These Drugstore Highlighters Lend the Perfect Sun-Kissed Glow
Shine bright like a diamond.
When you generally need to get out the door in a flash, you might wonder if highlighter is a necessary step in your beauty routine. Here's the deal: You can file this product under optional, but highly recommended—especially if you want to achieve a dewy glow that mimics that coveted sun-kissed look.
"Highlighter is a way to play with the reflection of light to either brighten the skin, make it appear more hydrated, or to give the illusion of lifted, elongated, or more slender features," says Jenny Patinkin, a makeup artist in Chicago. Anyone can wear it, but the trick is in the placement. Strategically avoid areas where you might naturally get oily to ensure you glow instead of look slick or sweaty, she explains.
In general, you want to apply highlighter to all the "high" points of the face—the top of the cheekbone, the inner corner of the eye, directly under your eyebrow, above the arch of your brow, and on the Cupid's bow of your lips, says Amber Budd, a professional makeup artist in Minnesota.
But first, you'll have to pick the right one. The product comes in many varieties, including sticks, liquids, and powders, but which highlighter you choose depends largely on skin type and tone, as well as desired result. To help guide your search, we asked professional makeup artists to break it all down. They say you can depend on these drugstore face and body highlighters for the prettiest results.
Wet n Wild
ulta.com
$2.69
This super creamy stick blends seamlessly with moisturizer to give cheekbones and the inner eyes a beautiful subtle sheen, says Budd.
Physicians Formula
amazon.com
$9.60
Budd calls this iridescent powder a "longtime favorite" for fair skin, thanks to a pearly—not glittery—sheen that suits any age.
e.l.f. Cosmetics
ulta.com
$4.00
For a powder that won't cake on dry skin, makeup artist Madison Dennis recommends this sheer pigment—it's infused with vitamin E, jojoba, sunflower, apricot, and grape oils to help it blend seamlessly with skin.
Revlon
walmart.com
$17.93
With this highlighter in your makeup bag, you might not need your favorite Instagram filter anymore. The creamy stick harnesses the power of light-reflecting technology to enhance your cheekbones, brows, or Cupid's bow, without weighing you down, says Carl Ray, chief makeup artist for Albolene.
Milani
ulta.com
$9.99
Because it's a bit warmer, this powder best suits those with medium and olive skin tones, says Dennis. It's filled with light-reflecting pearls that instantly highlight any number of facial features, including the brow line, inner eye area, Cupid's bow, cheekbones, and more.
bareMinerals
nordstrom.com
$29.00
Despite the cleaner formula, this reliable highlighter is ultra long-wearing (up to 16 hours!), says Patinkin. As an added benefit, it contains oat sugar and green lentil and bamboo extracts to smooth and even the skin's natural texture.
Sally Hansen
walmart.com
$8.47
A smooth rollerball makes quick work of applying a light-reflecting pigment that helps legs look longer and more defined upon application, says Dennis.
Physicians Formula
amazon.com
$10.39
This bronzed shade contains refined pearls and soft-focus pigments to smooth and brighten. It's the perfect complement to medium and olive skin tones, says Ray.
Physicians Formula
ulta.com
$15.99
Because the colors in this highlighting kit skew more neutral, it's a great choice for nearly any skin tone, from pale to dark, says Dennis.
Absolute New York
amazon.com
$7.18
If you want a more natural highlight, opt for a balm—they typically have less shimmer, says celebrity makeup artist Natalia Thomas. A balm works hard to moisturize your skin, providing a that subtle shine you're looking for.
Essence
ulta.com
$4.99
If you prefer powder products, try this highlighter. Makeup artist Aly Zabielski says the universally-flattering hue doesn't apply glittery, but instead gives cheekbones "a bright, glass-like glow."
NYX Professional Makeup
ulta.com
$7.50
For the most bang for your buck, use this multitasking product on both your face and body, says makeup artist Mary Winkenwerder. "It is so incredibly versatile, and can be used successfully on all types of skin conditions and skin tones."
L'Oréal
ulta.com
$14.99
A creamy highlighter, in four shades to match an array of skin tones from fair to dark, that deposits light pigment to give skin a fresh, natural glow, says Winkenwerder.