I’ve always thought highlighter is less about shining and more about mood.

Some days I want that barely-there glow that catches the light only when I move. Other days, I don’t mind something a little louder—something that shows up even in photos I didn’t plan for.

These two palettes ended up giving me very different kinds of glow, and I didn’t expect to enjoy both as much as I do.

1. DIOR Backstage Glow Maximizer Palette (Multi-Use Highlighter and Blush Palette)

This palette feels… polished. Not in a stiff way, but in that effortless, put-together kind of way. The shades blend into the skin so naturally that it almost looks like the glow is coming from within, not sitting on top. I like using it when I’m going for something softer—maybe just a hint along the cheekbones and a touch on the eyelids.

It never feels too much, even when I layer it a bit. There’s a certain elegance to it, like it knows when to stop before things get overdone.

2. PAC Glowing Goddess Highlighter X8

This one is a completely different energy. The first thing I noticed was how bold the shades look in the pan—and surprisingly, they translate that same confidence onto the skin. It’s the kind of palette I reach for when I actually want my highlighter to be seen, not just noticed up close.

Some shades lean more playful, and I’ve even tapped a bit onto my eyes just to tie everything together. It’s not subtle, but that’s exactly the point. It makes the whole look feel more alive.

What I like is how these two don’t compete—they complement different moods. One is quiet and refined, the other expressive and a bit daring. It depends on how I feel when I’m getting ready. Sometimes I want something that blends in seamlessly, and other times I want that extra spark that feels a little more intentional.