The Best Highlighters for Dark Skin Tones Were Made With Melanin In Mind

Because 'universal' shades rarely hit.

Two models with a subtle, skin-enhancing highlighter
(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

I don’t care if we’re nearly a decade out from the 2016 makeup era—I will never let go of my love for highlighters. My lore goes way back to the very beginning of my makeup journey. It was one of the only product categories that consistently offered shades that worked for my skin tone, without requiring a scavenger hunt through the drugstore beauty aisle.

That said, I definitely went through a phase with my acne-prone skin where the affordable options either broke me out or left me with wild-looking stripes across my face. (Your girl was still learning, okay?) All this to say: I feel uniquely qualified to talk about the best highlighters for dark skin. As a beauty writer, I've got over a decade of hands-on experience testing every formula out there—liquids, creams, powders, you name it.

But I'm nothing if not thorough, so I didn't stop at personal trials. I also tapped some of the best makeup artists in the game to break down exactly what makes a highlighter great for deeper skin tones. “The most important aspect when you are looking for a highlighter for deeper skin tones is to ensure the chosen tone is warm,” celebrity makeup artist Theo Turner tells me. “Deeper complexions are best spotlighted with warm and rose gold shades, as well as bronze and copper tones.”

I also rounded up the best highlighters for dark skin that are actually worth your money, you know, in case your makeup bag could use a little seasonal refresh. Keep scrolling for the best formulas available now, plus some extra tips to make sure your glow is the most radiant, luminous version it can be.

At a Glance

Shop the Best Highlighters for Dark Skin Tones

Amanda testing Danessa Myricks Highlighter.

Amanda Mitchell wears Danessa Myricks Beauty Vision Flush Glow in Tiara - Champagne Glow.

(Image credit: Amanda Mitchell)

Amanda Mitchell trying Maybelline Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter Powder Makeup in Molten Gold.

Amanda Mitchell tries Maybelline Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter Powder Makeup in Molten Gold.

(Image credit: Amanda Mitchell)

Amanda Mitchell tries Fenty Beauty's Liquid Killawatt Fluid Freestyle Highlighter in Hu$tla Baby 2.0

Amanda Mitchell tries Fenty Beauty's Liquid Killawatt Fluid Freestyle Highlighter in Hu$tla Baby 2.0

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Amanda Mitchell tries Makeup by Mario Master Crystal Reflector™ in Bronzite

Amanda Mitchell tries Makeup by Mario Master Crystal Reflector™ in Bronzite

(Image credit: Amanda Mitchell)

Amanda Mitchell wearing Charlotte Tilbury Glow Glide Face Architect Highlighter in Champagne Glow

Amanda Mitchell tries Charlotte Tilbury Glow Glide Face Architect Highlighter in Champagne Glow

(Image credit: Amanda Mitchell)

What to Look for In a Highlighter for Dark Skin

  • Shade

When it comes to any highlighter, the key is to find a shade most complementary to your skin tone. "Look for warm, bronzed, or rose gold undertones," suggests makeup artist Tamara Boyd. "These shades beautifully complement and blend into dark skin without looking harsh." Highlighters with white or silver undertones can leave an ashy cast—and unless Beetlejuice-chic is what you're going for, steer clear.

  • Pigment

Pigment is key for a highlighter for dark skin tones, especially in powder and liquid formulas. "The right formula can create a luminous glow without looking ashy or dull," says Sam Fine, a professional makeup artist. "Shades like gold, bronze, and even deeper pinks or reds can provide rich, glowing effects."

  • Texture

If you're wearing a cream or gel formula in search of a natural finish, makeup artist Brandy Allen suggests finding a shade that's nearly transparent or with a very light shimmer, as they're likely to flatter a range of deep skin tones. "It’s colorless, yet creates a glowy highlight on the skin," she says.

How to Apply Highlighter for Dark Skin

According to Fine, "highlighter looks best when applied to the outer perimeter of the face—the height of cheekbones, the crest of the forehead and/or bridge of the nose, the Cupid’s bow." You want to avoid applying a highlighter to the center of the face, which can emphasize pores and fine lines.

The product formula also impacts the highlighter's placement. "If you’re using a powder highlighter, you want to make sure that you are using a precise powder brush to apply your highlighter above your contour, not over it. This will take away from your contour," says Espinoza. You want to apply the highlighter above the contour, going upward towards your ear.

Boyd says highlighter is best applied with a larger powder brush for a natural, effortless-looking application. For a bolder, more intense glow, go in with your fingers.

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

To compile this list of the best highlighters for dark skin, MC's Beauty Writer Ariel Baker and Contributing Beauty Writer Amanda Mitchell scoured the internet and combed through countless customer reviews to find the top-rated options on the market. They also asked the Marie Claire team to share their holy grail picks. For each highlighter, they assessed each product based on finish, pigment, staying power, price, and results.

Meet the Experts

Brandy Allen
Brandy Allen

A native of Los Angeles, Brandy Allen started working in makeup at the age of 18 while earning her bachelor’s degree in Journalism. She worked in corporate beauty and sales for five years with companies such as MAC, Make Up For Ever, Napoleon Perdis, DuWop, Fashion Fair, and Maybelline. While working in make-up throughout college, she honed her skills, product knowledge, and customer service. Over the years, Brandy has become one of the industry’s go-to artists for women of color. She’s accentuated the natural beauty of celebrities such as Aja Naomi King, Keke Palmer, Janelle Monae, Serayah McNeil, Danielle Brooks, Yara Shahidi, and many more. Brandy is known for color mixing and flawless skin.

Theo Turner
Theo Turner

Theo is an internationally acclaimed makeup artist, creative director, and fragrance connoisseur with over 15 years of industry expertise. A former artist for Tom Ford and MAC Cosmetics, he has honed the art of transformative beauty and olfactory storytelling, seamlessly blending technical mastery with creative expression.

His work has graced industry icons such as Phylicia Rashad, Nicole Ari Parker, Teyana Taylor, and Chloe x Halle, reflecting his ability to enhance and redefine the beauty of all ages. Beyond celebrity makeup, Theo collaborates with world-renowned brands including Chanel, Fenty Beauty & Skin, YSL, Bulgari, Redken, and Saks Fifth Avenue, lending his vision and expertise to product development, education, brand storytelling, and creative consultation.

Sam Fine
Sam Fine

Sam Fine is an Emmy-award-winning celebrity makeup artist and author, having painted the faces of Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Halle Berry, Queen Latifah, Kerry Washington, Jennifer Hudson, Tyra Banks, Iman, and Naomi Campbell. His work has appeared on the covers and pages of Cosmopolitan, Harper’s Bazaar, Essence, Vibe, and Marie Claire, and he was the first African-American spokesperson for Revlon and CoverGirl Cosmetics. He is also the author of a makeup how-to book, Fine Beauty: Beauty Basics and Beyond for African-American Women.

Manuel Espinoza
Manuel Espinoza

Manuel Espinoza is a professional makeup artist. He has 16 years of experience in the industry, specializing in bridal looks, soft glam and more. His work has been featured in music videos, award shows and editorial. Plus, his most notable clients include Lizzo and Jennifer Lopez. 

Tamara Boyd
Tamara Boyd

Tamara Boyd is a professional makeup artist. She has over 10 years of experience in the Los Angeles area. She specializes in bridal and special events makeup, with a heavy emphasis on flawless finishes. 

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Amanda Mitchell

Amanda Mitchell is a writer and podcaster with bylines at Marie Claire, OprahMag, Allure, Byrdie, Stylecaster, Bon Appetit, and more. Her work exists at the apex of beauty, pop culture, and absurdity. A human Funfetti cake, she watches too much television, and her favorite season is awards season. You can read more of her work at amandaelizabethmitchell.com or follow her on Instagram and Twitter @lochnessmanda.

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