Best Face Highlighters of 2025

Charlotte Powell Avatar
Charlotte Powell
Last Updated: 29 Jan 2025

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Face highlighters are cosmetic products that add a radiant glow to the skin. They are available in various forms, such as powder, liquid, cream, and stick. These products are designed to enhance the high points of the face, such as the cheekbones, brow bone, and nose bridge, and give a luminous finish to the makeup look. Highlighters come in different shades and finishes, from subtle to intense, to suit different skin tones and preferences. They are a must-have in any makeup routine to add a touch of radiance and dimension to the face.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Rimmel Glow Stick Face Highlighter Cover #TOP 1
Rimmel Glow Stick Face Highlighter
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Technic Get Gorgeous Highlighting Powder Compact Cover #TOP 2
Technic Get Gorgeous Highlighting Powder Compact
ftb score rating icon 9.7
e.l.f. Halo Glow Highlighting Wand for Radiant Skin Cover #TOP 3
e.l.f. Halo Glow Highlighting Wand for Radiant Skin
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Face Highlighters

Rimmel Glow Stick Face Highlighter

RMLCMW012
Stick no. 01
5 g (Pack of 1)
Rimmel Glow Stick Face Highlighter Cover
Rimmel Rimmel Glow Stick Coty Coty Rimmel Glow Stick Face Highlighting

The Rimmel Glow Stick is a radiant finish highlighter that is perfect for adding a touch of glow to your makeup look. Its creamy texture melts seamlessly onto your skin, making application effortless and enjoyable. You will appreciate how easy it is to use, allowing you to achieve a flawless finish. With this product, you can enhance your features and achieve that coveted luminous glow without any fuss.

What We Like
Radiant finish
Easy creamy application
Seamless blending
Enhances makeup look

Technic Get Gorgeous Highlighting Powder Compact

25703
Original
1 count (Pack of 1)
Technic Get Gorgeous Highlighting Powder Compact Cover
Technic Get Gorgeous Highlighting Powder - Pressed Shimmer Face Makeup Compact with a Shine for a Natural Glow. Shade: Original 6g

The Get Gorgeous Highlighter offers you a fabulous glow with its incredible pigment and metallic shine, making it easy to achieve a radiant look. Its buildable formula ensures a lightweight sheen that lasts all day without transferring, so you can maintain your glow from morning to evening. This versatile highlighter can be applied to both the face and body, as well as used as an eyeshadow, complementing all skin tones beautifully. With just a small amount needed, it provides excellent value for your makeup bag.

What We Like
Long-lasting wear
Versatile for face and body
Easy application
Great value for money
PETA approved

e.l.f. Halo Glow Highlighting Wand for Radiant Skin

Rose Quartz
10 ml (Pack of 1)
e.l.f. Halo Glow Highlighting Wand for Radiant Skin Cover
e.l.f. Halo Glow Highlight Beauty Wand, Liquid Highlighter Wand For Luminous, Glowing Skin, Buildable Formula, Vegan & Cruelty-free, Rose Quartz

The e.l.f. Glow Highlighting Wand is your go-to for achieving dewy, radiant skin in seconds. Its lightweight liquid formula is infused with hydrating squalane, helping you create a lit-from-within glow. You can easily build and blend the formula to suit your desired level of illumination, making it perfect for any occasion. The cushion-tip applicator allows for precise application on the high points of your face, ensuring you look your best with minimal effort.

What We Like
Quick application for glowing skin
Hydrating, skin-friendly ingredients
Buildable and blendable formula
Precise cushion-tip applicator
Vegan and cruelty-free product
#TOP 4

Revolution Reloaded Highlighter for Ultimate Glow

21353
Bronze
21 g (Pack of 1)
Revolution Reloaded Highlighter for Ultimate Glow Cover
Makeup Revolution, Reloaded Highlighter, Highly-Pigmented Face Powder, Brighten, Glow & Shimmer, Dare to Divulge, 10g

The Revolution Highlighter offers an ultimate glow-up with its stunning range of shades designed to leave you with an irresistible radiance. The silky formula is intensely pigmented, providing an instant brightness to your complexion that enhances your natural beauty. You can easily apply it to your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, and the inner corners of your eyes for a captivating shimmer. For those looking for a more dramatic effect, using a damp brush or a fixing spray can create an intense, foil-like finish.

What We Like
Intensely pigmented for brightening
Silky texture for smooth application
Vegan and cruelty-free
Versatile for multiple applications
#TOP 5

Makeup Revolution Highlight Reloaded, Just My Type

21369
Just My Type
10 g (Pack of 1)
Makeup Revolution Highlight Reloaded, Just My Type Cover
Makeup Revolution Highlight Reloaded, Highly Pigmented, Shimmer Glow Finish Face Makeup, Just My Type, 10g

The Revolution Highlight Reloaded in Just My Type is your ticket to an ultimate glow-up. This champagne-toned highlighter features an intensely pigmented formula that instantly brightens your complexion. With its high-impact finish and flattering shimmer, it glides onto your cheekbones with ease, adding definition and radiance. You can also use it to illuminate the bridge of your nose and the inner corners of your eyes for a striking pop of glow. Its super-sized compact makes it convenient for achieving a natural, luminous look all over your face.

What We Like
Intensely pigmented and brightening
Flattering shimmer finish
Easy application on high points
All-in-one super-sized compact
Cruelty-free and PETA-certified

Max Factor Facefinity Highlighter in Nude Beam

99350060009
nude beam
8 g (Pack of 1)
Max Factor Facefinity Highlighter in Nude Beam Cover
Max Factor Facefinity Powder Highlighter, 001 Nude Beam

The Max Factor Highlighter offers an all-day glow without feeling heavy on your skin. Its ultra weightless formula provides a seamless powder finish, giving you a flattering and healthy appearance. You will appreciate the super blendable finish, which allows for mistake-free application, making it easy to achieve the look you desire. Additionally, the blurring silky-light texture ensures that the product does not settle into fine lines, helping you maintain a fresh and youthful complexion throughout the day.

What We Like
Weightless and comfortable wear
Seamless and blendable finish
Mistake-free application
Doesn't settle in fine lines

Lamora Highlighter Makeup Palette Set

highlight_uk
Gold
120 g (Pack of 1)
Lamora Highlighter Makeup Palette Set Cover
Highlighter Make-up Bronzer Powder Palette - Face Highlighter Makeup Palette Set With Mirror - 4 Highly Pigmented Shimmer Colors For Highlighting And Contouring - Vegan, Cruelty Free & Hypoallergenic

The Lamora Highlighter Palette is a high-end makeup essential featuring four highly pigmented shimmer colours. With its well-sized magnification mirror, you can easily apply and blend for a perfect glow on your cheekbones, nose, and other key areas. This long-lasting formula is suitable for all skin types and ages, ensuring a flawless finish. Additionally, the palette is vegan and cruelty-free, allowing you to achieve that celebrity-inspired look with confidence. Its beginner-friendly design includes a step-by-step guide, making it accessible for everyone.

What We Like
Highly pigmented shimmer colours
Long-lasting and easy to apply
Vegan and cruelty-free
Beginner-friendly with guide
Portable and travel-friendly design
#TOP 8

Rimmel London Sculpting Highlighter Palette, Coral Glow

34779196002
Coral Glow
18.5 g (Pack of 1)
Rimmel London Sculpting Highlighter Palette, Coral Glow Cover
Rimmel London Sculpting Highlighter Palette 3-tone, Coral Glow, 18.5 g

The Rimmel Sculpting Highlighter Palette offers a fantastic way to enhance your natural beauty. Designed by Kate Moss, this kit features three shades that allow you to highlight, contour, and add a touch of blush effortlessly. The long-lasting colour blends seamlessly with your skin tone, ensuring you achieve a radiant and healthy glow. Plus, it's easy to remove, making your makeup routine hassle-free.

What We Like
Three versatile shades
Seamless colour blending
Long-lasting wear
Easy to remove
Designed by Kate Moss

L’Oreal Paris Glow Mon Amour Highlighting Drops

L'Oreal Paris
3600523560899
Champagne
15 ml (Pack of 1)
L’Oreal Paris Glow Mon Amour Highlighting Drops Cover
L’Oreal Paris Highlighting Drops, Glow Mon Amour Sparkling Love, Natural and Luminous, Liquid Formula with Nourishing Coconut Oil

L’Oreal Paris Glow Drops offer a luminous and highly pigmented glow that enhances your complexion effortlessly. The liquid formula glides on smoothly, ensuring easy application and seamless blending for a flawless finish. You can achieve a customisable look, whether you prefer a subtle radiance or a striking highlight. Infused with nourishing coconut oil, these drops also provide hydration, making your skin look fresh and vibrant.

What We Like
Highly pigmented formula
Customisable highlighting options
Infused with nourishing coconut oil
Seamless application
Available in trendy shades

W7 Dewy Glow Drops for Radiant Skin

W7
Dewy
1 count (Pack of 1)
W7 Dewy Glow Drops for Radiant Skin Cover
W7 Dewy Glow Drops - Liquid Highlighter Drops For Glowing Skin & A Radiant Finish

The W7 Dewy Glow Drops are a versatile addition to your beauty routine, designed to enhance your skin's radiance. With a highly pigmented liquid formula, you can achieve everything from a subtle glow to a striking strobe effect, perfect for all skin tones. Infused with nourishing ingredients like Cocoa Butter and Hyaluronic Acid, these drops not only beautify but also care for your skin. Their lightweight, long-lasting finish ensures you stay radiant all day without any transfer or staining, making them easy to apply for a flawless look.

What We Like
Buildable glowing finish
Nourishing ingredients
Long-lasting wear
Easy application
Cruelty-free and vegan
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is illuminator better than highlighter?

Think of illuminator as more of a light-diffusing product than a light-reflecting one: illuminating product is generally much softer and gives more of a subtle glow than what you'd get from a highlighter.

2. How do I choose a bronzer and highlighter?

If you are using bronzer, blush, and highlighter, just make sure you apply them in the right order. Bronzer goes on first, then blush, then highlighter. Bronzer will be just below your cheekbone, blush on your apples, and highlighter at the top on the upper cheekbone.

3. What is the difference between illuminator and highlighter?

The main difference: "Highlighter is for a concentrated area of light, while an illuminator casts light more generally," explains Anthony.

Editor's Notes

During our face highlighter research, we found 171 face highlighter products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 171,138 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 £6.23.

The face highlighters are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of face highlighters, including Rimmel, Technic, e.l.f., Revolution Beauty London, Max Factor. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 1,622 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Charlotte Powell Avatar

Charlotte Powell is a dermatologist and a licensed cosmetologist from Westminster, London. However, she was first a cosmetologist from London Beauty Training School. According to Charlotte, she needed better insight into the human skin, hence the dermatology degree. Long before she acquired her degree, she wrote and edited articles, eBooks, and editorials for companies and websites. Charlotte combines her skill and knowledge in providing DIY Beauty tips amongst other fashion related topics.