There is no shortage of highly rated powder highlighters over the years, but in the last couple of years, we have seen a massive increase in liquid highlighters and cream highlighters as well. This list includes a mix of all three. They are editor-approved and editor-tested, featuring the best highlighters for 2022 (as they’re presently available). I’ve tried to include a mix of brands, shades, and formulas so that our list of best highlighters offers something for everyone.

Every product recommended below has been tested and reviewed by me, your editor-in-chief, and I test thousands of products every year–so each product really had to earn their way onto this list. To read more about a specific shade or view swatches, make sure to use the drop downs and buttons below, as we’ve tried to make this guide comprehensive and easy to use!

Dior Forever Couture Luminizer

Read Reviews View Swatches View a shade... Coral Cruise (002)Coral Glow (06)Golden Glow (04)Nude Glow (01)Nude RivieraPearlescent Glow (03)Pink Glow (02)Pink RivieraRosewood Glow (05)

It was described as having a "multidimensional glow" that "blend[ed] seamlessly" and was long-wearing. The formula felt like it was a gel-powder formula, which was indicated by its slightly firmer, almost stiff, feel in the pan, but there was no powderiness, and the product picked up well with a moderately-dense brush. Once on, the powder almost "melted" on my skin, which gave it a particularly seamless look that was never dry or dusty. Read more...

Auric Glow Lust Radiant Luminizer

Read Reviews View Swatches View a shade... AxiniteCitrineGoldstoneMorganiteMorganite 2.0PyriteSeleniteSunstoneTourmaline

The formula is supposed to have buildable coverage so it can be used "alone" or "blended" with skincare/foundation or "used as a highlighter on top of foundation." Read more...

Pat McGrath Divine Glow Highlighter

Read Reviews View Swatches View a shade... Bronze MirageGolden MoonlightGolden NectarLunar AllureNude NectarSunset NectarVenus Nectar

The formula is supposed to have an "ultra-reflective finish" and "silken feel" to give a "high intensity glow." The texture felt more emollient, almost wet to the touch, though it was distinctively a powder-based formula in practice. Read more...

Lethal Cosmetics Magnetic Pressed Highlighter

Read Reviews View Swatches View a shade... AtomicChromosphereEviscerateFlareFluxFusionGammaGravityHaloIonicIsotopeMoon RockQuantumScatterStellar

The formula is supposed to have a "radiant glow" that is "never glittery" and long-wearing. The pigmentation ranged from semi-opaque to opaque, but all were buildable if desired. The texture was soft, smooth, and blendable without being too firmly nor too loosely-pressed, which made it easy to adjust pressure or use with both feathery and denser brushes to change the application results. Read more...

Rare Beauty Positive Light Liquid Luminizer Highlight

Read Reviews View Swatches View a shade... CaptivateEnchantEnlightenFlauntMesmerizeOutshineReflectTranscend

It's supposed to have "superfine, light-catching pearls" that can be built up from "soft sheen to pure pop." Per the description, it is intended to be used as a standalone highlighter--applied over liquid, powder, or cream--or mixed with foundation. It worked well on bare skin as well as over foundation, and it was mixable, though the style of applicator made it less readily mixed into foundation compared to a dropper. I had slight lifting issues with certain shades, but it was less prone to doing so overall. Read more...

Sydney Grace Highlighter

Read Reviews View Swatches View a shade... AllegroAncient HistoryCantataDayglowDeep DevotionDown the AisleDuchessGolden WonderHeavenKeep It a SecretMajesticMelodyMorning GloryOutglowPeach KissesPicture PerfectPink MistPrismPSL Extra WhipPumpkin Spice LattePure JoyRhythmRoyal GoldSandy BeachSatin KicksSequoiaSublimeSun Kissed PeachSwinging VinesVelvet GoldWonderstruck

The highlighters are supposed to be "smooth and pigmented" that "blend like a dream" and "last all day long." The majority of the shades in the range are incredibly pigmented with a creaminess to the texture that makes them a cinch to apply and blend out on my skin. Read more...

ColourPop Lite Stix

Read Reviews View Swatches View a shade... Acting UpBossBullz EyeDarcyFlycatcherFlying HighGlazeyGod ComplexHappy AccidentHope St.IcyIgniteLight ChaserMagpieMintedMolten HotOn a StreakSkywatcherStar BriteStormyUoenoUrthWinter Nites

The formula is supposed to "blend effortlessly" with a "natural, skin-like finish" that can be layered or applied on bare skin. The brand recommends applyling directly from the tube for heavier coverage and using a brush to pick up product for less coverage, though the coverage "easily builds colour to your heart's desire." Read more...

Milk Makeup Flex Highlighter

Read Reviews View Swatches View a shade... BlitzedGlazedIcedLit

The formula is supposed to apply "seamlessly" to skin and hydrate skin with a "weightless pearlescent base" that gives "next-level glow." There's no specific description about coverage, but the promotional swatches showed all shades as opaque. The formula is as smooth and as silky as described; it felt like a thinner, powdery cream than it felt like a true powder. Read more...

Maybelline MasterChrome Metallic Highlighter

Read Reviews View Swatches View a shade... KnockoutMolten GoldMolten PeachMolten PearlMolten Rose GoldMolten TopazNikkie Tutorials

It’s supposed to have a “chrome effect” that can be applied “lightly for a subtle glow” or built up for a “bold melted metal look.” The texture was soft, smooth, and blendable that was delightfully creamy to the touch, but it was still more loosely pressed (without being powdery), which made it particularly easy to apply with a slew of brushes. Read more...

Natasha Denona Super Glow Highlighter

Read Reviews View Swatches View a shade... BronzeBronze (03)Fair (01)Glow Gold (Right)Light-Medium (02)Love Glow (Super Glow)NudeTan #2

The formula is supposed to be a "super-soft powder" that "mimics skin's natural texture for a slick, seamless finish that won't settle in fine lines" while creating a "multidimensional glow" and "glass-like sheen." The powder has a denser consistency with slight slip and creaminess, but it definitely feels like a powder. Read more...

Sydney Grace Loose Highlighter

Read Reviews View Swatches View a shade... Arctic MoonBlack TieBronzed RadianceCandied PeachHoney BabeMaking JamPink LightningPumpkin Spice LatteRadiant GlowShooting StarSweet PeachWhipped Berry

Dior DiorSkin Nude Luminizer

Read Reviews View Swatches View a shade... Bronze Glow (004)Coral Vibes (002)Golden Glow (003)Holographic Glow (006)Nude Glow (001)Peach Delight (007)Pink Delight (008)Pink Glow (002)Rising Star (09)Rose Glow (005)Rosy Vibes (001)

It's a new line of powder highlighters that are supposed to give the "face a multidimensional glow" with a "high concentration of shimmering pigments." It's an update on their previous Luminizers but with lighter-weight packaging (and no included brush, which wasn't anything to write home about anyway!) and a lower price. Read more...

MAC Extra Dimension Skinfinish

Read Reviews View Swatches View a shade... Beaming BlushCall Me SugarCold ComfortDay GlowDefinitely DefinedDesire FireDima's GlowDouble-GleamFairly PreciousFlare for the DramaticFleur SureFreezeGleamscapeGlitzed OutGlorifyGlow With ItGold Me CloserGuindillaHi-SequincyHot Damn-oiselle D'AvignonIn on the SecretIn the SpiritJust WhitneyLa LeyendaLet It GlowLights on LavenderLunar LightsMacaMagnetic AppealMiel de AzharMy MimiOh, Darling!Out on the TinseltownOvert TrickeryPetallic MetallicPostmodernist PeachRosa PeachRoyal ChallengeRoyal FlushRoyal VibrancyShaft of GoldShape the FutureShow GoldSky's the LimitSnowflushedSoft FrostStarquakeSuperbThere She GlowsTutuWhere the Magic HappensWhisper of GiltWrapped in Gold

The Extra Dimension Skinfinish formula is supposed to give “the perfect glow to the skin” with a “creamy powder formula” that wears for “10 hours.” It’s a powder highlighter that I’d describe as a moderate to intense highlighter, and they come in varying hues with some that might work as highlighting blushes/bronzers are on some skin tones and true highlighters on other skin tones. In general, the formula is very pigmented, blendable, and wears around eight to nine hours on me.

Milani Strobelight Instant Glow Powder

Read Reviews View Swatches View a shade... AfterglowDayglowGlowingMoon GlowSummer GlowSunglowSunset Glow

The formula is powder highlighter that’s supposed to have a “radiant finish” and is available in seven shades. The consistency was similar to a lot of other “gelee” highlighters: smooth, soft but more firmly pressed (where there was no powderiness but was still pigmented) with semi-opaque to opaque coverage and a frosted to a metallic finish. Some shades emphasized my skin’s natural texture slightly when worn heavily. This formula will be most suitable for someone who likes an intense, more metallic highlighter and warmer-toned shades.

Top Rated Highlighters Released in 2022

Check out the current top 10 highest-rated highlighters (individual shades) reviewed by the editor in 2022–this list will update automatically! This list is focused on any and all highlighters reviewed during 2022, and it includes individual shades (rather than consistently high-performing formulas, like the first list) that are both a mix of limited edition and permanent.

01.

01. Champagne BB ColourPop

ColourPop

LELimited Edition. $10.00/0.15 oz.

A+

ColourPop Champagne BB Super Shock Cheek (Highlighter) ($8.00 for 0.15 oz.) is a medium-dark, rosy copper base with lighter, more contrasting golden...

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ColourPopUlta

ColourPop Champagne BB Super Shock Cheek (Highlighter) ($8.00 for 0.15 oz.) is a medium-dark, rosy copper base with lighter, more contrasting golden...

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ColourPopUlta

02.

02. Moon Peach ColourPop

ColourPop

LELimited Edition. $10.00/0.15 oz.

A+

ColourPop Moon Peach Super Shock Cheek (Highlighter) ($8.00 for 0.15 oz.) is a light beige with subtle, warmer peach undertones and iridescent pink...

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ColourPopUlta

ColourPop Moon Peach Super Shock Cheek (Highlighter) ($8.00 for 0.15 oz.) is a light beige with subtle, warmer peach undertones and iridescent pink...

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ColourPopUlta

03.

03. Got Glow ColourPop

ColourPop

LELimited Edition. $10.00/0.15 oz.

A+

ColourPop Got Glow Super Shock Cheek (Highlighter) ($8.00 for 0.15 oz.) is a darker, golden peach with warm, more orange-leaning undertones and a...

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ColourPopUlta

ColourPop Got Glow Super Shock Cheek (Highlighter) ($8.00 for 0.15 oz.) is a darker, golden peach with warm, more orange-leaning undertones and a...

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ColourPopUlta

04.

04. Mind Over Matter ColourPop

ColourPop

LELimited Edition. $10.00/0.15 oz.

A+

ColourPop Mind Over Matter Super Shock (Highlighter) ($8.00 for 0.15 oz.) is a medium-dark copper with moderate, warm undertones and a luminous sheen...

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ColourPopUlta

ColourPop Mind Over Matter Super Shock (Highlighter) ($8.00 for 0.15 oz.) is a medium-dark copper with moderate, warm undertones and a luminous sheen...

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ColourPopUlta

05.

05. Flip Flops ColourPop

ColourPop

LELimited Edition. $10.00/0.15 oz.

A+

ColourPop Flip Flops Super Shock Cheek (Highlighter) ($8.00 for 0.15 oz.) is a light, champagne gold with warmer undertones and a smooth, luminous...

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ColourPopUlta

ColourPop Flip Flops Super Shock Cheek (Highlighter) ($8.00 for 0.15 oz.) is a light, champagne gold with warmer undertones and a smooth, luminous...

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ColourPopUlta

06.

06. Winter Nites ColourPop

ColourPop

LELimited Edition. $10.00/0.28 oz.

A+

ColourPop Winter Nites Lite Stix ($8.00 for 0.33 oz.) is a light lavender with subtle, cooler pearl and a more translucent finish so the undertones...

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ColourPopUlta

ColourPop Winter Nites Lite Stix ($8.00 for 0.33 oz.) is a light lavender with subtle, cooler pearl and a more translucent finish so the undertones...

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ColourPopUlta

07.

07. Light Chaser ColourPop

ColourPop

LELimited Edition. $10.00/0.28 oz.

A+

ColourPop Light Chaser Lite Stix ($8.00 for 0.33 oz.) is a light lavender with strong, cool bluish-violet pearl throughout.

• Semi-sheer, buildable...

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ColourPopUlta

ColourPop Light Chaser Lite Stix ($8.00 for 0.33 oz.) is a light lavender with strong, cool bluish-violet pearl throughout.

• Semi-sheer, buildable...

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ColourPopUlta

08.

08. Skywatcher ColourPop

ColourPop

LELimited Edition. $10.00/0.28 oz.

A+

ColourPop Skywatcher Lite Stix ($8.00 for 0.33 oz.) had more of a subtly, gold-tinted base with blue-top-green shifting duochrome pearl.

• Semi-sheer,...

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ColourPopUlta

ColourPop Skywatcher Lite Stix ($8.00 for 0.33 oz.) had more of a subtly, gold-tinted base with blue-top-green shifting duochrome pearl.

• Semi-sheer,...

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ColourPopUlta

09.

09. Cuivre Dore (897) Chanel

Chanel

LELimited Edition. $120.00/0.56 oz.

A+

Chanel Cuivre Dore (897) Illuminating Face Powder (Oversize) ($88.00 for 0.56 oz.) is a richer, medium copper with warm, more golden undertones paired...

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BelkBergdorf GoodmanBloomingdale'sChanelDillard's

More Retailers

Neiman MarcusNordstromSaksSelfridges (US)Violet Grey

Int'l Retailers

FeelUniqueHouse of Fraser (UK)John Lewis (UK)SelfridgesSephora (CA)Sephora (CA)Sephora (FR)

Chanel Cuivre Dore (897) Illuminating Face Powder (Oversize) ($88.00 for 0.56 oz.) is a richer, medium copper with warm, more golden undertones paired...

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Where to Buy

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BelkBergdorf GoodmanBloomingdale'sChanelDillard's

More Retailers

Neiman MarcusNordstromSaksSelfridges (US)Violet Grey

Int'l Retailers

FeelUniqueHouse of Fraser (UK)John Lewis (UK)SelfridgesSephora (CA)Sephora (CA)Sephora (FR)

10.

10. Lunar Lights MAC

MAC

LELimited Edition. $42.00/0.31 oz.

A

MAC Lunar Lights Extra Dimension Skinfinish ($37.00 for 0.31 oz.) is a light, golden peach with warmer undertones and a smooth, luminous finish. It...

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Bloomingdale'sDillard'sMAC CosmeticsMacy'sNordstrom

More Retailers

SaksSelfridges (US)Ulta

Int'l Retailers

HarrodsJohn Lewis (UK)LookFantasticMAC (CA)MAC (UK)SelfridgesSephora (BR)

MAC Lunar Lights Extra Dimension Skinfinish ($37.00 for 0.31 oz.) is a light, golden peach with warmer undertones and a smooth, luminous finish. It...

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View Swatches

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Where to Buy

Affiliate Links

Bloomingdale'sDillard'sMAC CosmeticsMacy'sNordstrom

More Retailers

SaksSelfridges (US)Ulta

Int'l Retailers

HarrodsJohn Lewis (UK)LookFantasticMAC (CA)MAC (UK)SelfridgesSephora (BR)

Our Methodology

The way I approach my guides is by focusing permanent formulas that have stood the test of time–they are high quality, consistent, and all formulas that have performed well. Every shade is thoroughly tested and reviewed, and these are formulas where I’ve often tested every shade in the line of, so I really grasp each formula’s strengths and weaknesses!

More product guides: Best Blushes, Best Eyeshadow Palettes, Best Single Eyeshadows, Best Lipsticks, Best Lip Glosses, Best Blush Brushes, Best Eyeshadow Brushes.

Dior Forever Couture Luminizer  

Dior Forever Couture Luminizer  

Dior Forever Couture Luminizer  

Dior Forever Couture Luminizer  

Dior Forever Couture Luminizer  

Dior Forever Couture Luminizer