For makeup-lovers, it can be a struggle to resist purchasing every new highlighter that hits the market, especially when the best highlighters [1] can make your cheekbones look sculpted and your skin majorly glow. However, finding the perfect formula that gives your skin luminosity without looking powdery or adding undesired texture to your skin can be difficult. Luckily, POPSUGAR editors have tried dozens of them from your favourite brands to ensure you can choose the perfect highlighter [2] for your needs.
From powder to cream and liquid varieties, check out the best highlighters that will make you look radiant [3] and lit from within.
E.L.F. Cosmetics Baked Highlighter
This E.L.F. Cosmetics Baked Highlighter [4] ($5) is infused with vitamin E and hydrating jojoba, rosehip, sunflower, apricot, and grape oils to make your skin glow.
NYX Born to Glow! Liquid Illuminator
You'll be obsessed with the NYX Born to Glow! Liquid Illuminator [5] ($8), simply because it makes you glisten from head to toe. You can apply this creamy liquid highlighter down the centre of your legs, on your collarbones, and even on your shoulders.
Physicians Formula Butter Highlighter
Dipping your finger into the bouncy consistency of the Physicians Formula Butter Highlighter [6] ($7) is oddly satisfying. The formula is easy to blend on your cheeks and has a soft-focus finish you'll be completely obsessed with. It gives the kind of result that will have everyone complimenting your radiant complexion.
Essence Pure Nude Highlighter
Not only does the gorgeous hue of the Essence Pure Nude Highlighter [7] ($4) give you a subtle and natural gleam on your skin, but for under $5, the quality is breathtaking.
ColourPop Super Shock Highlighter
The cream-powder texture of the ColourPop Super Shock Highlighter [8] ($8) is buildable, allowing you to achieve either a sheer glow or an otherworldly shine with a few extra coats. Each highlighter is buttery soft and leaves you looking lit from within.
Pixi by Petra Glow-y Powder x Aspn Ovard
The Pixi by Petra x Aspn Ovard Glow-y Powder [9] ($16) makes you look like a human disco ball (in the best way). While one swipe with your trusty fan brush will create a subtle sheen, you can layer it for an intense shimmer that's truly showstopping.
Wet n Wild Megaglow Highlighting Powder
Wet n Wild knows a thing or two about creating game-changing yet affordable makeup, and the Wet n Wild Megaglow Highlighting Powder [10] ($4) is no different. The smooth powders blend seamlessly and have tons of saturated colour.
Laura Mercier Face Illuminator
For a bold, shimmery highlight, try the Laura Mercier Face Illuminator [11] ($38, originally $45), which might as well be a personal spotlight for your face.
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder
The Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder [12] ($48) is meant to emulate candlelight, giving your skin a soft, subtle luminosity.
Laura Geller Beauty Baked Gelato Swirl Illuminator
The formula of the Laura Geller Beauty Baked Gelato Swirl Illuminator [13] ($26) blends in seamlessly with your skin, giving you a natural-looking highlight everyone will compliment.
Benefit Watt's Up! Champagne Cream-to-Powder Highlighter
An oldie but a goodie, the Benefit Watt's Up! Champagne Cream-to-Powder Highlighter [14] ($26, originally $30) gives off a soft-focus glimmer that's easy to blend with the included sponge tip.
Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter in Champagne Pop
The Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter in Champagne Pop [15] ($38) is majorly popular because it flatters a wide range of skin tones with high-impact shimmer.
Nudestix Magnetic Nude Glimmer
For major metallic pigment, dot on the Nudestix Magnetic Nude Glimmer [16] ($24, originally $28) and blend out with your fingers. Plus, it's waterproof so it won't budge all day.
The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer
The cult-favourite The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer [17] ($24) is ideal for anyone who is a fan of champagne shimmer. The subtle glow can be applied to your cheekbones or even your eyes to give off a dewy look.
Cover FX Custom Enhancer Drops
A little goes a long way with the Cover FX Custom Enhancer Drops [18] ($42). The tiniest amount of the liquid is enough to highlight every high point of your face in liquid glimmer. Simply blend out with a makeup sponge and get ready to gleam.