The Drugstore Highlighters to Swear By for a Major Glow

Byrdie senior editor Lindsey calls this highlighting stick the real deal, noting that it works just as well as her prestige favorites. It boasts light-filtering technology that draws attention to key parts of the face. "They’re buildable, so you can apply just a touch for a subtle glow or keep layering for more striking luminescence," Lindsey says. "I also love that they come in both a gold and pinkish hue so I can switch them up depending on my makeup and skin tone that day.”

You just can’t beat this wallet-friendly glow-maker that’s a favorite amongst highlighter newbies, beauty junkies, makeup artists, and more. The velvety smooth powder dresses the cheekbones, cupid’s bow, or wherever you apply it with an ultra-pearly finish that never accentuates texture or visible pores. No matter if you prefer a subtle sheen or an intense glow this highlighter will work for you.

The opalescent quality of this fluid makes it super wearable and also very versatile. Mix a drop into your skincare (think: serum or cream) or base product (think: tinted moisturizer or foundation) and smooth all over for a lit from within glow. The light-reflecting pigments will help blur any imperfections, making for an even more flawless base than if you were starting with even the most full coverage foundation. The more you add into your products, the less coverage they’ll have, so if you like a finish that’s more high intensity, this technique may not be for you. Instead, dab some of the liquid highlighter onto your cheekbones with a damp beauty blender. Though the effect won’t be exactly the same as if you mixed it with your foundation, it’s a nice compromise.

The best thing about a stick highlighter is not needing any extra tools. All you need is a few swipes and you’re looking more put together than before. Even if you don’t have a stitch of other makeup on or didn’t get a wink of sleep, you’ll look glowy and well-rested.

One of the things you need to look out for is glitter pigments in highlighter. Luckily, this one is formulated without any chunky glitter and will glide on smooth, melting into skin ever so gently. It’s described as a metallic sheen and that’s exactly what you’ll get with this. It won’t settle into fine lines, but instead, blur them and give the appearance of a smooth complexion.

Try tapping it on with your ring finger (it’s the weakest, so it won’t tug, especially around the delicate eye area) for a more diffused look that’s on the natural side. Makeup artists love using a formula like this on the brow bone—it creates the illusion of an eye lift and will help to shape the brow, too.

Finding a cream highlighter that gives you a gorgeous glow that lasts can be quite the challenge. Many cream formulas tend to slip and slide all over the face creating a sweaty, not glowy, look. That is until we came across this gem from Flower Beauty.

The self-sharpening chubby stick houses a smooth emollient cream infused with ultra-refined shimmers and melts into the skin, leaving behind a soft-focus gleam that never appears too shiny or sweaty on your complexion. The silky cream always gives a natural-looking radiance and never cakes up when applied over other products. What makes it a true stand out glow-getter is how well it layers over powders.

Anything that’s pearlescent will flatter fair skin tones. Stick to shades with a cooler appearance like blue and green shimmer flecks instead of warm tones like pinks and oranges—the latter will make it look like you weren’t too sure about where your blush should go.

This illuminating powder, in particular, is finely milled and won’t make it look like you have chunks of glitter on your face. For a more intense sheen, dip your brush in water first and then swipe this on skin. It even works well as an eyeshadow if you’re going for a more monochromatic look.

It’s called butter highlighter for a reason. It’s so velvety, it actually feels like butter on the skin (and it’s formulated with a power-packed trifecta of butter: Murumuru, Cupuaçu, and Tucuma that moisturize the skin). Upon the first touch, it’s creamy and then it turns into a powder, giving it more staying power for all-day wear.

The rose gold shade, in particular, is perfect for darker skin tones because it has rich pigments that match the warmth in deeper tones. While the champagne option might look ashy, this one leaves you with a subtle hint of radiance that catches the light and dazzles.

Whether you’re trying to recreate the full face of highlighter look or just like having options, this quad of four powder shades has got you covered. Armed with two universal glowy highlighters, a blush, and bronzer tone, you’ll be glistening in no time. Get creative and try multiple shades on your face to come up with your own unique hue or stick to one if it suits you.