Highlighters are great, so don't just save them for special occasions; use them everyday for that wide-awake glow.

So, for today's reader review, we're looking at Benefit Cosmetics high beam ($24), a brightening complexion enhancer. Reader A Million Suns is loving this product, calling it an ethereal glow in a bottle. Here's what she had to say:

"Just a few dots of this on my brow bones, inner corners of my eyes, and cheekbones made instantly makes me look fresher and gives me that ethereal glow. Plus it lasts forever because you don't need to use much of it each time."

Want to add your own two cents? Check out our product reviews section to share your thoughts.

When YSL Touche Éclat debuted in 1992, beauty editors began raving about the highlighter's ability to brighten a dull complexion. Sixteen years later, it's still a best-selling item, even spawning a version for men last month. It's one of the few makeup items I'll splurge on, but after my most recent pen started to smell bad after a few weeks, I resented having paid $39.50 for it.

Off to the drugstore, then. Clearly angling for the Touche Éclat market, Maybelline's Instant Age Rewind Double Face Perfector ($6.38) combines a concealer and highlighter in one double-ended wand. First things first: The concealer is just so-so. It's not as though I'm Uncle Fester or anything, but I need a bit more spackle than what this creamy, light coverage provides. But the highlighter is pretty great; you brush it on underneath your eyes, along the bridge of the nose, along cheekbones, and bam! Subtly brighter, less tired-looking skin. Will I give up Touche Éclat? No, but especially while the economy is rough, I'll pick up Maybelline again.

Not just for textbooks anymore, highlighters provide a very fun and flattering way to add a subtle glow to any makeup look. What's more, they can enhance or conceal flaws or features. Here are a few ways to wear them.

For an All-over Glow: A shimmer highlighter like Benefit's Moon Beam ($24) is a great multipurpose product. It has pink and gold undertones, so it works well with any skin type, and the formula is thin and light, so it can be blended easily. This kind of highlighting fluid can be used anywhere. Dab a bit of this on your brow bones, lips, and décolletage to create an overall luminescence.

Conceal: A great way to conceal a patch of redness, uneven skin tone, or dark circles is to reflect light off of the area with a highlighting concealer. Laura Mercier's Secret Brightener ($30) adds a faint tint and a light sheen where applied, replacing flaws with a fresh-faced glow.

To find out how to conceal and enhance certain features with a highlighter,

read more

Part two of my springtime pastel products series is all about luminosity. These powders help absorb excess oil while giving your skin that healthy glow. Blend them all over your face for a more noticeable "light," or add a touch to the tip of your nose, forehead, and cheekbones for subtle radiance. Here are three products I recommend, along with a few more that are too pretty to leave out.

T. Le Clerc Loose Powder in Tilleul ($50) is one of the most finely-milled powders I've ever used. It goes on like sheer veil and comes in a vast array of colors. The blue helps to cover broken capillaries and counteract redness, and it's best suited for oily and fair skin. Simply dip, tap, and then blend your fluffiest brush all over your face for a soft wash of color.

For two more powders,

read more