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A highlighter palette showing the different colors it offers. Credit: Wet n Wild / Amazon

The Best Highlighter Makeup of 2023

Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed's editors. Purchases made through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission. Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

A highlighter palette showing the different colors it offers. Credit: Wet n Wild / Amazon

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Product image of L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion

L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion

With 4.5 stars and over 26,000 reviews, this liquid highlighter is described by many buyers as giving them a nice glow. Read More

Pros

  • 4 shade options
  • Gives a nice, natural glow
  • Hydrating

Cons

  • Not great for sensitive skin
Product image of e.l.f. Baked Highlighter & Blush

e.l.f. Baked Highlighter & Blush

This baked highlighter and blush in one offers a gentle, shimmering, beautiful color combination of light pink and bronze. Read More

Pros

  • Pretty color combination
  • Affordable

Cons

  • None that we could find
Product image of Wet n Wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder

Wet n Wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder

This popular highlighter is a pretty, easy-to-blend face shiner that reviewers say works well to radiate their skin. Read More

Pros

  • Glows nicely
  • Easy to blend
  • Multiple color combinations

Cons

  • May be too dark for light skin tones
Product image of Rare Beauty Positive Light Liquid Luminizer Highlighter

Rare Beauty Positive Light Liquid Luminizer Highlighter

This lightweight, liquid formula offers an easy-to-apply, even blend that looks good on all skin tones and types. Read More

Pros

  • Glows nicely
  • Easy to blend
  • Multiple color combinations

Cons

  • May be too dark for light skin tones
Product image of Rare Beauty Positive Light Silky Touch Highlighter

Rare Beauty Positive Light Silky Touch Highlighter

Made to flatter every skin type, this highlighter is ideal for anyone looking to add a healthy, subtle glow to their skin. Read More

Pros

  • Vegan
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • Fragile

If you are a professional makeup artist or someone who likes to get dolled up before leaving your house, then you may be looking for a high-quality highlighter to draw attention to different points on your face. Whether you prefer a cream/liquid or powder highlighter, we looked at both options to accommodate everyone’s preference and skin type.

To help you find the best makeup highlighter, we explored a variety of top makeup brands and reviews online. Based on our research, we found these to be the best ones you can buy right now.

Editor's Note:
The recommendations in this guide are based on thorough product and market research by our team of expert product reviewers. The picks are based on examining user reviews, product specifications, and, in some limited cases, our experience with the specific products named.
Product image of L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion
L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion

With 4.5 stars and over 26,000 reviews, this liquid highlighter is described by many buyers as giving them a nice glow. It comes in four different colors to match your skin type: medium, deep, fair, and light. The formula includes glycerin and shea butter, which simultaneously hydrates your skin when applied.

For those with sensitive skin, reviewers say that this highlighter may cause breakouts, so that is something to consider before purchasing this product.

Pros

  • 4 shade options

  • Gives a nice, natural glow

  • Hydrating

Cons

  • Not great for sensitive skin

Product image of e.l.f. Baked Highlighter & Blush
e.l.f. Baked Highlighter & Blush

If you don’t want to break the bank for a quality highlighter, but still want to purchase one from a reputable brand, then this Elf Cosmetics Baked Highlighter is a great choice. This highlighter and blush in one offers a gentle, shimmering, beautiful color combination of light pink and bronze. If you prefer a powdered highlighter that offers you a shiny, pretty complexion, then this one’s a solid pick.

Pros

  • Pretty color combination

  • Affordable

Cons

  • None that we could find

Product image of Wet n Wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder
Wet n Wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder

The popular Wet n Wild Megaglo Highlighting Powder is a pretty, easy-to-blend face shiner that reviewers say works well to radiate their skin. It comes in various shades, such as Silver and Awesome Blossom, although many reviewers find that it’s a bit too dark for lighter skin. Overall, this is a great highlighter if you’re new to wearing it and want to try one out that’s recommended by many.

Pros

  • Glows nicely

  • Easy to blend

  • Multiple color combinations

Cons

  • May be too dark for light skin tones

Product image of Rare Beauty Positive Light Liquid Luminizer Highlighter
Rare Beauty Positive Light Liquid Luminizer Highlighter

If you want to add a little more pop to your face, then Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez will do just that. This lightweight, liquid formula offers an easy-to-apply, even blend that looks good on all skin tones and types. The shimmer looks soft in one lighting and pops in another. The formula is made to last all day and sit perfectly over other face makeup, such as liquid foundation.

Pros

  • Glows nicely

  • Easy to blend

  • Multiple color combinations

Cons

  • May be too dark for light skin tones

Product image of Rare Beauty Positive Light Silky Touch Highlighter
Rare Beauty Positive Light Silky Touch Highlighter

The Positive Light Silky Touch Highlighter offers a naturally glowing look for your face that lasts. Made to flatter every skin type, this highlighter is ideal for anyone looking to add a healthy, subtle glow to their skin. This highlighter is easy to use and it's vegan, which does make it very fragile. In fact, many reviewers recommend not getting it shipped and to handle it very carefully.

Pros

  • Vegan

  • Easy to use

Cons

  • Fragile

Product image of Fenty Beauty Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter
Fenty Beauty Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter

This multi-functional Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter offers two different cream highlighters in one: a subtle sheen tone for the day and nice shimmer for night. It feels light on the face, comes in various shades, and works with several skin types. Plus, it’s made to blend into the skin smoothly and seamlessly.

Pros

  • Lightweight feel

  • Easy to blend in

  • Versatile

Cons

  • Some may find it to be too glittery

Product image of Chanel Baume Essentiel Highlighter
Chanel Baume Essentiel Highlighter

This easy-to-carry Chanel Baume Essentiel highlighter keeps your eyes, lips, and face glowing throughout the day. With a soft and smooth texture, this highlighter balm offers optimal radiance. It can easily be twisted open and placed back in your bag while you’re on the move. Reviewers love this effortless, essential highlighter for everyday use. It also comes in a few different shades of light pinks and tans.

Pros

  • Easy to carry

  • Packable

  • Multi-functional

Cons

  • None that we could find

Meet the tester

Lily Hartman

Lily Hartman

Staff Writer, Search

Lily Hartman is a staff writer who also enjoys writing magazine articles about health and outdoor recreation. In her free time, she likes to hike, camp, run, and lift weights.

See all of Lily Hartman's reviews

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