Getting the Perfect Glow with NYX Born to Glow Liquid Illuminator

NYX Professional Makeup Born To Glow Liquid Illuminator tube on a white background
Amazon Rating:
4.6/5
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In the beauty world, achieving a radiant, glowing complexion is something many of us strive for—it’s often seen as a sign of health and vibrancy. Highlighters and illuminators are your go-to products to help enhance your skin’s natural glow by catching the light just right. One product that really stands out for giving you that beautiful radiance is the NYX Born to Glow Liquid Illuminator. It’s loved for its ability to deliver a natural, dewy finish that instantly brightens your complexion. In this guide, we’ll talk about what makes the NYX Born to Glow Illuminator special, the benefits of using it, the best times to wear it, a few potential downsides, and tips on how to apply it for the best results. Plus, we’ll check out a few alternatives to see how it stacks up in the world of illuminators.

What is NYX Born to Glow Liquid Illuminator?

NYX Born to Glow Liquid Illuminator is a lightweight liquid highlighter designed to give the skin a radiant, luminous finish. It can be applied to the high points of the face, such as the cheekbones, brow bone, and bridge of the nose, to create a natural-looking glow. Available in different shades, this illuminator can complement various skin tones, allowing users to customize their glow based on their complexion. The formula is versatile, making it suitable for both subtle, everyday radiance and more dramatic, high-impact looks. It can be worn alone on bare skin, mixed with foundation, or layered over makeup, depending on the desired effect. The product is particularly valued for its easy-to-blend texture, non-greasy feel, and ability to create a dewy, sun-kissed look without feeling heavy or cakey.

Benefits of Using NYX Born to Glow Liquid Illuminator

Radiant Finish: One of the most noticeable perks of using the NYX Born to Glow Liquid Illuminator is its ability to give your skin a radiant, dewy finish. Its liquid formula is designed to catch and reflect light, instantly brightening your complexion. Whether you’re going for a soft, natural sheen or a more defined highlight, this product delivers a healthy glow that looks natural and flattering. It doesn’t look over-the-top or artificial, making it perfect for everyday use or when you want to add that extra glow for special occasions.

Lightweight Formula: A major benefit of the NYX Born to Glow Illuminator is its lightweight, non-greasy formula. Unlike some highlighters that can feel heavy or oily on the skin, this product blends easily and feels comfortable throughout the day. You won’t feel like you’re wearing an extra layer of makeup. The lightweight texture also makes it ideal for long wear, so you don’t have to worry about feeling weighed down by your makeup as the day goes on. Its breathable formula won’t clog your pores, which is especially important if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Versatility: One of the standout features of this product is how versatile it is. You can wear it alone on bare skin for a fresh, no-makeup glow, mix it with your foundation for an all-over luminous finish, or apply it over makeup to highlight specific areas like your cheekbones, brow bone, or the bridge of your nose. This flexibility makes it easy to adapt the product to different looks and occasions. Whether you’re keeping things simple for a day out or going full glam for a night event, NYX Born to Glow can be used in multiple ways to achieve your desired level of radiance.

Suitable for All Skin Types: Another great advantage of NYX Born to Glow Liquid Illuminator is that it works well for all skin types. Whether you have dry, oily, or combination skin, the lightweight and non-comedogenic formula means it won’t clog pores or cause breakouts. For those with dry skin, it adds hydration and a soft glow without emphasizing any dry patches. On oily or combination skin, it delivers a dewy look without making you look greasy. Its balanced formulation ensures that anyone can enjoy the benefits without worrying about skin irritation or excess shine.

Affordable Price Point: A huge plus for NYX Born to Glow is its affordability. While many liquid highlighters on the market come with a hefty price tag, this product offers high-quality results at a fraction of the cost. It allows you to achieve that coveted glow without breaking the bank, making it accessible for makeup lovers of all budgets. This makes it especially appealing if you’re looking for a quality product without splurging on high-end brands. You get a radiant finish that rivals more expensive products but at a price point that’s much more budget-friendly.

Buildable Coverage: Another benefit of the NYX Born to Glow Liquid Illuminator is its buildable formula. You can easily control how intense or subtle you want your highlight to be. For a soft, natural glow, apply a small amount and blend it in gently. If you’re after something more dramatic, you can layer the product to achieve a high-shine, more noticeable effect. This versatility in coverage makes it suitable for both minimal makeup days and full-on glam looks, giving you full control over your desired level of radiance.

Occasions for Using NYX Born to Glow Liquid Illuminator

Everyday Wear: If you’re someone who loves a natural, glowing complexion every day, NYX Born to Glow Liquid Illuminator is your perfect companion. A little goes a long way—just apply a small amount to the high points of your face, like your cheekbones or brow bone, to enhance your features without going overboard. Its lightweight texture ensures that you can wear it all day without feeling like you’re wearing too much makeup. It adds a subtle radiance, making your skin look fresh and vibrant for everyday wear, whether you’re headed to work or running errands.

Special Events: For those special moments like weddings, parties, or formal dinners, the NYX Born to Glow Liquid Illuminator is a game-changer. When you want your makeup to stand out a little more, this illuminator can be layered to create a dramatic, show-stopping highlight. It catches the light beautifully, giving your skin a camera-ready, radiant finish that’s perfect for evening events where you want to shine. Its buildable formula lets you control how bold or subtle your glow is, making it an ideal choice for events where you’ll be photographed or spending time under bright lights.

Summer Outings: When it comes to outdoor events like beach days, picnics, or summer parties, the NYX Born to Glow Liquid Illuminator gives you that sun-kissed, dewy look that works perfectly with the season. Its lightweight formula ensures that your skin remains fresh and glowing, even in warmer temperatures, without feeling greasy or heavy. You can mix it with sunscreen or a tinted moisturizer to achieve a radiant, natural finish on days when you want a minimal makeup look. It’s the perfect addition to your summer beauty routine, making your skin glow as bright as the sun.

Photoshoots: Whether it’s a professional photoshoot or just snapping selfies for Instagram, NYX Born to Glow Liquid Illuminator is an excellent choice for getting that picture-perfect glow. The product’s reflective qualities catch the light in all the right places, ensuring your features are beautifully highlighted without looking overdone. It adds depth and dimension to your face, making it a favorite among makeup artists for beauty and editorial photography. If you’re looking for a glow that translates well on camera, this illuminator is your best friend.

Date Nights: When you’re heading out for a romantic dinner or a fun night out, the NYX Born to Glow Liquid Illuminator can give you that extra touch of glow. Apply it to the high points of your face, like your cheekbones and the bridge of your nose, for a dewy finish that stands out in low-light settings. The glow adds a soft, radiant touch to your look, ensuring your skin looks healthy and luminous all night long. It’s the perfect finishing touch when you want to feel confident and glowing for a special night.

Mixing with Foundation: If you’re aiming for an all-over glow rather than just highlighting specific areas, the NYX Born to Glow Liquid Illuminator is perfect for mixing with your foundation. This method creates a luminous, dewy finish that enhances the overall radiance of your skin, making it look fresh and youthful. It’s particularly useful for evening events or any occasion where you want your skin to glow from every angle. Simply mix a small amount of illuminator into your foundation for a healthy, lit-from-within look that will last throughout the event.

Downsides of Using NYX Born to Glow Liquid Illuminator

Limited Shade Range: One of the biggest challenges with the NYX Born to Glow Liquid Illuminator is its limited shade range. While the shades available are great for light to medium skin tones, those with deeper complexions may struggle to find a shade that complements their skin without looking too light or ashy. This can be frustrating for users with darker skin tones who want a product that enhances their natural glow without mismatching their complexion. NYX could benefit from expanding the shade range to make the product more inclusive.

Potential for Over-Application: Because the formula is buildable, it’s easy to apply too much if you’re not careful. If you’re new to using liquid highlighters, you might find yourself with a bit too much shine, which can look greasy or unnatural. Starting with a small amount and slowly building it up is key to avoiding an overly shiny or oily appearance. It’s all about balance when it comes to this product, so less is more until you get the hang of how much works best for your look.

Not Long-Lasting on Oily Skin: While the formula is lightweight and gives a lovely dewy finish, those with oily skin may notice that the product doesn’t hold up well throughout the day. In hot or humid conditions, the illuminator can break down faster on oily skin, requiring frequent touch-ups or setting the product with powder to keep it in place. For those with oily skin, using a mattifying primer beforehand or opting for a setting spray afterward can help prolong wear time, but it’s something to keep in mind if your skin tends to get shiny.

May Emphasize Texture: Like many highlighters, the NYX Born to Glow Liquid Illuminator can sometimes emphasize skin texture, such as fine lines, large pores, or acne scars. This is particularly noticeable if you apply too much product or layer it over areas with prominent texture. To avoid this, it’s best to apply the illuminator sparingly and only to the high points of the face where skin texture is less of an issue. By keeping the product away from areas like the forehead or chin, you can avoid drawing attention to any imperfections.

Requires Blending Skills: The liquid formula can be tricky for beginners to work with, as it requires proper blending to achieve a seamless look. If not blended correctly, the product can sit on top of the skin, creating harsh lines or uneven patches. Using a damp sponge or blending brush can help smooth out the product for a more natural finish. While the illuminator is versatile, it does take some practice to perfect the application, especially if you’re new to liquid formulas.

Possible Incompatibility with Certain Foundations: Although the NYX Born to Glow Liquid Illuminator can be mixed with foundation for an all-over glow, it may not play well with certain formulas, especially matte or full-coverage foundations. The combination of a dewy liquid illuminator with a matte foundation can sometimes result in an uneven finish, or it may cause the foundation to break down more quickly. To avoid this, it’s best to experiment with different foundation and illuminator pairings to see which combination works best for your desired look.

Tips for Using NYX Born to Glow Liquid Illuminator

Start with a Small Amount: To avoid applying too much and ending up with an overly shiny look, it’s best to start with a small amount of the NYX Born to Glow Liquid Illuminator. Use a dot-sized amount and focus on the high points of your face, like your cheekbones, brow bone, and cupid’s bow. Gradually build up the intensity if needed. You can blend it in with a damp beauty sponge or brush for a seamless finish. This approach gives you more control over the final result.

Blend Quickly: The liquid formula of this illuminator dries fairly fast, so it’s important to blend it right after applying it to avoid patchiness. Use light tapping or stippling motions with your fingers, sponge, or brush to ensure a smooth, natural finish. Dragging the product across your skin can disrupt your base makeup, so stick to light taps to keep everything intact. This helps the illuminator meld with your skin for a more even glow.

Set with Powder for Longevity: If you have oily skin or want your glow to last throughout the day, setting the illuminator with a translucent setting powder can make a big difference. It locks in the glow without dulling the highlight and ensures that your makeup stays in place, especially in areas prone to oiliness. This step is key if you’re concerned about the product wearing off or losing its shine as the day goes on.

Mix with Moisturizer or Foundation: For a full-face, radiant look, try mixing a small amount of the illuminator with your moisturizer or foundation. This method gives your skin an all-over, dewy finish without needing to apply extra layers of product. It’s a great option if you want a subtle, lit-from-within glow rather than a more intense, concentrated highlight. It’s perfect for days when you want to keep your makeup routine simple but still want your skin to look fresh and glowing.

Use with a Primer: To help the illuminator last longer and apply more smoothly, try using a primer before applying it. A hydrating primer is especially helpful if you have dry skin, as it enhances the overall glow and helps the product blend more seamlessly. A good primer will also help the product adhere better to the skin, resulting in a longer-lasting, more polished finish that stays vibrant throughout the day.

Layer with Other Highlighters: If you’re going for a more intense, dramatic look, you can layer the NYX Born to Glow Liquid Illuminator with a powder highlighter. Start by applying the liquid illuminator, blending it out, and then lightly dusting a powder highlighter over the same areas. This layering technique not only amplifies the glow but also extends the longevity of the highlight, making it ideal for special occasions or evening looks where you want your radiance to stand out.

Pros:

  • Affordable Price Point: One of the biggest advantages of NYX Born to Glow Liquid Illuminator is its affordability. Despite its professional-quality results, this product comes at a fraction of the cost of high-end highlighters. It’s a great option for makeup enthusiasts who want to achieve a radiant glow without splurging on luxury products. The accessible price makes it perfect for those looking to experiment with liquid illuminators without breaking the bank.

  • Lightweight Formula: The formula of this illuminator is lightweight, ensuring that it blends seamlessly into the skin without feeling heavy or greasy. This makes it ideal for daily wear, as it remains comfortable on the skin even after hours of use. The lightweight consistency also helps prevent clogged pores, making it a safer option for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin who want to avoid makeup that feels too thick or cakey.

  • Versatile Application: NYX Born to Glow Liquid Illuminator offers great versatility in how it can be used. You can wear it alone for a no-makeup glow, mix it with foundation for an all-over luminous finish, or apply it over your makeup to highlight specific areas. This flexibility allows you to adapt the product to various occasions and makeup styles, making it a versatile staple for any beauty routine.

Cons:

  • Limited Shade Range: One downside of the NYX Born to Glow Liquid Illuminator is its relatively limited shade range. While it works well for light to medium skin tones, those with deeper complexions might struggle to find a shade that complements their skin without looking ashy. Expanding the shade range could make the product more inclusive, allowing more users to benefit from its radiant finish.

  • Not Long-Lasting on Oily Skin: While the formula is lightweight and non-greasy, it may not be ideal for oily skin, particularly in hot or humid conditions. The dewy finish can break down more quickly on oily skin, leading to a need for frequent touch-ups or setting with powder. Those with oily skin may find that the product doesn’t last as long throughout the day, which could be a disadvantage for extended wear.

  • Requires Blending Skills: Although versatile, the liquid formula requires good blending skills to avoid patchy or uneven application. Beginners may find it tricky to work with, as improper blending can result in harsh lines or product sitting on top of the skin. While tools like a damp sponge or brush can help, users with less experience may need to practice to get the best results from this product.

NYX Born to Glow Liquid Illuminator Alternatives

While the NYX Born to Glow Liquid Illuminator is a great option for achieving a radiant glow, there are other high-quality products that also deliver stunning results. Two popular alternatives include the BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter and the L’Oréal True Match Lumi Glotion. Each of these products brings unique features to the table, catering to different preferences and skin types. BECCA’s highlighter is known for its ultra-reflective finish and smooth, pressed powder formula, making it ideal for those who prefer a powder highlighter. On the other hand, L’Oréal True Match Lumi Glotion offers a more subtle, all-over glow with its hydrating liquid formula, perfect for users seeking a dewy finish. Both products are highly rated in the beauty world, providing alternatives to NYX’s liquid illuminator that suit various needs and occasions.

BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter

BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter compact open against a white background, showing the shimmering powder.
Amazon Rating:
4.7/5

Based on Over 500 Ratings

The BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter is a cult favorite, known for its incredibly smooth texture and intense, reflective glow. This highlighter comes in a pressed powder form, offering an ultra-blendable, buttery consistency that melts into the skin for a seamless finish. What sets BECCA’s highlighter apart is its finely milled formula, which gives the skin a radiant, almost wet-looking glow without emphasizing texture. Available in a variety of shades, from warm golds to icy pinks, it caters to a wide range of skin tones and preferences. The highlighter can be applied lightly for a subtle sheen or built up for a more dramatic, high-impact glow, making it versatile for both everyday wear and special occasions. Its compact packaging also makes it convenient for on-the-go touch-ups, allowing you to achieve a professional-level highlight anytime, anywhere.

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L'Oréal True Match Lumi Glotion

A tube of L'Oréal True Match Lumi Glotion displayed on a white surface.
Amazon Rating:
4.6/5

Based on Over 140 Ratings

The L’Oréal True Match Lumi Glotion is an affordable liquid highlighter that offers a natural, radiant glow while also hydrating the skin. Its lightweight, non-greasy formula blends effortlessly into the skin, giving you a subtle, dewy finish that looks fresh and healthy. Unlike more intense highlighters, the Lumi Glotion is designed to provide an all-over glow, making it ideal for those who prefer a more natural, lit-from-within look. It can be worn alone, under makeup, or mixed with foundation for an added boost of radiance. Available in a range of shades, the Lumi Glotion is suitable for different skin tones and can be customized to suit both day and night looks. Its hydrating properties make it particularly beneficial for dry or combination skin types, leaving the skin feeling moisturized while delivering a soft, luminous glow. This product is a great choice for users who want a subtle highlight without compromising on hydration.

 

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The NYX Born to Glow Liquid Illuminator is an affordable, versatile choice if you’re looking to add a beautiful glow to your makeup routine. Its lightweight formula and buildable coverage make it great for both subtle, everyday radiance and more dramatic, evening looks. While there are a few things to watch out for, like the limited shade options and making sure you blend it properly, it’s still a solid addition to your makeup kit. Whether you stick with this illuminator or try out some alternatives, knowing how to use it well will keep your skin glowing and radiant, whatever the occasion.

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Nancy Henderson
Nancy Henderson
With over 5 years in the beauty world, I'm all about creating stunning makeup looks and helping everyone shine their brightest!

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