The best highlighters in the UK 2023

Highlighter is a beauty product that is used to highlight certain features of the face and skin. Also known as highlighter, it is a very fashionable beauty product nowadays as well as an ideal solution for dull or tired skin. In this article, we will introduce you to the best highlighters to help you choose better.

Onlyoily Shimmer Highlighter Powder Palette 1
7/10

Editor's Choice

Onlyoily Shimmer Highlighter Powder Palette

The best highlighter in 2021

This Onlyoily brand complexion illuminator palette has the advantage of being easy to apply. Even better, it seduces with its good value for money and will now more easily define your natural assets to perfection.

6,39 £ on Amazon

The Onlyoily Shimmer Highlighter Powder Palette is water resistant. It brightens skin color for a healthy glow. It's a powder highlighter, blush and bronzer all in one, instantly gives you a sculpted, radiant face. Because of the size, you can carry it in your purse for your everyday makeup routine.

Plus, the shades blend with skin for a natural finish. And thanks to the lightweight formula, you can increase the intensity and still feel comfortable wearing more color. The highlighter/contouring shade of this complexion illuminator will give your skin a subtle shimmery finish. Plus, the satin blush adds a pop of color.

Wet n wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder 2
9/10

The best cheapest

Wet n wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder

The best highlighter in 2021

Shine in all the right places with the formula that Wet n Wild's must-have MegaGlo Illuminating Powder. It's a silky, highly pigmented powder highlighter that will give your face an overall glow.

4,79 £ on Amazon

Wet n Wild's MegaGlo Highlighter is a highly pigmented illuminating powder. Its easy-to-blend formula and ultra-pearlescent finish make it a favorite highlighter for all women. It especially gives a radiant glow when applied to the brows, cheekbones and cupid's bow.

A highlighter enriched with vivid pearlescent pigment, it especially has the power to enhance your skin with a natural glow. In addition, to being highly pigmented, its creamy formula is also infused with nylon for a silky texture that allows for seamless blending. It's going to ensure that your makeup is always Mega Glorious for going out on a night out or just for light everyday makeup. Finally, with a weight of only 5.4g, so this baked powder is all you need to shine from the inside out.

Lamora Glam Glow Palette Highlighter 3
8/10

The best high end

Lamora Glam Glow Palette Highlighter

The best highlighter in 2021

Glam Glow Palette Highlighter is the result of a luminous, pigmented and ultra-micronized formula. Long-lasting, convenient and compact, it is the ideal complexion illuminator for vegans and sensitive skin.

8,78 £ on Amazon

Created with carefully selected ingredients, Lamora Glam Glow Palette Highlighter delivers long-lasting shine. Its creamy powder formula, available in 4 colors, fits into a slim, portable palette with a magnetic opening and built-in mirror. So you'll always be well equipped to illuminate your complexion!

For this product, you'll find champagne flair, golden rose, diamond dust and royal gold.. The formula is suitable for all ages and skin types. Furthermore, this complexion illuminator is easy to apply, sweep and blend for a perfect glow on the areas you want to highlight like cheekbones, nose, cupid's bow, brow bone and collarbone.

Master Strobing Stick Maybelline New York 4
8/10

The best excellent choice

Master Strobing Stick Maybelline New York

The best highlighter in 2021

Maybelline New York's Master Strobing Stick Highlighter is an illuminator stick that adds targeted dimension to the face for the ultimate strobing effect. It is a highlighter with reflective microbeads to brighten facial features.

5,90 £ on Amazon

Thanks to the convenient stick format, this highlighter highlights bright spots and gives three-dimensionality to features with a simple gesture. It is a makeup technique that consists of illuminating the part of the face that you want to highlight such as the forehead, chin and cheekbones to have a radiant and sculpted complexion.

Then, its formula associates a light texture which glides on the skin with a very high concentration of fine pearls. This boosts the skin's radiance for a subtle and luminous iridescence. Its application results in a well-defined facial line which gives you the impression to be sculpted by the light. Finally, its weight is 9 g, it is also easy to pigment and blend. A dermatologically tested, allergy-free and non-comedogenic highlighter, Master Strobing Stick is suitable for all skin types, even sensitive skin.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best highlighter

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The best highlighter in 2021

The best highlighter in 2021

The best highlighter in 2021

The best highlighter in 2021

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Comparison table of the best highlighters

Editor's Choice Inexpensive Top of the line Excellent selection
Onlyoily Shimmer Highlighter Powder Palette 5
7/10
Wet n wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder 6
9/10
Lamora Glam Glow Palette Highlighter 7
8/10
Master Strobing Stick Maybelline New York 8
8/10
OUR SELECTION
Onlyoily Shimmer Highlighter Powder Palette
Wet n wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder
Lamora Glam Glow Palette Highlighter
Master Strobing Stick Maybelline New York
This Onlyoily brand complexion illuminator palette has the advantage of being easy to apply. Even better, it seduces with its good value for money and will now more easily define your natural assets to perfection.
Shine in all the right places with the formula that Wet n Wild's must-have MegaGlo Illuminating Powder. It's a silky, highly pigmented powder highlighter that will give your face an overall glow.
Glam Glow Palette Highlighter is the result of a luminous, pigmented and ultra-micronized formula. Long-lasting, convenient and compact, it is the ideal complexion illuminator for vegans and sensitive skin.
Maybelline New York's Master Strobing Stick Highlighter is an illuminator stick that adds targeted dimension to the face for the ultimate strobing effect. It is a highlighter with reflective microbeads to brighten facial features.
Weight
60 g
5.4 g
'-
9 g
Application
For all skin types
on cheekbones, cupid's bow, and brows
On cheekbones, nose, cupid's bow, brow bone and collarbone
on forehead, chin and cheekbones
Texture
In powder form
in powder
In powder
in cream form
Result
Lightening skin color
Enhances skin with natural luminosity
Lasting shine
boosts skin's radiance for a subtle iridescent finish
Specificity
Waterproof and durable
Easy to blend
Delivered with a step-by-step guide
dermatologically tested, allergy friendly and non-comedogenic,

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Buying guide - highlighter

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How to choose your highlighter

If you are considering buying a highlighter, it is important to take into account some specific factors. You should consider the following when making your choice so that you can make the best decision and choose the right product for your appearance.

#1 - The rendering

As a beauty product, highlighter is known for its versatility. You can use it to dramatically change your features and create a sultry look or do something much more understated. When applying it to your face, always think about what you are trying to look like. For example, a highlighter that doesn't have a lot of glitter is going to give you a more neutral look while a highlighter that has glitter in it is going to give you a nice shine and glow.

#2 - The objective

Before you choose a highlighter, ask yourself one question, why do you want to apply it? If you want something you can wear every day to always look fresh and rested, a highlighter with a pearlescent or matte finish is the right choice. On the other hand, if you want to attract attention in the evening, highliters with broad effects and shimmer dust are the best choices. When making the choice, always think about your goal.

#3 - The skin type

Highlighters are like any other cosmetic product, and many are designed specifically for certain skin types. How your skin reacts to a highlighter depends on your genetics and your susceptibility to skin allergies and irritations because everyone has unique skin.

If you have dry skin, you will need a different product than if you have oily skin. If you have dry skin, liquid highlighters are for you because they contain moisturizing ingredients in their formulation. And if you have oily skin, you'll get a better result with a powder highlighter. And cream highlighters are versatile ideal for use with all skin types.

#4 - The formulation

There are different forms of highlighters on the market. The type you choose depends on factors such as your skin type and the effect you're trying to create. If you have drier skin, you'll usually look best with products that give you a very natural finish, so liquid highlighters work best. Powder highlighters are the most common and provide fascinating and intense results. They are perfect for oily skin. Always keep this in mind and you will always get the desired result.

#5 - The budget

With so many brands on the market, the price of a highlighter varies depending on its manufacturer. The cheapest highlighter can cost between 5 to 10 €. For the high-end ones, you can have a highlighter for more than 200 €. However, the choice depends on your budget, but be sure, there will always be one that will be made for you because there is a very large choice on the market and this, whatever your choice a highlighter stick, powder or cream.

Applying a highlighter on the face

The highlighter is usually applied after the foundation. It can then complement the action of other products by reflecting the light. It is advisable not to overdo its application on the face, especially in the T-zone, as it is usually oily. So the best way to apply it depends on the formula you use.

For this, to apply a powder highlighter, it is best to use a highlighter brush. For the cream highlighter, its application is done with the fingers. And the liquid highlighter can be applied with sponges and combined with a mixed base or alone.

The different types of highlighters

In general, highlighters are classified according to their finish and consistency. And in the market, there are many types of highlighters. But each different type allows specific results and is intended for certain skin types. For this there is the highlighter in:

Cream

A cream highlighter obviously has a creamy texture. It can be applied to all skin types and is normally applied over foundation.

Powder

Powder highlighters give shine and radiance. With or without foundation, they are easy to apply and use. Very ideal for oily skin, they can be mixed with other illuminators.

Liquid

Liquid highliters are known for their versatility. They are mostly used in cosmetics with a light texture. Also easy to apply, they have a moisturizing action that makes the skin elastic and soft. They can be applied under or over foundation or even mixed with it. They are especially ideal for dry skin.

A highlighter or blush

A highlighter

The highlighter is an incredibly valuable tool in any makeup kit. Its main advantage is that it gives a glow to the face. Then, it also has the power to contrast a tired look, also, its application on the face improves the functionality of other cosmetic products. Finally, it is very versatile and easy to apply.

Its drawback is that it can create allergic reactions if you have sensitive skin. Also, some skin types may be hypersensitive to the product.

A blush

The advantage of a blush is that it enhances the face of colors. Its role is to give a good look by coloring the cheekbones. Then, it refines especially a round face and it gives balance to a long face. Finally, it is suitable for all skin tones, i.e. it highlights absolutely all skin colors.

The disadvantage of the blush is that, as its name indicates, it can only be applied on a specific area of the face and that is the cheeks. Moreover, if you don't apply it properly on the face, it can ruin the whole makeup since it is the final touch. And finally, it can also have an effect too much if you do not know how to apply it well.

Verdict

Both of these tools not only look good on the face, but also have the role of brightening and improving the overall appearance. However, if you mainly want to have a well-lit and eye-catching face, opt for the highlighter. And if you want to change the shape of your face, use a blush instead.

The benefits of using a highlighter

To look younger

One of the main reasons to use it is its ability to add a little shine and help you look younger. Applying a clear liquid highlighter to your cheekbones will add dimension and will create a youthful glow on your face. It makes your look subtle and sexy. It can also spice up your everyday look.

Minimizes dark circles

Another good reason to use a highlighter is to minimize dark circles under your eyes. Highlighters are not meant to hide imperfections like concealers and should not be used in that way. But they can certainly be used in addition to a concealer to brighten and enhance other areas of the eye. Try using them in the inner corner or under the brow bone, but ignore this tip if you have puffy eyes.

Redundant Lips

An uncommon, but useful way to use a highlighter is on the lips. Dabbing some of your highlighter on the cupid's bow will help your lips look fuller and wider. You can also achieve the same effect with a shimmery gloss if you don't have a highlighter or vice versa.

Refresh your face

Instantly refresh your face and add a delicate shimmer to your complexion with a highlighter. While there are many places you can add a highlighter, try using it on your cheekbones, forehead or jawline to accentuate your fabulous features and add glamour to your perfectly made-up face,

Widen your eyes

A simple, yet effective way to use a highlighter is to open and widen your eyes. Try blending a highlighter pencil into the inner corner of the eyes or on parts of the eyelid to radiate a subtle glow and add dimension.

The best brands of highlighters

In our opinion, the best brands of highlighters in 2022 are :

HOJO
Wet n Wild
Glam Glow
Maybelline New York
Nyx Professional Makeup

is known for its popular beauty products. Each piece is a perfect blend of classic oriental aesthetic and modern fashion. Vintage Chinese + unique European style design and American colors, discreet and luxurious, bright and stable.It's a makeup manufacturer but their highlighters are also some of the best selling on the market.

is a cruelty free brand and most products are vegan. These products are mostly appreciated because they have a good price/quality ratio. Moreover, their highlighters are really breathtaking, as they are among the best.

is an American cosmetics brand, developed exclusively. The products are meant for men, women, and for all skin types. Their highlighters also offer a perfect result that suits everyone's need.

The products of this brand are the most popular ones all over the world. They aim to offer innovative and accessible cosmetics that are easy to use by all women. But also, its highliters are a huge hit with women.

offers professional quality makeup lines at affordable prices. It is a brand that continues to thrive. Nyx Professional brand highlighters are second to none.

What is the price for a highlighter

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
5 £ to 10 £
Mid-range
10 £ to 200 £
High-end
more than 200 £
Price range diagram

Tips

Find a highlighter that complements your shade

The shades fall into three different categories: cool, neutral and warm. Look for a highlighter that coordinates with your skin tone. If you have a cool shade, go for something that has a bluish-pink tint. For warmer shades, choose something with champagne or gold flecks. If you can't decide if you're hot or cool, neutral complexions can wear any shade of highlighter and look fabulous.

Use a small, fluffy brush to apply powder highlighter to the perfect spot

The number of makeup brushes lining the beauty aisle is fascinating. And when it comes to highlighter, the right brush depends on the type of formula you're using. For powdery products, look for a small, fluffy brush that allows you to focus on the small cheekbone area.

Apply liquid highlighter with a sponge

Liquid highlighters will give you an incredible glow, but they're difficult to apply with a brush. If you use a liquid highlighter, it's usually best to use a sponge to buff it into the skin and make it pop.

Simply use an oil to achieve a natural glow

You don't need to add another product to your collection to get the perfect highlight. You can use an oil or serum you already have to achieve a subtle glow. Oils or serums give you a fresh glow without adding shimmer. Many runway makeup artists have used tricks like petroleum jelly to get that dewy glow.

Apply highlighter properly

The highest parts of the face are best for highlighter: the brow bone, the center of the bridge of the nose, the cheeks, and the cupid's bow are perfect. These areas need to be illuminated by the highlighter so that it can give you that healthy glow and also give you a touch of glamour to your makeup.

FAQ

What shade of highlighter is best?

Choose highlighters with peach or gold shades. Avoid deep shades like bronze and copper, as they can accentuate certain areas of the face, creating an unnatural effect. Shades such as gold and champagne are better suited to medium skin tones. Iridescent shades can also work, but look for warmer colors.

Is a highlighter for everyone?

A skin that glows is the same as a youthful skin. The highlighter highlights. However, you need to apply it correctly if you want it to work, as there are certain areas of the face where middle-aged women should not apply highlighter.

What is the difference between an illuminator and a highlighter?

There is indeed a big difference between the two. A highlighter is used to focus the light at a certain point. And an illuminator just emits a more diffused light.

What is the perfect highlighter for my skin tone?

To look natural, it is recommended to choose a shade of highlighter that is a few shades lighter than your skin tone. The choice is also based on your skin tone. However, if you don't know which one is ideal for your skin tone, don't hesitate to ask a professional.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. Highlighter Beauty Articles, beautylish.com
  2. Highlighter History - Movie Makeup Trend Daily Routine, refinery29.com
  3. Highlighter: a user guide - CosmeticOBS-L'Observatoire des Cosmétiques - Using your cosmetics well, cosmeticobs.com
  4. 7 Places On Your Face To Apply Highlighter - L'Oréal Paris, lorealparisusa.com
  5. How to use a highlighter and how not to, getthegloss.com
  6. Highlighters And Blush: Introduction And Usage, stylecraze.com
  7. How to Highlight: Tips & Tricks for Applying Highlighter like a Pro, ipsy.com
  8. 7 best tips from industry experts on how to highlight your face, herworld.com
  9. How to Apply Highlighter: Master Makeup Guide - 2021, masterclass.com
  10. How to Apply Highlighter Makeup - Strobing Highlighter Tutorial, elle.com
  11. Highlighter ≡ SEPHORA, sephora.fr
  12. Highlighter ️ buy online | Nocibé, nocibe.fr
  13. Highlighter : selection of the best highlighters - Elle, elle.fr
  14. Amazon.co.uk : highlighter, amazon.co.uk
  15. Highlighter : how to apply it for a pretty complexion, journaldesfemmes.fr
  16. Highlighter : what is it? Where and how to apply it, oh-gaby.com
  17. Highlighter: how to use highlighter? - Marie Claire, marieclaire.fr
  18. How to apply makeup with a highligther? - Cosmopolitan.fr, cosmopolitan.fr
  19. Highlighters to shine all day | Zalando, zalando.fr
  20. Highlighter - Chrome Web Store, chrome.google.com
  21. Highlighter : how to choose it well ? | Beauty Tips, astuces-beaute.sephora.fr
  22. Highlighter - Stick highlighter by MILK MAKEUP ≡ SEPHORA, sephora.fr
  23. Highlighter | MAC Cosmetics, maccosmetics.fr
  24. Powder highlighters | Illuminating powders ..., notino.fr
  25. Highlighter - Wikipedia, en.wikipedia.org
  26. Highlighter | Highlighter palette and powder ...., prettylittlething.fr
  27. Highlighter, highlighter | Beauty face | SHEin the UK, fr.shein.com
  28. Highlighter translation in French | English dictionary ..., mobile-dictionary.reverso.net
  29. Highlighter : Successful Strobing with Urban Decay, urbandecay.fr
  30. Buy Highlighter online - Boozyshop, boozyshop.fr
  31. Highlighter | DIOR, dior.com
  32. Highlighter for Microsoft Edge - Microsoft Edge Addons, microsoftedge.microsoft.com
  33. Highlighter | NYX Professional Makeup, nyxcosmetics.fr
  34. 18 Best Highlighters of 2021 - The Cut, thecut.com
See more

Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

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Our selection
Onlyoily Shimmer Highlighter Powder Palette 9
Onlyoily Shimmer Highlighter Powder Palette
Wet n wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder 10
Wet n wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder
Lamora Glam Glow Palette Highlighter 11
Lamora Glam Glow Palette Highlighter
Master Strobing Stick Maybelline New York 12
Master Strobing Stick Maybelline New York

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