11 Highlighters That Will Give Your Skin a Stunning Glow

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For makeup-lovers, it can be a struggle to resist purchasing every sparkly new highlighter that hits the market, especially when the best cream, powder, and liquid formulas all promise to make your cheekbones look lifted and give your skin a major glow.

Finding the perfect formula that gives your skin luminosity without looking powdery or emphasizing uneven texture can take a lot of trial and error, but luckily, we've tried dozens of highlighters to determine which are truly the best. From gel-like liquid options that can be mixed with your base makeup products for an all-over radiance to silky powder formulas that melt into skin with a single swipe, there's something for every makeup style.

Choosing the right shade of highlighter is another factor to consider. There are hues ranging from light opals and pale pinks to deeper golden honey and iridescent blues, and we believe that no makeup collection is complete until it contains at least one of each. Once you apply these highlighters to the high points of your face — like your cheekbones, eyebrow bones, nose, and Cupid's bow — you can keep the shimmer going by using many of them on your body, too.

From powder to cream and liquid varieties, check out the best highlighters of 2023 ahead.

Best Overall Highlighter
weareneen.com

Best Overall Highlighter

Neen Pretty Shiny Cream Highlighter ($29)

Not only is this highlighter a POPSUGAR Beauty Award winner, but it's the perfect pick if you're looking for a cream highlighter that is buildable. It melts into your skin and gives you the perfect dewy look.

Best Budget Highlighter
ulta.com

Best Budget Highlighter

Essence Pure Nude Highlighter ($5)

The gorgeous hue of this highlighter gives a subtle and natural gleam on skin, but for under $5, the quality is breathtaking.

Best Cream-Powder Highlighter
ulta.com

Best Cream-Powder Highlighter

ColourPop Super Shock Highlighter ($9)

The cream-powder texture of the ColourPop Super Shock Highlighter 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.

Best Waterproof Highlighter
shop.nordstrom.com

Best Waterproof Highlighter

Nudestix Magnetic Nude Glimmer ($24)

For major metallic pigment, dot on the Nudestix Magnetic Nude Glimmer and blend out with your fingers. Plus, it's waterproof so it won't budge all day.

Best Liquid Highlighter
rarebeauty.com

Best Liquid Highlighter

Rare Beauty Positive Light Liquid Luminizer ($25)

The Rare Beauty Positive Light Liquid Luminizer is an editor-favorite. The liquid consistency makes it easy to blend into skin for an all-over glow. Read the full editor review here.

Best Highlighter Gel
sephora.com

Best Highlighter Gel

Saie Glowy Super Gel ($28)

The Saie Glowy Super Gel is formulated with 75 percent water, giving it a super lightweight, liquid texture. It can be mixed with your foundation or moisturizer or layered on top of makeup.

Best Highlighter Stick
aboutface.com

Best Highlighter Stick

About-Face Light Lock Stick ($16)

The About-Face Light Lock Stick is a creamy, twist-up highlighter stick that glides onto skin and leaves behind a soft glow. It layers over makeup beautifully and won't cause your other base products to move around.

Best Liquid-Powder Highlighter
ulta.com

Best Liquid-Powder Highlighter

MAC Extra Dimension Skinfinish ($42)

The MAC Extra Dimension Skinfinish is a creamy, liquid-powder formula that melts into skin and reflects light for a lit-from-within radiance. And this product can keep you glowing from day to night because it's made for up to 10 hours of wear.

Best Cushion Highlighter
emcosmetics.com

Best Cushion Highlighter

Em Cosmetics Moonbeam Cushion Highlighter ($30)

The Em Cosmetics Moonbeam Cushion Highlighter has a convenient cushion applicator that allows you to take your glow on the go. Use the included cushion or your fingers to blend the pigment into the high points of your face.

Best Drugstore Highlighter
ulta.com

Best Drugstore Highlighter

Physicians Formula Butter Highlighter ($12)

Dipping your finger into the bouncy consistency of the Physicians Formula Butter Highlighter 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.

Best Shimmery Highlighter
target.com

Best Shimmery Highlighter

Pixi by Petra Glow-y Powder Cream-y Gold ($18)

The Pixi by Petra Glow-y Powder Cream-y Gold 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.