By definition, highlighter is a wee bit excessive. After all, swiping a sparkling powder all over your face isn't exactly a necessity in life. Because of that, I'm prone to think of highlighter as one of the most extra makeup products on the market. You may think it's impossible to make highlighters — already a dramatic beauty buy — even more over the top. But, my friends, it can be done. Need proof? Two words: engraved highlighters.
Featuring designs such as soft waves, pretty flowers, and actual frickin' dogs, the following luminizers are works of art in a pan. Ahead, you'll find the prettiest highlighters we ever did see. And, yes, these also include some stellar drugstore options. Glow on and look for yourself.
Tetris, but make it fashion. The block design on this Bobbi Brown Highlighting Powder in Opal Glow ($48) slightly resembles that bomb.com '90s game, but the soft, rose gold shine it elicits is thoroughly modern.
The vintage, slightly psychedelic paisley pattern on this Burberry Fresh Glow Highlighter in Pink Pearl ($68) builds a soft, subtle glow that mimics magic-hour morning light.
This Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow ($68) pulls double duty, working to both sculpt and light up your face. All the while, it has a rising sun-inspired design of chic diagonal lines.
This Maybelline Facestudio Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter ($8) truly has it all. Rose gold? Check. Pearl pigmented? Yup. Reflective? You bet. Perhaps best is the repeated square pattern, which draws the eyes in for a hypnotizing effect.
Not only is this Rouge Bunny Rouge Loves Lights Highlighting Powder ($48) infused with collagen and grape extract for antiaging, but it also sports a shimmering floral print.
No matter the season, you'll be feeling the warmth with this Physician's Formula Bronze Booster Highlight and Contour Palette ($15). The three pans all boast a sun pattern, and you can build each shade to help angle and tan your features.
Throw it all the way back to the days of the candelabra with this Too Faced Candelight Glow ($30) highlighter. The finish of this powder is soft but noticeable — consider it a stellar 9-to-5 option.
Why have one embossed luminizer when you can get four? Not only can you grab a Wet n Wild MegaGlo Highlighting Palette ($15) from the comfort of your drugstore (or Amazon Prime!), but the price won't set you back an entire paycheck, either.
Match your makeup to your beach waves with this undulating Make Up For Ever Pro Light Fusion Highlighter ($39). Silky as satin, this powder feels like it's barely there while giving off major specks of glow.
According to the Chinese zodiac, dogs symbolize loyalty. So if you're ride or die with your highlighter, you need the Giorgio Armani Chinese New Year Highlighting Palette ($75).
You're a star, and your highlighter should reflect that. You know what the Ciaté London Glow-To Highlighter ($32) also reflects? Light, which means it gives off a sparkling duochrome finish that's long lasting, ultra soft, and buildable.
This Sisley Paris L'Orchidée Highlighting Blush in Rose ($110) is truly fit for royalty with its metallic fleur-de-lis engraving and all-pink-everything motif.
Why have just one color in your highlighter compact when you can get five? That's the theme of this Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter Gradient Glow ($38), which includes a myriad of shades for your swiping pleasure. This glow mimics afternoon sun, so it's beloved by fans for the natural-looking shine.
Label-lovers, this one's for you: rep a luxury brand on your vanity with this Yves Saint Laurent Sparkle Clash Touche Éclat Lumiere Divine Highlighting Finishing Powder ($47). The chic, iconic initial design lets everyone know that you're a fancy lady.
Who's a good boy? The canine face on this Chantecaille Year of the Dog Highlighter ($42), which is both cute and cuddly. This powder also dispenses an iridescent but weightless glow, which looks very sophisticated once applied.
Five flattering shades complete this Ofra Beverly Hills Highlighter ($32), which has a fan-like design. Since it contains a plethora of colors, this compact is a rather versatile choice.
The ever-so-soft ripple design on this Models Own Sculpt & Glow Highlighter Palette ($12) possesses an optical illusion effect of motion, which is so eye-catching, you won't be able to look away.