9 natural highlighters that will get you that ultimate (and effortless!) glow

When it’s 90 degrees (and humid, ugh), the last thing you want to do is apply a full face of makeup. But whether you’re headed to the office, dashing out for date night, or lounging poolside, sometimes it’s nice to have a little something to brighten up your skin.

That’s where a summer-friendly highlighter comes into play. “A highlighter is a great way to bring a little more light to your face,” says Kristen Arnett, international eco makeup artist and founder of Green Beauty Team.

It can be tempting, Arnett warns, to get addicted to the shimmery stuff. But resist the urge to apply it to your entire face. “It’s a use-in-moderation thing,” she says. “It’s such a fun product, so we get excited and want to use more, but more starts to backfire big-time.”

“A highlighter is a great way to bring a little more light to your face.”

The best places to put a bit of highlighter are the tops of the cheekbones, the inner corners of each eye (right next to the nose), right under the arch of the brow, and a little swoop in the Cupid’s bow of the lips, Arnett suggests. “Just don’t go too high or it will look like you have a sweaty upper lip,” she says. For a nighttime look, the makeup artist suggests adding a bit of shimmer on your collarbone or the tops of your shoulders. “It can make something look bigger and more prominent, so the key is to apply it in places you want to have stand out,” she adds.

Which product to go with? The key, Arnett says, is finding a highlighter that matches your skin tone. She also suggests a cream formula for everyone (except those with super-oily skin), since it will look the most natural.

And unless you really want to bring the party, Arnett recommends opting for a product that’s not overly sparkly. “A highlighter with subtle shimmer looks sophisticated and works for everyday use,” she says. “One with a lot of glitter is bolder and looks more obvious, but is probably better suited for an outdoor festival or disco.”

From Tata Harper to Rituel de Fille, here are 9 options that’ll give your skin a summer shine.

Shop the shimmery look

Maya Chia Highlight of the Day $42

Rituel de Fille Rare Light Luminizer $29

Kjaer Weis Cream Blush $56

W3LL People Bio Brightener Chubby Stick $24

Alima Pure Highlighter $24

Vapour Halo Illuminator $36

RMS Beauty Champagne Rose Luminizer $38

Tata Harper Very Highlighting Cheek Tint $40

Ilia Polka Dots & Moonbeams $34

Now that you have the highlighter of your dreams, here’s how to make sure it lasts as long as possible—and what you need to know about natural beauty expiration dates.