We saw a lot of new makeup trends this past year, but one of the most prominent (and shiny) was highlighter. From ultra-metallic golds to cotton candy brights and even a full rainbow of pressed powder, there’s a highlighter on the market for everyone. Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best highlighters released, from the most subtle glow to a shine so blinding you’ll turn heads when you walk in the room (in a good way, we promise).
Everyday Glow
The shimmer in this Laura Mercier powder is very fine and the formula itself isn’t as light-reflective as other more intense options, making it perfect for a subtle, everyday shine. But this highlighter also comes in four useful colors, starting with a pale champagne shade and gradually darkening to deeper shades of bronze. The darkest three shades create subtle highlights on darker skin tones and could be used with a light hand as a shimmery bronzer for fairer skin.
Daily Steal
Another subtle highlighting option, this fun NYX highlighter comes in a wide variety of mosaic pattern shades. Plus, you can swipe this powder at a much lower price point than the previous Laura Mercier highlighter. Most of the NYX brand highlighters come in an extensive shade range, are fairly subtle, and are conveniently available at drugstore prices.
All-Day Shine
This BECCA highlighter is gorgeous: super shimmery, beautifully pigmented, and long-lasting. It’s also flattering on any kind of skin tone, from fair, cool undertones to deeper complexions. Try the Opal shade for a luminous, bronze-tinged gold to make you the highlighter goddess of any party or casual get-together.
Day to Night
This highlighter from Makeup Revolution has a massive pan, is only $6, and the colors it comes in are gorgeous. This product is also super buildable–with a light hand you can get a subtle sheen, or you can layer it on to go full glam. You can even wet your brush for an extra intense look. Swept across the usual highlight zones (cheekbones, browbones, Cupid’s bow, and the tip and bridge of the nose), this powder instantly makes you look more awake.
Light It Up
Anastasia Beverly Hills highlighters are bold. They’ll have your cheekbones shining bright the entire day (or night). The Glow Kits may be a better investment for you because they come with four to six highlighters and are priced from $40 to $45, but the individual Illuminators could also be a great option at $28 each if you know your signature shade and rock it on the daily.
by Ariel Wodarcyk