Let’s be real—there’s nothing like a swipe of highlighter makeup to take you from “cute” to “damn, who is she?” faster than your ex can say, “I miss you.” Highlighter is the ultimate game-changer in your beauty routine, whether you’re going for a soft, dewy glow or a full-on mirrorball moment. It’s the cherry on top, the sparkle in your selfie, and the reason strangers stop to compliment your cheekbones.
Highlighter makeup is not just for the pros or beauty influencers with ring lights and 12-step routines. Nope. It’s for you—the girl on the go, the glamazon who’s always camera-ready, and even the one who claims she doesn’t wear makeup (but lives for a bit of shine). If there’s one product every lady needs in her bag, it’s this radiant little wonder.
Benefits of Highlighter Makeup: It’s Giving Glow-Up Energy
Instant Lift: A dab of highlighter on your cheekbones can lift your entire face, without the appointment or the scalpel.
Youthful Vibes: It mimics the natural glow of healthy, hydrated skin, giving you that “just got 8 hours of sleep” look (even if you didn’t).
Dimension & Drama: Highlighter adds shape and contrast, bringing dimension to your face when paired with contour or blush.
Eye-Catching Pop: Whether on the inner corners of your eyes or the bridge of your nose, highlighter adds that extra sparkle to make your features pop.Credit: AOG Pixels/Pexels
Top 5 Picks for Highlighter Makeup That Slay All Day
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The Rare Beauty Positive Light Silky Touch Highlighter is a standout choice for summer, offering a radiant glow that enhances your natural beauty. Its innovative powder formula delivers an instant glass-like sheen, providing a natural-looking luminosity that lasts throughout the day.
www.walmart.com
PATRICK TA Major Glow Creme & Powder Light Reflecting Translucent Highlighter Duo
Patrick Ta Major Glow Crème & Powder Highlighter Duo is a standout product for achieving a radiant summer glow. This dual-ended compact features a translucent, talc-free powder infused with multifaceted pearls for a luminous finish, paired with a moisturizing cream enriched with moringa and shea butter to hydrate and soften the skin .
The Dior Backstage Glow Face Palette is a versatile, multi-use highlighter and blush quad inspired by Dior’s runway artistry. It features four ultra-fine, shimmer-infused powders that can be used individually or blended together to create a customizable glow.
The Fenty Beauty Diamond Bomb All-Over Diamond Veil is a summer makeup essential that delivers a mesmerizing, multidimensional sparkle perfect for turning heads in the sun.
www.sephora.com
Bio-Radiant Gel-Powder Illuminating Highlighter with Fermented Arnica – HAUS LABS BY LADY GAGA |
HAUS LABS BY LADY GAGA Bio-Radiant Gel-Powder Illuminating Highlighter with Fermented Arnica is a standout addition to any summer makeup routine, offering a luminous glow that enhances the skin’s natural radiance.
Where to Glow: Your Go-To Highlighter Makeup Application Guide
Highlighting isn’t just a free-for-all sparkle fest (though we fully support that energy). Here’s where to shine, strategically:
Cheekbones – The classic. Apply above your blush for that lifted, radiant finish.
Brow Bone – A touch under your brows adds a clean, lifted look to the eyes.
Bridge of the Nose – A thin line here elongates and adds structure.
Cupid’s Bow – Right above the lips to make your pout pop.
Inner Corners of the Eyes – A tiny sparkle here brightens and widens your gaze.
Use a fan brush for a soft glow, a damp beauty sponge for intensity, or even your fingers when you’re in a rush. There are no rules—just vibes.
Pick Your Perfect Shade: Match the Highlight to Your Light
Let’s find your glow soulmate. Highlighter makeup is all about working with your natural skin tone, not against it.
Fair to Light Skin: Go for champagne, pearly pink, or icy tones. Avoid anything too golden—it might pull yellow.
Medium to Olive Skin: You’re the golden goddess. Warm golds, peach tones, and rose golds are your besties.
Tan to Deep Skin: Rich bronze, copper, and deeper golds will illuminate your skin like a sunset on vacation. Skip the silver tones—they can look ashy.
Pro Tip: Swatch it on your cheek in natural light before committing. If it melts into your skin and makes you say “oooh,” it’s the one.
Image via Bobbi Brown
Here’s the truth: highlighter makeup isn’t just a beauty product—it’s a mood. It’s that little extra boost of confidence when you need to feel like the main character. It’s a way to remind yourself (and everyone else) that you deserve to stand out and sparkle unapologetically.
Whether you’re glowing from within or faking it ’til you make it, one thing’s for sure: life looks better when you’ve got a highlight to match your vibe. So toss one (or three) in your bag, touch up your glow between sips of iced coffee, and let your light hit from every angle.
Which highlighter will you be adding to your makeup bag? Let us know in the comments.
This article, Light Me Up: You Should Have These Highlighters In Your Makeup Bag first appeared on The Curvy Fashionista and is written by Karajuicyjohnson.
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