During the summer months –and yes, they are almost here– I love to wear an illuminator. Here are few different ways to try them:
- Mix a few drops with your foundation to add some glow
- Place some on the upper cheek, bridge of nose and in a “C” shape around the eye area, touch a bit on the brow bone
- Put some under foundation, if you don’t like too much shimmer, to add just a touch of light
I pooled a few from samples and a friend’s stash to give some comparisons. As you can see from the swatches, almost every liquid illuminator has a color cast that make all of them quite distinct. Here, I look at the following:
- Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer #2 ($59) in a shimmering sandy gold
- Becca Shimmering Skin Perfecter in Opal ($41) in a light gold
- Becca Shimmering Skin Perfecter in Topaz ($41) in a deep gold tan
- Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer #10 ($59) in a shimmering gold-beige
- Benefit High Beam ($ 24) in a sheer pearlized cool pink
- Soliel Tan de Chanel Illuminating Fluid ($ 48) in a shimmering multi-dimensional gold
Swatches:
Of the ones that I own, I get the most use from the Chanel and Becca’s Topaz. They are really distinct in their look–the Chanel adds a glow, while Becca’s Topaz adds a little bronzing effect. Both seem to last all day, and neither has broken me out. On the other hand, my friend who has the same skin tone as I do (MAC NC15/Chanel Cameo Intensity 1.0), prefers Benefit’s High Beam. The High Beam gives a more dramatic look, the shimmer is easier to see and she prefers that look.
Another set of swatches (slightly different light):
7 Responses to “Everything Is Illuminated – Liquid Highlighter Comparison”
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Great swatches. Of what you’ve posted, I’ve tried the Becca and Benefit products. I do really like Becca but the price is a little high, though I guess not as high as Armani.
wow thank you so much for these swatches, I’ve been contemplating about the Becca for a while now. I have NC15-20 skin and I want a really natural, meld into your skin kind of highlight, do you the opal is too champagney colored/noticeable? I’m trying to choose between Pearl and Opal, what would you recommend to get that sort of effect?
I think Opal works well on NC15-20. Dermstore.com has 20% off Becca through May 27th (U.S.).
BTW, the most natural highlighter I own is not a liquid but a solid–the Edward Bess–I’ve reviewed it on this site and Sabrina on the Beauty Look Book.
I have been interested in the Chanel formula since it was used on me at the beauty event I attended. The MA just added a few drops and highlighted the tops of my cheekbones – it was very nice and subtle. But I am wondering how it would look if I added a few drops of it into my TI liquid base? Or a few drops mixed into my tinted moisturizer.
I think it would look beautiful! Can you get a sample to try?
I’ll be swinging by the Chanel counter tonight at my local Nordstrom – hopefully they can give me a sample.
Oh good Lexi–my Nordstrom is usually very good with samples. I think you will be pleased, but it is investment so it would be nice to be able to try it first. Take care and have fun at the Chanel counter!