Because You've Been Wondering, *This* Is the Difference Between Highlighter and Illuminator
The seasons have *a lot* to do with it.
The ✨lit✨ look has many women venturing into shimmery new territory. And yet there's still a lot of confusion regarding what's what product-wise. A major point of contention? The difference between highlighter and illuminator. Like, is the beauty industry just playing mind games and they're actually the same thing or do they really yield two different kinds of iridescence?
To show us the light, I reached out to the patron saint of lit, celebrity makeup artist Michael Anthony, who helps the likes of Rita Ora and Tinashe get their shine on. Here's what you need to know:
The main difference: "Highlighter is for a concentrated area of light, while an illuminator casts light more generally," explains Anthony.
Highlighter
"If you're looking to emphasize your bone structure or to give the prominent areas of you face a stand out shine, you want to highlight," Anthony says. So look to the high planes of the face where light hits naturally—the cheekbones, under the brow bone, down the bridge of the nose, and on the cupid's bow."
A post shared by MICHAEL ANTHONY (@manthony783)
A photo posted by on
Best Season for Highlighting: "In summer, when the sun is bright and high, it's fitting that your cheekbones, top of the eye sockets, and cupid's bow would glint in the light and sparkle a bit more!" says Anthony.
Illuminator
"If you're looking to enhance or create a feeling of vitality and light from within your overall complexion , you need an illuminator," he explains. You can look to an illuminating foundation, mix an illuminator into your foundation, or apply one over your foundation for a soft, lit-from-within glow. Though women with excess-oil-prone skin should tread lightly!
A post shared by MICHAEL ANTHONY (@manthony783)
A photo posted by on
Best Seasons for Illuminating: "Illuminators will look more natural during colder months as they make you radiate warmth and health," explains Anthony.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
Lauren Valenti is Vogue’s former senior beauty editor. Her work has also appeared on ELLE.com, MarieClaire.com, and in In Style. She graduated with a liberal arts degree from Eugene Lang College, The New School for Liberal Arts, with a concentration on Culture and Media Studies and a minor in Journalism.
-
Lila Moss Goes Braless in Baggy Denim and a Safety-Pinned T-Shirt
The model picked up lunch with a friend in a slouchy, laid-back look.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
During His Royal Tour in Australia, King Charles Reveals One Way He Won't Be Following in Prince Harry's Footsteps
"If I was a younger man."
By Kristin Contino Published
-
'Woman of the Hour' Adapts a Shocking True Crime Case About a Murderer on a Dating Show—Here Is What Really Happened
You'll be surprised by what's fact and what's fiction in the new Netflix movie directed by Anna Kendrick.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
What Is Sugar Waxing? Everything to Know, According to Experts
It's also less painful than some alternatives.
By Iman Balagam Published
-
13 Best Drugstore Concealers That Feel Surprisingly Luxurious
Great things *do* come with small price tags.
By Iman Balagam Published
-
Starface Founder Julie Schott Shares Her Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
The entrepreneur spoke to editor-in-chief Nikki Ogunnaike for the 'Marie Claire' podcast "Nice Talk."
By Sadie Bell Last updated
-
This Valentino Perfume Is the Best Fragrance of 2024, According to Beauty Experts
It's a layerable, floral fragrance.
By Samantha Holender Published
-
Is Colostrum the New Collagen?
Doctors and wellness professionals have a lot to say about TikTok's supplement of the moment.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published
-
TikTok Is Making "Unsexy" Beauty Products Seem Very Appealing
There's more to worthwhile products than pretty packaging.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Fendi's First Fragrances Are Designed for Fashion Obsessives
It's finally available to shop.
By Halie LeSavage Last updated
-
Beauty Experts Called Out Youthforia's New Foundation in May. The Founder Apologized Four Months Later
This isn't the way to do inclusive shades.
By Halie LeSavage Last updated