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The Best Highlighters
Illuminate your look. Discover the best liquid, powder and cream highlighters for every skin tone.
Best liquid highlighters
Shop allCreate a dewy, luminous finish with liquid highlighters.
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Best powder highlighters
Shop allThese formulas give a bold, buildable glow that’s easy to apply.
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Best cream highlighters
Shop allLightweight formulas blend effortlessly into the skin, leaving a soft, dewy glow that looks and feels natural.
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Best highlighters for light skin
Shop allCool-toned highlighters add a natural glow that enhances without overpowering.
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Best highlighters for medium skin
Shop allWarm-toned highlighters add a sun-kissed glow.
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Best highlighters for deep skin
Shop allIlluminate with rich gold, bronze, and deep champagne tones.
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Tips for Applying Highlighter Makeup
- Prep Your Skin: Starting with well-moisturized skin helps highlighter blend seamlessly and enhances its glow, preventing patchiness.
- Choose the Right Formula: Pick a highlighter that complements your skin type and desired finish. For a natural, dewy look, try cream or liquid formulas; for a bolder shimmer, go for powder. Dry skin often benefits from cream or liquid, while oily skin does well with powder formulas.
- Apply to High Points: Focus on areas that naturally catch the light—like the tops of your cheekbones, the brow bones, the bridge of your nose, and the cupid's bow. These areas will help accentuate your features with a luminous effect.
- Blend Seamlessly: Blend the highlighter into your skin using a highlighter brush or beauty sponge. Blend the highlighter out to ensure it melts into your skin without harsh lines.
- Layer for Added Radiance: For a more luminous effect, start with a small amount of highlighter and build up gradually until you reach your ideal glow. Try layering a liquid or cream highlighter with a powder highlighter for extra intensity and dimension.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where to apply highlighter makeup?
Highlighter can be applied to the high points of your face to add a radiant glow. These areas include:
- Cheekbones: This is a classic placement that enhances your facial structure with a youthful glow and definition.
- Brow Bone: A touch of highlighter on your brow bone can lift your eyes.
- Cupid's Bow: A subtle highlight on your cupid's bow can enhance your lips.
- Bridge of the Nose: Highlighting the bridge of your nose can create a slimmer, more defined look.
- Inner Corner of the Eyes: A touch of highlighter here can brighten your eyes.
What type of highlighter is best for beginners?
Powder highlighters are often best for beginners as they’re easy to apply, blend, and build, allowing you to achieve a subtle or bold look with ease.
How to apply liquid highlighter?
You can apply liquid highlighter in two ways:
- Mix with Foundation: Add a few drops of liquid highlighter to your foundation for an all-over glow.
- Direct Application: Use a brush or your fingers to apply the highlighter directly to the high points of your face.
How to choose a highlighter color for your face?
The best highlighter color for you will depend on your skin tone.
- Fair Skin: Opt for cool-toned highlighters like soft pink or pearl.
- Medium Skin: Warm-toned highlighters like gold or champagne are ideal.
- Dark Skin: Rich, golden or bronze tones can complement darker skin tones.
Do you apply highlighter before or after foundation?
You can apply highlighter before or after foundation. If you apply it before foundation, it will create a more subtle, natural glow. If you apply it after foundation, you can build up the intensity of the highlight. You can also try mixing liquid highlighter with your foundation for an all over glow.
What are the best highlighter makeup brands?
Some of the best highlighter brands include:
- Fenty Beauty: Known for their diverse range of highlighter shades.
- NATASHA DENONA: Offers high-quality, long-lasting highlighters.
- Anastasia Beverly Hills: Known for their pigmented and blendable powder highlighters and highlighter sticks.
- Charlotte Tilbury: Offers luxurious, high-performance highlighters in both liquid and powder formulas.
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