Our expert guide to the 13 best highlighter palettes is here to make you glow like never before! There's not one makeup enthusiast who will say no to a dash of highlighter, especially since they come in such a wide range of breathtaking shades that accentuate and illuminate the face. 

From ethereal pink tones to striking holographic hues and subtle radiance to showstopping luminosity, our curation of highlighter palettes is sure to meet the preferences and requirements of every individual. 

One thing that's very important for you to remember is that it's not just the shade and your skin tone that matters, you also need to keep your skin type in mind. 

Different formulations work better for different skin types, such as creamy formulas for dry skin and powder options that provide a matte finish, acting as great highlighters for oily skin. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to makeup, and highlighter palettes are a logical choice since they come with multiple options, offering convenience and value at the same time. 

This article is here to help you find the perfect palette that you can count on wherever you go. Keep reading to find out more.

• 1
  Best Overall

  NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP HIGHLIGHT & CONTOUR PRO PALETTE

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Whether you prefer to create subtle glowy looks or want a fully glammed-up face that dazzles, this Highlight & Contour Pro Palette comes in a variety of shades that will cater to every skin tone and type. All 8 of the creamy shades are refillable, and they deliver a stunning matte finish that will give your face a sculpted look. The best part is that it's cruelty-free, so you can make an eco-conscious beauty choice while also looking your best.

2

Most Versatile

LIFUS All You Need Is Love Illuminating Kit

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Make your cheekbones, eyelids, and more pop with radiance with this bronze highlighter palette from LIFUS. The "All you need is love" variant features 4 gorgeous shades that have a super silky texture which gives the face a natural yet striking glow. Additionally, it's also long-lasting and has a waterproof formula, helping it to stay in place all day long. You don't have to worry about frequent touchups anymore!

3

Best Gluten-free Formula

PHYSICIANS FORMULA BRONZE BOOSTER HIGHLIGHT & CONTOUR PALETTE

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If a sun-kissed glow is what you're trying to achieve, then this Bronze Booster Highlight & Contour palette is a must-have in your makeup collection. It has a formula that's infused with glow activators — it blends like a breeze and you can build it up according to your preference. Plus, it also comes with an angled contour brush that sweetens the deal, giving you a desirable finish with every single stroke.

4

Best for Oily Skin

Lucoss DREAM Highlighter Makeup Palette

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This shimmer highlight palette from Lucoss will make you glisten and glow! It features four absolutely gorgeous shades that add an eye-catching radiance to the complexion, instantly offering a brightening and concealing effect, and delivering three-dimensional luminosity. It's also long-lasting, waterproof, and versatile, making it ideal for any occasion that you can think of — you can also use it as your daily dose of glowy goodness. Plus, it makes for a great gift for somebody special.

5

Best Lightweight Formula

L'OREAL PARIS TRUE MATCH GLOW NUDE HIGHLIGHTER PALETTE

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This L'OREAL PARIS Highlighter Palette in the variant "Moon-Kissed" will help you achieve a glowing-from-within makeup look effortlessly. It is compact in size and comes with a glowy highlighter, bronzer, and blush that are all buildable to help achieve a sculpted and bright look. Additionally, the shades look great on every skin tone, allowing the user to be confident in their natural complexion and beauty. The final result will be a moon-kissed glow that's bound to have all eyes on you, wherever you may go!

Quick Tip:

To achieve a more intense, wet-looking highlight, apply the product with a damp brush or sponge — this will enhance the shine and make it appear dewy and glossy.

6

Best Hypoallergenic Formula

Lamora GLAM GLOW PALETTE

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Prepare to shine like the queen of the sun with Lamora's Glam Glow Highlighter Palette! It comes with four spectacular shimmer shades that look amazing on light to medium-dark skin tones. When worn, the formula ensures that you get a luminous and long-wearing glow. Plus, it's very easy to apply, has a cruelty-free formula, and is super travel-friendly. What better way for you to look flawless while you're on the go? Go ahead and look beautiful with little to no effort.

7

Most Travel-friendly

KYDA Highlighter Palette

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Take your makeup look up a notch with KYDA's Highlighter Palette for the face in the variant "Sun Glow". The product is formulated with a unique 3D flash texture that makes use of Italian baking powder tech — this gives it the power to deliver a glowing, three-dimensional effect that goes amazingly well with a natural nude makeup look. Additionally, it's smooth and silky and comes with three universal shades that look good on all skin tones. We loved that it's long-lasting and lightweight on the skin too.

8

Most Attractive Packaging

UCANBE GLOW KIT Highlighter Palette

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This highlighter palette from UCANBE is nothing less than absolutely enchanting. It features a trio of striking hues that will bring out a mystical glow from within. Gumdrop is a gorgeous satin green shade, Marshmallow is a pretty prismatic peach, and Starburst is a playful lavender-infused purple — all of these shades are incredibly lightweight and long-wearing, making them ideal for both the face and body. Lastly, the packaging is really attractive with an iridescent finish that sparkles from every angle.

9

Best Vegan Formula

FOCCALURE Blush And Highlighter Palette

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If getting that perfect glow has been hard for you, this highlighter palette from FOCALLURE will be a savior, soon becoming your go-to choice. This 3-in-1 makeup essential comes with a matte blush and a shimmering illuminator that provides the user with a waterproof, long-lasting radiance that stays in place all day long. It makes an excellent birthday, anniversary, or Valentine's Day present as it is cruelty-free and easy to apply, effortlessly making the wearer look beautiful with its distinct colors and creamy, breathable feel.

10

Best Waterproof Formula

LANGMANNI SHIMMER HIGHLIGHT Powder Palette

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If a gorgeous glow is what you want, a gorgeous glow is what you'll get! LANGMANNI's highlighter palette features 5 eye-catching shades that come in a silky-smooth powder formula. It delivers a very natural-looking, luminous finish that stays in place throughout the day. Whether you're trying to brighten up your cheekbones or add a pop of glowing color to your lids, the waterproof and smudge-proof formula will have you looking like a piece of art no matter where you are.

11

evpct 8 Color Highlighter Palette

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Easy application, a vibrant color payoff, and a cruelty-free formula, what more could you ask for in a makeup product? This 8-color Highlighter Palette from evpct sculpts and brightens your face at the same time, while also adding a dash of luminosity to your collarbone or other parts of the body that you want to highlight. It's the ideal gift for anyone who loves makeup and is a must-have in your collection of makeup palettes.

12

COVERGIRL TRUBLEND SUPER STUNNER PALETTE

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With COVERGIRL's TruBlend Highlight Palette in the variant "Glowing Up 510", you'll get a glow that's simply irresistible — that's one look that cannot be missed. The palette features extremely blendable, feather-light shades that have a powder formula, offering a barely-there feel while enhancing every skin tone out there. It's also tested by dermatologists and is cruelty-free, making it a go-to for effortless and eco-conscious makeup looks.

Quick Tip:

The shades in this palette can double as gorgeous eyeshadows — apply them on your lids to achieve an eye-catching luminous effect.

13

Boobeen Highlighter Palette

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Get ready to steal the spotlight with Boobeen's Highlighter Eyeshadow Palette — it features four vibrant and stunning colors that have a smooth and intensely pigmented formula, effortlessly brightening your skin while also defining your features at the same time. It's also waterproof and long-lasting, making it ideal for all occasions. The best part is that it's suitable for all skin tones and can also be used as an eyeshadow on your eyelids.

Now that we’ve gone over some of the best highlighter palettes available, let’s take a look at how you can choose the perfect one for yourself.

When you're choosing a highlighter palette for yourself, it could greatly benefit you if you make the process more personal and fun! The following are some factors for you to consider:

Skin Tone

Always keep your beautiful skin tone in mind! Highlighters come in an extensive array of shades, and what looks great on someone else might not look just as good on you. If you have a lighter skin tone, you should opt for champagne tones, while rose gold tones will look amazing if you have a medium skin tone. Bronze and gold hues look stunning on dark and deeper skin tones.

Formula

Decide what kind of formula you prefer — powder-based highlighters offer a subtle finish while cream or liquid options deliver intense and dewy results. Think about the look you're going for, is a soft natural look more your thing or do you prefer a highlight that's blinding? This will narrow down your choices.

Ingredients

You must be very mindful of anything that you put on your face, and the same goes for your highlighter. If sensitive skin is something that you worry about, stay away from highlighters that contain harsh chemicals or additives. Instead, choose products with skin-loving and gentle ingredients that will make you look and feel good.

Occasion

Think about where you'll be wearing the highlighter. If you plan on using it every day for work, we suggest picking something that's more subtle. If it's for special occasions or nights out, you can go for something more dramatic and show-stopping.

Packaging

Most individuals may not think too much of the packaging aside from its aesthetics, but you must consider practicality and convenience too! Check if it can easily be carried with you when you are traveling, consider the size of the mirror, and most importantly, see if it is secure. The last thing anybody wants to deal with is a highlighter mishap in their makeup bag.

Now that you know how to pick out the right highlighter palette for yourself, let us see the steps to perfect your highlighter application.

If you aspire to glow like an ethereal goddess, incorporate the following tips when applying highlighter:

1. Always ensure to choose the right shade of highlighter — it should go well with your skin tone.

2. Prep your skin by making sure it's well-hydrated. Apply your base makeup to create a smooth canvas.

3. When applying highlighter, pay attention to not just your cheekbones but your nose bridge, cupid's bow, and brow bone too.

4. Use a tool that works best for you – it can be a beauty blender, a brush, or even your fingers!

5. Start with a light hand. If you prefer a more intense look, you can always build it up as you go.

6. Blending is key, it will give you a natural-looking finish. Streaky and patchy highlighters can distort your overall makeup look.

7. Lighting plays an important role in highlighter applications. To get the best results, apply under natural light.

8. Don't forget to set it with a mist! Spritz on a setting spray for a flawless and seamless look.