To brighten your complexion and achieve a healthy glow, nothing beats highlighter. But how do you choose? Here are the keys to finding the one that's right for you. 

A few years ago, a miracle product entered the beauty world: highlighter. Highly praised by makeup artists, it quickly became a staple in our makeup bags. But why is highlighter so popular? With the rise of so-called "natural" makeup, a radiant complexion and a touch of shine have become the standard for a perfect complexion. Highlighter is the ideal product to achieve that shiny, glowy (yet natural) look we love so much. 

What are the different types of highlighter? 

Although we first knew it in powder form, highlighter has quickly evolved to come in other, even more convenient forms. 

Powder highlighter 

This is the basic form, the one you'll probably find most easily on beauty store shelves. Also known as highlighting powder, it comes in a compact powder case or in loose powder form and is applied with a dedicated fan brush. It is now available in a variety of shades (champagne with golden tones, copper, pink, and even blue or purple) to perfectly match all skin tones and let you experiment with different effects. The advantage of powder is that it is buildable, and you can easily adjust the intensity for a more or less glowy complexion. 

Cream highlighter 

The creamy version is ideal for those who like to play with textures. It is best blended with the fingers to smooth out the product. Since it blends seamlessly into the skin, cream highlighter offers a much more natural finish than powder and can therefore be used for everyday makeup. In fact, you can even get by with just a touch of highlighter to brighten your face without having to apply makeup at all! 

Liquid or fluid highlighter 

Liquid or fluid highlighter can also be described as a radiance serum. It is generally found as a skincare product and a makeup primer. Packed with pearlescent or shiny pigments, fluid highlighter can be applied like an iridescent veil over the entire face just before applying foundation and concealer. It can also be applied on its own, as it has the advantage of lightly blurring imperfections for a fresh complexion in no time.

Stick highlighter 

It has been around for a while, and stick highlighter is gaining popularity. Just like blush, it comes in a small twist-up tube and can be applied directly to the skin. This format is convenient to carry everywhere for quick touch-ups. It blends easily with a brush for a more or less pronounced look. 

• For more details on how to apply highlighter, check out our article "how to apply highlighter" and never miss the finishing touch for a perfect complexion again! 

How to choose your highlighter shade? 

When it comes to makeup, one of the most important things to consider to avoid a faux pas is your skin tone. Whether it's blush, foundation, concealer, or highlighter, it's best to know the right shade for your skin tone to choose the color that will match perfectly. Highlighter comes in a variety of colors. Its shades adapt to the many tones that skin can take. 

Understanding your skin color 

It is important to understand your skin tone to choose the right highlighter shade. If your skin is rather pale, a champagne, silver, or rosy shade will be perfect. If your skin is darker, a warm, golden, copper, or orange shade may be a better match. 

Consider your skin's undertone 

To choose the perfect highlighter, it is also essential to consider your skin's undertone. If your undertone is warm (golden, olive), a golden or copper shade will be a better match, even for fair skin. If your undertone is cool (blue, purple), a champagne or pale pink shade may work better.

How to discover your skin's undertone? The test is simple: hold two pieces of fabric (one blue and one orange) close to your face. If the blue fabric makes you look more radiant, your undertone is cool; if the orange fabric brings out your glow, your undertone is warm. 

Should you choose your highlighter according to your skin type? 

As with anything you apply to your skin (including skincare products such as your day cream, your eye contour serum , and sunscreen), it is best to choose your highlighter according to your skin type. Different skin types have specific needs, and choosing the wrong makeup product can yield mediocre results or even worsen existing skin issues. 

If you have dry skin: dry skin prefers cream or liquid textures. These moisturizing formulas often contain skincare active ingredients and help give the skin a natural glow while preventing a dry or dull appearance. Avoid powder highlighters, which can accentuate dry areas and make your skin look dull.

If you have oily skin: if your skin is oily, it is best to use a powder highlighter or a gel-based formula. These textures are lighter and less likely to contribute to sebum production, which, as we know, can lead to oilier skin. In this case, avoid cream highlighters, which can make your skin look greasy.

If you have combination skin: if your skin is combination, you can choose a powder, liquid, or stick highlighter. However, still avoid cream highlighters, which can accentuate the oily areas of your face.

If you have sensitive skin: sensitive skin will prefer hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic makeup products. Regardless of the form, the most important thing is to choose a gentle, fragrance-free highlighter to avoid irritation.