You’re probably no stranger to the world of highlighter makeup, where a single swipe can instantly elevate your look – but have you ever stopped to think about what really sets the best highlighters apart from the rest? On one hand, you have products that promise a subtle, natural-looking glow, while on the other, you have formulas that pack a punch with bold, radiant finishes. The good news is that you don’t have to choose between these two extremes; the four best highlighter makeup options on the market offer a range of textures, shades, and levels of glow to suit your individual skin tone and style – and we’re about to explore what makes them stand out.
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Elf Cosmetics Baked Highlighter & Blush 83371 Rose Gold, 0.6 Ounce
If you’re looking for a highlighter that adds a touch of shimmer to your skin while giving you a gorgeous, radiant complexion, the Elf Cosmetics Baked Highlighter & Blush 83371 Rose Gold, 0.6 Ounce is an excellent choice.
This product illuminates your skin with a touch of shimmer, leaving you with a nice glow and a healthy-looking complexion.
You’ll love how easy it’s to apply, and the lots of pigmentation will give you the gorgeous color you’re looking for.
You can use it as an eyeshadow, or apply a thin coat for an evening look.
It’s perfect for daily and special occasion makeup.
Overall, you’ll be thrilled with this product, and it’s well-packaged too!
Best For: Those looking for a highlighter that adds a touch of shimmer to their skin while giving them a gorgeous, radiant complexion.
Pros:
- Easy to apply with lots of pigmentation for a gorgeous color
- Can be used as an eyeshadow or for daily and special occasion makeup
- Well-packaged and leaves a nice, healthy-looking glow
Cons:
- Some users found the compact powder to be hard to pick up with a brush or brocha
- The eyeshadow may be too glittery for some users’ tastes
- The product may be smaller than expected
LOreal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion
For those seeking a natural, sun-kissed glow without the hassle of heavy foundation or sun exposure, L’Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion is the ideal choice.
This luminous tinted moisturizer is infused with glycerin and shea butter, providing instant hydration and a radiant finish.
You can apply it on your face and body for a natural-looking glow, wear it alone, or use it as a base under your foundation.
The lightweight formula blends seamlessly, giving you a healthy, glowing complexion without settling into facial lines or causing breakouts.
With five shades to choose from, you’re sure to find one that suits your skin tone.
Plus, it’s suitable for all skin types, including oily and mature skin.
Best For: Those seeking a natural, everyday glow without heavy foundation or sun exposure.
Pros:
- Provides instant hydration and a radiant finish
- Suitable for all skin tones and types, including oily skin and mature skin
- Can be worn alone, under foundation, or on target areas for a more luminous effect
Cons:
- May not provide full-coverage makeup
- Not suitable for those seeking a heavy or dramatic glow
- Limited shades available (only 5)
Rare Beauty Positive Light Liquid Luminizer (Enchant)
Rare Beauty Positive Light Liquid Luminizer (Enchant) is a vegan and cruelty-free highlighter that provides a lasting, soft, and luminous finish while nourishing your skin with a botanical blend of lotus, gardenia, and white waterlily.
This silky, second-skin liquid highlighter is packed with light-reflecting pearl particles that give your skin a multidimensional glow.
You can mix it with your foundation or layer it across the high points of your face for instant radiance.
With its weightless formula, you don’t have to worry about it feeling heavy or cakey.
Plus, it’s free of harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin.
Best For: Those who prioritize vegan and cruelty-free products and are looking for a gentle, nourishing highlighter that provides a natural, radiant glow.
Pros:
- Vegan and cruelty-free formula that is gentle on skin
- Packed with light-reflecting pearl particles and a botanical blend for a multidimensional glow
- Weightless and non-cakey, making it suitable for everyday wear
Cons:
- May lose its shine after a few hours, according to one customer review
- Limited shade range, with only one shade (Enchant) available
- May not be suitable for those who prefer a more dramatic or intense highlight
Wet n Wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder
Those seeking a gorgeous summer-like glow without the glittery mess will love the Wet n Wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder.
This highly pigmented powder gives you a beautiful, velvety finish that’s easy to blend and buildable for a customizable glow. You’ll enjoy a nice, subtle shimmer without any mess on your face.
Suitable for various skin tones, including medium tan skin, this product is great for achieving a natural, dewy look or a ‘glowy’ Sabrina Carpenter-inspired blush look.
With its peachy/pink tone and slight champagne undertone, you can apply it on top of your cheekbones, around your eyes, or anywhere on your face for a radiant effect.
Plus, it’s affordable and comes in a pressed powder form, making it a great value.
Best For: Those with medium tan skin or looking for a natural, dewy look or a ‘glowy’ Sabrina Carpenter-inspired blush look.
Pros:
- Highly pigmented for a gorgeous summer-like glow
- Easy-to-blend formula that leaves a beautiful velvety finish on the skin
- Affordable price and comes in a pressed powder form, making it less messy than loose highlighters
Cons:
- May be too pink for some users’ taste
- One user found the product lacked highlight
- Limited tone options (peachy/pink tone with slight champagne undertone)
Factors to Consider When Choosing Highlighter Makeup
When selecting the perfect highlighter makeup for yourself, you’ll want to think about a few key factors.
You’re looking for a product that complements your skin tone, has a texture that works for you, and offers the right shade and level of glow.
Skin Tone Suitability
Finding the perfect highlighter makeup requires considering your skin tone, as certain shades can either brighten or clash with your natural complexion.
You’ll want to find a highlighter that complements your skin’s undertones, whether they’re warm, cool, or neutral.
If you have a cool skin tone, look for pink or purple-based highlighters that will help cancel out any redness.
Warm skin tones, on the other hand, will benefit from golden or peach-based highlighters that enhance your natural glow.
If you’re unsure about your skin tone, try taking a selfie in natural light to get a better sense of your undertones.
You can also experiment with different shades on your jawline or wrist to see which ones look most natural.
Remember, the goal is to find a highlighter that enhances your features without looking obvious or artificial.
Product Texture Type
With so many highlighter textures available, you’ll want to choose the one that best fits your makeup style and skin type.
Liquid highlighters are a great option if you’re looking for a natural-looking finish and ease of blendability. However, they mightn’t last as long as other textures.
Powder highlighters, on the other hand, are perfect for setting a highlighted look in place and can be built up for a customizable glow. Just be aware that they might accentuate pores or fine lines.
If you’re looking for intense pigmentation, baked highlighters are the way to go. They provide a radiant finish, but be cautious of crumbling or breaking.
Cream highlighters offer a smooth, hydrating application and a seamless finish, but they mightn’t be as long-lasting or suitable for oily skin.
Finally, gel or stick highlighters provide a precise, targeted application and are great for adding a subtle glow to specific areas. However, they can be more difficult to blend or layer.
Highlight Color Options
You’ll want to choose a highlighter color that complements your skin tone, as the right shade can enhance your natural features and create a radiant glow.
Consider the undertones of your skin – pink or peach-based highlighters can add a warm glow, while purple or blue-based highlighters can create a cool, radiant look.
Neutral or champagne-toned highlighters are a safe bet, as they can complement a wide range of skin tones and are suitable for everyday use.
If you have fair skin, look for highlighters with a lighter, more subtle shade to avoid overwhelming your complexion.
On the other hand, if you have medium to dark skin tones, you can opt for bolder, more vibrant highlighter shades to create a dramatic effect.
Additionally, think about the level of shimmer or glitter you prefer in a highlighter.
Do you want a subtle, natural-looking glow or a more intense, sparkly finish?
Glow Level Control
When selecting a highlighter, your glow goals play a significant role in determining the right product for you, as they can range from a subtle, natural-looking radiance to a more dramatic, intense shine.
You need to weigh the level of glow you want to achieve, as it will help you choose a highlighter that suits your preferences.
Some highlighters are buildable, allowing you to customize the level of glow from a soft, everyday look to a more vibrant, evening look.
The formula of the highlighter also matters.
Some have a subtle, sheer formula that provides a natural-looking glow, while others have a more intense, pigmented formula that delivers a stronger highlight.
The finish of the highlighter is also important, with some providing a radiant, luminous finish and others offering a more subtle, satin finish.
Additionally, the way you apply the highlighter can affect the level of glow.
You can layer, blend, and build up the product to customize the intensity of the highlight.
Ease of Application
Select a highlighter that slips into your routine effortlessly, offering a seamless application experience that lets you focus on enhancing your natural glow.
When choosing a highlighter, consider a formula that blends seamlessly into the skin, allowing for a natural-looking glow without harsh lines or unevenness. You’ll want a highlighter that can be applied with fingers or a brush, depending on your personal preference, for a customizable and easy application experience.
A buildable highlighter formula is also a must-have, as it allows for a customizable level of glow, from subtle to dramatic. This makes it ideal for different skin tones and personal preferences.
Additionally, look for a highlighter that’s easy to layer and mix with other products, such as foundation or moisturizer, to create a more natural-looking finish.
A lightweight, non-greasy formula is essential for a comfortable wear that won’t accentuate pores or imperfections.
Longevity and Durability
For a highlighter that truly delivers, look for a formula that stays put all day, resisting the effects of heat, humidity, and touch without fading, oxidizing, or getting patchy.
A long-lasting highlighter can stay in place for up to 8 hours without fading or settling into fine lines and wrinkles, providing a consistent glow throughout the day.
You’ll find that cream and liquid highlighters typically last longer than powder formulas, making them a great choice for everyday wear.
Additionally, look for a highlighter that resists smudging and smearing, as this guarantees the product stays in place even when touched or rubbed.
When choosing a highlighter, consider your skin type as well.
If you have oily skin, look for highlighters with oil-controlling properties to extend the wear of the product.
This will help prevent the highlighter from fading or oxidizing prematurely.
Brand Reputation Trust
Your trust in a brand can make all the difference in finding the perfect highlighter, as a reputable brand is more likely to deliver a high-quality product that meets your expectations.
When considering a brand’s reputation, you should look at customer reviews, testimonials, and ratings to get an idea of their product quality and performance. Established brands with a long history of producing high-quality products tend to have a stronger reputation and are more trustworthy.
You should also look for brands that prioritize customer satisfaction, respond to concerns, and offer good customer service – these are signs of a brand that’s committed to delivering the best.
But a brand’s reputation goes beyond just customer service. Their values, mission, and social responsibility can also impact how you perceive the brand and its products.
Researching a brand’s reputation through multiple sources, such as social media, review websites, and forums, can help build a more accurate picture of its trustworthiness. By doing your due diligence, you can verify that you’re investing in a brand that’s committed to delivering high-quality products that meet your highlighting needs.
Price Point Value
When it comes to choosing the perfect highlighter, you need to weigh the price point value, as it can greatly impact your purchasing decision and overall satisfaction with the product.
Remember, a higher price tag doesn’t always mean better quality. Some affordable options can offer similar or even superior performance to luxury brands. Luxury brands often come with a higher price tag due to factors like packaging, marketing, and brand reputation, which may not necessarily impact the product’s effectiveness.
Mid-range highlighters may offer the best value, providing high-quality formulas and finishes at a more affordable price point than luxury brands.
When evaluating price point value, keep in mind the amount of product you receive for the price. Some highlighters may be smaller in size but still offer excellent performance.
Ultimately, bear in mind your personal budget, skin type, and desired level of glow to determine the best option for your needs. By weighing these factors, you can find a highlighter that fits your budget and meets your beauty goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Highlighter on My Body, Not Just My Face?
You’re wondering if you can use highlighter beyond your face, and the answer is yes! You can apply it to your collarbone, shoulders, and legs to create a radiant, sun-kissed glow that turns heads.
How Do I Remove Stubborn Highlighter From My Skin?
When you’re stuck with stubborn highlighter, don’t worry! You can remove it by gently massaging olive oil or coconut oil onto the area, then wiping it off with a damp cloth or micellar water.
Are Cream Highlighters Better for Dry Skin Than Powder?
You’re wondering if cream highlighters are better for dry skin than powder. Honestly, yes, they are! Creams tend to be more moisturizing and blend seamlessly into your skin, whereas powders can accentuate dryness and flakiness.
Can I Use a Highlighter as a Eyeshadow or Vice Versa?
You’re thinking of swapping highlighter for eyeshadow? That’s like using a sports car to haul groceries – not the best use of resources. But, technically, you can use a light shade of highlighter as an all-over eyeshadow or a shimmery eyeshadow as a subtle highlighter.
Do I Need to Set My Highlighter With Powder to Last Longer?
You’re wondering if setting your highlighter with powder is necessary for a longer-lasting glow. Yes, you should! Setting with a light dusting of translucent powder helps your highlighter stay in place and prevents fading throughout the day.
Conclusion
You’ve found the perfect highlighter, but now you’re worried it won’t last all day.
Don’t stress! These top picks are designed to stay put, even through a busy day. Plus, they’re easy to reapply on-the-go.
With options ranging from subtle to dramatic, you can customize your glow to fit your mood and style.
Whether you’re a highlighter newbie or a pro, these four best highlighter makeup options will give you the radiant complexion you’re looking for.
