7 Highlighters Under $25 That Look Absolutely Incredible on Medium-Toned Skin

By Zareen Siddiqui

Updated on 8/19/2017 at 2:20 PM

Every editorial product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn commission.

It's baffling how quickly beauty trends take over, and even if you're not a beauty junkie, you feel very beauty-curious and want to partake in the trend. I remember reading an article in what seems like the dark ages now about highlighters, and I haven't stopped seeing/hearing that word in reference to beauty routines since. I am by no means a beauty expert or an individual who wears a ton of makeup; I have a pretty set beauty routine and generally don't budge from it most days.

However, I'm very beauty-curious and a lover of makeup trends. So naturally, I have been wanting to add a highlighter to my Saturday night routine for quite some time (or even a Monday morning when I'm feeling #blessed). Knowing this is a product that I wouldn't use that often, I wanted to save money on it — as it turns out, there are some pretty steep prices for highlighters. So I did a little bit of research and found a few favorites for under $25! Keep reading to see my favorites as well as what they look like on my medium-toned skin.

ColourPop Super Shock Highlighter in Whisp

This was my first ColourPop purchase, and I wasn't disappointed. ColourPop's highlighter in Whisper ($8) is definitely more subtle in comparison to the others I tested. I used my finger to apply it down the bridge of my nose and, of course, my cheekbones.

I would use this as an everyday highlighter, because it's so subtle. My only gripe with this product is that it definitely didn't stay on long enough. I'd use it again but maybe apply makeup setting spray before and after the application to help the powder stick!

Overall rating:★★★☆☆

Sephora Collection Blush & Luminizer On the Go Stick in Miss Sunshine

I'm a big fan of the Sephora Collection. The offering always has a ton of reasonably priced beauty products that I use. So I wanted badly to love Sephora's Blush Luminizer On the Go Stick in Miss Sunshine ($8). It is a great product for the price and gets the job done. That said, the color is pretty gold, so if you want something that stands out, it's perfect. But if you're looking for a more subtle sheen (I was), this isn't it.

Overall rating:★★☆☆

Glossier Haloscope Highlighter in Quartz

I'm an avid Glossier user, so it was no surprise that I loved this Glossier Haloscope Highlighter in Quartz ($22). It's easy to use, which by now I'm sure you are noticing is very important to me. I did feel like I had to blend it a lot to make it look as subtle as I like. And it stayed on all day, which was a huge plus!

Overall rating:★★★★☆

Benefit Cosmetics Highlighter Hotshots

I have been using Benefit products since I started wearing makeup, which according to mother, was last month (this is not true). Benefit Cosmetics' limited-edition Highlighter Hotshots ($18) are great. There are three separate highlighters that complement many skin tones and give you the ability to switch up your highlighter game! I do wish they stayed on a bit longer throughout the day, but you really can't beat the mini set for the price.

Overall rating:★★★☆

Cover FX Enhance Click Highlighter in Berry and Celestial

I know the berry shade isn't considered a traditional highlighter color, but I loved both of Cover FX's Enhance Click Highlighter in Berry and Celestial ($18). The berry added a really subtle flushed hue to my cheeks and the celestial more of a pearl-like color on my skin tone, which I liked! These sticks are super small and easy to carry around, although you may not need to because they stay on pretty well all day.

Overall rating:★★★☆

Becca Glow on the Go Highlighter Set in Opal

First of all, Becca Glow on the Go Highlighter Set in Opal ($20) comes with a powder as well, and although the powder isn't pictured, I did dab some on my hand to add the glow you see. I liked this highlighter, but it felt a little heavy on my face, as I am not a huge fan of makeup products that feel dewy. That being said, the highlighter stayed on all day, making it definitely worth the price!

Overall rating:★★★☆☆

Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Highlight in Hefty Highlight

I really loved Clinique's Chubby Stick Sculpting Highlight in Hefty Highlight ($23). It was easy to apply, and you definitely don't need much of this stuff for a glow. It stayed on all day, and I found the color to be very flattering on my skin tone. Low-maintenance highlighters are my jam.

Overall rating:★★★★★

Just call me the highlighter queen!

Happy highlighter shopping, beauties!