Highlighter is one of those steps I used to skip without thinking much about it. Now it’s more like a finishing touch that quietly changes how everything comes together. Not flashy, not always obvious—but when it’s missing, I notice.

Lately, I’ve been alternating between two that feel very different in tone: Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Highlighter and Dior Forever Glow Luminizer 002 Glitz.

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Highlighter

This one leans soft and romantic in the way it reflects light. The glow isn’t sharp or glittery—it sits more like a gentle sheen on the skin. I usually reach for it when I want something subtle that blends into the rest of the face without drawing too much attention. It gives that “healthy skin” impression rather than a clearly highlighted effect. On lighter makeup days, this is the one I instinctively pick because it doesn’t feel like an extra layer—it just fits in.

Dior Face Glow Code 002 Glitz

This one has a more noticeable presence. The shimmer is more defined, and the glow catches light in a way that feels a bit more intentional. I tend to use it when I want my makeup to look slightly more dressed up, even if everything else is kept simple. It doesn’t look heavy, but it definitely shows up more, especially under stronger lighting. I usually apply it more carefully, building it up rather than going in all at once.

Both serve the same purpose but create completely different moods. One keeps things soft and understated, the other adds a bit more sparkle and intention. Switching between them makes the whole routine feel more flexible, like I can adjust the tone of my makeup without changing anything else.