The Goldilocks of Highlighters Give Shimmer and Radiance Without Too Much Sparkle

Dewy, healthy-looking skin is just a swipe away.

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Last updated In Buying Guides
A model with shiny cheekbone highlighter.
(Image credit: Spotlight/Launchmetrics)
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Once upon a certain YouTube beauty vlogger era, a makeup look without a mega-shimmery highlighter was incomplete, unheard of; even an abomination. But times have changed! When it comes to finding your highlighter du jour, there are now endless options to choose from: luminizers, glosses, glow sticks.

The best highlighters have had a long heyday: Charlotte Tilbury’s Beauty Wand, which launched in 2019, was continuously sold out for years after its launch—so much so that Marie Claire Senior Beauty Editor Samantha Holender vividly remembers buying 12 Spotlights during a restock in 2022. Becca’s cult-favorite Champagne Pop was so universally loved that when the brand shut down, Smashbox snatched up and relaunched the formula, which continues to be a best seller across retailers. Rihanna fans still appreciate a Fenty Beauty Killawatt bath, and the little monsters aren't the only ones who are obsessed with Haus Labs' Bio-Radiant Gel-Powder Illuminating Highlighter (in fact, it's my very favorite).

“There’s been an evolution of highlighter as it crosses into different categories. We’re familiar with it as a standalone product, but now it’s showing up in the formulas of blushes, bronzers, SPFs, foundations, and moisturizers,” notes Nordstrom Beauty Director Autumne West. And although many of the highlighters currently commanding our attention feature a softer cream base and less obvious shimmer, some glitter-packed powders are still on our radar.

Ahead, you’ll find the 15 best highlighters of all time, from compact cult classics to newer, more subtle, multipurpose developments.

The Best Highlighters

Sophia Vilensky before and after testing Haus Labs highlighter.

Contributing Beauty Writer Sophia Vilensky is a huge fan of Haus Labs' glimmery, shimmery highlighter range.

(Image credit: Image Credit: Sophia Vilensky)

Sophia Vilensky testing Westman Atelier's gorgeous highlighter.

(Image credit: Image Credit: Sophia Vilensky)

Senior Beauty Editor Samantha Holender wears Charlotte Tilbury's Beauty Light Wand in Spotlight.

Senior Beauty Editor Samantha Holender wears Charlotte Tilbury's Beauty Light Wand in Spotlight.

(Image credit: Image Credit: Samantha Holender)

Marie Claire Beauty Editor Siena Gagliano loves the Dior Backstage Glow Palette, calling it the MVP of her makeup collection.

(Image credit: Image Credit: Siena Gagliano)

Sophia Vilensky before and after testing goop beauty's new highlighter.

Sophia Vilensky loves anything Goop—and these brand-new highlighters are no exception.

(Image credit: Image Credit: Sophia Vilensky)

Sophia Vilensky before and after testing Polite Society's glowy new highlighter.

Sophia Vilensky before and after testing Polite Society's glowy new highlighter.

(Image credit: Image Credit: Sophia Vilensky)

Contributing Beauty Writer Sophia Vilensky before and after applying Jones Road Miracle Balm.

Contributing Beauty Writer Sophia Vilensky before and after applying Jones Road Miracle Balm.

(Image credit: Image Credit: Sophia Vilensky)

Sophia Vilensky before and after testing Fwee's bouncy, jelly-like balm.

Fwee's shimmery highlighter is bouncy in texture and as fun to play with as it is to wear.

(Image credit: Image Credit: Sophia Vilensky)

Contributing beauty writer Sophia Vilensky before and after testing VBB's highlighter.

Sophia Vilensky loves VBB's Reflect Highlighter Stick on no-makeup days—it makes her neighborhood walks a little cuter.

(Image credit: Image Credit: Sophia Vilensky)

Sophia Vilensky before and after testing RMS Beauty's Luminizer.

Contributing Beauty Writer Sophia Vilensky before and after testing RMS Beauty's Luminizer.

(Image credit: Image Credit: Sophia Vilensky)

How to Apply Highlighter

The best highlighter application technique depends on what type of formula you’re working with. Most liquids and creams are finger friendly, whereas powders best apply with a medium, fluffy blending brush. “The lack of density will give a less intense application, leaving room to build and layer the glow,” explains celebrity and NBA makeup artist Jennifer Fleming.

Alexandra French perfects the makeup on a model with heavy highlighter.

As you can see, celebrity makeup artist Alexandra French knows her way around a highlighter application session.

(Image credit: Alexandra French/Instagram)

What Texture Highlighter Should I Choose?

The highlighters synonymous with the '10s and early '20s (think: a pearlized shine) come from pigmented powder formulas. “More recently, the inspiring looks are resonating more with natural finishes and more subtle, fresh look—think: quiet luxury, but beauty,” says Payne. They’re coming in cream or gel-based formulations with less glitter and sparkle, and more of a radiant finish.

In addition to considering the intended finish of a formula, you should consider your skin type. “A person with oilier skin may opt for a powder highlighter, while a person with a drier skin type would benefit from a cream or liquid option,” adds Fleming.

What Color Highlighter Should I Use?

Choosing the best highlighter shade is pretty low stakes. Whatever shade or tone you like the best can be the shade or tone for you.“A pearly, iridescent pink highlighter can work on a range of skin tones,” says Fleming.

But if you’re looking for the most flattering, natural payoff, try a product that matches your skin’s undertones. “Golden tones will complement tanned and deeper complexions the most,” adds Fleming. Cooler undertones should opt for pinks and peaches.

Where to Apply Highlighter

Highlighter placement is also a fairly personal preference. You can mix highlighter in with foundation for an all-over glow, brush or swipe it across your eyelids, or stick to the basics and put it on the high points of your face, like the cheekbones and brow bone.

“I like to place highlighter a bit above the brow arch, on the back of the cheekbones, the inner corners of the eyes, and sometimes above the lip,” says Fleming. “A pop of glow in the center of the nose can also give a glowy pop to the center of the face.”

Why Trust Marie Claire

For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

How We Tested

Our highlighter testing process merged long-time editor favorites with new discoveries. We asked the Marie Claire team to share which highlighters they use in their daily lives and tapped professional makeup artists to learn about their favorites. Then, we called in products for testing and got to glowing.

We evaluated each product based on formula, finish, shade range, pigment, versatility, and of course payoff. Our resulting pool comprises the 20 best highlighters on the market.

Meet the Experts

Celebrity makeup artist Alexandra French smiles in a headshot.
Alexandra French

Alexandra French is a Los Angeles based, Emmy award-winning makeup artist best known for her work as one of the artists on Euphoria Season 2, creating viral looks that became as closely watched as the characters themselves. Through her creative exploration of color, texture and shapes she has quickly become the go-to artist for captivating editorial looks designed to be worn well beyond the pages.

Growing up in Germany, Alexandra later moved to Brazil to study printmaking and calligraphy. This passion later translated to her trademark bold and unique eyeliner shapes. She settled into Los Angeles to work in the film industry, which was fast followed by a tug into the fashion world. She has made a name for herself in both industries. Alexandra takes inspiration from film and creating character, mixed with her deep appreciation of color—translating it to her favorite canvas: the face.

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Lisa Payne

Lisa leads Stylus' Beauty team and is responsible for tracking the latest innovations in beauty product development from around the world, providing analysis on emerging shifts in the industry, key consumer groups and future-focused directives. She has been with Stylus since its launch in 2010, bringing over 10 years of trend forecasting experience in fashion, beauty, and arts and culture. She was instrumental in growing our beauty content in line with increasing demand for industry insights, and is particularly proud of her Commercializing Pleasure Spotlight, which expands the remit of personal care to include sex as a valuable business driver.

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Autumne West

Autumne has 18 years of experience in the beauty business, it all started with simply being a fan of makeup and becoming a make-up artist for fun. Her passion ultimately grew into her profession.

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Jennifer Fleming

Texas-bred, Jennifer Fleming’s passion for makeup began with the red painted lips of her family’s matriarchs, igniting an appreciation for the power and ability of makeup to enhance and transform.

Years later in a packed Mustang, she made the leap to the lights of New York City. Working backstage assisting on fashion shows, photo shoots, and celebrity red carpet helped inform her foundation for makeup. She found her niche in advertising and men’s grooming for several brands including Maybelline Chase, and the National Basketball Association.

Today, she continues to draw inspiration from art, travel, nature, and history- while being inspired by current digital beauty trends.

Sophia Vilensky
Sophia Vilensky
Freelance Writer

Sophia Vilensky is a Freelance Beauty Writer at Marie Claire with a beauty, wellness, and entertainment journalism portfolio that includes contributions to Byrdie, Bravo, Teen Vogue, and Us Weekly. Growing up in a family of beauticians—and through her own personal studies—she developed an in-depth understanding of aesthetics, cosmetic product formulation, and beauty treatment development and has also held roles as a senior copywriter, content strategist, and proofreader for top beauty and wellness brands. Even so, you'd be hard pressed to find her with her hair and makeup actually done. Sophia is based in Minneapolis and is a 2019 graduate of the University of Minnesota, where she majored in English and minored in cinema studies. During her time at the university, she was the Arts & Entertainment Editor for the Minnesota Daily, earning the 2019 Editor of the Year award for her work. She connected deeply with the Twin Cities arts scene, collaborating with leading beauty professionals, designers, and artists. Graduating Summa Cum Laude, her thesis—a close-reading of Vanderpump Rules—was featured on NPR. When not immersed in writing or testing new products, Sophia enjoys watching reality TV, reading, and exploring the newest woo-woo wellness trends. Keep up with her on Instagram @sophiavilensky.

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