbeam (0.6 fl oz)
NYX is no stranger to viral hits, and their Born to Glow Liquid Illuminator in Sunbeam proves highlighter perfection doesn’t have to be expensive. This pearly pink formula is loved for its creamy texture, easy blendability, and delicate glow. Sunbeam gives fair to medium skin tones a soft, ethereal finish that’s subtle enough for daytime but buildable for night. The formula is hydrating and smooth—not greasy—and can be layered over foundation without lifting it. NYX fans often compare it to high-end alternatives for its performance, even if the packaging is no-frills. At 0.6 fl oz, it’s travel-friendly and great for beginners or pros who need an affordable staple. If you love understated elegance over flash, Sunbeam deserves a permanent spot in your makeup bag.
8.060+ user ratings with an average of 4.4
#7: Versed Mood Lighting Luminizing Glow Drops in Golden (1.0 fl oz)
A glow that feels like skincare? Versed delivers exactly that with its Mood Lighting Glow Drops in Golden. Designed as a clean beauty hybrid, these luminizing drops include peptides and blackberry extract that treat the skin while providing a soft golden radiance. The dropper format makes it easy to control, and the product is fragrance-free and vegan. With its sheer and customizable finish, this highlighter excels at giving your complexion a healthy, “just drank a gallon of water” glow. Ideal for mixing into moisturizer or foundation, it’s the perfect choice for those who like their makeup effortless and nourishing. The 1 oz bottle offers plenty of product, and the packaging is fully recyclable—a bonus for eco-conscious consumers.
630+ user ratings with an average of 4.3
#8: Almay Healthy Hue Dewy Highlighter in Soft Glow (0.35 fl oz)
For those with sensitive skin who still want to shine, Almay’s Healthy Hue Dewy Highlighter in Soft Glow is the answer. Dermatologist- and ophthalmologist-tested, this highlighter is hypoallergenic and free from irritating additives. Soft Glow is a champagne beige that flatters most skin tones and gives a gentle, refined luminosity. Its creamy liquid formula sets to a non-tacky finish that stays put throughout the day. The 0.35 fl oz tube is compact but packs enough glow to last months. It’s a quiet achiever—often overlooked, but surprisingly effective. For anyone dealing with redness, breakouts, or rosacea, this is a safe and flattering choice that allows your skin to breathe while it shines.
410+ user ratings with an average of 4.5
#9: Flower Beauty Day Glow Highlighting Glaze in Stunner (0.19 oz)
Drew Barrymore’s Flower Beauty nailed the glass-skin aesthetic with their Day Glow Highlighting Glaze. The shade Stunner is a soft champagne that applies sheer but dewy, mimicking the way skin naturally glows after a good facial. The texture is unique—somewhere between a gel and a liquid—and melts into skin like a second layer. It works best on bare skin or atop cream-based products. While it’s not the most long-wearing formula (especially on oily skin), its fresh, radiant finish is unmatched for minimalists or editorial looks. For the price, it’s an impressive dupe for luxury glow balms.
100+ user ratings with an average of 4.2
#10: e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter in Light/Medium (1.06 fl oz)
The drugstore darling that took TikTok by storm, e.l.f.’s Halo Glow Liquid Filter in Light/Medium lives up to its hype. Often compared to Charlotte Tilbury’s Flawless Filter, this glow booster provides an illuminating veil of coverage that can be worn under, over, or mixed with foundation. The shade Light/Medium offers golden radiance without shimmer—perfect for a skin-enhancing effect that looks more natural than made-up. The jumbo doe-foot applicator makes it easy to apply precisely where you want glow. With skin-friendly ingredients like squalane and hyaluronic acid, this product walks the line between makeup and skincare. Whether you’re going full glam or just want a “no-makeup makeup” sheen, Halo Glow has become a must-have in every glowing arsenal.
