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No makeup look is complete without a highlighter and if you’re looking for a new one, look no further, because we rounded up our favorite picks below! Highlighters are the perfect addition to your makeup routine because they add a gorgeous glow to any look and can be emphasized or made more subtle with a simple sweep of a brush.
When it comes to highlighter, there are tons of different options to choose from – cream, powder, gloss – and we rounded up a bunch of different options that are perfect for anyone and any skin type. The best thing about highlighters is that you don’t need a brush to apply it. You can simply sweep your fingers across your cheekbones, brow bones, collarbones, and cupid’s bow, to accentuate the areas of your body where sunlight naturally hits. Not only does highlighter make you glow, but it also can thin out your face and add definition to different body parts and features.
Whether you’re looking for maximum shine or a subtle glow, have no fear, because there’s something for everyone below!
Detailing the Leading Highlighters in 2024
Physicians Formula Butter Highlighter — Best Overall
This hypoallergenic cream-to-powder highlighter is super soft and formulated with murumuru butter, cupuaçu butter, and tucuma butter, to give you an easy to apply glow that glides on easily with just one swipe. Specifically formulated for sensitive skin, this highlighter leaves you with a highly-pigmented glow that won’t irritate the skin.
Pros
- It is hypoallergenic & safe on sensitive skin
Cons
- It contains glitter
e.l.f. Cosmetics Baked Highlighter — Runner Up
Formulated with vitamin E, jojoba, rosehip, sunflower, apricot, and grape oils, this baked highlighter leaves you with a vibrant glow that’s easy to apply and glides on with just one stroke. Even better, the highlighter is cruelty-free and vegan.
Pros
- It is cruelty-free & vegan
Cons
- It doesn’t come with a brush
Maybelline New York Facestudio Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter — Honorable Mention
This highlighter contains metallic pearls that leave you with a reflective chrome shimmer. Available in two shades – Molten Gold & Molten Rose Gold – the highlighter leaves you with a warm glow that makes your best facial features pop. Made with clean ingredients, this product works on all skin types – dry or oily – and is even suited for sensitive skin.
Pros
- It is made with metallic pearls
Cons
- It is highly pigmented
Maybelline New York Makeup Facestudio Master Strobing Stick — Contender
This lightweight, non-comedogenic highlighter contains micro-fine pearls that provide major glow, plus, it’s dermatologist and allergy-tested. It’s super easy to use, simply swipe the stick on your brow bones, cupid’s bow, cheekbones and collarbones, and you’re good to go! The highlighted stick comes in available in two shades Light – Iridescent and Medium – Nude Glow. Even better, the highlighter works on all skin types, including sensitive skin.
Pros
- It is easy to use
Cons
- It’s only available in 2 colors
You Glow Girl Baked Highlighter — Also Consider
Available in 9 shades, this baked highlighter is the perfect everyday option when you want a subtle glow that’s easily buildable. The long-wear highlighter not only gives you a gorgeous shine, but it also absorbs oil throughout the day so you’re never shiny, just glowing. Even better, the highly-pigmented product can also be used as an eyeshadow.
Pros
- It comes in 9 gorgeous shades
Cons
- It is very pigmented
Buying Guide: Highlighters
When it comes to makeup, highlighters are the essential product that complete every look, whether it is a casual, no-makeup look, or a full glam look. With so many different types and shades now available in the market, it is easy to get overwhelmed with choosing from them.
What Is the Purpose of Applying Highlighter?
The main purpose of a highlighter is to accentuate the natural glow of the face, especially the areas that hit direct sunlight. Despite being such a small part of your overall makeup routine, applying highlighter can really help you finish your look. It can help lift and illuminate certain areas of your face, provided you pair it properly with other makeup products. Also, highlighters are not just for the face. You can apply them to any part of your body that you want to brighten. If you are wearing a dress that is going to expose your collar bones, you can apply a little highlighter on them to make them stand out even more. There are plenty of shades available in the market, which means that you will certainly find one that suits your skin color. Moreover, there are different types of highlighters ranging from powder to cream options, and each type is ideal for a certain skin type.
Where Should Highlighters Be Applied?
It is absolutely essential to know exactly where you need to apply your highlighter. Randomly applying it all over your face defeats the whole purpose of using one. The main purpose is to accentuate the areas where light hits naturally, be it your face or any other part of your body. You want a natural glow and dewy look, so it is important to not overdo it. The first and most important place to apply highlighter is above your cheekbones. This helps give your face a more lifted appearance, and your cheekbones, as well as collarbones, look enhanced. After contouring your nose, do not forget to add a little bit of highlighter on the bridge of your nose.
Another common point for applying highlighter is the brow bone. This helps define the shape of both your eyes and brows and adds dimension. By applying a touch of highlighter on your cupid’s brow, your lips can look fuller and plumper. Some women also like to apply it to the inner corners of their eyes, as doing so can illuminate your overall look. Also, do not hesitate before highlighting your collar bones, especially if you are wearing a dress that will expose them. Just a little bit can add definition and accentuate your beautiful bones by a large extent.
How to Choose a Highlighter According to Skin Tone?
It is important to choose the right shade of highlighter according to your skin tone. This is because highlighters are not just shimmer. They come in several different shades which are ideal for people of different skin shades.
Fair
For fair skin tones, light highlighter shades are ideal. These include champagne, silver, or pearlescent shades. This is because lighter shades add a natural glow and radiance that is impossible to achieve with darker shades. For a natural glow, you should pick a shade that is not too dark for your skin tone.
Medium
For medium or olive skin tones, highlighters that have gold, bronze, or copper shades are ideal. Such colors complement medium skin tones the best because they add a subtle glow instead of a fake-looking shimmer.
Dark
Dark-skinned women should look for tons of pigment in their highlighters. Highly pigmented bronze and gold shades are ideal because they will bring a glow to your skin from within. Lighter shades will not be able to stand out on a deep skin tone, so make sure you stick to warm hues.
How to Pick a Highlighter for Different Skin Types?
When it comes to powder or cream formulas, it is important to remember that each is ideal for different skin types. Each woman has unique skin, and what works for one will not necessarily work for all. Therefore, when choosing your highlighter, do not forget to keep your skin type in mind. For simplicity, we have broadened skin type into two categories.
Dry skin
If you have dry skin and large pores, powder highlighters are a big no. They will just make them look bigger and the powder will get stuck if you have dry patches. It is essential to moisturize your skin thoroughly before applying any makeup. Liquid highlighters are best for dry skin because they help achieve a dewy finish, without making it look like you applied too much. As long as you choose the right shade, you can never go wrong with a liquid highlighter. A cream highlighter can be used, but since it is more towards the matte side, a liquid one is your best bet.
Oily skin
For oily skin, it is the exact opposite. Liquid highlighters will be problematic as the product will start fading away as more and more oil develops on your face throughout the day. A cream highlighter will be a good option because it will mattify your face but add a natural glow, meaning that your face will not look oily. However, your best bet is a powder highlighter. This is because it will not get greasy under any circumstance, and will blend in well with your foundation. Just make sure you apply a controlled amount because it is easy to overdo the shimmer.
