Best Purple Highlighters 2018
The Hottest Highlighter Trend of 2018 May Shock You, but It's Crazy Flattering
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When I tell people that the hottest makeup trend of 2018 is shaping up to be purple highlighter, most of them react with some variation of, "But that would look awful on me!" I'm here to tell you that you're wrong — between lilac, lavender, and violet, there is a shade of purple highlighter that will flatter any skin tone. Just look at the diverse range of reviews for Fenty Beauty's lilac highlighter stick, or the various swatches of Becca's cult-favourite Prismatic Amethyst powder!
Whether you're striving for a vivid, sparkly shade or prefer a muted, subtle glow, check out these 22 options for testing out the purple highlighter trend. There's something here for everybody.
Lemonhead Los Angeles Houdini Highlite Spacepaste
Love a good magic trick? Just try Lemonhead Los Angeles Houdini Highlite Spacepaste ($22), which has a bluish-lavender shimmer from one angle, but then disappears completely from another.
Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter in Prismatic Amethyst
The Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter in "Prismatic Amethyst" ($38) is my go-to highlighter; it's got just a subtle touch of lilac glow, but it's also buildable enough that you can create a more purple look if you're feeling feisty!
Milk Makeup Holographic Highlighting Powder
For something that looks so muted, Milk Makeup Holographic Highlighting Powder ($24) has a surprisingly vivid glow when you dab it onto your cheekbones.
Stila Heaven's Hue Highlighter
Talk about heavenly — Stila Heaven's Hue Highlighter ($32) is the perfect lilac to highlight your face.
Urban Decay Disco Queen Holographic Highlighter Powder
Accent your fabulous side with Urban Decay Disco Queen Holographic Highlighter Powder ($29).
NYX Away We Glow Liquid Highlighter
NYX Away We Glow Liquid Highlighter ($7) is another affordable option in a much more muted shade.
Too Faced Unicorn Horn Mystical Effects Highlighting Stick
Its packaging might be blue, but Too Faced Unicorn Horn Mystical Effects Highlighting Stick ($28) actually goes on in a pinkish-lavender tone.
Lancôme All-Over Color Highlighting Palette
If you want several purple highlight options, the Lancôme All-Over Color Highlighting Palette ($39) is your pick. A purple for every mood!
NYX Love You So Mochi Highlighter Palette
If you spring for this NYX Love You So Mochi Highlighter Palette ($27), you'll also get a peachy highlighter and a golden option as bonuses.
Ciate Mermaid Glow Highlighter
Calling all mermaids — the Ciate Mermaid Glow Highlighter ($42) has a lovely lavender shade on one end.
Sigma Chroma Glow Shimmer Highlight Palette
The most vivid lavender shade in this Sigma Chroma Glow Shimmer Highlight Palette ($49) can also be worn as a blush — talk about a bonus!
Lime Crime Hi-Lite Highlighter Palette
Lime Crime fans go crazy for the purple in this Lime Crime Hi-Lite Highlighter Palette ($38).
NARS Women's Highlighting Blush
Get double-duty beauty from this NARS Women's Highlighting Blush ($30) — it works as both!
Kevyn Aucoin Prismagic Highlighting Trio
The "Aura" highlighter in this Kevyn Aucoin Prismagic Highlighting Trio ($48) is a universally flattering amethyst shade.
Huda Beauty Winter Solstice Highlighter Palette
The purple in Huda Beauty's Winter Solstice Highlighter Palette ($58) is inspired by the Winter solstice in the Arctic — it's icily stunning.
Maybelline FaceStudio Master Fairy Highlight Illuminating Powder
If you're looking for a drugstore option, Maybelline FaceStudio Master Fairy Highlight Illuminating Powder ($10) is the perfect pick.
Tarte Spellbound Glow Rainbow Highlighter
Use only the right side of this Tarte Spellbound Glow Rainbow Highlighter ($30) to achieve a more purple-tinted highlight.
Clé de Peau Beauté Luminizing Face Enhancer
It's pricey, but the Clé de Peau Beauté Luminizing Face Enhancer ($95) will lend an elegant lavender edge to your highlight game.
Kevyn Aucoin The Neo-Limelight
The ombré design of this Kevyn Aucoin The Neo-Limelight in "Ibiza" ($58) highlighter is practically begging you to Instagram it!
Ulta Face Highlighting Duochrome Stick
If you're not into powdered highlights, check out the barely purpleUlta Face Highlighting Duochrome Stick ($10) luminizer.
Huda Beauty 3D Highlighter Palette Summer Solstice
For days when you're feeling wild, just use the "Mykonos" violet highlighter from Huda Beauty's 3D Highlighter Palette Summer Solstice ($45).
Fenty Beauty By Rihanna Match Stix Shimmer Skinstick
Rihanna can do no wrong, and Fenty Beauty Match Stix Shimmer Skinstick in "Confetti" ($25) is a perfectly playful lavender highlighter.
