How did we go from owning just one seldom-used highlighting product to a makeup kit stocked with every shimmering palette, powder, stick, cream and liquid product that promised to help us achieve that luminescent, Instagram-loving glow? Well, get ready for your newest illuminating obsession: jelly highlighters.
The jelly highlighter trend can be traced back to Farsali (the brand that launched a thousand unicorns with its Unicorn Essence) when it introduced Jelly Beam Illuminator and made “glazed” and “bouncy” the new highlighter buzzwords. Because the product starts as a jelly, glides on like a gel and sets like a powder, it leaves behind hydrated skin and multidimensional shine that’s enough to make even the biggest matte skin fan weak in the knees.
Trouble is, the Jelly Beam highlighter can be as elusive as a unicorn. It has sold out again and again since it launched months ago. Luckily, other beauty brands are getting inspired to come up with their own pigment-packed formulations and we are so here for all this jelly. If you think we’ve reached peak dewiness with liquid and cream highlighters, just wait until you see the glazed finish you’ll get from jelly highlighters. Read on for some of the best jelly highlighters to give you the ethereal glow you’ve been searching for.
[ Next: 12 Colored Highlighters for That Instagram-Worthy Rainbow Glow ]
This article originally appeared on TotalBeauty.com
Jelly Highlighters
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Almay
Make Them Jelly Hi-Lite, $14.99 at Ulta
This highlighter will win you over from the moment you see the gorgeous jewel-like packaging. What's inside is just as opalescent. Open the lid to reveal a pleasingly squidgy, shape-shifting highlighter that's packed with sparkles. The universally flattering iridescent highlighter comes in two shades: mermaid and unicorn (obvs). The hypoallergenic formulas deliver plenty of shimmer and hydration. Don't be afraid to mix them with moisturizer or foundation to create different effects.
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Zoeva
Strobe Gel, $15.80 at Zoeva
Don't underestimate these little pots, which add incandescent beams of light to skin. The memory shape gel creates a three-dimensional effect while maintaining a translucent, glowing-from-within finish. The nourishing highlighter is available in six sun-kissed shades with options for all skin tones. Warning: You will want to collect them all.
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Farsali
Jelly Beam Illuminator, $40 at Sephora
Tracking down this OG jelly highlighter is worth it because it leaves skin as glazed as a doughnut — and that's a good thing. Tap the dewy illuminator on with fingers over any areas you want to enhance. The innovative formula transforms from a gel into a powder for a pigmented, wet-satin finish. The intensity can be increased from golden goddess to megawatt 24k gold. For next-level shine, mix it with a powder formula.
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INC.redible
You Glow Girl Iridescent Jelly, $12 at Sephora
This jelly highlighter might be packed with sparkling pigment but it maintains a silky smooth finish that feels good anywhere it's applied. (That includes collarbones.) The wet jelly dries down, holding the pigment in place to maintain that lit look. Take your pick from gold and ultraviolet shades — or get both. At this price, they're a steal compared to other formulas.
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Nuest
Magical Jelly Highlighter, $28 at Nuest
Obsessed with colored highlighter? Experiment with gold, bronze, pink and even red while enjoying the bouncy texture of a jelly highlighter with this new launch. The self-smoothing, memory-form highlighter has a water base for comfortable wear. It dries quickly, leaving behind a burst of concentrated pigment. For extra cuteness points, each highlighter comes in a little purse.
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Tarte
Mermaid Glitter Gel, $18 at Tarte
If it's mermaid sparkle that you're after, this limited-edition highlighting glitter gel will provide it. It's basically a glitter bomb suspended in jelly. The packaging alone delivers major glitter nostalgia. Keep the highlighter handy for festivals or for times when you want to be extra extra.
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Givenchy
Bouncy Highlighter Cooling Jelly Glow, $41 at Neiman Marcus
The embossing on this highlighter makes it almost too pretty to use — the operative word being "almost." You'll want to slather the jelly on your entire body because it delivers a multidimensional, glazed finish and a cooling effect. It's a summer staple for when you want to look hot, but keep cool.
