Best Face Highlighters of 2026

Lisa Bechard Avatar
Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Jan 30, 2026

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Face highlighters are a popular makeup product that can help enhance the natural radiance of the skin. They come in various forms, such as powder, liquid, and cream, and are applied to the high points of the face, such as the cheekbones, brow bone, and nose bridge. These products are designed to catch and reflect light, creating a luminous glow that can make the skin look healthier and more youthful. Some highlighters also contain shimmer or glitter particles for an extra-dazzling effect. Face highlighters are versatile and can be used alone or on top of other makeup products like foundation and blush.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

L'Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion Illuminator Cover #TOP 1
L'Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion Illuminator
ftb score rating icon 9.9
L'Oreal Paris Lumi Le Glass Highlighter Stick Cover #TOP 2
L'Oreal Paris Lumi Le Glass Highlighter Stick
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Milani Baked Highlighter (Dolce Perla) Cover #TOP 3
Milani Baked Highlighter (Dolce Perla)
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Face Highlighters

#TOP 1

L'Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion Illuminator

LO-LRTMLG-902
902 Light
L'Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion Illuminator Cover
L'Oreal Paris Makeup True Match Lumi Glotion, Natural Glow Enhancer, Illuminator Highlighter, Bronzing Drops For a Sun-Kissed Glow, 902 Light

L'Oreal Glotion Illuminator is a versatile liquid highlighter that instantly hydrates and enhances your skin's natural glow. Infused with glycerin and shea butter, this glow lotion keeps your skin hydrated all day long. You can wear it alone for a subtle radiance or layer it under foundation for a more luminous effect. With 4 shades to choose from, this illuminator is perfect for all skin tones. Experience a healthy, sun-kissed glow without the sun with this glow-enhancing makeup.

What We Like
Natural radiant glow
Lightweight, non-greasy texture
Blends effortlessly
Hydrates and smooths skin
No visible glitter
What We Don't Like
Minimal coverage for blemishes
May not suit oily skin
#TOP 2

L'Oreal Paris Lumi Le Glass Highlighter Stick

0071249693438
Glassy Pink Ballet
1 Count (Pack of 1)
L'Oreal Paris Lumi Le Glass Highlighter Stick Cover
L'Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Le Glass Highlighter Stick, Reflective, Translucent, Glassy Highlighter for Face and Body, 620 Pink Ballet, 0.17 Oz

The L'Oreal Lumi Highlighter Stick is designed to give you a radiant glow with just one swipe. Its smooth application ensures an even finish that reflects light beautifully, making it perfect for enhancing your features. This lightweight highlighter is easy to carry, allowing you to touch up your look anytime. You can layer it effortlessly over your makeup for a more dramatic effect. Suitable for both face and body, it can be applied on various areas like your cheeks and collarbone, giving you a versatile highlighting option in three stunning shades.

What We Like
Natural luminous glow
Easy application and blending
Lightweight comfortable formula
Buildable and long-lasting
Affordable price point
What We Don't Like
Small product size
May fade on oily skin
#TOP 3

Milani Baked Highlighter (Dolce Perla)

MIL0085018
Milani Baked Highlighter (Dolce Perla) Cover
Milani Highlighter Makeup - Baked Contour Powder & Face Highligher, Made in Italy - Dolce Perla

Milani Highlighter is a cruelty-free baked powder highlighter that offers intense pigment and illumination. The velvety formula blends seamlessly, allowing you to achieve a natural glow or a high-impact look with ease. This product is oil-free and free of paraben preservatives, making it ideal for those prone to breakouts. Use a highlighter brush to apply it on the high points of your face for a radiant finish. Milani celebrates diversity and aims to provide makeup for everyone, regardless of background or ethnicity.

What We Like
Natural luminous glow
Buildable fine powder
Affordable price
Multi-use highlighter and eyeshadow
Attractive packaging
What We Don't Like
May be too shimmery for some
#TOP 4

wet n wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder

319B
Blossom Glow
wet n wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder Cover
wet n wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder, Highlighter Makeup, Shimmer Glow, Pink Rose Gold Blossom Glow

Enhance your skin with wet n wild Highlighter, a velvety-smooth powder that gives you a naturally luminous glow. Infused with shimmering pearl pigments, this highlighter helps you shimmer and shine in all the right places. The fan-favorite formula is easy to blend, providing an ultra-pearly finish. Use it on your cheekbones, brow bone, and cupid's bow for an all-over glow that lasts.

What We Like
Affordable price
Smooth, blendable formula
Natural radiant glow
Beautiful color options
Sturdy, attractive packaging
What We Don't Like
Some colors too pink for some
No brush included
#TOP 5

wet n wild MegaGlo Blushlighter

1111564
2- Highlight Bling
wet n wild MegaGlo Blushlighter Cover
Wet n Wild MegaGlo Blushlighter, Blendable Blush & Highlighter Set, Shimmery Metallic Finish, Highlight Bling

Get the perfect glowing look with the wet n wild MegaGlo Blushlighter, a blush and highlighter duo that sculpts, defines, and highlights in one sweep. With ultra-reflective, micro-fine pearl pigments, the soft, buildable shades enhance cheeks with a luminous, radiant glow. The duo has two levels of intensity for color that compliments every skin tone. You can use the two colors alone or blend them together for contouring, or layer them on top of each other. wet n wild is a trusted beauty destination for beauty lovers of all ages, ethnicities, skin colors, and economic statuses.

What We Like
Affordable price
Versatile dual colors
Long-lasting wear
Natural luminous finish
Easy application
What We Don't Like
Prone to crumbling
Possible shipping damage
#TOP 6

L'Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Le Glow Highlighter Stick

0071249693452
Glowy Creme Chic
1 Count (Pack of 1)
L'Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Le Glow Highlighter Stick Cover
L'Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Le Glow Highlighter Stick, Luminous, Satin, Glowy Highlighter for Face and Body, 630 Crème Chic, 0.17 Oz

The L'Oreal Paris Glow Stick gives you an instant radiant glow with just one swipe, thanks to its smooth and even satin finish. It’s designed for easy, on-the-go use, allowing you to quickly add a bright touch to your makeup without hassle. The lightweight formula blends seamlessly into your skin, feeling comfortable all day long, so you don’t have to worry about heaviness or stickiness. You can apply it to your face or body—like your cheeks, brow bones, forehead, neck, or collarbones—to highlight your best features with a natural, luminous shine. This stick is perfect for building up your glow and layering over your makeup effortlessly.

What We Like
Natural, luminous glow
Easy, quick application
Lightweight, comfortable formula
Blendable and buildable
Affordable price
What We Don't Like
Small product size
May fade on oily skin
#TOP 7

ELLESY Highlighter Makeup Palette - SUN GLOW

FJFIEJFOK251
#03 Sun Glow
ELLESY Highlighter Makeup Palette - SUN GLOW Cover
ELESSY Highlighter Makeup Palette,Face Glitter illuminator Palette,Natural Sparkling Finish Highlighter Powder,High Glossy Shimmer Smooth Baked Powder,Lasting Shining Highlighter Palette -SUN GLOW

ELLESY Highlighter Palette in SUN GLOW offers easy application for enhancing your features, available in 4 shades catering to various skin tones. With a soft texture and long-lasting formula, this palette helps create a natural or glam look. The lightweight packaging makes it convenient for on-the-go use, suitable for different occasions.

What We Like
Intense, beautiful glow
Highly pigmented highlighter
Soft, quality brush included
Convenient built-in mirror
Great value for price
What We Don't Like
Some product fallout
Brush may need replacing
#TOP 8

e.l.f. Halo Glow Highlight Beauty Wand

84690
Champagne Campaign
e.l.f. Halo Glow Highlight Beauty Wand Cover
e.l.f. Halo Glow Highlight Beauty Wand, Liquid Highlighter Wand For Luminous, Glowing Skin, Buildable Formula, Vegan & Cruelty-free,Champagne Campaign

Enhance your natural radiance with the e.l.f. Highlight Wand. This liquid highlighting wand is designed to give you a dewy, radiant glow in seconds. Infused with hydrating squalane, the lightweight formula creates a lit-from-within glow that makes your skin look luminous. The buildable and blendable formula effortlessly blends into your skin, allowing you to customize the intensity of the highlight. The cushion-tip applicator makes precise application a breeze, allowing you to highlight the high points of your face for instant illumination. With its skin-loving ingredients and cruelty-free, vegan formula, the e.l.f. Highlight Wand is a must-have for anyone looking to achieve a natural, glowing complexion.

What We Like
Natural radiant glow
Easy to blend
Buildable intensity
Long-lasting wear
Affordable price
What We Don't Like
Packaging could be improved
#TOP 9

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Buttermelt Highlighter

0800897268947
Butta Than Gold
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Buttermelt Highlighter Cover
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Buttermelt Highlighter, Powder Highlighter Makeup, With Up to 12H Wear and High Impact Glow - 25 Butta Than Gold (Light Gold)

The NYX Buttermelt Highlighter offers a smooth, buttery texture that blends easily for a natural, radiant finish. It stays put for up to 12 hours without fading or flaking, so you can rely on it all day long. This highlighter is packed with shimmering pearls that add a bright, dimensional glow to your cheeks and shoulders, perfect for enhancing your natural features. Plus, it’s enriched with nourishing mango, shea, and almond butters, giving you a creamy feel and extra hydration. If you want a glowing look that lasts and feels comfortable, this product is a great choice.

What We Like
Affordable price
Buttery smooth texture
Long-lasting glow
Versatile application
High color payoff
What We Don't Like
May be too glittery
#TOP 10

KYDA Face Highlighter Palette Kit - SUN GLOW

SUN GLOW
1 Count (Pack of 1)
KYDA Face Highlighter Palette Kit - SUN GLOW Cover
KYDA Face Highlighter Palette, High Glossy Face Illuminator Palette, Natural Glow Finish, Pearl Shimmer Smooth Baked Powder, Lasting Sparkling Champagne Highlighter Makeup-SUN GLOW

The KYDA Face Highlighter Palette Kit is perfect for those who want to achieve a natural and shiny three-dimensional makeup look. This highlighter concealer palette has a 3D flash texture and smooth powder that gives your face a non-marking and powder-free highlight makeup. With a professional brush included, you can easily apply and color while repairing and concealing blemishes. The palette has three different colors to choose from, making it suitable for any occasion. It is also a perfect gift for a close friend with its exquisite packaging and high-gloss brush.

What We Like
Natural, buildable glow
Blendable, easy application
Good value for price
Sturdy packaging with mirror
Useful included brush
What We Don't Like
Limited shade range
Some fallout in pan
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is highlighter good for face?

Yes, highlighters are great for the face. They can give you a youthful and glowing appearance by enhancing your facial features and adding a radiant touch to your complexion.

2. Should highlighter be lighter or darker than foundation?

When choosing a highlighter, it is recommended to select a shade or two lighter than your natural skin tone. This helps create a light and bright effect that complements your foundation and enhances your overall look.

3. Do you put highlighter on before or after foundation?

For a prominent highlighter look, it is best to apply it after foundation. This allows the highlighter to catch the light and become a noticeable part of your makeup. However, if you prefer an all-over dewy glow, mixing a little highlighter with your foundation can achieve that effect.

4. Is stick or liquid highlighter better?

The choice between stick and liquid highlighter depends on the desired effect. Liquid highlighters give a natural, glowing-from-within look. Stick highlighters are great for a more dramatic glow, while cream highlighters offer a subtle effect. Consider your desired look and choose accordingly.

Editor's Notes

During our face highlighter research, we found 48 face highlighter products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 402,554 customer reviews through our big data system to write the face highlighters list. We found that most customers choose face highlighters with an average price of $7.56.

The face highlighters are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of face highlighters, including L'Oreal Paris, Milani, wet n wild, ELLESY, e.l.f.. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Lisa Bechard Avatar

Lisa Bechard is a skin therapist with 12 years of working experience in the beauty industry and also an experienced beauty writer who has expertise in skincare, medical aesthetics and cosmetic surgery, and wellness. Her writing skills are excellent and all her content is very persuasive and insightful.

Face Highlighters Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand L'Oreal Paris L'Oreal Paris Milani wet n wild wet n wild L'Oreal Paris ELLESY e.l.f. NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP KYDA
Item Form Lotion Stick Powder Powder Powder Stick Powder Liquid Powder Powder
Coverage Sheer Sheer Buildable Medium Medium Sheer Light Full Buildable buildable
Color 902 Light Glassy Pink Ballet Dolce Perla (Original) Blossom Glow 2- Highlight Bling Glowy Creme Chic #03 Sun Glow Champagne Campaign Butta Than Gold SUN GLOW
Skin Tone All All All All All All Light All All All
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 9.0
Where to Buy