At the beginning of the year, I predicted that in 2019 we’d see an increase in dewy, fresh faced makeup. And I think we definitely have. With those ultra-glowy makeup looks on the rise, the days of intense glitter highlight are dwindling. Now, don’t me wrong, I still love a good stand out highlight, but I’ve been opting for a statement making, wet looking, glossy highlight instead.
I’ve gotten quite a few questions about my favorite highlighters for a wet looking, glossy look. And that’s exactly what we’re touching base on today! We’re talking the creamy, gleamy, sweat mimicking products that have been my go-tos lately.
I love how they give your face a healthy looking glow and work on a bare face or full glam makeup look. Most of my favorites are of the translucent/pearl/light champagne shades — because they work best on my skin tone. But there are color options within most of these that will work on a variety of skin tones.
nars highlighting powder in ‘fort de france‘
This highlighting powder from Nars isn’t a new product (& I seemed to have lost it), but it’s a great beginner product to the wet looking highlight trend. It’s a really light, rosy, light gold shade and very flattering. The texture of the actual powder is very bouncy and full of moisture, but it’s still a powder product which makes it very easy to apply.
On the skin, this really melts into it and gives you an invisible, shiny glow. And by invisible, I mean you can’t really see it until the light hits it directly. And I love that because it gives you most the most natural kind of glossy highlight.
flesh highlighting balm in ‘startle‘
Let me preface by saying the amount of product you get for the price is little — i.e.: you get a little product. But I really have been loving this for a wet, glossy highlight look. I use the shade ‘Startle,’ but it comes in 5.
All of these I’m mentioning today pretty much give me the same vibe, so my descriptor words are going to get pretty redundant. But what I like about this highlight from Flesh is that it give you a soft shine that’s reflective and is long lasting.
Unlike the Nars powder, this is a balm consistency. With cream highlights like this, I prefer to apply it with my finger and really press it into the skin. I find they’re most flattering when they’re applied this way as opposed to with a brush.
marc jacobs glow stick glistening illuminator
Next up is the Marc Jacobs Glow Stick. This is almost exactly like the Flesh highlight but a little more intense. It’s not quite as soft and diffused and offers a little more shine, but still meshes with the skin flawlessly.
This is a glossy highlight I tend to use all over the body — on my collarbone, shoulders, and chest.
cle essence moonlighter cushion in ‘glinting buff‘
I’ve spoken about this highlighting cushion multiple times on this blog, because I love it! It’s what first got me excited about a glossy highlight. I use the shade ‘Glinting Buff,’ which is a soft champagne color.
While the finish is glossy and soft, like the previous products mentioned, it is even more intense. I apply it with the sponge it comes with and press it into the skin. It plays well over powders and doesn’t break apart.
In comparison to the other products I’ve mentioned, this one actually feels wet. It’s more liquid as opposed to a cream or balm, but is still easy to apply.
kevyn aucoin glass glow face liquid highlighter in ‘crystal clear‘
Last but not least is this beauty from Kevyn Aucoin. I saved the most intense for last, for those of you who don’t want to half ass this trend! There are a few colors in this product as well, but I chose the clear gloss. .
It packs the most punch, and leaves your face with an intense shine that looks wet and glossy. But somehow it still looks almost natural, like you’ve been sweating in the sun. PS: A little goes a looong way.
shop this post:
Let's Chat!