Samantha Holender
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
- The Best Highlighter Overall: Haus Labs Bio-Radiant Gel-Powder Highlighter
- The Best Luxury Highlighter: Westman Atelier Super Loaded Tinted Highlighter
- The Best Liquid Highlighter: Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Highlighter Wand
- The Best New Highlighter Stick: Goop Beauty Glow Skin Highlighter Stick
- The Best New Highlighter Powder: Polite Society Highlight Society
If you know, you know. Haus Labs' absolutely fantastic highlighter features a gel-powder formula that offers incredible brightness without making you look too shiny. It gives a diffused highlight to my cheekbones without being too much, so it's my go-to choice daily.
Format: Powder
Size: 0.3 oz
Shades: 10
Finish: Radiant shimmer
Highlighted Ingredients: Fermented arnica oil (antioxidant); Silver vine extract (brightening)
What I Love: Extreme shimmer payoff; Pretty blurring effect; Stays put; Lots of shade options
What I Don't: Nothing
Review for MC: "The first time I opened a Bio-Radiant compact I literally gasped. It was so...brilliant? Bright? Radiant, I suppose. While powder highlighters are best applied with a fluffy blending brush, I love sweeping this one on with my fingers for extra control. The formula is smooth enough that it's totally doable. My favorite color is Sunstone, but all seven shades are lovely—Gaga's favorite yellow-orange Fire Opal included." — Sophia Vilensky, Contributing Beauty Writer
Contributing Beauty Writer Sophia Vilensky is a huge fan of Haus Labs' glimmery, shimmery highlighter range.
Celebrity makeup artist Gucci Westman, who works with stars such as Jennifer Aniston, Anne Hathaway, and Gwyneth Paltrow, went max glam with this shimmery, glimmery, and fun-to-press-your-finger-into formula. But you don't have to be a professional to get a flawless finish.
Format: Cream
Size: 0.14 oz
Shades: 3
Finish: Radiant shimmer
Highlighted Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid (moisturizing); Jojoba seed oil (hydrating); Caper extract (calming)
What I Love: Expert-recommended; Easy to Apply; Finger application; Can be used on many areas of the face
What I Don't: Expensive
Review for MC: "Housed in a sweet linen bag, this little compact gives me the same texture-specific pleasure as Haus Labs offers. I'd call it an equal favorite if only more shade options existed. Full of skin-loving ingredients, sweeping this on my face feels like such a treat. Everyone who gets to look at me is treated, too." — Sophia Vilensky, Contributing Beauty Writer
Darling, you look positively radiant—and all it took was the quickest wave of a (highlighter) wand. Charlotte Tilbury's Beauty Highlighter Wand shouldn't even be called a cult favorite; its reach has extended far beyond that, with glow seekers far and wide seeking out its precise sponge tip applicator and special brand of buildable shimmer. After you dot the product onto your cheeks, tap it in with your fingers or blend it with a makeup brush.
Format: Gel
Size: 0.41 oz
Shades: 7
Finish: Shimmer
Highlighted Ingredients: Silica (blurs imperfections); Polymers (enhance luminosity)
What I Love: Looks great on all skin tones; Can also be used as blush; Buildable shimmer; Precise sponge tip
What I Don't: The applicator can be messy
Review for MC: "If you told me I could only have one highlighter for the rest of my life, I would pick Glowgasm—specifically in the shade Spotlight. The reason: it’s the most versatile highlighter in my arsenal. Put a heavy application underneath foundation, and you’re left with a subtle, luminous sheen. Apply a targeted three dots on your cheekbones? The light reflects off your skin at every turn. The gold undertones play nice with both warm and cool undertones, providing a shimmer without a tinted pigment." — Samantha Holender, Senior Beauty Editor
Senior Beauty Editor Samantha Holender wears Charlotte Tilbury's Beauty Light Wand in Spotlight.
Dior's gorgeous quad highlighter Glow Palette is celebrity makeup artist Alexandra French's go-to highlighter. "I buy them all the time and have them in every single kit. It's easy to use, the shades are extremely flattering on everyone, and the formula makes the skin look like velvet and not chalky or too glittery," she explains. The four luminous shades in each palette can be used as a highlighter or blush for a customizable look—natural, intense, or somewhere in between.
Format: Powder
Size: 0.4 oz
Shades: 2 palette options with 4 shades each
Finish: Shimmer
Highlighted Ingredients: N/A
What I Love: Expert-recommended; Shade options; Customizable look
What I Don't: Some report shades popping out of the palette
Review for MC: "Dior's Backstage Glow Face Palette is the original MVP of my makeup collection. It's the one product I reach for to instantly level up any look. In the summer, I layer the highlighters over bronzer and blush for an extra dose of zhuzh, then swipe a little shimmer across my collarbones and shoulders for that full-body glow." — Siena Gagliano, Beauty Editor
Available in three universally flattering shades, Goop's silky new highlighter is made with a custom micro-pearl blend, active plant extracts, and skincare-grade ingredients. Though it goes on fairly sheer with no glitter to be found, it doesn't take much building to find an ideal healthy-looking glow with these special little sticks.
Format: Gel
Size: 0.28 oz
Shades: 3
Finish: Glowy
Highlighted Ingredients: Kalahari melon oil (supports the skin barrier); Amino acid derivative (moisturizes); Custom micropearl blend (illuminates)
What I Love: Skin-loving ingredients; Easy to use; Flattering shades; Feels so light on the skin
What I Don't: Quite sheer at first
Review for MC: "I'm a Gwyneth Paltrow fan through and through, so when I heard Goop was launching a new highlighter I jumped at the opportunity to test the product. I love the way these pretty gel sticks glide across my face and the soft glow that the bronze shade, Aura, brings to my face. I looked sun-kissed and (dare I say!) California girl Goop-y immediately upon application, and can't wait to make this a staple in my makeup bag." — Sophia Vilensky, Contributing Beauty Writer
Sophia Vilensky loves anything Goop—and these brand-new highlighters are no exception.
I've got sunshine on a cloudy day—as long as this highlighter is nearby. Polite Society describes their new highlighter as a "light magnet" for the skin; it combines the look of a liquid with the silkiness of a powder for a non-glittery wet look that's (importantly!) not even a little bit greasy. My fair skin especially loves the champagne-y Social Light shade.
Format: Powder
Size: 0.1 oz
Shades: 4
Finish: Wet
Highlighted Ingredients: Yarrow flower (brightening); Vitamin E (antioxidant)
What I Love: Pretty liquid-like finish; Melts into your skin; A little goes a long way
What I Don't: Not a ton of product in compact
Customer Review: "Talk about shimmer. Putting this highlighter on brought me right back to the good old days of pressed pigment highlighter superiority. Only this experience was much better. (We love 2025 technology, don't we?) The pink tone is so flattering, the powder is easy to blend, and the finish offers the perfect balance between natural and glam." — Sophia Vilensky, Contributing Beauty Editor
Sophia Vilensky before and after testing Polite Society's glowy new highlighter.
Jones Road's Miracle Balm is the greatest go-to if you want some flush and a glow. Celebrity makeup artist (and former Bobbi Brown Cosmetics owner) Bobbi Brown chose the tagline "the secret of no-makeup makeup" when formulating the hero product. While there are a ton of colors in the Miracle Balm range, three were crafted specifically to highlight: Au Naturel, Golden Hour, and Magic Hour.
Format: Balm
Size: 1.75 oz
Shades: 3
Finish: Glowy
Highlighted Ingredients: Jojoba seed oil (conditions, moisturizes, and softens skin)
What I Love: Finger-friendly application; Can't mess it up; Leaves a pretty glow; Lasts forever
What I Don't: Some find it too sticky
Review: "My lore with Miracle Balm runs deep. Once, it took me three hours to get to the store for a restock, yet I was dedicated to the cause of refilling my favorite shade. Though the texture is a little thicker than expected, it spreads beautifully. Just make sure to warm the product between your fingers first." — Sophia Vilensky, Contributing Beauty Writer
Contributing Beauty Writer Sophia Vilensky before and after applying Jones Road Miracle Balm.
Have you seen the videos featuring this highlighter? It's quite magical on camera, selling its bouncy, jelly-like texture before even making it onto your cheeks. Then, once you're done playing and actually get around to applying it, it delivers a vibrant highlight that's super shimmery without feeling super sparkly—an important distinction to some.
Format: Balm
Size: 0.14 oz
Shades: 1 (and lots of non-shimmery shades!)
Finish: Shimmer
Highlighted Ingredients:
What I Love: Incredible texture; Multipurpose; Under $20
What I Don't: Feels a little sticky
Review for MC: "I'm not afraid to admit that this TikTok-viral highlighter made it into my testing lineup because it looked so fun to touch. And it is so much fun to touch. But it's also impressive—the glow is powerful, and I love it as an eyeshadow as much as I do on my cheeks." — Sophia Vilensky, Contributing Beauty Writer
Fwee's shimmery highlighter is bouncy in texture and as fun to play with as it is to wear.
Even when I don't feel like putting makeup on, I still reach for this highlighter stick—it's a MC 2025 Makeup Award winner for good reason. "Effortless" is the perfect word to describe application, and with so many skin-loving ingredients it's hard to deny my face the nourishment. After a few easy swipes, you're left with a natural-looking, glitter-free glow.
Format: Cream
Size: 0.4 oz
Shades: 2
Finish: Dewy
Highlighted Ingredients: Strawberry butter (plumping, moisturizing); Silica microspheres (blurring)
What I Love: Easy to apply; Blends nicely; Luminous finish; Pretty packaging
What I Don't: Small shade selection
Review for MC: "Smooth and light, this luxe-feeling cream stick is so easy to wield—and brightens my day no matter how bland the to-do list is." — Sophia Vilensky, Contributing Beauty Writer
Sophia Vilensky loves VBB's Reflect Highlighter Stick on no-makeup days—it makes her neighborhood walks a little cuter.
Dubbed "the original glow-getter" by the longstanding clean beauty brand RMS, Luminizer offers a light-catching glow that's universally flattering in its subtlety. Instead of providing major glitz, the finish is gentle and dewy. If Goldie Locks went looking for a highlighter? This one is just right.
Format: Cream
Size: 0.17 oz
Shades: 5
Finish: Luminous
Highlighted Ingredients: Vitamin E (protects and smooths); Castor seed oil (anti-inflammatory and hydrating); Raw coconut oil (moisturizes, soothes, and softens)
What I Love: Feels nice on the skin; Non-greasy
What I Don't: Small container
Review for MC: "Like most of Rose-Marie Swift's products, this little tub of luminosity feels skincare-forward. And that's the magic of it. As I apply, it nourishes my skin, and therefore helps me face the world face forward. Though the container is small, it lasts a long, long time." — Sophia Vilensky, Contributing Beauty Writer
Contributing Beauty Writer Sophia Vilensky before and after testing RMS Beauty's Luminizer.
Le Baume, Chanel’s twist-up stick highlighter, is exactly what you'd expect from a Chanel highlighter. Have you ever seen how glossy a patent leather Double Flap can get? Take that pretty gleam and apply it right to your cheekbones. The moisturizing balm can be used for your face, eyes, and lips, leaving you with an understated, dewy, chic effect.
Format: Balm
Size: 0.28 oz
Shades: 7
Finish: Glowy
Highlighted Ingredients: N/A
What I Love: Celebrity loved; Easy to blend; Great for no-makeup days; Glowiest finish
What I Don't: More expensive than other options (for less product)
Review for MC: "I’ve turned to this yummy cream highlighter for almost a decade—it’s really that good! I swipe this under my brows, the inner corners of my eyes, and along my cheekbones for a stunning lit-from-within effect." - Hannah Baxter, Beauty Director
Celebrity makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes is a genius, using products to paint the skin with a lightweight but incredibly reflective sheen. So, it was only natural for the first product in her namesake makeup line to spearhead a new wave of luminous highlighter launches. “The kit allows you to experiment with texture, shine, and pigmentation to achieve your desired look—all results replicate her signature sheen,” notes Lisa Payne, Head of Beauty at Stylus. With a serum that customizes the glossy effect of the pigment, Hypershine can be used as a full-face accent.
Format: Pigment and serum
Shades: 4
Finish: Glowy
Highlighted Ingredients: N/A
What I Love: Thoughtful formulation; Buildable; Range of shades; Expert-recommended
What I Don't: A little sticky
Customer Review: "As a 49 year old woman with less than perfect skin, I was skeptical about this 'shiny' product. I kept watching Katie Jane on TikTok and she was so convincing. I took the plunge….my skin has never looked more alive. I’ve tried so many highlighters to be disappointed by emphasized texture. NOT the case with this product. Katie Jane, I have now bought all 4 shades. I’m a fan for life!" — KJH Brand
Lighting Dust and Fire Crystal was my hallmark highlighter for five years—I went through more compacts than I care to admit. But can you blame me? This Rihanna-designed formula is one of the highest-impact sparkles I’ve ever been able to find—my cheekbones shimmer from across any room. It reached peak popularity in the 2010s, but the high-quality formula remains a constant in my bag; the color combinations are ideal for eyeshadow application, too.
Format: Powder
Size: 0.24 oz
Shades: 7
Finish: Sparkly
Highlighted Ingredients: N/A
What I Love: Large color range; Intense sparkle
What I Don't: Not good if you want a subtle finish
Customer Review: "The best highlighter for a summer look! Highly recommend, not chalky at all and very glittery. Always receive compliments with this highlighter. So good my sister always steals it from my makeup bag." — Sephora
West loves this sheer skin enhancer, which offers an extra-subtle take on highlighter. You can apply it with your fingers anywhere the light hits. Tap a few drops in and it'll melt, offering a skin-like finish that lasts and lasts. You can also apply it underneath blush and bronzer for a barely-there shine, or mix it in with your foundation for extra radiance.
Format: Liquid
Size: 0.61 oz
Shades: 5
Finish: Radiant
Highlighted Ingredients: N/A
What I Love: Versatile in application; Finger-friendly; Not too sparkly
What I Don't: May separate with certain foundations; Some customers find it too sheer
Customer Review: "I completely LOVE this product! It took the place of my blush and highlighter and after one day at the beach, I don’t even need the bronzer. It’s an amazing addition to my routine. Goes on light and you can build it." — Sephora
Saie walks the line of barely-there and glowing-radiant-luminous with every single one their products. On lighter makeup days, it's great apply this all-over illuminator in a thin layer all over the face. You can add extra coverage with a concealer, or just glow on your way.
Format: Liquid
Size: 1 oz
Shades: 1
Finish: Radiant
Highlighted Ingredients: Plant-derived glycerin (humectant); Olive-derived squalane (locks in moisture); Rosehip seed oil (brightening)
What I Love: Multi-purpose; Doesn’t pill on top of makeup
What I Don't: Jar is big and inconvenient for travel
Review for MC: “My skin is dull and dry and this all-over highlighter has been a godsend for the natural dew it gives my skin. I even keep a small bottle in my desk drawer to tap on top of my afternoon makeup to boost it. It’s not oily, doesn’t clog my pores, and it doesn’t affect the longevity of my foundation." — Julia Marzovilla, Fashion E-Commerce Editor
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.
As you can see, celebrity makeup artist Alexandra French knows her way around a highlighter application session.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
