Best Face Highlighters of 2025

Lisa Bechard Avatar
Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Jan 16, 2025

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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

KYDA Face Highlighter Palette Kit - SUN GLOW Cover #TOP 1
KYDA Face Highlighter Palette Kit - SUN GLOW
ftb score rating icon 9.9
L'Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion Illuminator Cover #TOP 2
L'Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion Illuminator
ftb score rating icon 9.8
wet n wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder Cover #TOP 3
wet n wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Face Highlighters

#TOP 1

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, Narutal Glow Finish, Pearl Shimmer Smooth Baked Powder, Lasting Sparkling 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
Affordable price
Cute packaging
High pigment
Buildable coverage
Useful brush included
What We Don't Like
Warm tone for some
Not ideal for darker skin
#TOP 2

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
Lightweight formula
Gives a nice glow
Reasonably priced
Travel-friendly size
Easy to blend
What We Don't Like
Limited coverage
May appear oily with certain moisturizers
#TOP 3

wet n wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder

321B
Precious Petals
wet n wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder Cover
wet n wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder, Highlighter Makeup, Shimmer Glow, Natural Pink Precious Petals

wet n wild Highlighter Makeup is a highly pigmented face highlighter that gives you a gorgeous summer-like glow. Its easy-to-blend formula ensures a velvety finish, perfect for enhancing your cheekbones and eyes. The shimmer and shine it provides in the right areas make it a fan favorite, suitable for all skin types. Whether you apply it on your cheekbones or around your eyes, this highlighting powder will leave you looking radiant and glowing all day long.

What We Like
Highly pigmented
Natural glow
Great value for price
Large pan size
Fast shipping
What We Don't Like
Not enough sparkle
#TOP 4

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
Great quality
Long-lasting pigment
Easy to apply
Natural look
Good shimmer
What We Don't Like
Messy applicator
Stains makeup sponge
#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
Beautiful color options
Subtle sparkle and luminosity
Great for fair skin tones
Affordability
Multi-use as blush and eyeshadow
What We Don't Like
Possible breakage during shipping
Less pigmentation for darker skin
#TOP 6

NYX Jumbo Multi-Use Face Highlighter Stick

K5641200
Vanilla Ice Cream
1 Count (Pack of 1)
NYX Jumbo Multi-Use Face Highlighter Stick Cover
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP, Jumbo Multi-Use Face Highlighter Stick - Vanilla Ice Cream

Introducing the NYX Jumbo Multi-Use Face Highlighter Stick - Vanilla Ice Cream. This weightless formula is buildable, allowing you to layer it for maximum impact. With six pearl pigment infused shades, this stick highlighter delivers a show-stopping glow with just one swipe. Its twist-up design eliminates the need for a sharpener, making it convenient to use. Whether you want to add a touch of radiance to your cheekbones, nose, or all over your face, this highlighter stick will give you an instant, alluring glow. NYX Professional Makeup is a cruelty-free brand that is certified by PETA, so you can feel good about using their products. Enhance your makeup look with NYX's range of face products, from foundations to powders, and discover a world of professional makeup.

What We Like
Long-lasting product
Easy application
Subtle, natural shimmer
Versatile for multiple uses
Great value for money
What We Don't Like
May require reapplication
Glitter hard to remove
#TOP 7

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’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Le Glass Highlighter Stick, Reflective, Translucent, Glassy Highlighter for Face and Body, 620 Pink Ballet, 0.25 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
Smooth application
Beautiful luminous glow
Buildable coverage
Long-lasting wear
Affordable price
What We Don't Like
May transfer easily
Inconsistent product quality

FOCALLURE Cream Contour Sticks

Amazon.Found.B0B31LP6XV
LIGHT-MEDIUM
1 Count (Pack of 3)
FOCALLURE Cream Contour Sticks Cover
FOCALLURE 3 Pcs Cream Contour Sticks,Shades with Highlighter & Bronzer & Blush,Non-greasy Long-wear Face Contouring Pen,Easy to Sculpt the Face and Create a Lightweight Finishing Makeup,LIGHT-MEDIUM

Get a fresh-faced, healthy glow with FOCALLURE Cream Contour Sticks. This three-piece kit includes shades that blush, bronze, and glow, making it quick and easy to achieve a bronzed, luminous look. The long-lasting and waterproof formula ensures that your sunkissed warmth won't fade throughout the day. These cream contour sticks are ultra blendable and buildable, allowing you to softly sculpt your face with ease. The non-greasy and water-resistant formula won't cake, crease, or clog pores, giving you a lightweight and natural finish. Perfect for highlighting and contouring the eyes, cheeks, lips, and body, these contour sticks are a must-have for any makeup lover. Plus, they make a great gift for friends and family. Just draw, dab, or stipple for custom, all-over face color that leaves your skin looking matte or dewy with an elegant finish.

What We Like
Easy to apply and blend
Lightweight and non-greasy formula
Beginner-friendly design
Compact and travel-friendly
Good pigmentation and coverage
What We Don't Like
Odd smell noted by some
Fair shade lacks pigment
#TOP 9

Revolution Beauty Reloaded Highlighter

21353
Dare to Divulge
Revolution Beauty Reloaded Highlighter Cover
Revolution Beauty, Reloaded Pressed Powder Highlighter, Intensely Pigmented for a High Impact Dewy Finish, Dare To Divulge, 0.22 Oz.

Get ready for the ultimate glow-up with the Makeup Revolution Highlighter. This intensely pigmented powder will give you a radiant complexion and a high-impact finish with a super-flattering shimmer. Glide it onto your cheekbones, nose bridge, and inner eye corners for a pop of glow. For an intense, foil-like finish, use a damp brush or one of their Fixing Sprays. Plus, Revolution Beauty products are cruelty-free, backed by PETA, ensuring no animal testing at any stage.

What We Like
Buildable highlight
Long-lasting formula
Smooth and creamy texture
Elegant glow
Great price point
What We Don't Like
Too glittery for some
#TOP 10

Milani Baked Highlighter (Dolce Perla)

MIL0085018
DOLCE PERLA
Milani Baked Highlighter (Dolce Perla) Cover
Milani Baked Highlighter (Dolce Perla) - Cruelty-Free Powder Highlighter, Highlight Face for a Shimmery or Matte Finish

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
High quality at affordable prices
Beautiful, vibrant colors
Large product size
Blendable and buildable formula
Long-lasting wear
What We Don't Like
Too shimmery for some
Color darker than expected
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 532,083 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 $7.35.

The face highlighters are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of face highlighters, including KYDA, wet n wild, e.l.f., NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP, FOCALLURE. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 572 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

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 KYDA L’Oréal Paris wet n wild e.l.f. wet n wild NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP L’Oréal Paris FOCALLURE Revolution Beauty London Milani
Item Form Pencil Lotion Powder Liquid Powder Pencil Stick Stick Powder Powder
Finish Type Shimmery Radiant Shimmery Natural Shimmery Luminous Luminous Shimmery Luminous Shimmery,Matte
Coverage buildable Sheer Medium Full Medium Light Sheer Full Buildable Light
Color SUN GLOW 902 Light Precious Petals Champagne Campaign 2- Highlight Bling Vanilla Ice Cream Glassy Pink Ballet LIGHT-MEDIUM Dare to Divulge DOLCE PERLA
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 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 8.9
ftb score rating icon 8.8
ftb score rating icon 8.6
ftb score rating icon 8.6
Where to Buy