9 Highlighters for Every Budget
March 16, 2021
If you’re like us, you’ll do anything you can to make sure your makeup looks like golden hour is hitting you at all times. Needless to say, the simplest way to get there is by nailing down a highlighting routine to take your selfies to the next level.
The good news is that highlighters come in a variety of finishes, shades and budgets, making this look possible to everyone, whether you’re a makeup beginner or expert. Ahead, we’ve rounded up our absolute favorite highlighters from $10 to $50. Fair warning, though — you might be tempted to buy every single one!
Maybelline New York Master Chrome Highlighter, $10
This drugstore highlighter is perfect for getting that high-shine glow but can also be super natural when blended. You can find it at most drugstores, and it’s available in four, smoldering hues: Molten Gold, Molten Peach, Molten Rose Gold and Molten Topaz.
NYX Professional Makeup Born To Glow! Liquid Illuminator, $7.50
Ideal for highlighting all over, this liquid illuminator layers nicely under face makeup and looks stunning when placed on the high points of your face. We also recommend trying it without foundation for a more natural finish.
L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion Enhancer, $15
Want to get healthier, brighter-looking skin in just one step? Opt for this affordable glow lotion. It’s super hydrating, can be worn alone or under makeup for a dewy, radiant finish.
NYX Professional Makeup High Glass Illuminating Powder, $12
Look no further than this illuminating powder for glass skin. It comes in three shades: Moon Glow, a light pearl, Daytime Halo, an icy copper, and Golden Hour, a golden brown. No matter which you choose, your skin will look reflective and luminous.
Laura Geller Baked Gelato Swirl Illuminator, $19
For a product that applies like a powder but feels like a cream, go for this illuminator. Available in five shimmery shades, including Peach Glow and Diamond Dust, these cult-fave highlighters are worth the money. To get the most out of them, apply with a damp brush — you’ll get a natural-looking finish and a wet-looking glow.
Dermablend Glow Creator Liquid Highlighter, $33
Formulated with 20% pigmented pearls (which is a lot of color), you can mix this product into your foundation, apply it directly onto the skin or add a few drops into your moisturizer. We love the shade Pearl, a rosy pink hue we reach for time and time again.
Glossier Haloscope, $22
If you are looking for a cream highlighter that’s super easy to apply, this stick will become a staple in your makeup bag. The outer core contains crystal extracts to make your skin look glowy and sparkling, while the center is an oil-based moisturizer to help keep your skin hydrated.
YSL Beauty Touche Éclat 3D All Over Glow Powder, $48
You can use this glowing powder to set makeup or highlight the face, depending on how much you use. The iridescent micro-pearls offer radiance without glitter.
Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Highlighter Wand, $38
Think your complexion is looking dull? Try this wand that comes in five shades and two finishes. Opt for a radiant finish in a rose gold copper or rose gold silver if you want a natural look, or spice it up with a shimmer finish in peach, pink or gold.
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