How to Get a Natural Glow With Highlighter (Without Looking Oily)

There is a fine line between a beautiful glow and a face that looks like it needs blotting. Most of us have crossed it at least once, usually in a wedding photo where the flash caught our forehead.

The secret to a natural glow is not more shimmer. It is the right formula, the right shade and a light hand in exactly the right places.

Liquid vs powder highlighter

Liquid highlighter

Liquid highlighters melt into the skin and give the most natural, lit-from-within look. They are flexible: you can mix them into foundation, dab them on cheekbones or even add a drop to body lotion.

The Miss Rose High Beam works as both a highlighter and an illuminator. It gives a soft, dewy shimmer with sheer coverage, comes in cool and warm tones, and the shimmer is made to stay where you put it rather than spreading across the face.

For a multi-tonal glow, the Miss Rose Liquid Pearlescent Shimmer Highlighter has an iridescent shine that shifts as you move and is weightless enough for the face and body.

Best for: normal and dry skin, natural looks, and anyone who dislikes visible glitter.

Powder highlighter

Powder highlighters are easier to control on oily skin and give a stronger, more visible shine that photographs well. They go on after powder.

Best for: oily skin, evening events and strong, sculpted looks.

Where to apply highlighter

Think about where light naturally hits your face when you stand under the sun.

• Tops of the cheekbones: the main spot, in a C shape up towards the temple.
• Bridge of the nose: a thin line, not the tip if you have a large or oily nose.
• Cupid's bow: a tiny dot above the upper lip makes lips look fuller.
• Inner corner of the eyes: brightens and opens the eyes.
• Brow bone: a soft touch under the arch lifts the brow.

Where to skip it

• The forehead and chin if you have oily skin. These areas already shine.
• Textured areas such as visible pores or acne scars, because shimmer draws attention to texture.

How to apply liquid highlighter

1. Apply after foundation, before any powder.
2. Put one small dot on the top of each cheekbone.
3. Tap it in with your ring finger or a damp sponge. Don't rub.
4. Build up a second dot if you want more glow.

A damp sponge gives the most seamless result. The Miss Rose BlendPro Beauty Sponge spreads product evenly for an airbrushed finish and works for foundation, concealer and liquid highlighter.

Three glow techniques

1. The all-over glow

Mix one drop of liquid highlighter into your foundation or moisturiser. You get a soft radiance everywhere without obvious shimmer. Great for dry or dull winter skin.

2. The targeted glow

Highlighter only on the high points. Best for oily and combination skin.

3. The layered glow (for events)

Liquid highlighter under powder, then a little powder highlighter on top of the same spot. This lasts longest and looks great in flash photography.

Best highlighter shades for desi skin

Very white or icy highlighters can look grey or chalky on medium and deeper skin. Warm golds and bronzes look more natural.

Highlighter by occasion

• Office and college: a single dot of liquid highlighter on each cheekbone, tapped in. Nobody should be able to tell where it starts.
• Dawat or dinner: cheekbones, nose bridge and cupid's bow, with a slightly stronger layer.
• Weddings and photoshoots: the layered glow, plus a touch on the collarbones if your neckline is open.
• Video calls: very little. Screens exaggerate shine, so keep it to the tops of the cheeks.

How to avoid looking oily

• Blot before you highlight, so you are not adding shine on top of oil.
• Keep the T-zone matte and the high points glowy.
• Use a fine shimmer rather than chunky glitter for daytime.
• Check yourself in daylight and with your phone's flash before leaving home.

See every glow product in our highlighter collection.

Frequently asked questions

Is liquid or powder highlighter better for oily skin?

Powder is usually easier to control on oily skin. If you prefer liquid, use it only on the cheekbones and set lightly.

Can I wear highlighter every day?

Yes. A small amount on the cheekbones looks fresh and natural in daylight.

Should highlighter go before or after blush?

After blush, just above it on the cheekbones, so the two blend together softly.

Can I use highlighter on my body?

Liquid highlighters work well on collarbones and shoulders for events. Blend well and let it dry before wearing your outfit.

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