Good lighting is no longer a necessity thanks to these powder highlighters

Much like the cult-favourite Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Medium Coverage Foundation, this innovative gel-powder formula has been a frequent best-seller. Antioxidant-rich fermented arnica oil, and brightening and smoothing silver vine extract, are teamed up with multidimensional pearls and reflective pigments that smooth, blur and brighten (think: an Instagram filter IRL). 

$70 at Haus Labs

We’re already obsessed with the Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Wand, so when we found out CT had launched a powder highlighter that emulates candlelight, we had to know more. The lifting and illuminating silk-finish formula was test-driven on the red carpet by celebrities like Lily James and Jourdan Dunn. If a highlighter can hold up under the unforgiving glare of paparazzi flash photography, then you know it’s got to be good.

$70 at Charlotte Tilbury

Wondering how Selena Gomez glowed so hard on the Golden Globes red carpet? This highlighter was responsible. Makeup artist Hung Vanngo draped the Rare Beauty founder's cheekbones in the shade ‘mesmerize’. Half of the formula is made up of pearl microshimmers that are set in a sheer colour base to leave skin with a glass-like sheen. 

$44 at Sephora

While this looks like a regular schmegular powder highlighter — it’s anything but. The makeup industry’s ‘Mother’ Pat McGrath has created a cream satin, high beam finish with the help of a botanical oil-enriched formula. 

$79 at Pat McGrath Labs

Soft sculpt your skin with this stuff and you’ll scam the world into thinking you drink enough water (even if you don’t). Kim Kardashian’s go-to makeup artist’s take on highlighter is so subtle it looks almost natural. Ideal for no-makeup makeup days. 

$55 at Sephora

This is our top pick for faking a wet look while staying completely dry (we’ll pass on sticky skin gloss thanks). This unique highlighter features pastel hues on a sheer alabaster base of pure pearlescent pigment that looks glossy when applied to skin. 

$68 at Sephora

If you’d like one less thing to think about, we recommend getting your hands on this face palette. With four buildable highlighter shades available, this quad makes the customisation process easy. Stick to a single shade for a minimal makeup look or layer hues for an impactful finish. 

$82 at Sephora

This smooth, creamy powder highlighter is not for the faint of heart. We’re talking high beam, weightless radiance with just the stroke of a brush. Pro tip: pop it on the inner corners of your eyes. 

$52 at MECCA

The reflective micro-pearl powders in this formula make it a winner for more mature skin types. But regardless of age, you can count on this powder highlighter for blurring, smoothing and brightening where you need it. 

$75 at MECCA

If you cried actual tears when Becca announced it was closing, then you need to find a box of tissues to dry off your face. Smashbox has resurrected the brand’s iconic shimmering skin perfector that defined your youth.  

$66 at MECCA