Is Illuminator Different From Highlighter?

Find yourself pondering about the secret to a lit-from-within makeup look? There’s no need to wonder any longer—it’s all about using illuminator in your beauty routine. Sure, you may think that highlighter corners the market on a glowing complexion, but illuminator makeup takes your radiance to the next level.

A great way to sport a luminous beauty look without the intensity of highlighter, it’s no surprise that makeup gurus can’t get enough of this beauty staple. Not too familiar with the wonders of illuminator? As always, you’ve come to the right place! Follow along as we give you the 4-1-1 on everything from face illuminator to body illuminator and breakdown what makes highlighter and illuminator different.

WHAT IS ILLUMINATOR?

Illuminators are a makeup product designed to give your skin an all-over glow. Formulated with a natural, luminous look in mind, illuminators are an excellent choice to achieve a soft, subtle glow. You truly can’t go wrong with this beauty staple. Not to mention, you can choose from cream, powder, or liquid formulas—whatever suit your needs.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HIGHLIGHTER AND ILLUMINATOR?

It’s quite common for people to believe that illuminator and highlighter are the same thing. The truth is, while they are similar in that they both create a glowy look, there are key differences that set them apart. For instance, highlighter is only meant to be used on certain points of your face to draw in light and emphasize your bone structure. Highlighters are also typically more pigmented, which works in your favor to achieve a bolder look.

On the other hand, illuminator can be used to give your entire face a luminous glow instead of only focusing on certain areas. Known as a softer option than regular highlighters, illuminators help to really bring out a glow from the inside out. Typically, you can apply illuminators to skin solo, mix with foundation, or apply over foundation to give skin a desirable glow.

CAN YOU USE ILLUMINATOR AS HIGHLIGHTER?

Now that you know the purpose of using illuminator, you may be asking yourself, can you use illuminator as a highlighter? You totally can! However, you need to keep in mind that the purpose of an illuminator is to give your skin a natural glow as opposed to a high impact look. If you find that you want to flaunt a subtler highlight, applying an illuminator to your cheekbones, cupid’s bow, bridge of the nose, and forehead is just the ticket.

OUR 4 BEST ILLUMINATORS

Ready to lock down the best illuminator for you? Here are four of the best illuminators from L’Oréal Paris.

L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Liquid Glow Illuminator: Love liquid illuminators? This offering will definitely suit your needs. Featuring a lightweight formula, it can be used to illuminate skin all over or on specific areas to add some extra glistening to your look. We also dig that this illuminator can be used alone or with your foundation.

L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Powder Glow Illuminator: This powder illuminator is the gift that keeps on giving. Specially crafted to illuminate all over or highlight key features, you can count on achieving a natural glow with just a few swipes.

L’Oréal Paris Summer Belle Makeup Beach Bae Face & Body Liquid Luminizer: If you’re down to add some skin care into the mix, this face and body illuminator will surely make it happen. The lightweight formula, which is packed with multi-reflective liquid pearls, leaves skin with a hydrated, sun-lit glow.

L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer: This liquid illuminator is as good as it gets. The highlighting formula delivers an illuminating color tint to enhance your skin’s natural glow for a brighter and healthier-looking complexion. It also works in your favor to instantly hydrate and illuminate skin for an all-over, fresh, natural-looking glow.

HOW TO USE ILLUMINATOR MAKEUP IN YOUR ROUTINE

Now that you have the scoop on illuminators, it’s time to put your knowledge to good use. Follow this step-by-step routine to create an unforgettable glowy makeup look.

STEP #1: PRIME, PRIME, PRIME

Before you create your illuminated makeup look, you should always kick things off with makeup primer. Makeup primer can help create a smooth base for the rest of your makeup application. Since you’re trying to achieve a lit-from-within glow, reach for the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro Glow Lock Makeup Primer. Smooth a thin layer over the skin and you’re ready for the next step.

STEP #2: PERFECT YOUR COMPLEXION

Once your face primer has dried, it’s time to focus on perfecting your complexion. The key to scoring a gorgeous illuminated look is to combine foundation and an illuminator for the perfect finish.

If you use a liquid illuminator… smooth the product evenly over your skin. Once the liquid illuminator dries, follow up with the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation. Squeeze a small amount of foundation onto the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Blend Artist Foundation Blender and apply it to the skin in rolling and dabbing motions.

If you use a powder illuminator… use your fingertips or a fluffy makeup brush to apply the illuminator all over the skin. Follow up with a powder foundation, like the L’Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Compact Makeup, for natural coverage.

STEP #3: DEFINE YOUR FEATURES

Now that you have an illuminated complexion, it’s time to focus on your features. Sweep the L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Lumi Bronze It Bronzer to the hollows of your cheeks and your temples for a sun-kissed glow that will keep your face from looking flat.

STEP #4: ADD SOME DEFINITION

Spice up your illuminated makeup with the help of a blush that complements your complexion. Pick up the L’Oréal Paris True Match Blush in your perfect shade and apply it on your cheeks for a natural-looking flush of color.

STEP #5: COLOR YOUR LIDS

Instead of opting for a colorful eye makeup look, keep things simple with an inner corner highlight. Apply the L’Oréal Paris Brilliant Eyes Shimmer Liquid Eye Shadow Makeup in Crystal Shine at the innermost corner of your eyes for a glorious pop of color.

STEP #6: PUMP UP YOUR LASHES

Bring your peepers to life with volumizing mascara. Sweep on a few coats of the L’Oréal Paris Bambi Eye Washable Mascara, Lasting Volume in Extra Noir to score lifted, defined, and curled lashes.

STEP #7: PAINT YOUR POUT

There’s no better way to tie your makeup look together than with a gorgeous pout. Swipe on the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 8 HR Le Gloss to give your lips a flirty touch. 

STEP #8: SEAL THE DEAL

That’s a wrap! To ensure that your makeup goes the distance, spritz your face with the L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Lumi Shake & Glow Dew Mist.

Next: 7 Places on Your Face to Apply Highlighter