Best Makeup Highlighters For Pale Skin
Pale Girls Will Love These Superfair Highlighters
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Strobing is the hottest trend in beauty right now, but even if you know how to DIY the technique, you may be feeling left out if you have pale skin — I know how that is. Mid- to darker-toned complexions look simply stunning with a shimmering highlight, but when I tried to re-create the look at home, that glimmer was undetectable on my pale skin. Don't worry, fellow pasty princesses! I scoured the market for the lightest illuminators. Not only will these show up, they will make your bone structure pop.
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For the Woman Who Is Paler Than Snow
If all illuminators show up bronze on you, you need to reach for this product — after all, what's lighter than white? This pearl-toned highlighter gives skin a richly luminous cast.
Buy it: Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Poured in White Pearl ($38)
For the Cool-Toned Highlighting Queen
Even if you find one that's light enough, most highlighters have a warm, champagne glow that clashes on ladies with cool undertones. This one from L'Oréal has icy hues of sky and lilac that look gorgeous on those blue-based complexions that practically glow in the dark.
Buy it: L'Oréal True Match Lumi Powder Glow Illuminator in Ice ($13)
For Illuminator Newbies
If you're wary of rocking intense shimmer on your cheekbone, try Laura Geller's highlighting duo. You can start small with the satin-finish formula on one side, then use the enclosed brush to mix it with the glimmering half of the compact for a more pronounced highlight. You can also use the product wet if you're feeling really bold!
Buy it: Laura Geller Baked Split Highlighter Duo With Brush in French Vanilla and Portofino ($43)
For the Shimmer-Obsessed
You'll cackle with delight once you test this gorgeous formula for the first time. The icy-pink product is packed with chic (not cheesy!) microfine shimmer that doesn't budge until you wash it off, so you'll shine all night. The hue pops on pale skin.
Buy it: Nars Cosmetics Illuminator in Copacabana ($30)
For the First Date
On a romantic (and nerve-racking!) first date, you want to look like the most gorgeous version of yourself . . . without trying too hard. The pearly-golden undertones in Too Faced's highlighter duo will make your date think you're naturally bathed in candlelight 24/7.
Buy it: Too Faced Candlelight Glow Highlighting Powder Duo ($30)
For a Tropical Getaway-Worthy Glow
Unlike most formulas that feature bronze shimmer, the tint of this highlighter won't overpower fair skin. Pair it with a bronzer to look like you just came back from the most relaxing beach holiday of your life.
Buy it: Stila All Over Liquid Shimmer in Kitten ($20)
For the Girl Who Wants #BrowsOnFleek
Adding highlighter to your browbone acts like a noninvasive brow lift — the dose of radiance makes you look more awake and youthful. Instead of using pale eye shadow on this area, which can look dated, try using this cream formula. It has a tiny sponge-tip applicator that zones right in on your arches.
Buy it: Touch in Sol Light Bright Brow Spot Highlighter in Licence to Kill ($21)
For the Gal Who Wants to Gleam on a Budget
This brand has multiple highlighting options for the pale-complected beauty, but we're partial to this shade. The pink-champagne gel-cream formula goes on sheer, but it can be built up to a wet-look finish that looks stunning in selfies.
Buy it: ColourPop Supershock Cheek in Smokin' Whistles ($8)
For the Natural Beauty
This pale silver-pink looks dewy and not frosty on the skin, making it the perfect option for women who like to keep their makeup application on the modest side. Try it for a subtle strobing effect!
Buy it: Benefit Cosmetics High Beam Liquid Face Highlighter ($26)
For the Lady Who's in Love With Rose Gold
Rose gold is the perfect blend of chic, girlie, and edgy, making it the ideal metallic for beauty girls. Chantecaille's illuminator looks like molten rose gold squeezed out of the tube! Once you're done being mesmerised by the formula, try it out — it looks flawless when buffed into the skin with a stippling brush.
Buy it: Chantecaille Liquid Lumière Highlighting Fluid in Sheen ($39)
For the Makeup Artist Building Out Their Stash
Regardless of your fair client's undertone, this baked highlighter will look stunning on them. It has a soft-yellow base but includes ripples of blue, pink, and bronze that combine into a shimmering neutral beige that can be sheered out or loaded on.
Buy it: MAC Cosmetics Mineralize Skinfinish in Lightscapade ($32)
