The 19 Best Highlighters of All Time
The powders, creams, and liquid formulas we rely on to get ultra-glowy skin.
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Highlighters don't get as much glory as mascaras, and they're not as flashy as rich lipsticks or bright eyeliners. But ask any makeup artist who preps celebrities for red carpet events—or any Instagram superstar—and they'll tell you that the nearly translucent powders, creams, liquids and gels are an integral final step to most applications. (The light-reflecting minerals and mica particles come to life under a camera flash.) Here's how you can get in on the luminosity.
FENTY BEAUTY by Rihanna Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter
FENTY BEAUTY by Rihanna Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter
Rihanna's yellow-gold take on highlighter can practically be spotted from outer space: it's not for the faint of heart. The shade works on all skin tones, but we really love the unmistakable golden sheen on darker skin.
Not only is this the silkiest and softest highlighter we've ever tried, but it also leaves behind the most natural-looking and non-glittery sheen. Apply it with a fluffy brush for a subtle glow, or use a stiff, flat brush for serious shine.
BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter
BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter
Ask any beauty junkie to name a highlighter off the top of their head, and they'll probably blurt out "champagne pop." If you're looking for a highlighter you can quickly sweep on but that lasts all day, make it this one.
Half highlighter, half concealer, this cult-favorite formula from YSL instantly brightens any area you where you apply: cheekbones, under-eyes, smile lines, you name it.
Glitter junkies, this is for you. This hybrid formula is like a powder-turned-gel, and it leaves behind the most gorgeous wash of sparkle and shine. Swipe it on with your finger for the best results (we love it as eyeshadow, too).
The genius thing about Armani's liquid highlighter is that you can play beauty chemist and mix it with your foundation for a subtle all-over glow.
BENEFIT COSMETICS Benefit High Beam Satiny Pink Liquid Highlighter
BENEFIT COSMETICS Benefit High Beam Satiny Pink Liquid Highlighter
This highlighter has been around since before highlighter was even cool—which speaks volumes to just how good it really is. Dab the iridescent pink formula on the inner corner of the eye, across the brow bones, and on cheekbones for a lit-from-within glow.
Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Beauty Highlighter Wand
Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Beauty Highlighter Wand
This golden highlighter couldn't be easier to apply (it has a built-in sponge, after all). Just dab it on the areas where you need a warm glow, then blend it out with your fingers—no tools required.
The warmth of this glittery highlighter makes it ideal for sweeping lower on the cheekbones (almost like bronzer) and across your collarbone and shoulders.
Just one touch and you'll understand why this is called a butter highlighter. It feels so deliciously squishy and soft you'll be tempted to keep applying and applying—but you only need one swipe for the perfect everyday glow.
Purple highlighter is terrifying until you swipe it on your cheekbones. It doesn't read purple on your complexion: Instead, the violet hue brightens and refreshes tired, sallow skin.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Anastasia Beverly Hills Sugar Glow Kit
Anastasia Beverly Hills Anastasia Beverly Hills Sugar Glow Kit
Why buy one highlighter when you can have four? There's a reason the Sugar Glow kit is a bestseller: all four shades can be mixed and matched to warm and brighten any and all skin tones.
This is the best $8 you'll ever spend. In fact, you'll wonder why you ever paid more for a highlighter when this one champagne-tinged formula delivers the softest natural glow.
The reason movie stars always look radiant and fresh is because they're being lit by a professional film crew. For the rest of us there's Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder, aka the next best thing.
If a bronzer, blush, and highlighter had a baby, the love child would be the cult-favorite Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick Compacts. We even prefer this classic product to their individual highlighters. The gradient mix of shades, when applied from the apple of the cheek up toward the temple, imparts the most realistic warmth.
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