The Best Glow-Boosting Drops To Try

The Best Glow-Boosting Drops To Try

From subtle bronze elixirs to glossy highlighter drops, illuminators are an easy way to add radiance to your complexion, while at the same time enhancing the natural structure of your face. Here are some of our current favourites…
Photography: BRAT CO/STOCKSY UNITED

All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products.

1

Iconic London Illuminator Drops, £30

WHY WE RATE THEM: Dubbed ‘the god of all highlighters’, this silky elixir goes a long way, with only a few drops needed to create a natural, believable glow. Mix it with your primer, foundation or moisturiser to bring both warmth and luminosity to your complexion and, if you have any excess left on your brush, sweep it over your neck and chest to even out tone and add definition. It’s available in five suits-all shades, too, so there’s something for everyone. We recommend ‘Gold’ for those looking to extend their summer tan.

Available at LookFantastic.com

2

Morphe Madison Beer Shimmer Highlighter Drops, £16

WHY WE RATE THEM: With two suits-all shades available, these dewy drops suit every skin tone and have just the right amount of shimmer – that being, barely any. The formula can be massaged into skin and worn as a base, tapped onto the highest points of your face or mixed into foundation – the options are endless. Apply a little pre-foundation for best results. Not only does this give you more of an ethereal glow, it looks more natural, too. If applying neat, focus on the areas that naturally catch the light – think cheekbones, the nose and your brow bone.

Available at Boots.com

1

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Dew Drops, £31

WHY WE RATE THEM: Straddling both the skincare and make-up categories, these new Dew Drops have been created to lend good glow, while still caring for your complexion. A mix of niacinamide and vitamins keeps skin smooth and hydrated, while the texture instantly highlights for wet-look luminosity. Tap a little on under or over your make-up and build up to your preferred intensity. Alternatively, try using a little on top of eyeshadow or on bare lids for a light-catching sheen. Whatever you decide, the texture sets quickly with zero tackiness or grease, so the rest of your make-up won’t slide or suffer from any interference. One of our favourite products of 2021 so far.

Available at CultBeauty.co.uk

1

PAI The Impossible Glow Hyaluronic Acid & Sea Kelp Bronzing Drops, £19

WHY WE RATE THEM: These popular drops are a must-try for a believable-looking tan and instant luminosity. They suit all skin types and tones, while added hyaluronic acid and sea kelp keeps moisture locked in for hours. Add a few drops into your favourite serum, cream or even foundation for an even, gradual glow. You’ll love the small, light-reflective pigments inside, too, which brighten and smooth uneven skin. Tap a little onto cheekbones if you want an instant glossy, healthy sheen. 

Available at CultBeauty.co.uk

2

Sculpted by Aimee Connolly Liquid Lights Drops, £22

WHY WE RATE THEM: Available on their own or as a blush and highlight duo, these Liquid Light drops have the kind of silky texture that blends seamlessly into skin for a smooth, luminous glow. On first squeeze, the formula looks very pigmented, but as you start brushing it into your skin, you’ll realise it never looks greasy or too metallic. You can use fingers to blend it, but we recommend applying with a brush to buff the product in properly. It works well pre-foundation for a radiant base, too.

Available at SculptedByAimee.com

3

Rodial Soft Focus Glow Drops, £50

WHY WE RATE THEM: These are an investment, but one which is worth it. Not only do they last for years, they also double up as both skincare and make-up. Acting like a serum, they penetrate the skin, lending instant hydration, but also antioxidant protection against daily aggressors – think UV and pollution. Offering a soft-focus glow, with minimal shimmer and a pink-y sheen that’s rosy and fresh, mix them in with your skincare, or apply a few drops directly to the skin for speedy illumination. You’ll find they give your complexion a smooth base for any make-up, too. 

Available at Rodial.co.uk

4

Zoeva Liquid Light Drops, £16.50

WHY WE RATE THEM: Dubbed ‘dewy skin in a bottle’, Zoeva’s Liquid Light Drops impart a touch of subtle shimmer and leave behind a pearlescent finish that catches the light beautifully. You only need to dab on a small amount to instantly see the effects, too. We recommend using a buffing brush to blend it around your cheekbones and temples for best results.

Available at LookFantastic.com

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