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The Best Face Highlighters and Luminizers

We compared five popular highlighters and luminizers based on owner ratings, expert reviews, and price. The L'Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion is our top pick for its balance of price and performance.

Updated

The bottom line

The L'Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion (B074PTZCNX) is our top pick for its high customer satisfaction, hydrating properties, and affordable price. With a 4.6/5 rating from over 53,000 owners, it offers a balance of price and performance. The Saie Glowy Super Gel Illuminating Face Makeup Primer (B0DV6BCZ5B) is a close runner-up for its lightweight formula and brightening ingredients, though it comes at a higher price. For a budget option, the Saie Mini Glowy Super Gel (B09MZV3H6L) provides similar benefits at a lower cost, though some users find the scent unpleasant.

Top pick
L'Oreal Paris True Match Lumi GlotionL'Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion $14.97

Best balance of price and performance

The L'Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion offers instant hydration and a natural glow at $14.97. With a 4.6/5 rating from 53,842 owners, it's a proven favorite. Tradeoff: Some users prefer investing in more expensive brands for complex formulas.

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Runner-up
Saie Glowy Super Gel Illuminating Face Makeup PrimerSaie Glowy Super Gel Illuminating Face Makeup Primer $30.00

Best for brightening and hydration

The Saie Glowy Super Gel provides a lightweight, brightening effect with Vitamin C and Rose Hip Seed Oil at $30. It's cruelty-free and vegan. Tradeoff: Higher price point.

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Budget pick
Saie Mini Glowy Super Gel Illuminating Face Makeup PrimerSaie Mini Glowy Super Gel Illuminating Face Makeup Primer $18.00

Best budget option with similar benefits

The Saie Mini Glowy Super Gel offers a lightweight glow at $18, with a 4.5/5 rating from 3,651 owners. Tradeoff: Some users find the scent unpleasant.

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The field, ranked

  1. L'Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion Best for price and performance 9.0/10 $14.97 Amazon
  2. Saie Glowy Super Gel Illuminating Face Makeup Primer Best for brightening and hydration 8.0/10 $30.00 Amazon
  3. Saie Mini Glowy Super Gel Illuminating Face Makeup Primer Best budget option 7.0/10 $18.00 Amazon
  4. L'Oreal Paris Makeup True Match Lumi Glotion XL Good for face and body use 6.0/10 $29.97 Amazon
  5. L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion Highlighter and Bronzer Versatile but limited owner feedback 5.0/10 $29.94 Amazon

Who should buy which

If you're looking for the best balance of price and performance, the L'Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion is your best bet. For those willing to spend a bit more for brightening and hydration, the Saie Glowy Super Gel is worth considering. Budget-conscious buyers should look at the Saie Mini Glowy Super Gel, despite the scent issue.

What owners complain about

The main complaint across all products is the scent, particularly with the Saie Mini Glowy Super Gel. Some users also mention that the L'Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion may not offer enough coverage for those looking for a more dramatic effect.

The also-rans

The L'Oreal Paris Makeup True Match Lumi Glotion XL and the L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion Highlighter and Bronzer did not make the top picks due to higher prices and limited owner feedback, respectively.

How this was put together

This guide is based on owner ratings, expert reviews, and price comparisons. We did not test any products hands-on. The evidence is strongest for the L'Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion due to its high number of owner ratings. The L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion Highlighter and Bronzer has the thinnest evidence with only 73 owner ratings.