After foundation and other skin tints, I’d say the *perfect* highlighter has been on my shopping list for the longest. I want to achieve supermodel levels of glow with minimal effort, and be stopped in the street over my dazzling cheekbones.
While I’ll probably be waiting forever for that to happen, I have in my time found some excellent highlighting formulas that have provoked questions and queries from people in my life. I am occasionally asked which illuminating products I reach for, and as somebody who sincerely believes that the more dew, the better, this is the ultimate compliment.
I struggled to narrow down this list to just six products; there are so many I like. But in the below edit, there is something for everyone, no matter your budget, skin tone, or formula preference.
Disclaimer: I do personally prefer liquid and cream highlighters much more than powders, as I believe they help anybody to achieve a glow far more easily. They look more natural, are easier to blend, and can be used in a myriad of ways, making them more versatile.
Take a look at my ultimate hall of fame list, and get shopping.
Best overall highlighter: Refy Gloss Highlighter, £18
A highlighter I adore so much I wrote an entire ode to it (that, in my humble opinion reads like an award-winning love letter), Refy’s formula is quite frankly unbeatable. As mentioned, I have tried MANY a highlighter in my time, constantly in pursuit of that ‘your skin but better,’ wet, dewy effect that fools your friends, family and co-workers into thinking you have the freshest, most well-rested skin going. THIS IS IT – I promise. It promotes a stunning, dazzling glow that works both day and night, is easy to apply and blend, and lasts literally forever (my first tube from 2020 is still going, which I know is questionable). Worth the £18, and then some.
Best stick highlighter: UOMA Double Take Stick, £34.50
While liquid/gel/cream highlighters hold my number spot formula-wise, sticks come in a close second, offering a similar finish with an even more efficient application system in place. UOMA’s stick may seem pricey, but you get a double whammy with this one, with both a highlighter and contour end for that perfect defined look. The perfect contour and highlight in 60 seconds? This is your go-to. What I love most about this product is the shade range, which really caters to all skin tones. While many highlighters offer around one to three options, this gives shoppers the choice of six, making it a brilliant buy for all.
Best golden highlighter: Vieve Skin Dew, £19
Want to be the ultimate golden girl? Vieve’s Skin Dew will serve you well, with an iridescent, glossy finish for healthy-looking, brighter skin. The product contains squalane and antioxidants to keep skin hydrated and happy all-day long, and features light-reflecting pigments for the ultimate radiance. As well as applying direct to cheekbones etc, you can mix a little of this in with your moisturiser or foundation for an all-over glow. A beautiful option that will suit all skin tones.
Best powder highlighter: Beauty Bay Delicate Bouncy Beam Multi Use Highlighter Pale, £12
As mentioned, I am not a huge fan of powder highlighters as they just don’t suit my ‘so-dewy-it’s-almost-wet-looking’ aesthetic I revere so fondly. However, Hannah on my beauty team has found this quad which she can no longer live without – and it’s currently under a tenner, too. She tells me each powder has a slightly different undertone depending on the look she wants to achieve, and that the formulas are buttery rather than powder or crumbly. The quad allows her to achieve a “glazed doughnut finish” (her words), and is ideal for those who hate anything too glittery. Her only qualm? She wishes it came in other shade options.
Best natural-looking highlighter: Tower 28 Beauty’s SuperDew Highlighting Balm, £17
Sometimes, you just want an ultra-natural, super-subtle hint of illumination rather than anything too overtly shimmery or pigmented. This is where a clear, skin-like balm such as Tower 28’s formula comes into its own. The totally translucent product creates a glossy effect that accentuates the tops of cheekbones, brow bones, and cupid’s bow just enough. It’s a great starter highlighter for those put off by golds and glitters, and lasts absolutely forever as a little goes a long way.
Best multi-purpose highlighter: MAC Strobe Cream, £28
A classic that’s a favourite for a reason, MAC’s Strobe Cream was perhaps one of the first highlighters I ever properly tried whilst at uni – when my love affair for beauty really began. A backstage hit, this product creates a glorious ‘strobing’ effect, and its power lies in its versatility; apply it direct or mix it in with any leave-on skincare or base product to perk up your entire complexion. Now available in four options, you can choose between silver, gold, peach or pink (the original) pearls, dependant on the type of look you’d like to achieve.
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