The Best Highlighter Makeup of 2026

With 4.5 stars and over 26,000 reviews, this liquid highlighter is described by many buyers as giving them a nice glow. It comes in four different colors to match your skin type: medium, deep, fair, and light. The formula includes glycerin and shea butter, which simultaneously hydrates your skin when applied.

For those with sensitive skin, reviewers say that this highlighter may cause breakouts, so that is something to consider before purchasing this product.

If you don’t want to break the bank for a quality highlighter, but still want to purchase one from a reputable brand, then this Elf Cosmetics Baked Highlighter is a great choice. This highlighter and blush in one offers a gentle, shimmering, beautiful color combination of light pink and bronze. If you prefer a powdered highlighter that offers you a shiny, pretty complexion, then this one’s a solid pick.

The popular Wet n Wild Megaglo Highlighting Powder is a pretty, easy-to-blend face shiner that reviewers say works well to radiate their skin. It comes in various shades, such as Silver and Awesome Blossom, although many reviewers find that it’s a bit too dark for lighter skin. Overall, this is a great highlighter if you’re new to wearing it and want to try one out that’s recommended by many.

If you want to add a little more pop to your face, then Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez will do just that. This lightweight, liquid formula offers an easy-to-apply, even blend that looks good on all skin tones and types. The shimmer looks soft in one lighting and pops in another. The formula is made to last all day and sit perfectly over other face makeup, such as liquid foundation.

The Positive Light Silky Touch Highlighter offers a naturally glowing look for your face that lasts. Made to flatter every skin type, this highlighter is ideal for anyone looking to add a healthy, subtle glow to their skin. This highlighter is easy to use and it's vegan, which does make it very fragile. In fact, many reviewers recommend not getting it shipped and to handle it very carefully.

This multi-functional Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter offers two different cream highlighters in one: a subtle sheen tone for the day and nice shimmer for night. It feels light on the face, comes in various shades, and works with several skin types. Plus, it’s made to blend into the skin smoothly and seamlessly.

This easy-to-carry Chanel Baume Essentiel highlighter keeps your eyes, lips, and face glowing throughout the day. With a soft and smooth texture, this highlighter balm offers optimal radiance. It can easily be twisted open and placed back in your bag while you’re on the move. Reviewers love this effortless, essential highlighter for everyday use. It also comes in a few different shades of light pinks and tans.