When choosing a highlighter, the world is your oyster. Do you want a liquid formula with a molten metal-like gleam? There’s a product for that. A clear balm that makes your complexion look effortlessly dewy? There’s a product for that, too. You get the point—there are more highlighters than ever before, and in every possible formula and finish you can think of. There’s also no shortage of ways to wear them.  Highlighters can exaggerate cheekbones for a more lifted and energized appearance or subtly make your skin look like you just had a spa facial, points out celebrity makeup artist Andrew Sotomayor.

The overload of options might leave you feeling intimidated and wondering which is the best one for you—and when you do find it, how exactly you should use it. So we set out to test a wide array of top highlighters, spending countless hours trying dozens at home. In the end, these 13 highlighters rose to the top, offering a little something for everyone, no matter what you’re searching for in one of these glow-enhancers.

Best Overall

Chanel Baume Essential Multi-Use Glow Stick

$48 at Ulta$46 at Chanel.comView on Bloomingdales

Type: Stick| Shades: 7 | Size: 0.3 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

The list of things we loved about this highlighter is loooong. Ally Hirschlag, our associate editorial director, raved about the creamy texture, which glided and blended beautifully into the skin. There are seven shades available, making it easy to find the right one for your complexion, all of which are subtle yet buildable. (To that point, this definitely delivers more of a natural glow.) Also nice: It stays put once you apply it and layers beautifully over other makeup. It’s pricey, yes, but you get a ton of product in the tube. And given all of these amazing attributes, we deemed it worth every penny.

Ally Hirschlag, associate editorial director with combination/sensitive skin: “It gives a gorgeous, subtle glow that is absolutely my jam. It’s more like an ‘I just got back from vacation, and still have vacation dust on my cheeks’ than a full ‘glam in the spotlight highlighter’ look.”

Best High Impact

Benefit Cosmetics Cookie and Tickle Shimmer Finish Powder Highlighters

$39 at Sephora$39 at Ulta

$39

$20 at Nordstrom

Type: Powder | Shades: 2 | Size: 0.28 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

This powder is a winner for those who want their highlighter to pack a seriously shimmery punch. Just one light dusting delivered a ton of glimmer, although our tester appreciated that it could still be blended out if she wanted to tone down the intensity. (To that point, we suggest starting slow and applying less than you think you need, given how pigmented it is.) The powder is smooth and lightweight and also plays well when used over other cream and powder formulas without any piling or flaking.

Chelsea, tester with sensitive skin: “The pigment is definitely buildable for a more intense glow, though even with just one swipe, you get a nice coat of shimmer.”

Best Applicator

Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Highlighter Wand

$44 at Amazon$44 at Sephora$44 at Ulta

Type: Liquid| Shades: 7 | Size: 0.41 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

With a built-in sponge tip, this liquid highlighter from Charlotte Tilbury is incredibly easy to use. It was one of our favorite attributes; it delivers the right amount of product onto the skin, which you can then blend in with a brush or your fingertips. Fair warning, though, the pigment and glow factor is pretty intense. Our tester said adding more product rather than scaling back was much easier, so start with just one dot of this guy. The liquid is smooth and layers nicely under other cream and powder makeup products. Big plus: there are seven shades available, which is a nice array for a highlighter.

Ally Hirschlag, associate editorial director with combination/sensitive skin: “I think this is in the upper echelon of highlighters. Thanks to the sponge, it applies so quickly and evenly, and then you can blend it out with your fingers or a sponge or brush.”

Best Palette

Dior Backstage Glow Face Palette

$54 at SephoraView on Dior.com

Type: Powder| Shades: 5 colorways | Size: 0.35 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

We love palettes largely for their versatility; this highlighter palette is no exception. Our tester raved about how beautifully all four shades worked together to create a stunning color and perfect amount of radiance. Prefer to use them solo? They totally work in that scenario too (and can even pull double duty as eyeshadow). If you historically don’t love powder formulas, this will change your mind. The texture is smooth and silky and melts into skin without any trace of chalkiness. Our only caveat with the palette is it may not be the best choice for beginners.

Chelsea, tester with combination skin: “The glow of this highlighter is perfectly radiant. It nails that balance between subtle, radiant, and glowy. It almost feels like the highlighter dissolves into your skin yet doesn’t lose any of its shimmer and glow power.”

Best Drugstore Highlighter

e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter

$15

$12 at Amazon$15 at UltaView on Elfcosmetics.com

Type: Liquid| Shades: 12 | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This drugstore highlighter is ideal for those who want to create a more diffused radiance all over their skin rather than just highlight particular areas. Keep in mind that it’s extremely subtle and natural-looking, particularly when mixed with foundation (which is how our tester liked to use it). But that means it’s super versatile:  you can use it on its own to enhance skin, with foundation, or as you would a traditional highlighter. Our tester also loved that it didn’t accentuate any imperfections on his skin but helped create a smoother, more even appearance. Bonus points: it comes in a dozen shades (a rarity for highlighters).

Saleam, tester with combination skin: “This is a great product for a naturally dewy look if you want to avoid traditional highlighters.”

Best for Bold Looks

Iconic London Illuminator Liquid Highlight

$40 at Amazon$40 at SephoraView on Ulta

Type: Liquid | Shades: 4 | Size: 0.45 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you’re planning a glam night out decked in high fashion, you’ll need a dramatic highlighter to match. Even just one drop of this liquid formula delivers a ton of pearlescent radiance. The gleaming finish is definitely dramatic, although you can blend it in pretty nicely (just keep in mind that you’ll want to work quickly, since it dries fast). And speaking of blending, our tester found that a makeup sponge works best to buff this into the skin. For special occasions or anytime you want a megawatt shine, this is it.

Wendy, tester with combination skin: “This is extremely glowy! The moment I put it on, I was surprised by how much radiance it gives with just one drop. It has a very shimmery finish that’s even more noticeable (almost blinding) in the sunlight.”

Best Buildable

L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion

$18

$15 at AmazonView on Ulta$15 at Target

Type: Liquid| Shades: 5 | Size: 1.35 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

L’Oreal’s Lumi Glotion does exactly what it suggests: It boasts a creamy, very moisturizing formula that’s akin to a lotion and delivers a subtle, allover glow. Our tester loved all of those features, calling out the silky smooth texture and the fact that it skews more dewy than straight-up shimmery. (However, if you prefer more impact, you can easily layer on more, and it won’t cake up.) It’s easily customizable based on exactly how much glow you’re looking for; you can also use it underneath foundation in lieu of primer.

Wendy, tester with combination skin: “This is high on my list of favorite highlighters. It’s made with moisturizing ingredients, is easy to apply and blend, and I love that it gives a more natural, buildable glow.”

Best Natural Finish

Live Tinted Hueglow Jumbo Liquid Highlighter Drops

$38

$37 at Amazon$38 at Ulta$38 at Target

Type: Liquid | Shades: 4 | Size: 1.6 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Love that “your skin, but better” vibe? This winner delivers exactly that. Our tester raved about how subtly it enhanced his skin, noting that it would be ideal for those who aren’t fans of traditional highlighters. To that point, it skews more towards skincare, loaded with hydrating hyaluronic acid, sunflower seed oil, and squalane. Tons of moisture plus the very natural, diffused radiance (thanks to the barely there micro-shimmer) enhance your complexion in the most natural way possible. It doesn’t give that classic highlighter finish, but we love that for everyday looks.

Saleam, tester with combination skin: “This looks very natural and skin-like, but better. It gives a slightly dewy finish without the sparkly or greasy look. It doesn’t feel like I’m wearing highlighter. This is more for the natural-ish girlies.”

Best Powder

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish

View on Ulta$43 at NordstromView on Maccosmetics.com

Type: Powder | Shades: 5 | Size: 0.35 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

One of the OG highlighting products out there, there’s good reason why this has withstood the test of time. The powder feels supremely silky as you apply it and wear it throughout the day, never looking chalky or obvious. Our tester noted how nicely it melded with other products for an undetectable finish. And then there’s the shimmer level, a perfect balance of glow and radiance that really is universally pleasing. A light dusting imparts a pretty decent amount of color (there are five shades to choose from), though you can easily add more if you’d like.

Abby, tester with combination skin: “This is one of my favorite highlighters that I’ve ever used. Powders can sometimes sit on top of the skin, creating an obvious border, but this one seamlessly blends with your complexion products.”

Best Dewy Finish

Merit Day Glow Highlighting Balm

$32 at SephoraView on Meritbeauty.com

Type: Stick| Shades: 4 | Size: 0.14 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This brand is well-known and beloved for its natural, effortless makeup. Exhibit A: This highlighter stick. As the name suggests, it’s dewy rather than sparkly, which is part of the reason our tester loved it; it yields a glass skin effect. The base is packed with moisturizing ingredients such as vitamin E and squalane (how it glides on so smoothly), and it contains light-reflecting micro-pearls rather than chunks of glitter. And the stick format is made for easy, on-the-go application. Because it is so subtle, it’s pretty foolproof and nearly impossible to mess up. The one drawback? Given how natural and dewy it is, it’s not particularly long-lasting.

Derek Deng, associate editor with combination skin: “Glass skin is one step away with this highlighting balm, which has a super subtle, dewy finish. It didn’t emphasize texture or fine lines—it provides a simple, straightforward glassy glow.”

Best Liquid Highlighter

Rare Beauty Positive Light Liquid Luminizer Highlight

$28 at SephoraView on Rarebeauty.comView on Walmart

Type: Liquid | Shades: 8 | Size: 0.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

One or two dots of this liquid highlighter from Rare Beauty is all it takes to score a serious highlighting effect. Our tester noted she was a little concerned with how intense it looked upon application. However, a little bit of blending turns it beautifully radiant, offering the perfect balance of noticeable pigment and shimmer that still comes across as natural rather than garish. FYI, our tester found that it tended to lift off other products (cream formulas in particular), so it may be best layered over powders only. Still, that’s a minor drawback, considering the beautiful illumination effect you get. Plus, how pretty is the packaging?

Amanda, tester with combination/sensitive skin: “This highlighter packs a punch! It is definitely pigmented and has an intense glow. However, when blended, it definitely sheers out a bit. It reflects light beautifully and adds a nice illuminating effect.”

Best Versatile

Saie Super Glowy Gel

$17

$14 at Amazon$17 at SephoraView on Saiehello.com

Type: Liquid| Shades: 4 | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

This multitasker is ideal for those who may be put off by traditional highlighters. Yes, it adds luminescence to the skin, but it skews toward the subtler end of the spectrum. That’s why, along with using it as a final step in your routine, you can also mix it with other makeup, combine it with skincare, or just wear it as a standalone skin enhancer. Our tester was especially pleased with the moisturizing yet still lightweight texture, noting that the gel formula felt slightly cooling and refreshing. It does take a little time to set (as many liquid highlighters do), but that just means you have extra play time to layer and blend it.

Chelsea, tester with combination skin: “The formula is moisturizing and luxurious in feel. This would be great to mix with a liquid bronzer or blush to give the skin an all-around illuminating finish.”

Best Cream Highlighter

Westman Atelier Super Loaded Tinted Cream Highlighter

$75 at SephoraView on Modaoperandi.comView on Myshopify.com

Type: Cream| Shades: 5 | Size: 0.14 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Our tester deemed everything from the color to the finish to the texture of this highlighter absolutely perfect. There are three shades to choose from, all of which fall into the pink-peach family, so it’s idea as a blush-highlighter hybrid. All the shades are fairly sheer but can be built up to deliver a lovely amount of candlelit luminescence by reflecting light in the most natural way possible. The creamy texture also melts beautifully into skin. One noteworthy caveat: We found that it’s best to apply and blend this with fingertips as it becomes too subtle and barely noticeable when applied with a brush.

Amanda, tester with combination/sensitive skin: “The glow is, dare I say, breathtaking?! This highlighter melts onto my skin and leaves a shimmery sheen that looks both radiant and eye-catching, but in a natural and subtle way. It’s the perfect cherry on top for any makeup look.”

What to Look for in a Highlighter

• Formula: Choosing the right formula is the first step in finding the perfect highlighter for you. Whether a balm, stick, powder, or liquid, there’s something for everyone (and every look). Liquids are best if you want more of an allover glowing effect, notes Sotomayor; sticks are great for more precise application, he adds. Meanwhile, powders tend to deliver more intense shine and are also ideal for staying put on more oilier skin.
• Finish: Your preferred finish totally depends on the final look you’re after. Dewy, satin and glossy finishes are often the top choices for fans of “no-makeup makeup.” (FYI, these formulas can also be mixed in with foundation to further tone down the effect.) Those going for high glam should opt for pigmented, slightly glittery highlighters that impart a megawatt glow.
• Color: “Natural-looking highlighters should generally be neutral toned so it just looks like light is bouncing off your skin. Neutral tones like champagne, rose gold, white, and bronze can be worn all over,” explains Sotomayor. On the flip side, cooler shades (think those that are more silver or white) can easily skew a bit too futuristic; he advises layering one underneath your foundation in order to help keep them looking more natural.

How We Tested Highlighters

We believe in using the products we recommend just like you would—which is why we make it a priority to test products in real-life settings. For highlighters, we tried 15 different ones over the course of a day. Our testers (with all different skin types) weighed in on the finish, pigment, blendability, texture, and longevity. Everything from how quickly it set to how many layers were needed to how it felt on the skin was assessed and evaluated. We also tested dozens of other highlighters to clock how they performed in our daily lives. After assessing insights from both test scenarios, we narrowed down the top rated products to this list.

Meet Our Experts

We interviewed two professional makeup artists for this story to learn about all the ways to apply and wear highlighter.

• Emily Amick is a New York City based makeup artist with more than a decade of experience. Her work has been featured in magazines and on red carpets for icons like Jenifer Lewis and Venus Williams.
• Andrew Sotomayor is an Emmy-winning celebrity makeup artist in New York City and the founder of Oracle Jayne Station.

Why Trust Byrdie

Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in beauty editorial, writing for dozens of magazines and websites during her career. She’s always testing new products to recommend the best of the best to readers. While she’s admittedly more minimal when it comes to makeup, she does love a good highlighter, and has tried many of the ones on this list.