The Easy Way To Apply Liquid Illuminator

Why do some women always seem to look so radiant, even with very little makeup? Easy. They’re using the right products. You don’t need a plethora of beauty tricks and tools to brighten up your tired face, all you need is a little liquid illuminator magic…and maybe some lip gloss!

Here’s how to work liquid illuminator and get your glow on…

Choosing a liquid illuminator

For a light, ever so subtle sheen and glow, you really can’t go past the cult liquid illuminator NARS Illuminator in Orgasm ($47, mecca.com.au) or for a more fresh and dewy look, Benefit’s Girl Meets Pearl is a real hit (and Glosscar winner too!) – it’s also super-easy to use because it comes in a nifty applicator tube that lets you twist to receive just the right amount of liquid. We love it when beauty and gadgets come together!

When it comes to which shade of illuminator you should be using, makeup artist Tobi Henney says "Bronze and gold highlighters look fantastic on tanned, olive skin types, whereas I would do a pretty soft pink highlighter for those with fairer skin."

5 other illuminators we love:

best-liquid-illuminators

When to apply

For a noticeable glow, it’s ideal to apply liquid illuminator over the top of your foundation, however some women prefer to use it underneath for a much more subtle look. Makeup artist, Rae Morris says, “If you’ve got quite good or unlined skin, use a luminising primer all over to give you that glow straight away. If you don’t have the most amazing skin, then an illuminating primer will enhance lines and blemishes, so it’s best to use the foundation that you love and highlight certain areas [afterwards]."

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Application

To apply a liquid illuminator, simply transfer a small amount of the liquid to your fingertip and crack a smile, to find your cheek-line.
Now gently dab the illuminator along the top of your cheekbone.
To freshen up your glow you can add a little extra on the top of the apples of your cheeks, just under your eyes. Swiping a very small amount down the bridge of your nose will also help to slim and define your face.
Finally, use a clean finger to gently blend the illuminator into your skin so that it just leaves behind a faint sheen and voila!

Do you like wearing liquid illuminator? What's your best tip for glowing skin?

135 Member Comments

Shop A Everyday 10 Jun 2017 7:13 PM

How to apply liquid illuminator

I would like to try this for night time makeup

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sootyblack_14 9 Jun 2017 4:33 PM

Great tips!!!

Tigerlily_23 28 May 2017 10:37 PM

I use Benefit's high beam, so easy to use and blends in so naturally. It's very subtle. Great for beginners like me!

Antheapatteson 21 Apr 2017 5:57 PM

I have liquid creame and powder and powder has by far been the best for me

sporty_ytl 12 Apr 2017 12:38 AM

I have oily skin. I'm afraid liquid illuminator will make my face "look oilier".

skincare junkie 4 May 2017 10:49 AM

Where you apply the illuminator will be the key!

Stephanie2494 15 Mar 2017 2:23 PM

I fear I would look like I have rolled in glitter. I have a powder highlighter which I haven't even use yet. I tend to opt for powders with things like this because I feel like I have a little more control than using a liqiud

skincare junkie 16 Jan 2017 5:57 PM

My favourite is Laura Mercier Illuminating tinted moisturiser. It is not an illuminator but it is the best highlight to use over makeup. It does not create a mirror on your face like some of the crazy ones does

Meedee 16 Jan 2017 2:19 PM

Ive never bothered to use an illuminator....im afraid that if I give it a try i will make a mess of it so i simply sidelined it and live without it.

Shop A Everyday 16 Jan 2017 1:29 AM

Oh so many products now to buy

darasparkle 15 Jan 2017 9:03 PM

Thanks for the tips - still fearful of illuminators! Ahh

jenesaisquoi 15 Jan 2017 12:07 AM

I'll have to give this a go

Sparkle 77 14 Jan 2017 11:02 PM

I've been looking really average lately and I will try anything to brighten my look up.

I'm thinking the less is more when applying liquid illuminator or the results could be hilarious!

Temporary Princess 14 Jan 2017 8:21 PM

I sometimes mix it altogether and go over my skin with it.

Princess Perfume 14 Jan 2017 10:50 AM

I'm wearing a Guerlain illuminator at the moment which has flecks of gold in it. It's subtle but gives my skin a bit of a lift.

josella432 14 Jan 2017 12:18 AM

Never tried liquid Illuminator before. On the wish list.

Hayley644 13 Jan 2017 10:07 PM

Haven't tried one before.

Elunia 13 Jan 2017 9:58 PM

I use powder illuminator but I have never tried a liquid one, these steps makes it sound so easy, maybe I need to get one and have a go.

Maddy_249 13 Jan 2017 9:14 PM

I really want to try the cover fx enhancer drops has anyone else tried them. I have only tried a couple of powder highlights but i didnt like them very much.

maggieball 13 Jan 2017 7:58 PM

I’ve never tried an illuminator before but your tips make it sound easy.

Yohanna 13 Jan 2017 6:19 PM

I am new at this. Never owned liquid illuminator and just recently got pressed one from Bobbi Brown. Need to learn how to use it still . Thanks for the tips =D

Michele309 13 Jan 2017 5:07 PM

Love using a liquid illuminator sometimes on my cheekbones and forehead....only need a little bit to give your face a subtle glow. I'm using a Nutrimetics one at the moment and love it!

chanelle.l 13 Jan 2017 2:23 PM

I prefer powder over liquid but don't have much experience with it, so I think I will give it another go

PandaBear18 13 Jan 2017 2:14 PM

I've been too scared for a long time to try a liquid illuminator! thanks for the handy tips

lauratough 13 Jan 2017 11:53 AM

Yes! This is what I've been needing to learn for so long!

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