I've said it once and I'll say it again: You can never have too many highlighters. Cream, liquid, powder, Champagne, rose gold, bronze — there are so many varieties of glow-givers just waiting to gussy up our cheekbones. But when it comes to picking the next one to add to our collections, we don't always know which to dish out for. That's why we turn to those that have been tested on the red carpet to inform our shopping lists.
The reasons to love highlighters are endless. Not only do luminizers brighten up dull skin, but they can subtly contour your face. In fact, celebrity makeup artist Thalia Sparrow reaches for highlighters over contouring products, because they provide a natural, three-dimensional look.
So, if you've ever wondered what radiance-boosters celebrities wear to their biggest events, you finally have your answer. Ahead, behold the actual highlighters used to adorn celebrity faces.
Lupita Nyong 'o
Luminous skin, neutral makeup, and a pop of navy color on the eyes? A winning combination, if you ask us.
Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images.
This time, she's wearing Lancôme's Glow Subtil Silky Crème Highlighter in Rose Gold Lights. The compact has an almost bouncy texture; apply with your fingertips for a more intense effect. For a sheer finish, try a duo-fiber brush.
Lancôme Glow Subtil Silky Crème Highlighter in Rose Gold Lights, $30, available at Sephora.
Gigi Hadid
Hadid's cheekbones were so illuminated that they could have cut glass at this year's Much Music Video Awards.
Photo: Sonia Recchia/Getty Images.
Her makeup artist, Patrick Ta, used Maybelline's cream contour stick on the high points of her cheekbones before "lightly powdering the T-zone to allow the skin to look dewy in the right places," he says.
Maybelline Face Studio Master Strobe, $7.99, available at Target.
Nina Dobrev
At the Met Gala this year, Nina Dobrev went for an ultra-dewy look complete with lots and lots of lashes.
Photo: Rabbani and Solimene Photography/Getty Images.
Rather than applying strategically placed highlighter, Dobev's opted for all-over glow in the form of this luminous moisturizer.
GlamGlow Glowstarter Mega Illuminating Moisturizer, $49, available at Sephora.
Chrissy Teigen
Neutral, bronze tones on the eyes and lips mean your skin can take center stage, à la Chrissy Teigen.
Photo: Steve Granitz/WireImage/ Getty Images.
"To set [Teigen's] makeup and add additional radiance, I dusted a little Lorac Light Source to the forehead, bridge of the nose, apples of the cheeks, and chin," says celebrity makeup artist Mary Phillips.
Lorac Light Source Illuminating Highlighter, $22, available at Lorac Cosmetics.
Taraji P. Henson
At this year's BET Awards, Empire star Taraji P. Henson went for a not-so-traditional sculpt and highlight.
Photo: Johnny Nunez/BET/Getty Images.
Who would have known that matte eyeshadows can be used for contouring? Celebrity makeup artist Ashunta Sheriff used a duo by Black Opal to sculpt and highlight Henson's cheekbones.
Black Opal Color Splurge Eye Satin Matte in Bordeaux Bliss, $6.95, available at Black Opal Beauty.
Olivia Munn
Olivia Munn's makeup artist, Amy Oresman, wanted to accentuate the actress' bone structure and freckles by using a combination of cream blush and powder highlighter.
Photo: Monica Schipper/FilmMagic/ Getty Images.
"Neutrogena Healthy Skin blush in Luminous [was] dusted on her cheekbones, bridge of the nose, and under her brow," says Oresman. "Then, I used La Prarie's cream blush in Rose Glow tapped along the apples of her cheeks."
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Blush in Luminous, $7.99, available at Ulta Beauty.
Saoirse Ronan
At this year's Tony Awards, actress Saoirse Ronan's look was all about fresh, ethereal skin.
Photo: Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic/ Getty Images.
Her makeup artist, Thalia Sparrow, used Laura Mercier's Candleglow Soft Luminous Foundation to even her complexion before dusting Laura Mercier's Face Illuminator in Devotion on her cheekbones. She then dusted the shade Seduction to the bridge of her nose, cupid's bow, and browbone.
L aura Mercier Face Illuminator Powder in Devotion, $44, available at Sephora.
Lara Stone
Mega radiance pairs well with a smoky eye, too — just ask Lara Stone.
Photo: Larry Busacca/Getty Images.
Stone's radiant glow was created with a liquid highlighter by L'Orèal, which makeup artist Benjamin Puckey tapped onto the high points of the model's face. The best part? This product can also be mixed into foundation or tinted moisturizer for extra glimmer.
L'Oréal True Match Lumi Liquid Glow Illuminator in Ice, $12.99, available at Ulta Beauty.
Ciara
At this year's Billboard Music Awards, host Ciara went for a lit-from-within glow.
Photo: Frazer Harrison/BBMA2016/Getty Images.
Celebrity makeup artist Yolanda Frederick-Thompson achieved this by dusting Laura Mercier's Mineral Illuminating Face Makeup Powder in Candlelight all over the star's face.
Laura Mercier Mineral Illuminating Face Makeup Powder in Candlelight, $35, available at Laura Mercier.
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