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Beauty/Makeup/Drugstore

Top 10 Drugstore Highlighters

Get Ready To Glow: The 10 Best Drugstore Highlighters

Get Ready To Glow: The 10 Best Drugstore Highlighters

Here at Rank & Style, we're big fans of highlighters. But with the endless amount of options on the shelves—powder, liquid, palettes, sticks, pink, bronze—choosing the right one isn't easy. That's why we made it our mission to scroll through user reviews, best-seller lists, editorial mentions, and more to find the very best highlighters on the beauty shelves. And as it turns out, you don't have to travel all the way to a tropical island to achieve an illuminated, just-back-from-vacay glow. In fact, all you need to do is head to your local drugstore. Ahead, discover the Top 10 affordable highlighters on the market, from an influencer fave under $5 to pretty palettes worth twice the price. While the selections that follow all ring up under $15, we can assure you that the glow they give is priceless. Keep scrolling to shop the top picks for helping you achieve your best glow yet. Opening image: @lorealparismakeup

Love our 10 Best Drugstore Highlighters? Check out our 10 Best Drugstore Red Lipsticks next!

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September 17, 2019

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Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.

The Rankings


10
Revlon PhotoReady Insta-Fix Highlighting Stick
Rank & Style Approved

amazon.com

Revlon PhotoReady Insta-Fix Highlighting Stick

BEST FOR: Thanks to its convenient stick form, this pick is ideal for on-the-go application. Keep one in your makeup bag and one in your desk, and you'll be good to glow in a few single swipes.

HELPFUL TIP: Light to medium skin tones should stick with the pink shade. Tan gals, go with the gold.


Milani Stellar Lights Highlighter Palette

LOVED FOR: Milani's trio of multidimensional highlighters makes it super easy to create your own unique look—each blendable, luminous shade looks just as good alone as they do together.

USERS SAID: "This highlighter is IT. It rivals high-end highlighters that are priced at $30+ by giving the same pigmented glow and shine. Plus you get three colors in one! Totally a bargain for the price."


Essence Pure Nude Highlighter

WHY YOU NEED IT: Beauty bloggers across the globe are constantly singing this highlighter's praise, and it's for a good reason. It gives more of a lit-from-within glow than an I'm-wearing-tons-of-makeup look, and it rings up under $5. We repeat: $5.

USERS SAID: "This is the best drugstore highlighter out there! It's glowy and beautiful, but not glittery or shimmery. It's my go-to for an everyday glow and going out alike. When layered, it's intense, but with a soft fluffy brush, it's the perfect natural glow."


Maybelline Facestudio Master Strobing Stick Highlighter

WHAT IT DOES: Maybelline's Master Strobing Stick is infused with micro-fine pearls to boost glow without giving you that greasy, sparkly look. All it takes is a few swipes across the cheekbones, browbones, and cupid's bow for a dewy-looking complexion, and—pro tip—it looks fab as an eyeshadow too. Now that's a multipurpose product.

FUN FACT: If you're a fan of Benefit's Watt's Up Highlighter, then you'll love this pick. The medium shade looks virtually identical when applied, and you can hardly tell the difference thanks to the dreamy, creamy formula.


Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Highlighter

LOVED FOR: Combine sunkissed skin with the scent of beachside piña coladas and you've got this highlighter. Infused with nourishing butters and vitamins, it has an ultra-rich, melt-into-the-skin feel that moisturizes while it illuminates. The yummy coconut aroma is the icing on the cake.

BEST FOR: With a skin-friendly formula and a finish that doesn't emphasize skin texture, this highlighter is ideal for those with sensitive and acne-prone skin.


L'Oréal True Match Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer

BEST FOR: For an allover glow rather than a targeted one, Glotion's got you covered. The formula is super hydrating and illuminating, and it evens skin tone too.

HELPFUL TIP: Put it on over your makeup, mix it with your favorite foundation, or wear it alone. Once you try it, we guarantee you'll decide to ditch the full face of makeup you were planning on applying. Trust us.


Wet n Wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder

WHY YOU NEED IT: Highly pigmented, super buildable, and just $5—we're not really sure why you haven't added this to your cart yet.

USERS SAID: "This is my fave highlighter ever. You can go from subtle to blinding—whichever you prefer. The Golden Flower Crown shade is life and I kind of want to stockpile in case it disappears someday!"


e.l.f. Baked Highlighter

LOVED FOR: Infused with vitamin E, jojoba, sunflower, apricot, and grape, you can feel the hydrating effects of this highlighter the second you apply it. The Apricot Glow shade is a fan favorite.

HELPFUL TIP: Apply it wet for a blinding effect or dry for a sheer wash of color—this highlighter is crazy versatile.


Maybelline New York Face Studio Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter

BEST FOR: As its name suggests, you can count on Master Chrome to give you those blinding, in-your-face, model-y cheekbones you crave. And for just $10, we might add.

HELPFUL TIP: Try using a stippling brush to make things even more intense. You're welcome.


NYX Professional Makeup Born to Glow Liquid Illuminator

WHAT IT DOES: This liquid highlighter creates a sheer, natural-looking glow all over the face and body. You can use it before or after makeup application, mixed with your foundation, or alone to totally fake a fresh face.

USERS SAID: "I have combo fair skin, several acne scars, and frequent breakouts. This mixed in with my foundation or all over my face after primer BEFORE foundation in a thin layer makes my skin look RADIANT, GLOWY, HEALTHY AND SMOOTHER THAN EVER. It's a dream for me because I've always wanted my skin to feel pretty, especially when I'm outside in direct sunlight. It. Looks. Stunnning. And girl, it's so affordable!"

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