Best Reviewed Highlighters: The Top 7

How We Choose the Top Picks 

1. BENEFIT Cookie Golden Pearl Highlighter

Best Powder Highlighter for a Natural Glow

Ideal for combination, dry, normal, or oily skin, the BENEFIT Cookie Golden Pearl Highlighter delivers the best radiant, soft-focus finish for an effortless face glow. Its lightweight formula gives your complexion a natural lift without any heavy feel.

• Price Point: Mid-range
• Finish: Luminous, soft-focus shimmer
• Blendability: Blends seamlessly into skin
• Buildability: Layerable for customised intensity
• Key Ingredients: Fragrance-free, Oil-free, Paraben-free, Sulphate-free
• Coverage: Light, soft radiant finish
• Ease of Application: Beginner-friendly; best applied with a fluffy brush
• Skin Tone Compatibility: Fair to medium, suitable for Asian skin

Pros & Cons

Overall Product Rating: 4/5

2. MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Face Powders Highlighter

Best Powder Highlighter for a Radiant Glow

The MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Face Powders Highlighter boasts 7 shades, giving you the freedom to create the perfect glow that lasts all day. Its formula melts into the skin for a smooth finish, while light-catching pearls add a radiant touch without any powdery feel.

What’s more, the 100% recycled packaging with a removable pan makes it easy to customise your palette—beauty that’s sustainable and stunning!

• Price Point: Mid-range
• Finish: Natural, radiant, satin, sheer
• Blendability: Blends effortlessly with skin, leaving no powdery residue
• Buildability: Layerable for customisable glow intensity
• Key Ingredients: Squalane, Vitamins
• Coverage: Sheer to medium
• Ease of Application: User-friendly; best applied with a brush for precise placement
• Skin Tone Compatibility: Suitable for a wide range of skin tones

Pros & Cons

Overall Product Rating: 4.5/5

3. BOBBI BROWN Highlighting Powder

Best Gel-Powder Hybrid Highlighter for a Smooth Finish 

The BOBBI BROWN Highlighting Powder combines the best of gel and powder formulas for a highlighter that feels weightless and melts into the skin. It leaves a refined finish and can be applied dry for a soft, subtle glow or wet for a more intense, high-impact radiance. It’s also versatile enough to double as an eyeshadow, giving you a luminous, statement look for both face and eyes.

• Price Point: Premium
• Finish: Natural, radiant, and luminous
• Blendability: Smooth and blends effortlessly into skin
• Buildability: Easily layerable for both soft and intense highlights
• Key Ingredients: Squalane, glycerin
• Coverage: Sheer to medium, buildable for desired effect
• Ease of Application: User-friendly; apply with a blending brush for a soft glow, or use a damp brush for high-impact finish
• Skin Tone Compatibility: Versatile for a wide range of skin tones

Pros & Cons 

Overall Product Rating: 4.5/5

4. M·A·C Sculpt & Glow Duo Highlight & Contour Palette

Best 2-in-1 Highlighter & Contour for a Sculpted Glow

Achieve a sun-kissed appearance with the M·A·C Sculpt & Glow Duo Highlight & Contour Palette, a perfect blend of luminous highlighter and natural contour shade.

Whether you want to enhance your skin tone, add warmth, or accentuate a tan, this creamy powder formula delivers a radiant finish lasting up to 10 hours. Safe for all skin types, it’s non-acnegenic and tested by dermatologists and ophthalmologists for ultimate confidence and wearability.

• Price Point: Premium
• Finish: Natural, radiant, sun-kissed glow
• Blendability: Smooth, blends seamlessly without a powdery finish
• Buildability: Easily layerable for intensity control
• Key Ingredients: Squalane, Glycerin, Talc
• Coverage: Sheer to medium, buildable for desired depth
• Ease of Application: Beginner and expert-friendly; best applied with a precise blending brush for a soft glow or contour effect
• Skin Tone Compatibility: Suitable for a variety of skin tones

Pros & Cons 

Overall Product Rating: 4.3/5

5. CHANEL LE BLANC ROSY LIGHT DROPS SHEER HIGHLIGHTING FLUID CUSTOM-MADE RADIANCE ROSY GLOW FINISH 30ML

Best Liquid Highlighter for a Rosy Glow

With radiance-boosting pigments, the CHANEL LE BLANC ROSY LIGHT DROPS adds a soft, pearly pink luminosity that enhances fair to medium skin. 

Ideal for layering over foundation, it brings a fresh radiance that feels effortlessly refined. Whether used alone or as a finishing touch, this face highlighter delivers the best rosy glow with a vibrant, natural finish.

• Price Point: Premium
• Finish: Natural, radiant, pearly pink
• Blendability: Smooth, effortlessly blends into the skin
• Buildability: Layerable for a soft or more defined rosy glow
• Key Ingredients: Radiance-boosting pigments
• Coverage: Sheer, adds a hint of colour
• Ease of Application: Beginner-friendly; can be applied with fingertips to high points of the face or all over for an all-over glow
• Skin Tone Compatibility: Ideal for light to medium skin tones, including Asian skin

Pros & Cons 

Overall Product Rating: 4.4/5

6. CHANEL LES BEIGES HEALTHY GLOW SUN-KISSED POWDER

Best Powder Highlighter for a Sun-Kissed Look

The CHANEL LES BEIGES HEALTHY GLOW SUN-KISSED POWDER offers a luxurious trio of shades—bronzer, blush, and highlighter—to achieve a sun-kissed glow. Perfect for warming up your complexion or adding a subtle touch of colour, this powder delivers an effortless glow that lasts up to 8 hours. Available in five harmonies, it’s designed to suit a wide range of skin tones, from fair to deep.

• Price Point: Premium
• Finish: Natural, radiant, and sun-kissed
• Blendability: Smooth, blends seamlessly with the skin
• Buildability: Layerable for a soft glow or a more defined look
• Key Ingredients: Jasmine-infused oil
• Coverage: Sheer to light, buildable as needed
• Ease of Application: Beginner-friendly; best applied with a brush for easy blending and precision application
• Skin Tone Compatibility: Suitable for a wide range of skin tones

Pros & Cons 

Overall Product Rating: 4.6/5

7. GUCCI Illuminateur De Beauté Liquid Highlighter

Best Liquid Highlighter for an All-Day Glow

The GUCCI Illuminateur De Beauté Liquid Highlighter provides a natural, radiant glow in one universally flattering shade. Enriched with ultra-fine luminous pearls and Black Rose extract, this hydrating formula delivers all-day wear, comfort, and a skin-loving finish.

• Price Point: Mid-range
• Finish: Natural, radiant, luminous
• Blendability: Blends smoothly and effortlessly into the skin
• Buildability: Layerable for a subtle or more defined glow
• Key Ingredients: Black Rose extract, Glycerin, AHAs/Glycolic Acid
• Coverage: Sheer, light coverage for a fresh look
• Ease of Application: Beginner-friendly; apply on bare skin or mixed with foundation
• Skin Tone Compatibility: Universal shade designed to flatter all skin tones

Pros & Cons 

Overall Product Rating: 4.5/5

Different Types of Highlighters 

Each type of highlighter offers unique benefits, making it easy to find the best match for your desired look!

Natural Finish Highlighters

Ideal for everyday use, natural finish highlighters like the BENEFIT Dandelion Twinkle Soft Nude-Pink Highlighter and CHANEL LES BEIGES HEALTHY GLOW SUN-KISSED POWDER offer a soft, barely-there glow.

Radiant & Dewy Highlighters

If you’re after a fresh, luminous look, radiant highlighters such as the MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Face Powders Highlighter and GUCCI Illuminateur De Beauté Liquid Highlighter add that dewy finish to your skin.

Glitter & Metallic Highlighters

For bold, statement looks, glitter and metallic highlighters like the BOBBI BROWN Highlighting Powder bring intense shine and high impact.

Multi-Use Highlighters

Versatile multi-use highlighters like the M·A·C Sculpt & Glow Duo Highlight & Contour Palette and CHANEL LE BLANC ROSY LIGHT DROPS can be used on the face, body, and even as an eyeshadow palette for any occasion, providing an all-over-glow.

How to Choose the Right Highlighter for Your Skin

Finding your perfect highlighter doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the best fit based on your skin tone, type, and personal style.

Consider Your Skin Tone 

Skin tone is essential when selecting the right highlighter shade:

• Fair Skin Tones: Opt for champagne or soft pink-based shades for a natural lift.
• Medium to Olive Skin Tones: Golden or peachy hues add warmth and radiance.
• Deeper Skin Tones: Bronze or copper shades enhance glow beautifully without looking ashy.

Choose a Formula that Works with Your Skin Type

The right formula can make all the difference in how your highlighter blends and lasts:

• Powder Highlighters: Great for oily or combination skin, providing a soft-focus effect.
• Liquid Highlighters: Best for dry skin, offering a dewy, skin-like finish.
• Cream Highlighters: Work well for dry or mature skin, blending seamlessly for a natural face glow.
• Stick Highlighters: Perfect for on-the-go use and easy application.

Consider Blendability & Ease of Use

Easy-to-blend highlighters are a must, especially for beginners looking for a natural look. Choose formulas that glide on smoothly and don’t leave any harsh lines. Here are some application tips:

• Start Light: Apply a small amount first; it’s easier to build up than tone down.
• Dab, Don’t Rub: Use a damp sponge or brush to gently dab, avoiding harsh lines.
• Focus on Key Areas: Apply to cheekbones, brow bones, and the bridge of your nose for a natural lift.
• Blend the Edges: Soften the edges with light, circular motions for a seamless finish.

Select Your Preferred Finish & Intensity

The finish and intensity of your highlighter can elevate your look from soft and subtle to bold and radiant:

• Subtle Glow: Buildable for a natural, everyday look.
• Dewy/Radiant: Gives a luminous finish without looking oily.
• Bold/Metallic: Perfect for high-impact looks, adding a touch of drama.

Highlighter Routine Tips for Beginners

Applying highlighter can be simple with the right technique. Follow these steps to perfect your best makeup glow:

Use the Right Tools

• For Cream or Liquid Highlighters: Use a damp makeup sponge or your fingertips to dab and blend for a seamless, skin-like finish. This method helps control the product’s spread, giving a natural glow.
• For Powder Highlighters: Opt for a fluffy brush, like the MAKE UP FOR EVER Face Highlighter Medium Brush #152, to apply and blend without overloading product. A fluffy brush diffuses the powder for an even, light finish.

Apply Strategically on the Right Spots

For the best glow, focus on the high points of your face where light naturally hits:

• Cheekbones: Apply highlighter along the tops of your cheekbones to lift and sculpt.
• Brow Bones: Add a touch just below your eyebrows to open up the eye area.
• Bridge of the Nose: A light swipe down the bridge creates a soft, refined contour.
• Cupid's Bow: A dab above your upper lip enhances the shape, making lips look fuller.

Why Shop on iShopChangi?

Ready to find your perfect face highlighter?

On iShopChangi, explore a curated selection of top-rated highlighters available at tax-free and GST-absorbed prices, plus free delivery options for ultimate convenience! Whether you’re a traveller or a local, enjoy incredible deals and a wide range of choices.

Not sure where to begin?

Read up on our makeup buying guide for expert tips and recommendations. And with our easy-to-use filters, you can sort by finish and formula to find the ideal highlighter for your skin tone, type, and style. So, why wait? Shop the best face highlighters today and get your glow-up started!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Face Highlighters

What is the difference between a highlighter and an illuminator?

A highlighter adds targeted shine to specific areas, while an illuminator provides an all-over radiant glow to the skin. For precise highlighting, a highlighter is the best choice.

How do I apply a highlighter for the best results?

For the best results, apply highlighter to the high points of the face—cheekbones, brow bones, bridge of the nose, and Cupid’s bow—using a brush or fingertips for a natural, luminous finish.

How do I choose a highlighter that complements my foundation?

Choose a highlighter with the same undertone as your foundation (e.g., warm or cool) and a similar texture (liquid with liquid, powder with powder) for the best seamless blend.

Should I use powder or liquid highlighter for mature skin?

For mature skin, the best option is a liquid highlighter, as it blends smoothly and avoids settling into fine lines.

What is the best highlighter for a subtle, everyday glow?

For a soft, everyday glow, choose a natural-finish highlighter like BENEFIT Dandelion Twinkle or CHANEL LE BLANC ROSY LIGHT DROPS for the best subtle radiance.

How can I make my highlighter last longer throughout the day?

For the best lasting power, apply a primer first, layer a powder highlighter over a liquid or cream base, and finish with a setting spray to lock in your glow.