4 Best Liquid Highlighters for Dewy Makeup in 2026

Choosing the right liquid highlighter can greatly enhance a dewy makeup look, especially in 2026 when formula innovation emphasizes hydration, longevity, and natural radiance. You need to take into account factors like skin type compatibility, finish, wear time, and ease of blending to find the best product for your routine. Exploring the top options available can help you understand which formulas deliver the glow you want, while also meeting your specific needs for endurance and luminosity.

ColourPop Dewy Liquid Highlighter – Glowy Face & Body

Are you looking for a liquid highlighter that makes your skin glow? The ColourPop Dewy Liquid Highlighter in Sugar Donut gives you a bright, natural shine. It has tiny light-reflecting pearls that brighten your cheekbones, nose, Cupid’s bow, and brow bone. The formula is light and not sticky. It blends easily into the skin and makes your face look like glass. You can also use it on your body if you want extra glow.

This highlighter is good for people who want a fresh, dewy look. It keeps your skin hydrated because it has ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid. It helps your skin stay moist and healthy while making you look radiant. You can wear it alone, mix it with foundation, or layer it on for more glow. This makes it flexible for any style you want.

Who should use it: People who want a natural, shiny look that you can change to fit your style on your face or body.

Good things about it:

• It gives a bright, glass-like shine with tiny pearls that reflect light.
• It has hydrating ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid that keep your skin moist and healthy.
• It blends well and can be layered without ruining your makeup.

Things to know:

• You might need to add more layers if you want a super bright glow.
• It may not work well if you prefer a matte or non-glossy finish.
• Be careful when blending to avoid streaks or uneven spots.

This highlighter is easy to use and perfect if you want a natural, beautiful glow that you can make more or less intense.

SHEGLAM Glow Bloom Waterproof Highlighter with Shimmer

The SHEGLAM Glow Bloom Waterproof Highlighter with Shimmer is a great choice if you want a highlighter that lasts a long time and makes your skin look bright and glowing. It has a creamy texture with shimmer that gives a shiny, dewy finish. The shade called Vanilla Frost works well for many skin tones. This highlighter makes your skin look like it’s glowing from inside. It keeps your skin hydrated because it has nourishing ingredients. You can build it up for a stronger shimmer or wear it lightly for a natural look. It works well with other makeup and can be used for any occasion or weather.

Best For: People who want a long-lasting, dewy highlighter that gives a natural, glowing look. It’s good for any weather and any occasion.

Pros:

• Creates a bright, glowing look with a dewy finish.
• Comes with waterproof formula, so it lasts longer.
• Contains ingredients that help keep your skin moist and healthy.

Cons:

• You might need to apply more to get a very strong shimmer.
• The creamy texture might feel heavy if you like powders.
• The Vanilla Frost shade might not match every skin tone perfectly.

L’Oreal Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Illuminator Bronzing Drops

L’Oreal Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Illuminator Bronzing Drops are a good choice if you want a light, easy product that adds a sunny glow to your skin. It has glycerin and shea butter, which help keep your skin hydrated and looking fresh. This product gives you a bright, glowing look without needing the sun.

It works well for all skin tones. It comes in five shades. You can use it alone, mix it with your foundation, or put it on specific areas to make those parts look more radiant. The liquid texture makes it simple to apply on your face or body. It gives a natural, healthy shine with little effort. This product fits into many makeup routines because it helps boost your natural beauty with a soft, dewy finish.

Best For: People who want a light, moisturizing glow that they can add easily to their makeup or skincare. It’s great for a sun-kissed look without baking in the sun.

Pros:

• Gives an instant, bright glow.
• Light and easy to put on.
• Includes glycerin and shea butter, which keep skin moist and comfortable.
• Suitable for all skin types and tones.

Cons:

• You might need to add more layers for a stronger glow.
• Some users prefer different finishes, like matte.
• Only five shades are available, so it might not match every skin tone perfectly.

This product is simple to use. It adds a beautiful glow fast, helping you look natural and bright.

Sheglam Glow Bloom Waterproof Liquid Highlighter

Sheglam Glow Bloom Waterproof Liquid Highlighter is a good pick if you want a highlighter that lasts a long time and stays wet-looking. It gives your skin a shiny, dewy glow that looks fresh and bright. This highlighter is moisturizing, so it keeps your skin feeling hydrated, even if it’s dry or sensitive. It is also waterproof, which means your glow won’t fade when you get sweaty or if it rains.

You can find it in different shades, with Tea Cake being one popular choice. The shade options let you go from a soft, subtle shine to a bold, shimmering look. It works well with other makeup products, so you can make your look as simple or as shiny as you want. This highlighter is a part of a makeup line that helps bring out your natural beauty with bright, healthy-looking skin.

Best For: People who want a shiny, hydrated highlighter that lasts all day, even in humid or oily conditions.

Pros:

• Stays on all day and keeps your skin glowing
• Adds moisture and is gentle for dry or sensitive skin
• Comes in shades that work for soft or bold looks

Cons:

• May need some blending to get a smooth finish
• The Tea Cake shade might be too warm or deep for some
• Might cost more than cheaper drugstore highlighters

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Liquid Highlighter for Dewy Makeup

When selecting a liquid highlighter for dewy makeup, you need to take into account your skin type to ensure compatibility and avoid irritation or excessive oiliness. It’s important to evaluate the product’s longevity and wear time to match your daily routine, as well as the glow intensity control to achieve the desired luminous effect. Additionally, look for options that offer hydration benefits and easy blending, which help create a natural, finish and make application smoother and more even.

Skin Type Compatibility

Have you thought about how your skin type affects your choice of liquid highlighter? Picking the right one can help you get that fresh, dewy look you want.

If you have oily skin, go for a lightweight and oil-free highlighter. This helps stop too much shine and keeps your skin from looking greasy.

For normal or combination skin, most liquid highlighters work fine. But if you want a really bright glow, choose one with extra moisture.

Dry skin needs special care. Look for highlighters with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin. These help add hydration and make your skin look luminous and healthy.

Sensitive skin needs gentle formulas. Pick highlighters that are fragrance-free and hypoallergenic. This reduces the chance of irritation.

Knowing your skin type helps you pick the best highlighter. If your skin produces a lot of oil, go for a softer, matte look. If your skin is dry, choose a highlighter that makes your skin look dewy and fresh.

Choosing the right product will make your makeup feel comfortable and look great all day.

Longevity and Wear

To find a liquid highlighter that lasts all day, pay attention to what’s in it. Look for ingredients like film-forming agents or waterproof features. These help the highlighter stay bright and fresh without fading away.

Try to test how well the highlighter holds up when you sweat or when your skin gets oily. These things can make it wear off faster. Reading reviews can also help. People often mention how long the highlighter stays on, like 8 or 12 hours. This is a good sign it can last through your busy day.

Also, check how easy it is to blend the highlighter into your skin. A good one will stay in place and not crease or slide around. When the formula is high quality, your skin will look dewy and fresh for hours. This means you won’t need to touch up as much and can feel confident all day.

Glow Intensity Control

Adjusting how bright a liquid highlighter looks is important for changing your makeup look. Liquid highlighters let you control how much glow you want. You can build up the shine by adding small layers until it looks just right. To blend the highlighter smoothly, you can tap or spread it. This helps create a natural glow or a more shiny, bold look.

The amount of shimmer particles in the highlighter also affects how bright it looks. More shimmer means a more intense shine. You can also mix the highlighter with your foundation or moisturizer. This makes a soft, shiny, dewy look with a gentle glow.

You can change the glow easily. Use less for a natural look or layer more for a dramatic shine. This makes your makeup flexible for any mood or event.

Hydration Benefits

When looking for a liquid highlighter that keeps your skin hydrated, check its ingredients. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. These ingredients help your skin lock in moisture and stay soft.

A good hydrating highlighter makes your skin look plump and smooth. It helps give you a fresh, dewy glow. These formulas are great for all skin types, especially dry or sensitive skin.

Using a hydrating liquid highlighter can boost your skin’s moisture. It helps your skin look healthy and natural. Plus, it can reduce the appearance of fine lines and make your skin look more youthful.

In short, pick a highlighter with ingredients that keep your skin moist. That way, your skin stays radiant and feels good all day.

Ease of Blending

How Easy It Is to Blend Liquid Highlighter

The texture and ingredients of a liquid highlighter decide how easy it is to blend into your skin. A smooth and lightweight formula blends better and looks natural. If the highlighter is too thick or heavy, it can be harder to spread evenly. Thinner liquids are easier to work with because they glide smoothly across your skin. This makes applying the highlighter quicker and helps it look even.

Adding moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid helps the highlighter blend well, especially on dry or textured skin. These ingredients help the product spread smoothly and stay where you want it. Good quality formulas also let you build up the color if you want it more noticeable, without leaving harsh lines.

Using your fingers, brushes, or sponges can make blending easier, no matter what kind of highlighter you pick. Practice using different tools to find what works best for you.

Versatility in Use

When choosing a liquid highlighter for dewy makeup, it helps to pick one that’s versatile. A good highlighter works on both your face and body. This makes your whole look glow just right. The texture should be lightweight and easy to blend. You can apply it with your fingers, brushes, or sponges. This makes it simple to layer or mix with other products like foundation, moisturizer, or primer. Look for a highlighter that offers buildable coverage. That means you can add more shine if you want a bold glow or keep it subtle. This flexibility helps you create different looks for different occasions. A versatile highlighter can be a great addition to your makeup collection.

Ingredient Transparency

Knowing what’s in your liquid highlighter is very important. Reading the label helps you see all the ingredients. Clear lists tell you if there are anything that might bother your skin, especially if your skin is sensitive. Brands that reveal their ingredients care about quality and follow safety rules. This makes you feel more confident about what you buy.

Seeing the ingredients also shows if the product has good stuff like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or nourishing oils. These can help your skin stay healthy or solve specific problems like dryness or irritation. When you know what is in your highlighter, you can pick one that fits your skin type and needs.

Being able to see the ingredients helps you make smart choices. You pick products that are safe and good for your skin. Clear labels make it easier to find the right highlighter for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Liquid Highlighters Suitable for All Skin Types?

Yes, liquid highlighters are suitable for all skin types. You can customize the formula to suit your needs, whether you have dry, oily, or sensitive skin, by choosing lightweight, hydrating, or mattifying options accordingly.

How Long Does a Liquid Highlighter Last on the Skin?

A liquid highlighter typically lasts 6 to 8 hours on your skin, depending on skin type, foundation, and climate. To prolong its wear, you should set it with a setting spray or translucent powder.

Can Liquid Highlighters Be Used Over Sunscreen?

Yes, you can apply liquid highlighters over sunscreen. Just wait a few minutes for your sunscreen to set, then lightly dab or blend the highlighter on the high points of your face for a dewy glow.

Do Liquid Highlighters Contain Harmful Ingredients?

Liquid highlighters can contain harmful ingredients, but many brands now use safe, skin-friendly components. Always check the ingredient list, opt for cruelty-free and hypoallergenic options, and patch-test products to avoid irritation or adverse reactions.

What’s the Best Way to Apply Liquid Highlighter for a Natural Glow?

To achieve a natural glow, you should apply liquid highlighter with your fingertips or a damp beauty sponge, focusing on high points like cheekbones and the bridge of your nose, then gently blend for a seamless finish.

Last update on 2026-02-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API