The Best Colored Highlighter to Debut This Summer

We’re super into highlighter these days — no major surprise there. But we’re extra into colorful highlighter, particularly for summer, festivals, parties and whenever we’re in need of a bold, ’grammable look. Like all makeup, highlighter doesn’t have to be subtle. In fact, we’re encouraging the opposite. If you aren’t fully on board just yet, take to social media, YouTube or even the red carpet for inspiration (lookin’ at you, Rihanna).

Thanks to the endless supply of highlighters that are currently on the market, you’ll have no trouble finding one that catches your eye. We grabbed a few of our favorite colorful highlighters of the moment and reached out to makeup artist Gabriel Almodovar to help recommend highlighters to pair with specific skin tones. But don’t let that stop you from experimenting with all different colors and finishes — the world is your oyster, people. Check out four different pairings we love, ahead. 

Orange Highlighter: Dark Skin Tones 

“Orange is a warm color, I recommend it for dark skin tones,” says Almodovar. NYX Professional Makeup Duo Chromatic Illuminating Powder in Synthetica certainly packs the pigment, shimmer and duo-chrome effect that will look incredible on dark skin tones. And if you’re looking to tone down the color just a bit, he also recommends a gold shade like Maybelline FaceStudio Master Chrome in Molten Gold.

Pink Highlighter: Light Skin Tones 

“Lighter skin tends to have a pink or reddish tint to it naturally, which is why I recommend pink,” explains Almodovar. Our pink highlighter of choice is Catrice 3D Glow Highlighter in Pinch of Rose — a creamy, soft formula that will brighten your features, all while looking really, really cool. Not ready to take the plunge with pink just yet? “Opalescent highlighters are also really great for lighter skin tones,” adds Almodovar. For less color, check out Catrice 3D Glow Highlighter in Icy Glaze.

Purple Highlighter: All Skin Tones 

“Because purple highlighter is a fashion color that’s not naturally found in the skin anyway, I recommend purple highlighter for all skin tones.” Maybelline FaceStudio Master Holographic Prismatic Highlighter is a great option to achieve that double-take worthy glow. Use it on your eyes and cheeks to create a monochromatic makeup look.

Opal Highlighter: Medium Skin Tones 

Gabriel recommends opal highlighter for medium skin tones, but “peach or tan highlighters will also complement the skin really well.” We’re particularly obsessed with the iridescent Maybelline Holographic Prismatic Highlighter in Opal, but Lancôme Dual Finish Highlighter Illuminating Powder in Luminous Gold will look incredible, too (just not as colorful). 

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