7 Best Highlighter Products For All Skin Tones

Highlighting and contouring have changed the makeup game for most of us — we can’t get through our everyday routine without these two beauty tricks. However, while contouring is more intense, highlighting gives more of a natural, healthy glow and twinkle to our adorable cheeks. Still, finding the perfect highlighter products for face can be overwhelming, so I've rounded up the best highlighter makeup products that any skin tone will love.

Unlike the controversial act of contouring, highlighting is a must that most makeup artists agree on. Every red carpet celebrity is wearing it, and it’s sent everyone is a mad dash to the makeup counter to find the best products.

What makes a good highlighter? Well, for starters: a blendable formula, a soft sheen, and the right shade for your skin tone. Fair skin tones look beautiful in champagne tones, while medium to dark skin tones look great wearing highlighters with pink or bronze undertones. The trick is to pair with a highlighter that matches the natural undertones of your skin.

Anything can work as a highlighter, from eye shadows to bronzers. As long as it has a soft shimmer and matches your skin tone, you can use it to highlight the tops of the cheekbones.

To apply a perfect highlight, lightly dust your favorite shimmer product across the highest point of your cheeks. Pro tip: apply highlighter before blush for that “glowing from within” look.

You can apply highlighter to your cupids bow, under your brow bone, and on the bridge of your nose. If there’s a facial feature you love, highlighting is the best way to show it off.

Below are 7 cult-favorite highlighters that will give you the perfect summer glow.

1. Mary-Lou Manizer by The Balm

Mary-Lou Manizer by The Balm, $20, Amazon

This soft, champagne colored highlighter is universal to all skin tones.

2. Hard Candy So Baked Bronzer in Tiki

Hard Candy So Baked Bronzer in Tiki, $9, Amazon

Throwback to the '90s! Yes, this brand was the hot, high-end cosmetic during your middle school days. But this "bronzer" (which is really a highlight, trust us) is still among the top highlighting tool used among professional beauty bloggers. It's the best highlight for medium to dark skin tones.

3. Watt's Up! by Benefit Cosmetics

Watt's Up! by Benefit Cosmetics, $36, Amazon

Want to highlight on the go? This double-ended product/applicator mashup is another universal color that takes makeup to the next level.

4. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette, $62, Amazon

If you're new to highlighting, this is the product for you. A single color costs $48, so it's worth it to grab the trio palette. Use the lighter shades for everyday looks, and the sunnier bronze-like shade for summer adventures.

5. Physicians Formula Powder Palette Mineral Glow Pearls

Physicians Formula Powder Palette Mineral Glow Pearls, $10, Amazon

This brand is great for sensitive skin, and you can find it at any drugstore.

6. Laura Mercier Highlighter

Laura Mercier Highlighter, $42, Amazon

If you aren't sure what highlight shade is best for your skin tone, this shade is a safe bet.

7. Becca Cosmetics Shimmering Skin Perfector in Opal

Becca Cosmetics Shimmer Skin Perfector in Opal, $38, Amazon

Becca cosmetics was put on the map with this cult favorite. If you're very fair, opt for the Moonstone shade!

Images: Courtesy Of Brands