15 Best Makeup Artist-Approved Highlighters For Pale Skin – 2024
The best-kept secret to dazzling, rosy fair cheeks is right here at your fingertips.
Oscar Velazquez is a professional makeup artist who specializes in a wide range of makeup styles, including bridal, editorial, fashion, and special effects. His deep understanding of different skin tones and facial features helps him tailor his makeup applications to enhance and highlight his clients’ unique beauty.
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Experience: 2 yearsSrijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in English and Literature from the University of Calcutta, she has honed her writing skills and developed an in-depth understanding of the beauty and fashion world.
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Experience: 3 yearsSrijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a certified style and image consultant.
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Experience: 7 yearsMadhumati is an associate editor with seven years of professional experience. She has previously worked as an editor, proofreader, and a writer with various organizations, helping her navigate through the various facets of content creation and refinement with ease.
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You always risk looking chalky and cakey when it comes to applying makeup. This stands true, especially if you have pale skin, and apply a highlighter. To avoid this pesky problem and ace the makeup game, you need to get yourself the best highlighter for pale skin. While pale skin looks fantastic when you add a dash of highlighter on it, you can always end up overdoing it. With the help of the right highlighter shade, you can achieve a dewy and radiant glow. To help you with your search and put an end to countless makeup mishaps, we’ve searched the far end of the Internet and compiled a list. It contains the top 15 recommendations of highlighters for pale skinso you can look your stunning best every time you head out!
In This Article
15 Best Highlighters For Pale Skin – Reviews And Buying Guide
1. Best Lightweight:theBalm Cosmetics Mary Lou Manizer – Mary- Lou
theBalm Cosmetics Mary-Lou Manizer is a bright honey-hued luminizer that works wonders for pale skin. A product trusted by professional makeup artists, this soft shimmer diffuses light to make your skin look smoother and younger. The light-reflecting highlighter can be used as an eyeshadow, a highlighter, and as a shimmer to add a subtle glow to your cheekbones. Available in 4 shades, it is arguably the best highlighter for a fair complexion as it blends just right with the skin and doesn’t overpower fair skin tones. If you are not a fan of extremely shimmery highlighters, try this glitter-free highlighter that offers buildable coverage and soft-focus illumination. Watch this video that details a tester’s experience of using the product.
Pros
- Highly-pigmented
- Long-lasting
- Lightweight
- Nourishing
- Skin-friendly ingredients
Cons
- Some may find it too powdery.
Quick Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 4,511 Amazon acclaimed reviews, this product is sure to find a place in everyone’s shopping bag.
2. Best For Sensitive Skin:Physicians Formula Powder Palette Highlighter – Translucent Pearl
Cheers! This Physician’s Formula Mineral Glow Pearl Highlighter comes in a unique palette with multi-colored pearls that provide an instant glow and even skin tone in a single swipe. It consists of real mineral pearl extracts to create a luxurious and illuminating glow on pale skin. Additionally, the palette is specially formulated for sensitive skin and is recommended by ophthalmologists, dermatologists, and allergists. This drugstore highlighter for pale skin also comes with a chic ergonomically-designed applicator brush for easy and hygienic application. Grab this iridescent highlighter if you want to get good makeup for pale skin done. Go through this video review for a detailed understanding of the product through the reviewer’s experience of using it.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Chemical-free
- Multi-colored
- Suitable for all skin types
- Blendable
Cons
- May not offer long-lasting wear
3. Best Waterproof:LIFUS Highlighter Palette – Highlighter A
If you like to rock a subtle shimmer on your cheekbones, try the LIFUS Highlighter Palette that consists of colors that provide a natural delicate radiance and a lasting glow. It offers seamless coverage without looking thick, dramatic, or cakey. The palette can be used for highlighting the cheekbones, eyelids, brow bones and the inner corners of the lips to accentuate your best facial features. So, pick this bronzer-highlighter palette if you want a luminous glow that lasts throughout the day. Check out this video for a detailed take on the reviewer’s experience of using this product for subtle luminosity.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Smudge-proof
- Soft and silky texture
- Light-diffusing pigment
- Shimmery
Cons
- Some may find the odor unpleasant
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 5,984 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.
| theBalm Cosmetics Mary Lou Manizer - Mary- Lou Best Lightweight | Physicians Formula Powder Palette Highlighter - Translucent Pearl Best For Sensitive Skin | LIFUS Highlighter Palette - Highlighter A Best Waterproof | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | DryColor | - | - |
| Dimensions | 2.75 x 0.5 x 2.75 inches | 1.28 x 2.93 x 3.63 inches | 5.3 x 5.3 x 0.5 inches |
| Weight | 0.32 Ounces | 2.12 Ounces | 4.96 Ounces |
| Color | - | Translucent Pearl | Highlighter-A |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 4,511 | 3,098 | 5,984 |
| Price | $22.8 | $9.82 | $8.99 |
4. Best For Mature Skin:essence Pure NUDE Highlighter – 10 Be My Highlight
The hues of this highlighter pops on pale skin and leaves your face with a radiant and fresh look. Its baked finish and cruelty-free formula seamlessly blends with the skin for a subtle candlelit glow on your face when applied to your temples, cheeks, and brow bones. The best thing about this highlighter is its reflective surface sheen, which leaves a nude delicate shimmer on pale skin. So, pick this one if you are looking for a multipurpose skin illuminator that also provides skincare benefits. Reviews online assert that the product offers a subtle glow and is versatile enough to be used as an eyeshadow and a shimmery bronzer!
Pros
- Natural radiance
- Vegan
- Rich pigment
- Long-wearing
- Ideal for mature skin
Cons
- May not be best suited for acne-prone skin
5. Best Shimmery Finish:L’Oreal Paris Makeup True Match Lumi Glow Nude Highlighter – Moon-Kissed
If you like to contour or highlight your face and want to uplift your facial assets, this celebrity-endorsed brand’s highlighter, L’Oreal Paris Lumi Glow Nude Highlighter is the one for you. It comes with a glowy highlighter, a blush, and a bronzer for a sculpted glow. This pale highlighter is available in 2 universal shades that are suitable for all skin types and create a pearlized effect. The nude highlighter awakens the complexion and creates a multi-dimensional statement-making look ideal for special occasions. The Moon-Kissed palette offers a pearl finish and impressive glowy skin for cool undertones and thus, is a good contouring highlighter for pale skin to achieve moonlit luminosity.
Pros
- Easy-to-apply
- Long-wear
- Shimmery glow
- Rich pigment
Cons
- May not be highly blendable
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
The overwhelming 2,128 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.
6. Best Cruelty-Free:Milani Baked Highlighter- Dolce Perla
The Milani Baked Highlighter raises the bar for pigment intensity and illumination. Its velvety-soft formula is made with multi-tonal, micro-fine luminous powders. These powders blend flawlessly on your skin, allowing you to go from a natural glow to a high-impact look with a single brushstroke. The highlighter is baked on Italian terracotta tiles, so it imparts a healthy warmth to your skin. . It is made without any oils, so you do not have to worry about breakouts. Additionally, it stays on your skin for a long time.
Pros
- Oil-free
- Easy to apply
- Highly pigmented
- Long-lasting
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Chalky
7. Best High Impact:Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter – Prismatic Amethyst
The Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter has a creamy texture that applies seamlessly. It is enriched with duo-chrome pigments that reflect light from every angle and give a sun-kissed celebrity-inspired look. The light pink color of Prismatic Amethyst is ideal for fair skin tone and gives a radiant sheen effortlessly. Its powder texture is buildable and gives medium coverage without being cakey. It offers opaque pigmentation in a single layer. Its consistency is soft, smooth, and easily blendable without being powdery. The pink-based highlighter gives a nice glow, perfect for that summer feel.
Pros
- Ultra-buttery texture
- High-impact glow
- Unique formula
- Creamy finish
- Seamless application
- No buildup
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- SLS-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- None
8. Best Affordable:wet n wild hello HALO BLUSHLIGHTER – Highlight Bling
The wet n wild hello HALO BLUSHLIGHTER is a combo that effortlessly sculpts, highlights, and defines the face. This illuminating duo comes with 2 shades that impart an instant intense glow and blend beautifully into the skin. The buildable and soft shades enhance the cheeks with micro-fine and ultra-reflective pearl pigments. Furthermore, the frosty highlight product has a weightless texture, and thus, it feels breathable and smooth on the skin. If you have pale skin, make some space for this blush and highlighter duo in your makeup kit.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Fragrance-free
- Pocket-friendly
- Rich pigment
- Customizable coverage
Cons
- Some may find the shades too dark.
9. Best Pigmentation:LAURA GELLER NEW YORK Baked Original Highlighter – French Vanilla
This highlighter is one of the best selling baked highlighters that seamlessly fuses with the skin to create a silky low-glow finish. This velvety soft powder formula is available in 2 shades to beautifully highlight and contour the skin. The best thing about this duo is that the liquid pigments are baked on terracotta tiles for 24 hours and hand-finished in Italy to create a silky and long-lasting powder. Furthermore, the powder is infused with antioxidants and white tea extracts to illuminate the skin safely. This one is a favorite among reviewers who absolutely love its natural finish and perfect blendability for enhanced beauty!
Pros
- Excellent pigmentation
- Long-wear
- Multi-purpose
- Lightweight
- Blendable
Cons
- Expensive
10. Best Transfer Resistant:W7 Hollywood Bronze & Glow Highlighter
The W7 Hollywood Bronze & Glow Highlighter imparts a buttery glow to your skin. It is perfect for both your body and face and suitable for all skin tones, including deep ski tone. It is infused with lightweight shimmery powders that offer a champagne-shimmer finish to the high points of your face.The formula is transfer-resistant and long-lasting. Additionally, this highlighter comes in compact packaging that is portable. Ethically conscious makeup enthusiasts are obsessed with this product, as it is free of any animal testing.
Pros
- Easy to blend
- Suitable for all skin tones
- Buildable
- Lightweight
- Long-lasting
- Cruelty-free
- Compact
Cons
- Some may not like the color payoff
11. Best Hydrating:Ciate London Dewy Stix Luminous Highlighting Balm – Natural Transparent
Highlighting balms are highly effective for pale skin tones and the Ciate London Dewy Stix highlighting balm is no exception. This buttery balm brilliantly blends into the skin and offers a dewy sheen that lasts for hours. It is formulated with hyaluronic acid and murumuru butter to provide a weightless and natural radiance to the skin. This dewy wet-look illuminator spreads evenly on the skin and ensures maximum coverage and longevity. Additionally, the convenient stick is easy-to-use and effortlessly reaches the areas like corners of the lips, nose bridge, and temples.
Pros
- Non-tacky
- Hydrating
- Brushless application
- Non-greasy
- Mild glitter
Cons
- Slightly expensive
12. Best Buildable Coverage:COVER FX Custom Enhancer Drops Highlighter – Celestial – Glistening Pearl
The COVER FX Custom Enhancer Drops features ultra-fine pearls that provide a flawless and luminous finish. For a natural finish and dewy look, apply drops of the highlighter on areas like your nose, cheekbones, temples, and around your lips and blend them gently to cast a spotlight on your natural assets. These illuminating drops can be used alone or with a foundation for a metallic glow. The applicator is highly convenient to use and the drops effortlessly balance the skin tone for a glistening effect. So, if you are looking for a versatile liquid formula to achieve flawless coverage, this one is a great pick and is one of the best drugstore highlighters for pale skin you can get your hands on.
Pros
- Skin-friendly ingredients
- Easy on the wallet
- Long-wear
- Lightweight texture
- Buildable coverage
Cons
- Some may find its consistency runny
13. Best Dewy Finish:Benefit Dandelion Twinkle Highlighter – Nude Pink
The Benefit Dandelion Twinkle highlighter features a unique baked technology that delivers sheer and feather-light coverage. This is a perfect nude light pink shade ideal for highlighting and providing dimension to the pale skin. The opalescent highlighter is infused with notes of delicate blossom and dandy daydream scent. It also comes with a natural and gentle applicator brush that seamlessly blends the product into your skin and delivers a dewy sheen. The matte, twinkling pink shade is ideal for contouring immensely pale skin and looks breathtaking when swept on the cheekbones.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Rich pigment
- Easy-to-apply
- Non-tacky
Cons
- Not for those who prefer blinding highlighters
14. Best Highly Pigmented:COVERGIRL TruBlend Super Stunner Highlighter- Pearl Crush
With its intense pigmentation and luminescence, the Covergirl TruBlend Super Stunner Highlighter gives you the flawless glow. It is infused with intensely pigmented powders that blend seamlessly on your skin and impart a healthy shine. It has a high color payoff that is sure to turn heads. This cruelty-free formula is suitable for all skin tones. This product has garnered multiple positive reviews that vouch for its highly-pigmented texture and the subtle sparkle and glow it offers.
Pros
- Easy to blend
- Intense color payoff
- Suitable for all skin tones
- Highly pigmented
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- None
15. Best For 3-D Effect:evpct Shimmer Highlighter-B02
The evpct Shimmer Highlighter has five different shimmer shades that impart you a perfect sheen. With its fantastic shimmering effect, it gives your skin a radiant glow, and a three-dimensional look. The highlighter is infused with light-diffusing pigments that enhance your skin tone and lifts the look of your cheekbones, eyelids, brow bones, inner corners of your eyes, and cupid’s bow. The soft waxy texture of the highlighters glides seamlessly on your skin to give you an ivory shine. It is waterproof and smudge-proof, so it stays on for a long time.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Easy to apply
- Waterproof
- Smudge-proof
- Gives 3D look
- Super shimmery
- Highly pigmented
- Easy to carry
Cons
- None
As we have already discussed some of the best highlighters you can consider in your makeup routine for pale skin, let’s move to some pointers to keep in mind before selecting a good highlighter for pale skin.
How To Choose Highlighter For Pale Skin
Choosing the right highlighter for pale skin is no joke. There are several factors to keep in mind while selecting a highlighter for pale skin. Here are some of the factors that’ll help you pick the right one:
- The best way to choose the right highlighter is to pick a highlighter that is 1-2 shades lighter than your skin tone. Bright highlighters offer exceptional results in the form of natural highlight makeup and radiant glow.
- Pick a highlighter with a subtle sheen that blends effortlessly into your skin. You don’t want an extraordinarily glittery or blinding product if you want a natural look.
- For pale skin, always look for expertly crafted highlighters with an icy silver, champagne, or pearlescent sheen for a frosted, stunning glow. These highlighters complement undertones of your skin and provide dimension to your face.
- Avoid choosing the shades with dark red or too warm undertones. Instead, choose the shades with a pink-peach finish.
- Liquid illuminators with pink tones are best for pale skin. Avoid bronze, copper, and gold shades.
- If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, always look for highlighters with vitamin-rich, cruelty-free and fragrance-free formulas. Plenty of highlighters are tested by allergists and dermatologists so pick chemical-free highlighters with skin-friendly ingredients.
- It is important to keep your skin type in mind while buying a highlighter. If you have dry skin, pick a liquid or cream highlighter to make your skin appear smooth and radiant and to improve your skin texture. If you have oily skin, a powder highlighter will seamlessly blend and highlight your skin.
, a professional makeup artist says, “Finding the perfect highlighter for pale skin can enhance your natural, dewy glow and add a luminous touch to your complexion. Opt for highlighters with pearl or champagne undertones to complement the fair tones of pale skin. Look for finely milled formulas that offer a subtle sheen rather than intense shimmer. Cream or liquid highlighters can provide a seamless and dewy finish, while powder highlighters can offer a soft, ethereal glow. Experiment with different shades to find the perfect match for your skin tone and enjoy a radiant and lit from within look.”
Highlighters come in plenty of shades and textures. One highlighter doesn’t fit all skin types, and thus, it is crucial to choose the highlighter for pale complexion skin effectively.
How To Apply Highlighter On Pale Skin?
Pale skin needs both contouring and highlighting to make the facial features visible. If you are planning to use a highlighter, here is a step-by-step guide to use it perfectly.
Step 1 – Start by applying a foundation that matches your skin. Apply it all over your face including the under eye area and blend it well using a brush or a beauty sponge.
Step 2 – Dust some setting powder using a brush to keep the foundation in place and get rid of any stickiness. This is an important step, especially for those with oily skin.
Step 3 – Those with pale skin generally have a cool undertone. Pick a shade that is suitable for your face and contour your facial features. Make sure you make upward circular strokes with your makeup brush.
Step 4 – Get a highlighter shade that syncs with your skin and apply on the facial areas that need to be highlighted. Always move the makeup brush and make upward circular strokes. Do this for the middle of the forehead, chin, upper lips, cheeks and under the eye.
Step 5 – Set the makeup with a setting spray and look beautiful!
The tips for choosing the best highlighter and the guide to using it perfectly on pale skin are made clear in this article. The primary goal of a highlighter is to provide a dewy and illuminating glow so always consider factors like texture, type, shade, coverage and formula of the highlighter before buying it. The product that gives a light and appealing sheen to your pale skin is the right one. If you pick up one of the best highlighters for pale skin only with the idea of matching it with your skin tone, do not forget to match it with your undertone too. Choose wisely and get the ethereal glow you always wanted.
Infographic: Must-Know Uses Of Highlighter
Highlighter is a multipurpose makeup product and sometimes they can help conceal imperfections as well. It can be used in various ways besides just highlighting your cheekbones. It can enhance your brow bone, pump up your lips, and many more. Check out the infographic below to find out how you can use this product to enhance your makeup for a glowing complexion.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Highlighters are crucial for giving your makeup a bright appearance since they give a glossy finish and make your face look younger. The carefully curated list showcases highlighters illuminating and complementing fair complexions, adding a radiant touch. Whether aiming for a subtle glow or a bold shimmer, these product suggestions cater to diverse preferences, empowering those with pale skin to embrace their unique beauty confidently. The theBalm Cosmetics Mary Lou Manizer – Mary-Lou, is the ideal choice for a natural glow with a lightweight feel, while the Physicians Formula Powder Palette Highlighter – Translucent Pearl, gives a pearlized finish and works best for sensitive skin. However, if you have a cool undertone and want a luminous look, choose the L’Oreal Paris Makeup True Match Lumi Glow Nude Highlighter – Moon-Kissed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you apply highlighter to pale skin?
Applying a highlighter on the pale skin is not too tricky. You need to highlight areas on which lights reflect naturally. Apply a small amount of highlighter on the temples, nose bridge, around the lips, on the chin, on the cheekbones, and the center of the forehead for an illuminating and radiant glow. Make sure that you apply a foundation before applying a highlighter to even out the skin tone and set a base for a highlighter.
Does highlighter make you look older?
Applying highlighter in the wrong places, especially on mature skin can make you look older. Don’t apply a glittery highlighter on smile lines, on the crease of the eyes, or the brow bone. Instead, apply it on the cheekbones and between the brows if you have mature skin.
Is liquid or powder highlighter better?
Both liquid and powder skin highlighters are suitable for different skin types. If you have dry skin, a hydrating and nourishing liquid highlighter is perfect for you. It prevents cakiness and blends efficiently with the skin providing a natural glow. On the other hand, if you have oily skin, go for powder highlighters that are non-tacky and non-greasy. Powder highlighters blend perfectly with oily skin and leave the skin with a subtle dewy finish.
Does gold highlighter look good on pale skin?
No, gold highlighters are not the perfect shade for pale skin tones as they are too warm. However, lilac and silvery-gold hues are perfect for this skin tone.
Does highlighter depend on skin tone?
Yes, a highlighter depends on your skin tone as it accentuates your bone structure and needs to fit in effortlessly with your natural skin tone.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Srijita De, the author of this article, is a makeup enthusiast who loves creating well-researched beauty content for her readers. With extensive research on customer feedback, she has compiled a list of the best highlighters for pale skin, so you can glow every time you step out. The products recommended in this article are lightweight, long-lasting, and highly pigmented, ensuring a gorgeous shine with every application.
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