Lykkers, I’m not going to pretend I need highlighter every time I do my makeup, but when the right one comes along, I suddenly wonder how the look felt complete without it.

Liquid highlighter is especially fun because I can keep the glow barely noticeable or build it up when I’m in the mood for something brighter.

1. Rare Beauty Positive Light Liquid Luminizer

Rare Beauty Positive Light Liquid Luminizer is one I’d happily keep within reach on my makeup table. The finish has that soft glow I like when I want my cheeks to catch the light without looking covered in shimmer. My favorite way to use a liquid highlighter is to start with the smallest amount. I tap it over my cheekbones with my fingertips, blend the edges, then decide whether I want more. Most of the time, that first little layer is enough for an everyday look.

2. Black Radiance Liquid Radiance Highlighter — Gold Dust

Gold Dust has a warmer personality, and that’s exactly what makes it interesting to me. Instead of reaching for it when I want a barely-there sheen, I’d pull it out for makeup with a bronzed, golden feel. I can already picture it with warm-toned blush, softly defined eyes, and a little bronzer around the cheeks. The golden tone can bring warmth into the whole makeup look rather than sitting on the skin as one separate step.

Rare Beauty suits my softer makeup days when I want a clean, fresh-looking glow. Black Radiance Gold Dust feels more playful and glamorous, especially when I’m going for warmer tones. That’s the fun part about liquid highlighter for me: one tiny dab can completely change the mood of the makeup. Some days I want people to notice the glow. Other days, I just want to catch it myself when I turn toward the mirror.