For years, makeup artists had been using highlighter to bring light back to the face, define features, and help celebrities look radiant on camera. But for those of us outside of Hollywood, highlighter really started to become a must-have when beauty YouTube exploded.
That is where I first remember learning all the different ways to use it. Suddenly, everyone was highlighting their cheekbones, brow bones, inner corners, noses, and pretty much anywhere else they could get to glow!
I was definitely one of them.
A lot has changed since then. The super-intense, blinding highlighter look is not the only option anymore. Today, you can find everything from barely-there balms that make your skin look naturally dewy to powders and liquids that can still give you that full-glam glow.
Personally, I love having options!
Some days, I want my highlighter to look like my skin is naturally catching the light. Other days, especially when I am doing a full face of makeup, I want something much more noticeable.
That is why I do not think there is one perfect highlighter for everyone. The best makeup highlighter for you really depends on the formula you like, your skin, and how much glow you actually want.
I originally shared these makeup highlighters in 2023, and after revisiting the list, I was honestly surprised by how many of my favorites still hold up. Some product details have changed, a few shade ranges have expanded, and beauty trends have definitely moved toward a more skin-like glow. But I still stand behind the reasons I chose these products in the first place.
So, whether you want something subtle, glassy, budget-friendly, travel-friendly, or completely beaming, these are the makeup highlighters worth knowing about!
All product recommendations are independently selected based on my personal experience, testing, and honest opinions. If I include affiliate links, I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through those links, at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support my blog, but they never influence which products I recommend or the opinions I share.
How I Chose These Makeup Highlighters
All of the products on this list originally earned their spot because I personally used them and enjoyed them.
I am not looking for every highlighter to do the exact same thing. A subtle liquid glow and an intense powder highlighter should not be judged by the same standard!
Instead, I look at how easily a product blends, how the finish looks on the skin, whether I can control the intensity, how often I actually want to use it, and whether it offers something different from the other highlighters in my collection.
I also revisited the current product information and looked at what beauty editors and makeup experts are recommending today. The biggest change I noticed is that newer highlighter recommendations focus much more on skin-like radiance, hydration, and formulas that do not emphasize texture. But there is still absolutely a place for a sparkly or full-glam highlight when that is the look you want!
Best Powder Highlighter: Rare Beauty Positive Light Silky Touch Highlighter
Let me start with the easiest decision on this entire list.
The Rare Beauty Positive Light Silky Touch Highlighter is still my favorite powder highlighter.
Actually, I think I feel even better about recommending it now than I did when I originally wrote this article!
I have talked about this highlighter several times on Biedazzle Beauty, including in my favorite makeup products, and there is a reason I keep coming back to it. I use it all the time because it is one of those products that can completely change depending on how you apply it.
With a light hand, I can get a beautiful glow that catches the light without completely taking over my makeup. When I want something more intense, I can build it up and get that bright, beaming finish.
That flexibility is one of the biggest reasons I love it.
The formula feels much smoother and lighter than a traditional powder highlighter. Rare Beauty describes it as giving the glass-like effect of a liquid in powder form, and I actually think that is a pretty accurate way to explain it.
When I originally wrote about this product, it was available in four shades. It is now available in six, ranging from cool champagne to deep bronze. The formula is also talc-free, noncomedogenic, dermatologist-tested, and designed to resist settling into fine lines or emphasizing texture. am not alone in still loving it! InStyle named it its Best Makeup Highlighter in its 2026 Best Beauty Buys, praising the subtle, buildable glow and the way it does not call attention to texture. I am still standing by this one!
My only warning is to start with less product than you think you need. You can always add more, but this highlighter can become intense very quickly.
And once you try one shade, you still might want to collect them all like Pokémon. Some things never change!
Best For: Anyone who wants a powder highlighter that can go from a soft everyday glow to a much more intense finish.
Best Drugstore Powder Highlighter: Milani Baked Highlighter
Milani has been one of my favorite drugstore brands for years, and the Milani Baked Highlighter continues to be one of my favorite affordable ways to add glow.
The formula is made by starting with a creamy base that is slow-baked on Italian terracotta tiles. It is currently available in four shades and includes olive fruit oil and grape leaf extract. Milani says the formula can wear for up to 12 hours. my opinion differs a little from the official description.
Milani describes this formula as “never glittery,” but when I first tried it, I definitely thought the shine was more noticeable than some of my other powder highlighters.
I would not call it chunky glitter. That would be unfair. But I also would not describe every application as completely invisible or natural-looking.
How it looks really depends on the shade, the brush you use, and how much product you apply.
With a fluffy brush and a light hand, you can get a softer, more diffused glow. If you use a denser brush or start layering it, the shimmer becomes much more noticeable.
Personally, I do not mind that at all!
I think it looks especially beautiful on the tops of the cheekbones and brow bones. The formula is pigmented, so you do not need to keep dipping your brush into the product over and over again.
It is also much less expensive than the Rare Beauty highlighter, making it a really good option if you want a traditional powder glow without spending as much.
Best For: Anyone looking for an affordable, buildable powder highlighter with a noticeable luminous finish.
Best Highlighter Stick: Anastasia Beverly Hills Stick Highlighter
I still have such a soft spot for this highlighter!
My favorite shade has always been Pink Diamond. I originally loved it because the icy pink tone looked beautiful on fair skin, and I was completely obsessed with the way it finished a makeup look.
But what really made this product stand out for me was how easy it was to travel with.
This makeup highlighter came with me to the Dominican Republic, Mexico and even Japan! (Yay for travel!)
The cream formula is on one end of the stick, and there is a small synthetic blending brush on the other. That means I can throw it into my makeup bag without worrying about bringing a separate highlighter brush. Huge plus.
The formula is creamy, easy to blend, and gives the skin a healthy-looking glow. I also like that it does not automatically look wet or overly glossy. It is more of a traditional luminous cream highlighter, which makes it a good middle ground between a subtle balm and an intense powder.
I usually prefer blending cream products with my fingers, but the built-in brush is convenient when I am traveling or doing my makeup quickly.
One thing I noticed while updating this article is that Anastasia Beverly Hills currently has conflicting information about the exact number of shades available. One section of its product page says six shades, while another still says five. Because availability can change, I would focus more on finding the shade that works for your complexion rather than choosing this product based on the size of the shade range. l obsessed with Pink Diamond!
Best For: Anyone who wants an easy-to-blend cream highlighter that is convenient for travel and quick makeup routines.
Best Liquid Highlighter for Full Glam: ICONIC London Illuminator
I first discovered the ICONIC London Illuminator through my monthly BoxyCharm subscription, and this was one of those products that immediately stood out.
It is intense!
The beauty industry has moved heavily toward subtle, skin-like radiance, but not everyone wants their highlighter to disappear into their skin.
Sometimes you want glow.
And I mean glow!
This is one of the most concentrated liquid highlighters I have tried. A very small amount can go a long way, and the dropper makes it easy to control how you use it.
My favorite thing about the ICONIC London Illuminator has always been its versatility. You can mix a small amount into your foundation, primer, or moisturizer for an all-over glow, or tap it directly onto the high points of your face.
It is currently available in four shades: champagne, terracotta bronze, pink pearl, and peachy rose gold. The formula is also vegan and cruelty-free. Beauty editors do not completely agree on how natural this highlighter looks. Some describe it as dewy and glowy, while others see it as a much more sparkly, high-shine product.
Honestly, I understand both opinions.
When I use a tiny amount and really blend it into my makeup, it can look beautifully radiant. But when you start adding more, it definitely becomes a statement makeup highlighter.
That is not a bad thing! You just need to know what you are getting.
This would not be my first recommendation for someone trying to create an almost undetectable “no-makeup” glow. But if you love full glam or want a liquid highlighter that can actually be seen, it is still one of my favorites.
Best For: Anyone who loves a more intense liquid glow or wants a highlighter that can be mixed into other complexion products.
Best Drugstore Glow Enhancer: L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion
What I appreciate about the L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion is that it’s not just a traditional liquid highlighter.
It can be worn alone, used under foundation, mixed into foundation, applied to the high points of the face, or even used on the body. Depending on the shade you choose, you can also use it to add warmth and create a bronzed effect.
That versatility is probably the reason it has stayed so popular.
My favorite way to use it has always been mixing it with primer for an all-over glow. It gives my skin more life without looking like I covered my entire face in highlighter.
The formula is available in five flexible shades. It also contains glycerin and shea butter, which help support the hydrating feel that made me like this product in the first place.
Current makeup trends are all about radiant skin and products that can do more than one thing. Lumi Glotion fits right into that. Recent beauty coverage continues to treat it as a primer, skin tint, bronzer, and highlighter rather than just a basic liquid glow product. changed, though: this is much more subtle than the ICONIC London Illuminator.
That makes it the better choice for everyday makeup.
It enhances the skin instead of completely taking over your look, and that is exactly what I want from it.
Best For: Anyone who wants an affordable, multi-use glow enhancer for natural makeup, mixing with foundation, or wearing alone.
Best Highlighter Palette: Anastasia Beverly Hills Sugar Glow Kit
Makeup highlighter palettes are not as dominant as they were a few years ago, but I still think they make sense for the right person.
If you are a makeup artist, love experimenting with different shades, or use highlighter on your eyes and body as much as your cheekbones, buying several shades in one palette can be much more practical than purchasing separate products.
That is why the Anastasia Beverly Hills Glow Kit is still here.
The palette contains four shades: Marshmallow, Gumdrop, Starburst, and Butterscotch. The shades range from white pearl and icy pink to pink-lilac and honey gold. They can be used on the face, eyes, and body. a long way with this palette, which is one reason mine always seemed to last forever.
I also love using these shades to complete my eye makeup. A small amount on the inner corner or brow bone can completely brighten up a look.
This is definitely more of a full-glam product than some of the newer highlighter balms and liquids that are popular right now. The shades have a noticeable metallic-lustre finish, so I would not buy this expecting a completely invisible glow.
But that is exactly why I still think there is room for it.
Not everyone wants their highlighter to be subtle!
Best For: Makeup artists, full-glam lovers, and anyone who wants several highlighter shades for the face, eyes, and body.
Best Budget Highlighter Palette: Wet n Wild MegaGlo Illuminating Powder in Catwalk Pink
This product required the biggest update!
In my original article, I called it the Wet n Wild MegaGlo Highlighting Palette. Wet n Wild currently lists the four-shade compact as the MegaGlo Illuminating Powder in Catwalk Pink.
The concept is still the same: you get four sparkly illuminating shades in one affordable compact. impressed by Wet n Wild highlighters because affordable powder formulas can sometimes look dry or chalky on the skin.
This one does not have that problem for me.
The four shades can be used individually or blended together, and you can apply them beyond the face if you want shimmer on the neck, chest, or body.
I do want to be honest about two things.
First, this is a sparkly highlighter. Wet n Wild itself describes the shades that way, so this is not the product I would recommend to someone searching for a completely natural, shimmer-free glow.
Second, there is still only one Catwalk Pink color combination.
That limits who I think this palette will work for. The shades will be easier to use on some skin tones than others, and I still wish Wet n Wild offered additional versions for a wider range of complexions.
But if the colors work for you and you want several highlighter shades without spending much money, it remains one of the most affordable options on this list.
Best For: Anyone looking for an extremely affordable multi-shade makeup highlighter with a sparkly finish.
How to Choose the Right Makeup Highlighter
The easiest way to choose a highlighter is to stop asking which one is “the best” and start asking what you actually want it to do.
Choose a Powder Highlighter If You Want More Control
Powder highlighters are usually the easiest formulas to build from subtle to intense.
A fluffy brush will create a softer effect, while a denser brush can pick up more product and create a stronger glow.
I also like powder formulas when I want more precise placement on the cheekbones or brow bones.
Choose a Cream or Stick Highlighter for Quick Application
Cream and stick formulas are great when you want something easy to apply with your fingers.
They can also look more seamless on the skin because there is no loose powder sitting on top of your makeup.
This is one reason balms and highlighter sticks have become so popular for modern, glassy makeup looks.
Choose a Liquid Highlighter for Versatility
Liquid highlighters can be used in so many different ways.
You can mix them with primer or foundation, wear them underneath your makeup, or apply them directly to the high points of your face.
Just pay attention to the intensity!
A product like Lumi Glotion creates a much different effect than the ICONIC London Illuminator, even though both are liquids.
Think About How Much Shimmer You Actually Want
This is probably the most important question.
Do you want your skin to look naturally radiant?
Do you want a glassy, almost wet-looking finish?
Or do you want people to notice your highlighter?
There is no wrong answer!
Beauty experts may currently be leaning toward softer, skin-like finishes, but I do not think everyone should throw away their sparkly highlighters. Makeup is supposed to be fun.
Choose the glow that makes you happy.
Where Should You Apply Highlighter?
I usually focus on the areas where light would naturally hit the face:
- The tops of the cheekbones
- The brow bones
- The inner corners of the eyes
- The bridge or tip of the nose
- The cupid’s bow
You can also use makeup highlighter on your collarbones, shoulders, chest, or anywhere else you want to add a little glow.
My biggest tip is to start with less product than you think you need.
It is always easier to add more!
If you have noticeable texture or large pores in an area, try applying a smaller amount and really blending the edges. Sometimes it is not the highlighter itself that causes a problem—it is simply too much product sitting in one spot.
Final Thoughts on My Favorite Makeup Highlighters
Going back through this article after a few years was actually really interesting.
Some beauty products disappear almost as quickly as they become popular, but several of these highlighters are still going strong.
The Rare Beauty Positive Light Silky Touch Highlighter is still my favorite powder option, and the fact that beauty editors continue to recognize it years later makes me feel even better about that original recommendation.
Lumi Glotion may be the biggest surprise. What I originally thought of as an affordable alternative to a luxury liquid highlighter has become one of the most versatile and relevant products on this entire list.
And while current beauty trends may favor a softer, more natural glow, I am not giving up my full-glam highlighters anytime soon!
Sometimes I want subtle.
Sometimes I want dewy.
And sometimes I want my cheekbones to be seen from across the room!
The most important thing is choosing a makeup highlighter that fits the way you like to wear makeup.
Have you tried any of these makeup highlighters? Is there one that has earned a permanent place in your makeup bag?
Leave a comment below and let us know!
We’ll see you soon!