13 Best Highlighter Sticks To Help You Glow Naturally
Elevate and enhance the beauty of your cheekbones with these incredible highlighters.
Alysha Tucker is a certified permanent makeup artist, specializing in brows and lips. She is also the owner of Blush Baby Los Angeles. After graduating in 2018 from Elite Permanent Makeup in Santa Monica, CA, Alysha, has worked alongside some of California's best permanent makeup artists and tattoo artists, and completed several rigorous apprenticeships.
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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: 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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Reducing the makeup application time to provide convenience has become the mantra of cosmetics manufacturers. Sticking to this trend of quickness are the best highlighter sticks that have come as a godsend to the makeup community. Adding this handy and nifty piece of makeup to your arsenal can help you fix your look and add some stunning highlights to your face instantly. To know which is the best highlighter and jump on the bandwagon, stick around as we list out the 13 best highlighter sticks you can buy! Trust us, you won’t regret it!
In This Article
What Does A Highlighter Stick Do?
Highlighter sticks can be a great addition to your makeup routine to achieve a hydrated and radiant glow. They are also compatible with other face products to instantly boost complexion. With pearlescent ingredients, you can glide a little on the high points of your face for either a subtle or glamorous glow. You may choose to use them solely as highlighters or for strobing by mixing your foundation and highlighter for a brightened face. Highlighter sticks are really fun to play around with as they are versatile, you may even choose to use them as an eyeshadow by dabbing a bit on the inner corners of your eyes, you’d see how it will immediately give you a fresh look!
13 Best Highlighter Sticks Of 2023 To Get That Million Dollar Glow
1. Best Overall:NICEFACE Magical Halo Cosmetics Pro Shimmer Stick
Add this highlighter to your cart if you’re looking to dress your face with a natural glow. These cream highlighter sticks provide a subtle yet illuminating glow for everyday use. They do not contain any glitter and are quick and easy to apply. Simply twist up the product and glide it on your cheekbones, cupid’s bow, or brow bone and watch your skin become illuminated. The highlighter does not disturb the rest of your blush or foundation during application and spreads evenly on targeted areas. The product is absolutely a great space-saver as it fits right inside any sized bag.
- Travel friendly
- Easy application
- Creamy and soft texture
- Natural glowy finish
- May have a strong smell
2. Best Hypoallergenic:Maybelline Facestudio Master Strobing Stick – Light – Iridescent
Pamper yourself with a pearlescent effect using Maybelline’s Facestudio Master Strobing Stick. This is best for illuminating and helps add dimension while concluding your final look like a high-precision strobe effect. This strobing stick is safe to use as it is dermatologist-tested, non-comedogenic, ideal for all skin types, and suitable for those with sensitive skin. The formula runs creamy in a round chubby stick. Reviews on online forums attest that a little product goes a long way in adding a natural but bright glow on your face. This stick is best used for strobing as it finishes in a natural and radiant shine, which can also be built upon for a dramatic effect.
- Creamy
- Easy to blend
- Dermatologist tested
- Hypoallergenic
- Suited for all skin types
- Non-comedogenic
- May not be long-lasting
Quick Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 3,927 rave reviews on Amazon.
3. Best FDA- Approved:BOOM! by Cindy Joseph Highlighter Stick – Glimmer
This highlighter stick helps add glamor and confidence to your skin. Simply dab this pearlescent stick on the high points of your face or body! Its tiny body makes up for a great travel companion, so carry it literally anywhere and dab it on your face for when you need that extra dose of sparkle. The shimmery color remains true to every skin tone and is a seamless dream to blend owing to its creamy consistency. The sticky is neither frosty nor powdery, so it could be applied with bare fingertips as well and you can use it on your eyelids, cheeks, collarbones, brow bones or anywhere you’d wish to pack some illuminance.
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- FDA approved
- Boosts a natural glow
- Slightly expensive
4. Best Multipurpose:Wet & Wild MegaGlo Makeup Stick Highlight: When The Nude Strikes
The Wet & Wild MegaGlo Makeup Stick Highlight is what you need to flaunt your cheekbones. This multi-use product is ideal for highlighting, concealing, and contouring your face. It has a cream-to-powder translucent formula that glides seamlessly on your skin and blends into a natural finish. This buildable highlighter is enriched with jojoba oil that moisturizes your skin. The effect of this highlighter stays on all day and its compact packaging allows you to carry it wherever you go.
- Easy to apply
- Blendable and buildable
- Portable
- Long-lasting
- Cruelty-free
- Sheer
Quick Tip5. Best Water-Resistant:Beauty For Real Bronze + Glo Highlighter Stick – Cocoa Cabana + Hi Tide
With a bronzer and highlighter on either ends, this product will easily be your go-to makeup product as it contains the two primary items that provide depth and definition to your overall look. The highlighter-bronzer duo is a long lasting, cream to powder formula that blends perfectly into your skin and finishes with an all natural bronzy glow and color. The highlighter is formulated with a patented Luminera and Diamond Core Complex that masks the appearance of any wrinkles, discolorations, or demarcations. Vitamin E and grape seed extracts in the formula protect your skin and deliver anti-aging benefits, while pomegranate extracts maintain the consistency and longevity of the product. Moreover, the product does not undergo animal testing, making it an ideal cruelty-free option.
- Weightless
- Bronzer and highlighter duo
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- Water-resistant
- Some may find it too shimmery for daily use
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has received 963 reviews from customers on Amazon, indicating its popularity and reliability.
6. Best Moisturizing:Burt’s Bees All Aglow Bronzer Stick – Opal Mist
The Burt’s Bees All Aglow Bronzer Stick is made to help instantly provide a fresh, illuminance to your skin while brightening and defining your face. It applies smoothly and merges with your skin tone for a sun-kissed effect. Combined with the nourishing and hydrating properties of coconut oil, jojoba oil, cupuacu butter, and daikon radish extracts, the product is lightweight and does not look patchy or settle into creases or fine lines. The highlighter is also dermatologist-tested, so you can apply this anywhere you feel needs a little bit of pick-me-up.
- Dermatologist tested
- Moisturizing
- Lightweight
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Sculpting glow stick
- Some may find it slightly oily
7. Best For Dry Skin:Physicians Formula Organic Wear Dewy Finish Highlighter – Dew Frost
This creamy stick highlighter from Physician’s Formula is perhaps the best thing to get your hands on if you have dry skin. With its ultra-blendable and buildable feature, you can swipe more than once without worrying about applying too much. The creamy and silky texture of the highlighter helps melt the product onto your skin and can be easily blended with your fingertips. It is enriched with the goodness of organic jojoba oil, organic aloe vera, and botanical cactus flower to help you achieve a naturally-brightened look. The product is also hypoallergenic, free from fragrance, parabens, and gluten. Dermatologist approved and clinically tested, this highlighter is devoid of any animal cruelty as well!
- Moisturizing and blends easily
- Buildable
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben and gluten-free
- Dermatologist approved
- Hypoallergenic
- Some not offer long-lasting wear
8. Best Long Wear:Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Highlight- 01 Hefty Highlight
The Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Highlight is a cream formula that is designed to add a luminous glow to your skin. The stick contains light-reflecting optics that help in enhancing your best features, such as cheekbones, brow bones, or the bridge of your nose. This creamy highlighter catches the light and creates a subtle, but noticeable, shimmery effect on your skin for a long time. It offers your face a more defined and sculpted look, while also giving your skin a radiant, healthy glow.
- Easy to use
- Lightweight
- Oil-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Fragrance-free
- Less quantity for the price
9. Best For All Skin Types:Etude House Play 101 Stick Contour Duo – #1
The celebrity-endorsed Etude House’s Play 101 Stick Contour is a 2-in-1 highlighter contouring stick. The product is angularly cut for ease of application and you can say hello to a powdery finish and bye-bye to the chalky or cakey texture. The formula of this highlighter goes on smooth like a cream highlighter but finishes like a velvety film of powder. With this duo, you can now use it to contour or shape your nose, brows, and cheeks.
- Powder finish
- 2-in-1 contour-highlighter stick
- Angular tips help precise and easy application
- Suitable for all skin types
- Subtle glow
- Some may find it slightly waxy
10. Best Clinically-Tested Formula:Ogee Sculpted Face Stick- Opal Starlight White
The Ogee Sculpted Face Stick is a sheer finish highlighter. Its formula is buildable and blendable and it is designed for on-the-go use. It is infused with green coffee oil and caffeine that stimulate collagen production and firm your skin. The product also contains sal tree resin that minimizes the appearance of pores and tapioca powder that smoothens out your skin and absorbs excess oils. It is a lightweight formula that glides seamlessly on your skin and illuminates it in an instant. Ethically-conscious reviewers also favor this product as it is not tested on animals.
- Organic
- Lightweight
- Buildable
- Cruelty-free
- Gluten-free
- GMO-free
- Paraben-free
- Synthetic fragrances-free
- Phthalates-free
- Dyes or petrochemicals-free
- Greasy
11. Best For Daily Use:Benefit Watt’s Up Soft Focus Highlighter For Face
Another nifty highlighter stick is Benefit Cosmetics’ Watt’s Up Cream Highlighter. A staple in most vanity bags, this product offers a cream-to-powder finish. The end results of applying this highlighter is that you will notice a luminous sheen and a soft-focus look. Ideal for daily wear, this highlighter will not make you look too shiny or dull. This highlighter contains the benefits of shea butter and soybeans that nourishes the skin.
- Ideal for daily wear
- Infused with soybean glycerides and shea butter
- Gluten-free
- Blends easily
- May not be best suited for oily skin
12. Best Highly Pigmented:Wander Beauty On-The-Glow Blush – Berry Whisper/Nude Glow
The On-The-Glow blush and illuminator has 2 pigmented ends – one is a shimmery highlighter while the other end contains a richly-pigmented cream bullet that can be used as a lip tint, blush, or even eyeshadow! Now, you no longer need to carry 3 separate items when you’re traveling because this bad boy is all important things combined! Infused with vitamin E, this highlighter goes on smoothly to provide a natural luminosity and color to your face.
- Can be used on lips, cheek, and eyes
- Contains vitamin E
- 3-in-2 concept
- Highly pigmented
- Expensive
13. Best For Targeted Application:MCoBeauty Highlight And Glow Stick- Champagne
The MCoBeauty Highlight And Glow Stick adds a pop of shimmer to the high points of your face like the cheeks, brow bone, and nose bridge. The formula is infused with superfine pearl particles that impart a dewy, luminescent glow to your face. It is a moisture-rich formula that glides seamlessly on your face without making it look cakey. It also stays on your skin for a long time. The illuminator wand promotes targeted application, which helps you add dimension to your face for an enhanced beauty.
- Long-lasting
- Easy to apply
- Blendable and buildable
- Highly pigmented
- Suitable for all skin tones and types
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- None
The dilemma in choosing a highlighter stick best suited for your skin ends here. Read ahead the few steps to consider before buying a new stick highlighter.
How To Choose The Best Highlighter Stick
- Know your undertones
As a rule of thumb, choose a highlighter that is one to two shades lighter than your skin tone. If you have warm or yellowish undertones, you might want to opt for bronze or gold-like highlighter and blendable shades. If you tend to fall on the cooler spectrum, you could opt for opal or pearly-white highlighters. Neutral undertones can reach out for champagne highlighters without a second thought. But worry not, you could also play with statement-making and bold highlighters that look simply stunning or holographic ones too. To find the correct undertone, check for the color of your veins. If you find them to be more on the greener side, you have a warm undertone, however, if your veins seem to be bluish, a cooler undertone is what you have. Neutral undertones are a combination of both green and bluish veins.
- Texture matters
Be aware of the many textures and formulations that go into the make of highlighters, some are there to stay all day while some are meant to be fleeting. Powder finishes usually tend to fade away or get absorbed into the base makeup, whereas cream-sheen highlighters tend to stay for a longer time with a probability of turning greasy. As most of the highlighter sticks come in a creamier version as compared to their compact counterparts, you may want to test out the post-application texture of the products. If you fall in the spectrum of combination to oily skin type, opting for one that finishes on a drier scale will help reduce the intensity of the oiliness. If you find yourself to be on the normal to dry skin type, a well-hydrated highlighter will do the job of making you glow without cracking or turning patchy.
- Shimmer vs glitter
Oftentimes we confuse the meaning of shimmer and glitter, especially when we talk about makeup. It is important to note that glitter is particularly unadvised to be used in any makeup or skincare product as these big particles could have adverse effects when applied in regularity. Shimmer however, is seen in many makeup products, popularly in eyeshadows and highlighters. Knowing this difference helps deciding against buying a highlighter that may seem to have glitter but is termed as “shimmer”.
- Ingredients
Knowing which ingredients to avoid and incorporate is a bonus. Going for products that include naturally-derived ingredients with good chemicals seems to be a healthy balance. If you have sensitive skin, choose dermatologist-tested or expert-recommended products to avoid skin irritations.
- Avoid products that include ingredients like parabens, phthalates, formaldehydes, mineral oils, and petroleum. The former extend shelf life of products while instigating new allergies whereas the latter are moisture and hydration inducing substitutes.
- Mica is the prime ingredient that is used in almost all highlighters, however, you can always check for synthetic fluorphlogopite or as commonly known as “synthetic mica” on the ingredients list. Mica has been linked with several probabilities of inhalation problems, and mica mining itself is unethical and illegal.
- You can also look for ingredients like almond oil, grapefruit oil, wax or beeswax, which are great for glowing as well as hydrating your skin.
How To Use A Highlighter Stick
- Placement
The role of any highlighter is to reflect light and add definition to those high points of your face and body where the light falls on predominantly. Knowing the primary areas of where to apply a highlighter could also prevent you from looking like a rave party disco ball. Those areas to focus are: cheekbones, brow bones, bridge of the nose, cupid’s bow or the top of your lips, and the inner corners of your eyes.
- A little always goes a long way
Since the job of a highlighter is to brighten and illuminate the high points of your face, refraining from overusing or reapplying could prevent one from looking harsh or starkey. Highlighters are only obvious when light reflects on the targeted area, therefore, it may not be as visible in the shade but would shine through your skin once the light falls on the surface.
- Use the correct tool
While a fan brush or a contoured small brush is the obvious best friend of a highlighter, you could also apply it with your fingers! Especially with highlighting sticks that are mostly creamy could easily be blended in with using fingertips.
- Coordinate with the rest of your face makeup
Applying makeup is like putting together a flower bouquet, everything should connect and complement the other aspects. Likewise, using a similar undertone for blush, highlighter, and bronzer would tether the entire look.
Benefits Of A Highlighter Stick
- Saves space, easy to carry, and portable
- Provides more precision around the eye areas
- User has more control of the amount to spread on the skin
- Creamy consistency allows it to be blended with fingertips devoid any other tools
Infographic: How To Pick The Right Highlighter Shade For Your Skin
Highlighters can alleviate your simple makeup look to a godly level of perfection. They bring out your sharp jawline and high cheekbones with shimmery ease. However, every skin type and tone requires a different formula. You need to invest in one that sits comfortably on your skin. Check out the infographic below to learn how you can find the right shade and formula for your next highlighter.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Highlighters are a central part of modern makeup routines, as they enhance your facial features and help them stand out. While they are available in various forms, a good highlighter stick is a magical product that is handy and offers exceptional results to instantly brighten up any part of your body. These products can be easily carried in your purse for a quick touch-up and are a great addition to your makeup kit to offer a hydrated and radiant glow. The stick highlighters mentioned in the curated list are expertly crafted to have a creamy, soft texture and are free from harmful chemicals. The NICEFACE Magical Halo Cosmetics Pro Shimmer Stick is easy to apply and gives a natural, glowing finish. You can also use the Maybelline Facestudio Master Strobing Stick – Light Iridescent, if you have sensitive skin and want a hypoallergenic product. If you want a long-lasting effect, use the Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Highlight – 01 Hefty Highlight. While choosing the best highlighter stick, consider the finish type and go through the ingredient list. Finally, make sure you use the right tool to blend the highlighter seamlessly. Opt for products that have garnered positive reviews from beauty enthusiasts and conduct a patch test before application to check for skin sensitivity.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Without proper experience, it is not easy to pick out the right highlighter stick. The author, Srijani Roy Chowdhury, is a makeup and fashion enthusiast who loves trying out new products and penning reviews of the same. She has carefully considered all skin types and online reviews of the products before curating this list of the best highlighters available in the market. These highlighters are not only capable of giving you a natural glow but are also easy to apply and use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are stick highlighters good?
Depends on the kind of finish and use you want to indulge in. Highlighter sticks are of creamy consistency which means they last for a longer time without making you feel chalky which some powder products could.
Is powder or stick highlighter better?
Both powder and cream stick highlighters are beneficial in their own ways. Powder highlighters could be preferred by those with oily skin, whereas creamy highlighter sticks could appeal to those with dry skin. Apart from this, powder highlighters do have a tendency to have fallouts in their surrounding areas and could be chalky in some cases, highlighter sticks are more mess-free and portable.
How long does stick highlighter last?
Highlighter sticks on an average have a shelf-life of 12-18 months.
Do you apply highlighter before or after foundation?
There are two ways you can use a highlighter. The general way to use one is to dab some product after your base makeup is complete. The other way is to use it like an illuminator, here, you can mix a bit of foundation with a little bit highlighter and blend both the two for base makeup, topped with another glide as you’d normally use a highlighter. This would seal the constant glow evenly across your face and shine more on the high points of your face.
Do you apply highlighter before or after a blush?
A highlighter is applied after the blush for enhanced facial features.
Can I use eyeshadow as a highlighter?
Yes, eyeshadows are highly pigmented, and the right shade may be used as a highlighter.
Which highlighter is the best, liquid or stick?
A liquid highlighter offers a natural glow, while a stick highlighter offers a subtle look and is easier to apply.
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