These Are the 12 Best Highlighters That Makeup Artists Swear By

"This highlighting stick from Clinique ($23) was made for those who want to highlight, but have no idea how. You just apply it directly to the skin (high cheekbone preferred), using your fingers to blend gently, and you're good to go. It works especially great for light to medium tones!" — Stephanie Flor, makeup artist

"The multiuse highlighter from Kevyn Aucoin ($44) comes with a cult following and can be worn in one of three equally amazing ways: as a liquid highlight, a cream blush, or a highlighting powder. The original staple (a classic powder version) is good for giving your full makeup application a gorgeous, long-lasting finishing touch. All you need is a V-section sweep from brow bone across the temple to the top of the cheekbone. It’s striking, yet subtle, making it a top choice whether you’re accentuating a freshly shaped brow, adding a wash of natural shimmer to your lids, or creating dimension with eye shadow and pigments." — Francesca Roman, master makeup artist at Butterfly Studio Salon in New York

"While Glossier is a very millennial-focused brand, their Haloscope highlighter ($22) is the best one I've used on more mature skin. Unlike with some other products, the shimmer doesn't sink to the bottom of any fine lines or creases, and the creamy texture makes skin look hydrated and plump. Plus, it lasts all day without ever drying out." — Jenny Patinkin, makeup artist, beauty expert, and author of Lazy Perfection, The Art of Looking Great Without Really Trying

"This highlighter from Kjaer Weis ($56) is very versatile and allows you to achieve an understated glow on all areas of the face (I particularly like it for a hint of dewiness on the eyelids, under the arches of the brows, and in the inner corners of the eyes). It layers beautifully on top of a bare lid, cream eye shadow, or even just eye-shadow primer. It's such an elegant formulation that it's hard to overdo and can be applied using the tip of your ring finger." Patinkin

"This buildable fine-powder highlighter from NARS ($30) is the perfect solution for all your contouring, strobing, and illuminating needs. A little goes a long way, so you can easily make a statement with a sweep or apply sparingly to add a little light-reflecting glam to a naked-skin or no-makeup look. It's one of my favorites to use because it looks gold and glowy more than pearly white — a plus for elevating photo shoots and selfies alike — and it sits on skin like a dream!" Roman

"I was introduced to this bronzer from The Balm ($30) by a YouTube blogger on a photo-shoot set and have been obsessed ever since. The gold finish is just enough to add definition and a highlight without looking drastic or overdone. It's amazing for medium-dark skin tones." Flor

"This moisturizer from Tata Harper ($85) instantly illuminates the face and is formulated with hyaluronic acid that moisturizes and plumps the skin. It can be applied to the entire face before makeup, as well as used over foundation to highlight areas such as your cheeks, eye lids, and the bridge of your nose for a fresh effect!" Kyriaki Savrani, makeup artist

"This palette from Tom Ford ($82) is great for creating a really natural-looking highlight and contour. The deeper tone adds warm dimension to the skin, and the lighter one adds a universally flattering wet shimmer. Using both together creates the effect of model-perfect bone structure with ease!" Kelli J. Bartlett, director of artistry at Glamsquad

"I love how sheer and lightweight this highlighter from RMS ($38) is. It has a translucent, sateen effect and provides a nice glow without being too overpowering. It works perfectly on all skin tones!" Savrani

"This highlighter stick from Wander Beauty ($25) gives skin the perfect golden glow, and its slim shape allows for more strategic placement. This Sun (golden pearl) hue is especially complementary on darker skin tones." Bartlett

"This double-duty face serum from Maya Chia ($42) provides a gorgeous shimmer and comes with amazing skincare benefits. The chia seed oil is ultra hydrating and high in antioxidants and omegas, but it absorbs really well so you don't walk around all day looking or feeling slippery. I like to add a couple of drops of this serum to foundation, sunscreen, or moisturizer for an all-over glow, but it's beyond sexy when applied to the décolleté, collarbones, shoulders, and fronts of the legs." Patinkin

"This cult-favorite powder highlight from Becca ($38) offers high-impact shine. Use a small eye-shadow blending brush for precise placement on the bridge of the nose, cupid’s bow, and cheekbones. I love using it as an eye shadow, as well!" Bartlett