The golden hour is a magical time just after sunrise or before sunset. It bathes everything in a soft, warm light. This light is universally flattering. This time of day enhances natural tones and creates a glow that highlights the skin’s natural radiance. Inspired by this effect, highlighters help us capture that warmth and light in our makeup. They add dimension and a soft glow. This effect mimics the beauty of golden hour.
Fall is the season of rich, cozy tones, and your highlighter should be no exception. In Golden Hour: Essential Highlighters for a Warm Fall Glow, we’ve gathered the best highlighters. These are designed to enhance your natural radiance. They also complement the rich, earthy hues of the season. Whether you’re looking for a soft, candlelit sheen, these highlighters help you achieve that perfect autumn glow. Or maybe you’re aiming for a luminous, sun-kissed finish. Enjoy this from sunrise to sunset.
Rose Rave, Fenty Beauty, $42
Why We Love It: Rose Rave adds a soft, rosy warmth that complements any skin tone, perfect for that golden-hour effect.
Application Tip: Use a fan brush to lightly sweep Rose Rave along the tops of your cheekbones, down the bridge of your nose, and on your Cupid’s bow. For an extra touch, blend a little on your eyelids to bring out the rosy undertone, creating a cohesive glow that’s gentle yet stunning.
Iced Out, Anastasia, $34;
Why We Love It: With a universally flattering pearlescent finish, Iced Out is ideal for a soft, frosted glow that still has warmth, perfect for both day and evening wear.
Application Tip: Use a damp beauty sponge to dab Iced Out onto the high points of your face, especially on the inner corners of your eyes and brow bone, for a glistening, lit-from-within effect. Applying with a sponge helps intensify the glow, giving a subtle highlight that feels luxurious and smooth.
Blossom Glow, Wet n Wild, $6.99
Why We Love It: This highlighter’s delicate pink undertone creates a fresh, dewy look at an affordable price, perfect for a candlelit effect on cozy fall nights.
Application Tip: To get the most out of Blossom Glow, apply it with a fluffy brush to diffuse the shimmer across your cheekbones and temples for a soft-focus finish. Lightly press with your fingers afterward to melt it into the skin, creating a natural, seamless glow.
Sunset, Floss $20
Why We Love It: Inspired by the warmth of a sunset, this highlighter gives a golden sheen perfect for layering.
Application Tip: For a more intense, sun-kissed glow, layer Sunset over a cream highlighter. Using your ring finger, gently pat the highlighter onto the tops of your cheeks and blend it into the temples. The buildable formula makes it easy to control the amount of glow, ideal for a warm autumn finish.
Moondust, KVoss, $28
Why We Love It: Moondust delivers a silvery, ethereal shimmer that pairs beautifully with fall’s earthy tones.
Application Tip: Moondust is perfect for a strobe effect! Using a small brush, apply it to the very high points of your face: above the cheekbones, down the bridge of your nose, and at the center of your chin. For added effect, add a touch to the inner corner of your eyes for a dreamy, moonlit glow that’s ideal for evening.
Rose Gold Liquid, Rare Beauty, $25
Why We Love It: This liquid highlighter creates a rich, golden glow that blends beautifully for a warm, sun-kissed finish.
Application Tip: Mix a drop of Rose Gold Liquid with your foundation or moisturizer for an all-over luminous glow, or use it directly on your cheekbones and temples for a bolder highlight. Tap with your fingertips to blend seamlessly into the skin, creating a dewy, radiant finish that’s ideal for achieving fall’s cozy warmth.
Share Your Glow!
With these highlighters, achieving that perfect fall glow is easier than ever. But we want to hear from you! Do you have a favorite highlighter or a go-to makeup tip for fall? Drop your recommendations and tips in the comments below, and let’s keep the glow going all season long!
Highlighters bring dimension and warmth to your makeup, making them the perfect finishing touch for capturing autumn’s inviting glow.
