9 Highlighters That'll Give You A Glazed Donut Glow

Earlier this year, Pinterest deemed 2021 as the year of skinimalism, a trend that would see skinthusiasts streamline their beauty routines and embrace a less is a more approach. When it comes to blinding powder highlighters, our love for these will never die. However, recently we have slowly seen sparkly face strobes take a temporary backseat while face glosses and balms take center stage as new go-tos for that barely-there daytime glow. Effortless and super-easy to use, all you need is one swipe of these or a dab of the finger and you’ll instantly look sugar-glazed.

Scroll down to see some of our fave skin balm and gloss picks rn for every budget.

The Budget Buys: $22 and under.

Morphe 2 Gloss Pop Face & Eye Gloss, $12

Source: Morphe

The epitome of dynamite comes in small packaging, this face gloss packs a serious punch when you desire next-level dewiness. Apply it on bare, cleansed skin for a fresh-faced finish and on your lids as well for a glassy eye moment.

Tarte Cosmetics Skin Gloss Glass Highlighter, $16

Source: Tarte Cosmetics

This honey-colored gloss blends like literal butter and adds a warm tone to any complexion, creating a lit-from-within effect. Add a light layer over your collarbones too to take that glow from face to body.

Tower 28 Beauty SuperDew Shimmer-Free Highlight Balm, $18

Source: Sephora

This versatile skin balm consists of no shimmer or glitter to give you a true glass skin shine. If you’re the queen of subtlety, definitely consider this as your glow choice as it delivers the right amount of dew for face highlights that are light and natural.

Danessa Myricks Beauty Dew Wet Hydrating and Highlighting Balm, $22

Source: Sephora

One word to describe this balm? Delicious. No, seriously, it’ll leave you with strobes that look delectable! Available in three shade variations, this formula is also infused with Jojoba Oil for added moisture. If you’re extra like us, apply this over or under your powder highlighter for maximized radiance.

The Boujee Buys: $32 and above.

Kevyn Aucoin Glass Glow Face and Body Gloss, $32

Source: Kevyn Aucoin Beauty

The shade range of this face gloss is out of this world — a line-up of pearly, prismatic, crystal-like highlighters in cool and warm tones for every type of glow-getter. If you want a minimalistic finish, mix this with your foundation or primer for a sheer veil of glimmer.

Gucci All Over Face & Lip Gloss, $33

Source: Sephora

Glassy vibes? Check. High shine? Check. Easily blendable and breathable? Check. Versatile? Check. For a cheek, lip, and eye gloss effect, this little transparent pot gets 10s across the board.

Chanel Baume Essential Multi-Use Glow Stick, $45

Source: Nordstrom

Incorporate this as the final step for your no-makeup makeup look, and you’ll get compliments left, right and center. We especially like that it’s a twist-up stick that allows you to sweep on your glow seamlessly. Size-wise, it’s as tall as a standard lip gloss and roughly double the width, but it honestly lasts for ages.

Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish Highlighter & Balm Duo, $48

Source: Sephora

Ever put on a new makeup product, and your friends start asking you the most perplexing questions like why do you look so good today? Do you have a new bae? Who are they? YOU’RE PREGNANT! Oh wait, it’s the botox, right? No babes, it’s this highlighter stick!

This formula is award-winning for a reason. Consisting of hyaluronic acid and aloe, and argan oil, it provides luminosity that lasts. Use the translucent balm for a juicy, barely-there look, or switch things up with the shimmer end for a light-reflective shine.

Okay, beauty debate time! When it comes to highlighters, are you team powder or team balm? Let us know in the comments below.

Disclaimer: Every product we review has been independently selected and tested without bias by our editorial team. We never take payment to review products, although some brands allow affiliate links, so we may earn a commission if you purchase a product by clicking on one of our links.