
Achieving a radiant, lit-from-within glow is an aspiration for many beauty enthusiasts. Highlighters have become essential to makeup routines, allowing individuals to accentuate their features and create a luminous complexion. Whether aiming for a subtle shimmer or a bold shine, selecting the right highlighter can make all the difference.
Here’s a guide to the best highlighters that can help you achieve that coveted glow.
Table of Contents
Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter

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Renowned for its creamy texture and finely milled formula, Becca’s Shimmering Skin Perfector offers an unparalleled glow. Available in various shades to suit different skin tones, it provides a natural-looking radiance without appearing glittery. It’s perfect for those who prefer a soft-focus finish.
Fenty Beauty Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter
Fenty Beauty’s Killawatt Freestyle Highlighters are celebrated for their versatility and intensity. With solo and duo options, these highlighters offer everything from subtle daywear shimmer to intense evening glam. The long-lasting formula ensures your glow stays in place all day.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Amrezy Highlighter

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This limited-edition highlighter by Anastasia Beverly Hills offers an ultra-smooth application that blends seamlessly into the skin. Its universal shade is designed to flatter all skin tones, delivering a luminous gold finish that enhances any look.
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette
For those who appreciate a more sophisticated, multi-dimensional glow, the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette is an excellent choice. This palette features three complementary shades that can be used individually or combined for a customized effect, recreating flattering light effects on your skin.
Milk Makeup Flex Highlighter
Milk Makeup’s Flex Highlighter illuminates and nourishes the skin and is infused with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and blue lotus. Its buildable formula allows users to control the intensity of their shine, making it suitable for both daytime wear and nighttime allure.
Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter

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Straddling the line between primer and highlighter, Charlotte Tilbury’s Hollywood Flawless Filter offers a unique approach to achieving a radiant complexion. It can be applied under the foundation for an all-over glow or used as a targeted highlighter on cheekbones and brow bones.
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft & Gentle
A staple in many makeup artists’ kits, MAC’s Mineralize Skinfinish provides a versatile and buildable soft-focus sheen. Its baked formula ensures smooth application while offering long-lasting wear that highlights your best features beautifully.
Glossier Haloscope Dew Effect Highlighter
For fans of dewy skin, Glossier’s Haloscope offers an effortless way to achieve that fresh-faced look. Its dual-delivery formula combines crystal extracts with moisturizing oils for a hydrated glow that looks naturally luminous.
How to Choose the Right Highlighter

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When selecting a highlighter, consider your skin type and tone:Skin Type: Opt for powder formulas that control shine while adding radiance if you have oily skin. For dry skin, cream or liquid highlighters can provide added hydration.
Skin Tone: Choose shades that complement your natural undertones—champagne and peachy hues work well for fair skin tones; golds and bronzes are flattering on medium tones; copper and deeper golds enhance darker complexions beautifully.
Application Tips
Placement: Apply highlighter on areas where light naturally hits your face—cheekbones, brow bones, down the bridge of the nose, and on the cupid’s bow.
Tools: Use brushes or damp beauty sponges for precise application; fingers can also be used for creams or liquids to blend seamlessly into the skin.
By choosing the right highlighter tailored to your needs and applying it strategically, achieving that radiant glow is entirely within reach. Whether preparing for an everyday look or something more dramatic, these highlighters provide versatile options to illuminate your natural beauty effortlessly.
FAQs About Highlighters for a Radiant Glow
1. What is the best type of highlighter for beginners?
For beginners, powder highlighters like the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector or MAC Mineralize Skinfinish are excellent choices. They are easy to apply, blendable, and forgiving if you make mistakes.
2. How do I choose a highlighter shade for my skin tone?
- Fair skin tones: Opt for champagne, pearl, or light pink shades.
- Medium skin tones: Go for gold or peachy tones.
- Dark skin tones: Copper, bronze, and deeper gold shades work best.
Products like the Fenty Beauty Killawatt Highlighter and Anastasia Beverly Hills Amrezy Highlighter offer versatile options for various skin tones.
3. Can I use highlighter on oily skin?
Yes! Choose powder highlighters like the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette or the Milk Makeup Flex Highlighter, as they help control excess shine while providing a radiant finish. Avoid cream or oil-based highlighters that might enhance greasiness.
4. Can I mix highlighter with foundation or moisturizer?
Absolutely! Liquid highlighters like Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter can be mixed with foundation or moisturizer for an all-over subtle glow. This method is ideal for achieving a dewy, lit-from-within look.
5. Where should I apply highlighter for the best results?
Apply highlighter to areas where light naturally hits your face:
- Cheekbones
- Brow bones
- Down the bridge of the nose
- Inner corners of the eyes
- Cupid’s bow
For best results, use a brush, damp sponge, or your fingers, depending on the product’s formula.