10 Best Highlighters for Radiant Glow

A good highlighter will change the game in any makeup routine. Whether you prefer a subtle sheen or an out-of-this-world shine, the best highlighters elevate your natural features and create dimension in your face. With so many options available in the market, it can be very confusing for some consumers to find out what is the best option for them. So, we’ve compiled our roundup of the 10 best highlighters, so you can score the ultimate glow-up.

1:Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter

One of makeup fiends’ all-time favorite highlighters, Becca’s ultra-fine, buttery textured option gives a serious glow.

Why It’s Great:

1: So buttery that this formula glides onto the skin seamlessly.

2: Super pigmented for a wow-kinda glow.

3. Available in an extensive variety of shades to suit different complexions.

4: Fades less throughout the day and is very long-lasting.

Best For: People who want an all-day, high-impact, lit-from-within glow.

Application Tips:

1: Apply to the high points of your face using either a fan brush or your fingertips.

2: Apply layers for an intense glow, or just one swipe for an everyday glow.

Fenty Beauty Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter

 Rihanna's Fenty Beauty line rocked the beauty world with its arrival, and its Killawatt highlights are no exception.

Why It’s Good:

1: With duo shades, you get versatility.

2: Places a soft, creamy texture that melts into the skin.

3: Long-lasting, buildable formula.

4: Designed to have a natural or even dramatic look.

Best For: Customization from subtle shimmer to serious highlight.

Application Tips:

1: Apply the lighter shade for a beachy highlight effect with a wash, then add the deeper shade for extra drama where desired.

2: This is great for layering over cream-based highlighters.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Amrezy Highlighter

When ABH teams up with beauty influencer Amrezy, they create one of the most blinding highlighters in the game.

Why It’s Great:

1: Silky gel-to-powder texture.

2: All-skin-tone champagne gold tone.

3: Super reflective finish.

4: Does not emphasize texture or pores.

Best For:

1: Anyone who loves ultra-glowy metallic finishes but wants them to feel sophisticated.

2: It is so thick, you can use a compact brush to lay it on for an intense effect.

3: Can be used on the body (shoulders, collarbones) for full glimmer.

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Beauty Light Wand

 A liquid highlighter that lends the skin a lit-from-within glow, ideal for a red-carpet look.

Why It’s Great:

1: It has a super user-friendly cushion applicator.

2: Dewy finish but is not greasy.

3. It just melts into the skin.

4: A hydrating blend helps enhance the skin’s natural texture.

Best For: Lovers of liquid highlighters for a dewy, youthful glow

Application Tips:

1: For the most seamless finish, you should use either your fingertips or a sponge to blend.

2: Use under the foundation for a dewy glow.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder 

Unlike traditional highlighters, this powder gives a soft-focus glow that looks like a natural light source.

Why It’s Great: 

1: Uses photoluminescent technology.

2: Finely milled, light-diffusing formula.

3: Wonderful for all over the face, not just on the high points.

4: With the appearance of a photo-shopped, air-brushed effect

Best For: Anyone looking for a more polite, candlelit glow than a potent shimmer.

How to Use:

1. Swipe everywhere for an ethereal finish.

2: And can even be worn beneath traditional highlighter for added intensity.

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft & Gentle

 This baked highlighter is a go-to for makeup artists and leaves a warm, luminous glow on every skin tone.

Why It’s Great: 

1: Smooth, easy-to-mix formula.

2: Just a touch of sheen—nothing chunky, no glitter.

Scored Updated on October 2023 · 17 of 74 Found This Helpful 

1: · 1 of 1 Found This Helpful Great for everyday use and the dramatic look

2: It adds warmth and dimension to the skin.

Best For: Anyone in search of an old-school, customizable highlighter that’s good for all occasions.

How to Use:

1: Apply with a fluffy brush for a soft-focus glow.

2: For an even more awesome metallic, wet.

Milk Makeup Flex Highlighter

This highlighter contains hyaluronic acid to give a moister comp...

Why It’s Great: 

1: creamy powder formula that doesn’t emphasize texture.

2: Vegan and cruelty-free.

3: COMES IN universal flattering shades

4: Layerable, so you can control your glow.

Best For: Anyone with dry skin seeking a shiny, ultra-hydrating highlighter.

APPLICATION TIPS:

1:  Apply with a damp beauty sponge for a more subtle glow.

2: For extra versatility, it can double as an eyeshadow.

Rare Beauty Positive Light Liquid Luminizer 

Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty makes glowing simple with this silky, blendable liquid highlighter.

Why It’s Great:

1: Light and easy on the skin.

2:Blends seamlessly into foundation or bare skin.

3: It comes in a few different shades to suit different undertones.

4: It imparts a gorgeous natural glow without greasiness.

Best for: no makeup, just the glow look throughout the day.

Application Tips:

1:  Apply with a fingertip to the apex of cheekbones for a soft, diffused sheen.

2: Mix into a foundation for an all-over glow.

Benefit Cookie Highlighter

 Ultra-pigmented champagne highlighter with the ideal amount of buttery shimmer for an ultra-intense glow in 1 swipe.

Why It’s Great:

1: Highly reflective formula.

2: Silky and blendable.

3: Long-wearing without fading.

4: Provides a high-impact glow while not highlighting pores.

Best For: Makeup fans in pursuit of an ultra-glam, editorial-like radiance.

Application Tips: Tap the product out lightly onto the back of your hand; use a fan brush.

Great for bronzed or sunkissed makeup looks.

Wet n Wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder 

A drugstore version that’s high-end quality for the price.

Why It’s Great:

1: Papery texture and ideal pigmentation.

2: Buildable intensity for soft or strong glow looks.

3: Cheap and very available.

4: Suitable for all skin types.

Best For: Anyone looking for an amazing performing budget highlighter.

How to Use: 

1: Use a dense wet brush for more intensity.

2: To brighten, apply to the inner corners of the eyes.

The Bottom Line

Whether you like your makeup light and ethereal or glittery and glam, there’s a highlighter out there for you. So whether you prefer the soft-focus glow or all-over shine, these 10 highlighters give a radiant complexion. Treat yourself to one (if not more) of these glowing faves and let that skin glow!