6 Best Highlighters

Like it or not, highlighters have evolved into an absolute staple in the last couple of years. From the Kardashians’ obsession with deep contours and blinding highlights to the strobing phenomenon that has taken the makeup world by storm, it’s obvious that the highlighting trend is here to stay.

At this point, it feels like we’ve seen it all—poppin’ champagne-toned powders, metallic strobes, and lit-from-within liquids that give an ethereal glow. But the highlighter industry really comes up with ways to surprise us. Every. Single. Time. Who could possibly forget the shocking-yet-sassy unicorn-themed highlighter powders that were all the rage a couple of seasons ago?

The beauty in highlighters is that you can use them to achieve pretty much any look you can dream of. There are thousands of formulas, colors, and techniques that you can play with to achieve that coveted glow! And with the possible exception of the almighty concealer, it’s the best weapon for faking eight hours of sleep.

Whether you’re the type who wants to be highlighted to the gods (as how trendy Instagram gurus would say it) or a gal who’s happy with a subtle radiance, there’s something for you in this guide.

Read on as we explore textures, tones, and finishes and give you top-caliber advice on how to navigate the world of highlighters like an absolute pro. Are you ready to shine like a glowing goddess? We sure are!

Types of Highlighters

Powder highlighters come in various forms and finishes. Pressed powder formulas usually come in a handy compact while loose powder highlighters come in jars with sifters. If you’re an absolute newbie, powder formulas are generally the easiest to apply.

Cream highlighters are packaged in tiny pots, pans, and even in stick form. This formula offers the most natural-looking finish as it tends to melt into the skin. Unlike powder highlighters that apply best with a brush, cream formulas work best when applied using a sponge or your fingers.

Liquid highlighters are runnier than cream ones. While conventional liquid highlighters are packaged in pump bottles and tubes, newer novelty formulas have given birth to liquid highlighters in cushion compacts and pen-type packaging.

Jelly highlighters even exist nowadays, with a consistency that’s kind of like a liquid-cream hybrid. When we said that the highlighter industry always comes up with novel ways to surprise us, we clearly weren’t exaggerating.

Highlighter Finishes

Now that we’ve discussed the different types of highlighters, it’s time to familiarize yourself with different finishes. It’s really up to you to choose which ones are up your alley. You make the rules!

Shimmery highlights look exactly how you’d imagine finely-milled shimmers will look. Products with a shimmery finish are perhaps the most versatile. You can use them to apply a thin layer for a subtle glow or build them up to a blinding radiance.

Glittery highlights may look less natural than shimmery formulas, but they’re no less fun. If you want visible specks of glitter peeking through your cheekbones, this is the finish for you.

Wet-finish highlights are just that: wet-looking. Do you know that luminous sheen that you get post-workout? That’s exactly it. If you’re a fan of the dewy look, you’re going to love this finish.

Metallic highlights are arguably the most fun to use, though we understand that they’re the least natural-looking of all. But hey, if you’re feeling creative, these frosty, iridescent hues are hard to top!

Not sure which finish to try? Well, one of the best things about highlighters is that they’re fun to mix and match. Many people like to layer a wet-finish highlighter on top of a shimmery base—especially for taking photos for the ‘gram. Really, the possibilities are endless!

Finding The Right Shade for Your Skin Tone

While the rules for picking the right highlighter color aren’t as strict as, say, choosing the right foundation shade, some hues are more flattering on certain skin tones than others.

Super pale highlighters can look chalky on deeper skin, while darker highlighters can appear streaky on fair skin. But while it’s true that you should pick a color that’s as deep as your skin tone (pale colors for fair skin, deep colors for dark skin—you get the gist), taking into account your undertone is essential, too!

So which color will make it seem as if you were—as a popular drugstore brand would put it—born with it?

Determine your undertone. Are you a cool-skinned chick or a warm-toned woman? If you don’t already know what your undertone is, check out the color of the veins on your inner wrist. If they’re mostly green, your skin is warm. If they’re blue, then your undertone is cool. Do you see a fair mix of blues and greens? That means you’re neutral-toned.

For cool skin tones, look for highlighters with a bluish-pink tinge in them. Icy white and cool pink highlighters are best, but you could also get away with light champagne shimmer and rose gold.

For warm skin tones, go for gold! A light, golden peach hue will look amazing on fair skin. Medium to deep skin tones, meanwhile, will look lit-from-within using yellower golds, bronzy shades, and deeper champagnes.

Are you sitting on neutral ground? You’ll likely pull off every hue. Lucky!

Which Highlighters Are Best for Oily Skin?

Ninety-nine problems—and melting makeup is one of them!

If you have oily skin, one of your primary concerns is probably longevity. That said, go for powder highlighters as they’re more likely to go the extra mile. Creamy formulas have a tendency to slide off on oily skin.

Even though powder highlighters aren’t as natural-looking as creams and liquids, your natural oils will eventually seep through and melt the powder anyway. Win-win!

Which Highlighters to Choose for Mature and Dry Skin?

If your skin feels like the Sahara Desert, it’s probably craving for moisture 24/7. The same holds true if you’re at an age where fine lines and wrinkles are your number-one enemy.

Go for moisturizing highlighters in cream, liquid, or stick form. Powder highlighters might emphasize dry spots and texture. Can’t live without your powder highlighter? That’s okay. Just make sure to deeply moisturize your skin before applying makeup. Using a dewy setting mist will help, too.

How to Achieve the Perfect Finish for Every Occasion

For a subtle, everyday highlight that looks effortless, we recommend that you pick the most natural-looking highlight color for your skin tone in a liquid or cream formula. This usually means light golds, champagnes, and pearls for fair skin, mid-tone gold and peach shades for medium skin, and deeper peach and bronze tones for darker skin.

The key here is to choose a highlighter that would melt into your complexion. Apply just enough product on your cheekbones, nose bridge, and cupid’s bow, then blend it with your fingers or a damp sponge. This look is perfect for a day in school or at work.

For a put-together glow that’s eye-catching but not too in-your-face, start off with a liquid or cream highlighter in your color of choice. Then, lightly dust powder highlighter over it to make you even more radiant—be careful not to overdo it, though!

You can also apply highlighter on the inner corners of your eyes and on your brow bone to look more awake. This technique works well if you’re meeting up with your friends for brunch or attending a day event. You can also wear it out on a date or even at your wedding, TBH!

If you want to be the star of the show (or blind everyone with your highlighter, in other words), metallic and wet-finish highlighters are your best friend. Use a damp sponge and layer powder highlighter on top of an iridescent cream base for maximum effect. Are you feeling unstoppable? Mix a dollop of liquid highlighter into your foundation for that all-over glow.

How to Nail That Long-Lasting, All-Day Highlight

As a general rule, your highlighter’s staying power will depend on its formula and whether or not it works well with your skin type. Although liquid and cream highlighters are unbeatable in terms of being the most natural-looking, they might not stay all day on oilier guys and gals.

Powder highlighters are widely-regarded as the longest-lasting formula, but again, it all depends on finding the right product for your skin. If you have normal to dry skin, you could probably get away with using balmy highlighters—especially in the winter.

One thing, however, is definite: nailing that long-lasting, all-day highlight could be achieved by using tried-and-tested application techniques.

Without further ado, here’s the secret—broken down for you step by step:

First, make sure your skin is properly prepped for makeup. Investing in a good primer doesn’t only help foundation apply better on your face, but it helps the rest of your makeup stay on all day, too.

Second, when applying your highlighter, it’s best to start off with a liquid or cream formula to act as a base. This will give your powder highlighter something to cling to, therefore ensuring that it won’t rub off as easily.

Third, it’s time for powder highlighter! But before you pack it on, here’s a tip: spray your brush with some setting spray (Urban Decay’s All Nighter Spray works well) until it’s slightly damp. Use this brush to layer on your powder highlighter according to the intensity you’re going for.

Lastly, finish off with another spritz (or two) of setting spray, and then you’re good to go!