Best Shimmer Face Highlighters of 2026

Charlotte Powell Avatar
Charlotte Powell
Last Updated: 2 Feb 2026

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Shimmer face highlighters are cosmetic products that add a luminous glow to the high points of the face, such as the cheekbones, brow bone, and cupid's bow. These highlighters come in a variety of shades and textures, from powder to cream, and can be applied with a brush, sponge, or fingertips. They are a popular addition to makeup routines, as they give the skin a youthful and radiant look. While there are many different brands and types of highlighters available, shimmer face highlighters are a great option for those who want to add a subtle or dramatic sparkle to their makeup look.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Technic Get Gorgeous Highlighting Powder Compact Cover #TOP 1
Technic Get Gorgeous Highlighting Powder Compact
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Makeup Revolution Highlight Reloaded, Just My Type Cover #TOP 2
Makeup Revolution Highlight Reloaded, Just My Type
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Technic Mega Glow Highlighter Palette with 4 Shades Cover #TOP 3
Technic Mega Glow Highlighter Palette with 4 Shades
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Shimmer Face Highlighters

Technic Get Gorgeous Highlighting Powder Compact

25703
Shimmery Light
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

Makeup Revolution Highlight Reloaded, Just My Type

21369
Any Skin Tone
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

Technic Mega Glow Highlighter Palette with 4 Shades

28714
Golden
1 count (Pack of 1)
Technic Mega Glow Highlighter Palette with 4 Shades Cover
Technic Mega Glow Highlighter Palette - 4 Highly Pigmented, Long Lasting Shimmer Powders That Blend Beautifully To Highlight and Enhance Makeup On All Skin Tones - 10g

The Technic Highlighter Palette features four stunning pressed shimmer shades that provide a fabulous glow for all skin tones. The soft and silky powder formula makes application easy, allowing you to highlight areas such as your cheekbones and brow bone effortlessly. With its highly versatile blendable colours, you can define and contour or mix them for a natural radiance. This palette ensures you shine confidently every day, keeping you on-trend and looking great at an affordable price.

What We Like
Highly pigmented shades
Easy application
Versatile for day and night
PETA approved and vegan
#TOP 4

MUA Makeup Academy Pink Shimmer Highlighter Powder

MUA
MUA026
Pink Shimmer
8 g (Pack of 1)
MUA Makeup Academy Pink Shimmer Highlighter Powder Cover
MUA Makeup Academy Shimmer Highlighter Powder, Pink Shimmer - Highly Pigmented Glow Finish, 8 g

The MUA Pink Shimmer Highlighter offers a soft rosy shine, giving your skin a youthful, radiant glow perfect for any occasion. Its highly pigmented formula allows you to build the intensity, whether you want a subtle shimmer or a striking highlight. The velvety texture ensures the powder glides on smoothly and feels lightweight, making it easy to blend for a natural finish. You can use it on your cheeks or sweep it up to your temples for a luminous look, or even add a pop of shimmer to your eyes for extra sparkle.

What We Like
Soft rosy glow
Highly pigmented
Lightweight, smooth texture
Versatile application
Buildable shimmer

Revolution Reloaded Highlighter for Ultimate Glow

21353
Rose Gold
10 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 6

MUA Makeup Academy Radiant Cashmere Highlighter Powder

MUA
MUA012
Radiant Cashmere
8 g (Pack of 1)
MUA Makeup Academy Radiant Cashmere Highlighter Powder Cover
MUA Makeup Academy Shimmer Highlighter Powder, Radiant Cashmere - Highly Pigmented Glow Finish, 8 g

The MUA Radiant Cashmere Highlighter offers a warm champagne glow that suits all skin tones, giving your face a soft and luminous finish. Its highly pigmented formula lets you build your desired glow, whether you prefer a subtle shimmer or a bold highlight. The velvety texture ensures the powder glides on smoothly and feels lightweight for a natural, radiant look. You can easily apply it on your cheeks for a high shine effect or add an extra pop of shimmer to your eyes, making it a versatile addition to your makeup routine.

What We Like
Warm champagne glow suits all
Buildable, highly pigmented formula
Smooth, lightweight texture
Multi-use on cheeks and eyes

Technic Highlighter Wand - Beam Me Up

20760
Gold
9 ml (Pack of 1)
Technic Highlighter Wand - Beam Me Up Cover
Technic Highlighter Wand - Illuminating, Gold Liquid Highlighter With Doe Foot Applicator - Long Lasting Blendable Formula To Give a Luminous Shimmer Finish and All Day Glow. Shade: Beam Me Up. 9ml

The Technic Highlighter Wand offers a stunning way to enhance your complexion with its luminous and shimmering formula. With a lightweight, buildable texture, this highlighter ensures a long-lasting glow that won't transfer, keeping you radiant throughout the day. The convenient doe-foot applicator allows you to easily apply the product to key areas like your cheekbones and cupid's bow, helping to elevate your makeup look effortlessly. Suitable for all skin types, this highlighter can be mixed with your foundation for a natural brilliance.

What We Like
Long-lasting formula
Easy application
Buildable coverage
Vegan and cruelty-free
Enhances natural glow

Makeup Revolution Reloaded Highlighter for Ultimate Glow

1223362
Peach Lights
10 g (Pack of 1)
Makeup Revolution Reloaded Highlighter for Ultimate Glow Cover
Makeup Revolution, Reloaded Highlighter, Highly-Pigmented Face Powder, Brighten, Glow & Shimmer

The Revolution Reloaded Highlighter offers an ultimate glow-up with its array of vibrant shades designed to enhance your natural radiance. This silky formula is intensely pigmented, ensuring your complexion is instantly brightened with a high-impact shimmer. You can easily apply it to your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, and even the inner corners of your eyes for an enchanting pop of glow. For those looking for an intense, foil-like finish, simply use it with a damp brush or a Fixing Spray for added convenience.

What We Like
Intensely pigmented for brightening
Silky formula for smooth application
Easy to apply on multiple areas
Vegan and cruelty-free product
#TOP 9

e.l.f. Halo Glow Silky Powder Highlighter

84802
Soft Pearl Era
4.5 g (Pack of 1)
e.l.f. Halo Glow Silky Powder Highlighter Cover
e.l.f. Halo Glow Silky Powder Highlighter, Long-Lasting Luminous Face Finish, Cake-Resistant with Micro-Shimmer, Vegan & Cruelty-Free, Soft Pearl Era

The e.l.f. Halo Glow Highlighter is an ultra-silky powder that gives your skin a beautiful, luminous finish, helping you achieve a radiant look with ease. Its finely milled micro-shimmer blends perfectly into your skin, providing a natural, lit-from-within glow without any harsh sparkle. The long-lasting formula ensures your highlight stays put throughout the day without creasing or caking, offering a comfortable, non-greasy feel. Plus, it layers wonderfully over the e.l.f. Halo Glow Highlight Beauty Wand to boost your glow even more, giving you versatile options for your makeup look.

What We Like
Ultra-silky texture
Natural micro-shimmer glow
Long-lasting, crease resistant
Non-greasy feel
Layers well for extra glow
#TOP 10

MUA Shimmer Highlighter Powder Iridescent Gold

MUA
MUA034
Shimmering Gold
8 g (Pack of 1)
MUA Shimmer Highlighter Powder Iridescent Gold Cover
MUA Makeup Academy Shimmer Highlighter Powder, Iridescent Gold - Highly Pigmented Glow Finish, 8 g

The MUA Shimmer Highlighter offers a warm, iridescent gold glow that suits medium to deep skin tones perfectly, enhancing your natural beauty with a golden finish. Its highly pigmented formula allows you to build your look from a gentle shimmer to a striking highlight, so you can tailor your glow to any occasion. The velvety, lightweight texture glides on smoothly, making application effortless and comfortable for a radiant, natural appearance. You can use it on your cheeks or eyes to add a touch of shimmer and elevate your makeup look with ease.

What We Like
Warm golden glow
Highly pigmented
Lightweight, smooth texture
Buildable shimmer
Versatile use on cheeks and eyes
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Where do you put shimmer highlighter on your face?

DO use highlighter in spots that catch light, and enhance your natural features: on cheekbones and temples, down the bridge of your nose, under brows, the inner corners of eyes, and above the cupid's bow. DO keep your other makeup like foundation, blush and bronzer softly matte and shimmer free.

2. Which highlighter is best for glowing skin?

Lakme Sheer Blusher & Highlighter With intense colour payoff, it lasts longer and gives a beautiful glow to the skin. Suitable for all skin types, it blends easily with less effort. To ensure easy applying, it has a sponge applicator. It gives effortless shine and has easy application.

3. Which is the best face highlighter?

Maybelline New York Face Studio Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter, Molten Gold, 6.7g. A molten gold highlighter having a soft powder formula. A molten gold highlighter having a soft powder formula.

4. What is the difference between shimmer and highlighter?

The difference is that highlighters are intended for the high points of the face. They're complexion products. In contrast, when we're talking about a shimmer, we're almost always referring to an eyeshadow. Both highlighters and shimmers are intended to be shiny, and either might be referred to as “shimmery.”

Editor's Notes

During our shimmer face highlighter research, we found 206 shimmer face highlighter products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 128,517 customer reviews through our big data system to write the shimmer face highlighters list. We found that most customers choose shimmer face highlighters with an average price of £5.57.

The shimmer face highlighters are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of shimmer face highlighters, including Technic, Revolution Beauty London, MUA, e.l.f.. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 861 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

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.