Highlighting, strobing, glowing, whatever you want to call it does not seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. But, to be honest, I’m not mad about it, having my face reflect the sun into oblivion is what I strive for. If anything, I am simply overwhelmed with the heap products constantly popping up on the market. Which one do I try next? Is 0.35 oz of product really worth $44.00? Should I seek help for my growing collection of highlighters? Well, below is a list, full of old favorites and new obsessions, created to help you answer at least a third of those questions. I’ll have to get back to you on the latter.
The OG: High Beam Benefit
High Beam ($26.00 USD)
The High Beam highlighter has been the go-to since highlighting first gained momentum and has since persevered the many phases of contouring and strobing. NBGA is no stranger to High Beam either – having used it in our, “How to Look Like A Delicious Glazed Donut Goddess” [linked here] tutorial we still love it and reach for it often. The pearlized liquid is easy to work with and can be worn underneath makeup, alone for a delicate glow, or over your foundation for a lustrous finish. High Beam also comes in a mini/travel version (for half the price), making it perfect for travel, work, and midday touch ups.
The New Kid on the Block: Color Pop Cosmetics
‘Over the Moon’ ($8.00 USD)
Colourpop has gained the love of the beauty community by consistently putting out affordable and high-quality products. The brand frequently collaborates with beauty bloggers to create wallet friendly eyeshadow palettes that everyone seems to love, and their highlighters are no different. Following the formula of the Super-Shock shadows, ‘Over the Moon’ has a creamy consistency with a color payoff reminiscent of fairy dust – shimmery and opalescent.
The Talk of the Town: Fenty Beauty
Match Stix Shimmer Skinstick in ‘Confetti’ ($25.00 USD)
I believe I am not alone when I say I was determined to try all of the Fenty products the minute Rihanna started dropping promos for it. And when the line did finally drop the MatchStix were the first to be purchased and they have not let me down since. Originally I stuck to the more ~neutral~ sticks (shout out to ‘Trippin’ and ‘Mocha’) but after the NBGA “I’ve Got 5 Mood: Glossy” tutorial it was hard to resist the allure of ‘Confetti’. The highlighter is described as an “iridescent opal” and is sister to the deeper lilac MatchStix, ‘Unicorn’. Definitely a must for those days you’re feeling a bit more magical. The brand may still be in its infancy, but it has already gained a loyal fan base (@ me) that is ready to stan for Rihanna through all future drops.
The Sophisticated One: Laura Mercier
Face Illuminator in ‘Indiscretion’ ($44.00 USD)
Whether you’re a fan of the brand’s coveted Translucent Powder or beloved Tinted Moisturizer they are two staples that can be found in almost anyone’s makeup bag. So, of course, when the line introduced their new highlighters – we had to dip our feet in. The bulky packaging can be annoying, but worth it if you want to keep the buttery illuminator intact. Heavily pigmented we found this one best applied with our fingers and blended out with a fluffy eyeshadow brush of your choice.
The IG Favorite: Anastasia Beverly Hills
Glow Kit in ‘Sundipped’ ($40.00)
The brand responsible for fierce brows around the globe, thanks to their Dipbrow Pomade and Brow Wiz pencil, is also mother to the Glow Kit. About every beauty guru has lavished their fanned highlighter brush into this quad of metallic powders. The kit comes with four different shades: Bronzed, Summer, Tourmaline, and Moonstone making it suitable for different skin tones and allowing for a bit of versatility within one product. The only downside is the packaging, with no secured lid the palette looks better on your vanity, otherwise it’s likely to end up broken and at the bottom of your makeup bag. No thanks.
In case you don’t know where or how to apply highlighter, check out our tutorial or the picture below:
by Carolina Ramos
Picture by : Ania Milczarcyzk
