The 11 Highlighters of 2024, Tested & Reviewed
When Choosing a Highlighter, the World Is Your Oyster. Do You Want a Liquid Formula with a Molten Metal-Like Gleam? There's a Product for That. a Clear Balm That Makes Your Complexion Look Effortlessly Dewy? There's a Product for That, Too. You Get the Point—There Are More Highlighters on the Market Than Ever Before, and in Every Possible Formula and Finish You Can Think Of.
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Overall
Maccosmetics
Best Drugstore
Target
Best Luxury
Chanel
Best Cream
Sephora
Best Powder
Sephora
Best Stick
Victoriabeckhambeauty
Best Liquid
Auric-Cosmetics
Best Palette
Sephora
Best Multi-Tasker
Ulta
Best Translucent
Sephora
Best Glitter-Free
Sephora
Final Verdict
Our Favorite Highlighter Is the Mac Mineralize Skinfinish. It's Lightweight, Features a Diverse Shade Range, and It Strikes a Nice Balance Between a Natural-Looking Finish and an Intense Glow. If You're Looking for an Affordable Option That Creates a Subtle Luminosity on the Skin, We Recommend the E. L. F. Halo Glow Liquid Filter. and If You Want a Translucent Highlighter That's a Quick, on-the-Go Product, Go for the Ami Colé Light-Catching Highlighter Balm.
What to Look for in a Highlighter
Choosing the Right Formula Is the First Step in Finding the Perfect Highlighter for You. Whether a Balm, Stick, Powder, or Liquid, There's Something for Everyone (And Every Look). If You Want Something with an Intense Shine, Powders, Like the Rare Beauty Positive Light Silky Touch Highlighter, Are a Great Option. If You're Aiming for a More Subtle Glow with a Creamy Formula, Try the Victoria Beckham Beauty Reflect Highlighter Stick. Stick Formulas Are Ideal for When You're in a Hurry or Want to Use on the Go. Liquids and Creams Can Be Worn Under or over Foundation, Depending on the Intensity of Luminosity You'd Like, and Powder Can Be Ideal for Staying Put on Oily Skin.
Formula
Choosing the Right Formula Is the First Step in Finding the Perfect Highlighter for You. Whether a Balm, Stick, Powder, or Liquid, There's Something for Everyone (And Every Look). If You Want Something with an Intense Shine, Powders, Like the Rare Beauty Positive Light Silky Touch Highlighter, Are a Great Option. If You're Aiming for a More Subtle Glow with a Creamy Formula, Try the Victoria Beckham Beauty Reflect Highlighter Stick. Stick Formulas Are Ideal for When You're in a Hurry or Want to Use on the Go. Liquids and Creams Can Be Worn Under or over Foundation, Depending on the Intensity of Luminosity You'd Like, and Powder Can Be Ideal for Staying Put on Oily Skin.
Finish
Your Preferred Finish Will Largely Depend on the Look You're After. Dewy, Satin and Glossy Finishes Are Often the Top Choices for Fans of "No-Makeup Makeup." Those Going for High Glam Often Opt for Pigmented, Slightly Glittery Highlighters That Impart a Megawatt Glow.
Color
Consider Whether You Want a Colorless Highlight, Like the Ami Colé Light-Catching Highlighter Balm, or a Tinted Option. the Options on This List Range from Warm, Rosy, and Gold-Toned Shades Like Merit Day Glow Highlighting Balm, to More Neutral or Cool Shades. Consider Your Skin's Undertone and the Overall Look You're Going for to Determine If a Warm or Cool-Toned Highlight Is Ideal.
