For me, the right highlighter adds the perfect finishing touch to a makeup look. A good highlighter can really pull a look together and add that extra dash of glam. On a day-to-day basis, I tend to use a pretty yet subtle highlighter to draw attention to the high points of my face and create an extra-sculpted look. I find that this is so much more effective than overdoing it with bronzer. And of course, nights out and special occasions often call for a little extra shine. I’ve compiled a list of my favorite luxury highlighters and categorized them according to their level of intensity so that you can find your perfect glow.

Soft and Subtle 

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder 

If you’re looking for a gentle, soft-focus glow then Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder is exactly what you need. This finely-milled powder glides on like a dream and will give you a beautiful, natural glow that will have everyone believing you were born this way. For more on creating a natural makeup look, check out this article.

Nars The Multiple Highlighting Strobing Stick 

I tend to favor powder highlighters but this creamy strobing stick is hard to beat. It’s not just for the face, either; you can use this product to add a subtle shimmer all over your body. This is great for summer days when you want to highlight your collarbones, arms or legs. 

Mac Strobe Cream 

This subtle highlighter comes supermodel approved thanks to its ability to create a beautiful, luminous glow. If you’re seriously behind on sleep, Mac Strobe Cream will ensure that the world is none-the-wiser. How else do you think models party all night and emerge looking runway-ready?

Medium – Buildable

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector 

This beautiful highlighter has long been a favorite product amongst beauty bloggers and makeup gurus – and with good reason. It’s an extremely fine powder that is in no way chunky or glittery, and it creates a really beautiful sheen. The iconic Champagne Pop shade in particular is famous for its ability to flatter virtually all skin tones. The great thing about this product is that you can use it to create a natural, lit-from-within glow or build it up to create a blinding highlight. 

Benefit Cosmetics Cookie 

Cookie is the perfect highlight for anyone looking for a pretty, noticeable glow that’s still wearable enough for everyday life. It’s super silky and leaves a beautiful soft-gold shimmer that will last all day. 

Fenty Beauty Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter Duo 

As with everything she does, Rihanna totally killed it with her Fenty Beauty makeup line and the highlighters are a firm favorite of mine. The fact that you can combine two top-quality highlighter shades means that you can use your highlighter duo for basically every look, whether you want a toned-down, natural glow, a full-beam shine or something in the middle. I love it. 

Bright 

Ofra Rodeo Drive

Ofra Cosmetics is well-known for its range of beautiful, blinding highlighters and the Rodeo Drive shade in particular has achieved cult-favorite status in recent years. If you’re ready to turn heads, then look no further.

Iconic London Illuminator

New brand on the block Iconic London is all about creating a glossy, bronzy glow to enhance your natural beauty. The Illuminator gives a beautiful, bright golden glow that will make you feel like the belle of the ball. 

Laura Mercier Face Illuminator 

The first thing that struck me about this highlighter is just how gorgeous it is – it’s one of those products that’s so pretty you almost don’t want to use it. You should get past this feeling, however, because it looks so darn beautiful on the skin. You can apply lightly for a softer glow, but this highlighter really shines (pun fully intended) when you layer it up to create a stunning prismatic glow. 

For more on makeup, check out the best luxury eyeshadow palettes or this guide to mask-proof cosmetics.