Yeah, I have thirteen makeup highlighters - I realize it's a little unnecessary! The first highlighting makeup I purchased was Bobbi Brown Extra Illuminating Moisture Balm, and the rest.. well.. I'm a product junkie!

Highlighting, low-lighting and contouring are a must these days. AND there are hundreds of highlighting products to choose from. Before I get in to the specifics, they're all similar. Yeah, the only major difference is whether the product is a solid (creamy-stick), dewy-balm-like stick, powder or liquid. Maybe some have anti-aging qualities or contain SPF, but aside from texture, color and sheen, they're closely related. Here's what I have to say about some of the more popular highlighting products..

Want a slight glow - Bobbi Brown Extra Illuminating Moisture Balm is subtle and effective. Application is smooth and the barely-there sheen is flattering. Another BB liquid highlighter is Bobbi Brown Face Highlighter. This light liquid will give you super-shiny highlight. It has a strong gold-tone, and there's a whole lot of sparkle in this product. Laura Mercier Foundation Primer - Radiance has a gold-tone and lots of micro sparkles. This light liquid is a bit much for my facial skin, but looks great on legs and shoulders - mix with your body moisturizer and blend well. Primers are great for subtle brightening.

BECCA Backlight Filter Face Primer is unique in that it blurs imperfections, while giving your skin a radiant glow. The super-lightweight liquid absorbs nicely. There is a subtle glow, but barely-there sheen. Be warned, this product has a strong scent (for those who are sensitive). Like the Bobbi Brown Extra Illuminating Moisture Balm and Laura Mercier Foundation Primer - Radiance, this product is for priming your skin. The effect is subtle, but makes a difference. 

Want a dewy look? Ciaté Dewy Stick has a balm-like texture that glides on oh so smoothly giving your skin a low-shimmer, dewy glow. This The super-light balm is creamy (not tacky). This multipurpose product nourishes your skin, illuminates and leaves a wet-dewy-like sheen. LOVE! Glossier Haloscope is similar, but has more shimmer. The dual-delivery formula combines makeup and skincare. The inner solid oil core contains vitamin-rich minerals, while the outer circle contains genuine crystal extracts. This two-in-one product is lightweight and high-shimmer. Both these dew-infusing products are great for those no makeup days.

Use my link to get 10% off your first Glossier purchase - http://bff.glossier.com/gMn0U

My go-to highlighters are MILK Makeup Highlighter (perfect for body), Benefit Watt's Up! Cream-to-powder Highlighter (favorite), and tréStiQue Mini Highlight & Perfect Multipurpose Stick. MILK Makeup Highlighter is the size of a round deodorant. The larger surface allows for great body application. The product melts with your body heat and blends nicely. I use it on my legs and arms. The Watt's Up! Cream-to-powder Highlighter is the perfect shade (on pale or sun-kissed skin), and the little sponge applicator is handy when you're on the road. I use a damp Beauty Blender (with water and Farsáli Rose Gold Elixir) to blend the Watt's Up! highlighter. The tréStiQue Highlight & Perfect Multipurpose Stick is a similar shade and texture to the Watt's Up! The cream-gel product glides on smoothly, and the luminescent shade is perfect on sun-kissed skin.

Powder highlighter is still my go-to finishing touch. I LOVE Bobbi Brown Highlighting Powder in Pink Glow. The cool-pink highlights are nice on pale skin, and the effect is subtle (apply lightly). I use a fan brush to lightly sweep the product across my cheek bones. For more intense shimmer, I use a dense brush and sweep the powder down the bridge of my nose and across my cupids bow. This product is for specific highlighting (not an all-over glow). This powder highlighter is perfect for a little extra light-reflective glow.

I consider highlighting a necessity. Even when your skin looks drab and downright yucky - highlighting will do wonders for your complexion. Apply an all-over illuminator to, well.. allover. Apply makeup highlighter to your cheek bones, down the bridge of your nose (don't go all the way to the tip) and across your cupids bow. Fake a fresh glow and highlight.

I've comprised a small list of 'on a budget' gifts for her. These trending products are all AMAZING! Gift them alone, mix-and-match, or create the ultimate stocking for the girl who's obsessed with cosmetics. 

Sugarbearhair is no different than any other 'healthy hair' vitamin as far as ingredients go. These little chewy bears are taking over Instagram simply cause they're cute, and the vibrant color looks great in photos. These mini turquoise bears are fun and taste yummy (like eating gummy bears). Most of us have 'hair struggles' and would appreciate berry flavored gummies that promote healthy hair. One jar (60 bears) retails for $29.99. 

I've been raving about Glossier products for the last few weeks and Balm Dotcom (the universal skin salve) is my favorite. The dense salve is perfect for any and every dry patch on your skin. Apply to your nails, face, body.. There are five to choose from and retail for $12. 

It's Skin Cookie Body Ice Cream is AMAZING! The mint, original and strawberry flavors smell just like (JUST LIKE) ice cream. This body ice cream is lighter than a body butter but thicker than body cream. The soft cookie chip pieces melt upon application and add to the 'ice cream effect'. Each 2.7 oz pot (small enough for travel) retails for $10 at Sephora. LOVE!

MILK Makeup Limited Edition Triple Threat Glow Set contains three travel size, best selling products. The mini Face Mist contains rice and ginger water that calm and nourish skin. The Sunshine Oil comes in a little rollerball pen - perfect purse/travel size. Body and face oil are essential during the cold season. And.. my favorite is the super tiny Highlighter Cream Stick. The color is universally flattering and brightens your skin for the perfect highlight. This mini highlighter is a great travel replacement for my Benefit Watt's Up! Cream to Powder Highlighter (you all know this one). These three mini's come in a plastic box, retail for $30 and will make just about anyone happy!

Most people who wear makeup, own a beautyblender® makeup sponge (or some other brand). If not, GO GET ONE! Another innovative product by beautyblender® is the liner.designer. The triple-edged eyeliner guide works with all eyeliner formulas to create the perfect look. It's like eyeliner application for dummies. The silicon guide comes with a mini plastic case and suction cup (not sure why there's a suction cup?). liner.designer retails for $16 and is available in pink or clear. 

There ya have it! The ultimate gifts under $30 for the product junkie(s) in your life.