Best Highlighter

Here’s a review of the best highlighters available in 2024, from subtle, natural glows to intense, shimmering finishes. Whether you’re looking for a high-end luxury product or an affordable drugstore option, these top picks will suit different skin types, tones, and preferences.

1. Best Overall: BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter (Champagne Pop)

• Pros:
  • Ultra-buttery texture that melts into the skin for a seamless glow.
  • Intense, radiant finish with buildable coverage.
  • Iconic shade “Champagne Pop” complements a wide range of skin tones.
• Cons:
  • May be too intense for those who prefer a more subtle glow.
  • Pricey compared to some drugstore options.

Best for: Those looking for a high-impact glow that’s versatile and suitable for most skin tones.

2. Best Natural Glow: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder

• Pros:
  • Finely milled formula gives a soft, radiant, lit-from-within glow.
  • Lightweight and buildable, perfect for those who prefer a more subtle highlight.
  • Works as an all-over setting powder for a luminous finish.
• Cons:
  • Not as intense as traditional highlighters, so may not suit those wanting a more noticeable shimmer.
  • Pricey for its subtle finish.

Best for: A natural, soft glow suitable for everyday wear or mature skin types.

3. Best Drugstore: Maybelline Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter

• Pros:
  • Intense metallic finish with a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Affordable, with quality comparable to high-end highlighters.
  • Popular shades like “Molten Gold” and “Molten Rose Gold” cater to various skin tones.
• Cons:
  • Can emphasize texture on the skin if applied heavily.

Best for: Budget-friendly, highly pigmented metallic glow for all skin tones.

4. Best Cream Highlighter: Glossier Haloscope

• Pros:
  • Creamy stick formula gives a dewy, natural glow without shimmer.
  • Enriched with moisturizing ingredients like coconut oil, making it ideal for dry skin.
  • Easy to apply and blend with fingers, perfect for on-the-go.
• Cons:
  • May not be long-lasting on oily skin.
  • Subtle glow, so not ideal for those who prefer intense shimmer.

Best for: A fresh, dewy glow for natural makeup looks or those with dry skin.

5. Best for Intense Glow: Fenty Beauty Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter

• Pros:
  • Intense, long-wearing formula that gives a high-shine finish.
  • Duo compacts with complementary shades that can be worn alone or layered.
  • Wide range of shades from subtle “Mean Money/Hu$tla Baby” to bold “Trophy Wife.”
• Cons:
  • Shimmery formula may emphasize texture on some skin types.
  • Very intense, which may not be suitable for those seeking a subtle look.

Best for: Bold, high-impact looks with a striking, shimmering glow.

6. Best Liquid Highlighter: Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter

• Pros:
  • Multipurpose liquid formula that can be used as a highlighter, primer, or mixed with foundation.
  • Gives a soft-focus, dewy glow that’s radiant without being too shimmery.
  • Lightweight, moisturizing formula that works well on dry or normal skin.
• Cons:
  • May not last as long on oily skin without setting powder.
  • More expensive compared to traditional powder highlighters.

Best for: A luminous, customizable glow for all-over radiance or as a dewy highlighter.

Conclusion:

The best highlighter for you depends on your personal preference for finish, intensity, and formula. If you’re after a universally flattering highlighter with intense glow, BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector is a top choice. For a budget-friendly, intense highlight, Maybelline Master Chrome is unbeatable. If you prefer a natural, dewy finish, the Glossier Haloscope or RMS Living Luminizer might be perfect for your needs.