Dewy, radiant skin is always in style, which makes highlighter as much of a staple as mascara and lip gloss in our book. Highlighter is not one-size-fits-all, though. Some formulas provide a natural, lit-from-within glow, while others create an iridescent or even metallic sheen. Highlighter colors can vary, too, from cool silvers that make fair complexions pop to dark bronzes and golds well-suited for deeper skin. To help you find the best highlighter for your skin tone, we’ve rounded up some of our all-time favorite highlighters for fair, medium, and deep complexions. Whether you prefer a glassy cream highlighter or a shimmery powder formula, you’re bound to find a flattering pick below.Our Favorite Highlighters for Fair Skin Tones The best highlighters for fair skin tend to be in the silver or pale gold family. These light, icy hues will create the illusion of light reflecting off your face in a flattering, natural way. If you need help narrowing down your options, here are some of the best highlighters for pale skin to try in 2025.1. NYX Professional Makeup Buttermelt Highlighter in Bright & Butta This frosty pink powder is among our favorite cool-toned highlighters for an icy-looking glow. The buttery formula is infused with mango butter, shea butter, and almond butter and glides smoothly onto the skin for a seamless, glowy finish that lasts up to 12 hours.2. L'Oréal Paris Lumi Le Glass Highlighter Stick in Glowy Crème Chic Next time you’re restocking your collection of drugstore makeup, we suggest picking up this highlighter to try, too. It comes in an easy-to-use stick and glides effortlessly onto the skin, leaving behind a luminous finish that catches the light beautifully. Plus, thanks to its neutral undertone, the icy champagne hue flatters both cool and warm-toned fair skin beautifully.3. YSL Beauty Nu Face Highlighter in Rosy Quartz Liquid highlighters are ideal for those seeking a radiant, lit-from-within finish, as their fluid formulas blend seamlessly with the skin. This hydrating formula is no exception—it’s formulated with super-fine, light-reflecting micropearls to leave the skin looking fresh and glowy but never greasy. If you’re fair-skinned, opt for the Rosy Quartz shade—the soft, pinkish-mauve hue will leave your complexion looking downright dewy.4. Giorgio Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Acqua Highlighter in HaloIf you tend to bounce between natural and glam makeup looks and need a highlighter that can be used for both, reach for this liquid option. The watery formula applies easily and melts into the skin without disrupting the rest of your makeup, and you can build it up to your desired level of shine. Blend one to two dots of the silver-toned highlighter onto each cheekbone for a softly lit glow, or build it up for a more shimmery effect that’ll stay put all day (or night) long.5. L'Oréal Paris Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer in Fair If you’re on the hunt for a highlighter that can do it all, L’Oréal Paris’ iconic Lumi Glotion deserves a spot in your makeup bag. The multi-purpose formula, which contains glycerin and shea butter, can be worn alone as a radiant tinted moisturizer, mixed with foundation for added glow, or used over makeup as a luminous liquid highlighter. If you’re aiming for the latter, opt for the lightest shade—it’ll pair perfectly with your fairer complexion.Our Favorite Highlighters for Medium and Olive Skin Tones While medium skin can be cool, neutral, or warm-toned, it tends to have a naturally “tanned” appearance. To help accentuate that sun-kissed effect, you’ll want to look for highlighters in the bronze, peach, or gold family.1. NYX Professional Makeup Buttermelt Highlighter in Butta Bling If your skin is on the warmer side, reach for this velvety powder highlighter. The rich copper shade will complement your skin’s undertones beautifully, while the golden shimmer in the formula will leave your skin with a stunning, sun-kissed glow.2. Urban Decay Face Bond Luminizer Waterproof Glow Drops in Space Cowboy The best highlighters for olive skin tend to be those with neutral undertones, since olive skin is neither distinctly warm nor obviously cool. This peachy-pink formula fits the bill perfectly. The deep champagne tone leans warm, but silver shimmer in the formula adds a cool touch for balance. Place a few drops of the lightweight, niacinamide-infused formula onto the tops of your cheekbones and blend it out with a damp makeup sponge for a luminous look that lasts up to 12 hours.3. L'Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24HR Highlighter Longwear Powder If you’re on the hunt for the best highlighter for cool undertones, we suggest giving this affordable option a try. The icy champagne shade adds radiance without any unwanted warmth, and the long-lasting powder can be built up to your desired intensity. Apply a thin veil to your cheekbones for a subtle glow, or apply a few layers for an intense, high-shine finish.4. Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear C.E. Skin Transforming Highlighter in Copper Glow Give your skin some TLC and get your glow on with this luxe highlighter. The silky powder formula is enriched with nourishing skincare ingredients, including moringa seed oil, and delivers a luminous, natural-looking glow thanks to light-reflecting micropearls. For warmer medium skin tones, we recommend the shade Copper Glow—the rich golden copper hue will complement your skin’s undertones beautifully.5. Maybelline New York Master Chrome Highlighter in Molten Peach If you’re on the hunt for an affordable drugstore highlighter for olive skin, give this option from Maybelline New York a try. The pearlescent rose gold hue is the perfect pick for faking a natural sunkissed glow—even if you haven’t caught rays in months.Our Favorite Highlighters for Deep Skin Tones Those with deep skin tones will generally want to look for pigmented highlighters in the bronze, gold, or chocolate brown family. Cream highlighters with a translucent glossy finish can work well, too—just take care to steer clear of anything with a white base, as these may leave a chalky cast on your skin.1. L'Oréal Paris Lumi Le Glass Highlighter Stick in Glassy Sunset Amour Score a glass skin look with this creamy highlighter stick. The unique formula melts into the skin upon application, delivering a gorgeously dewy, wet-looking finish. For deep skin, Glassy Sunset Amour is our favorite shade—it’s a rich terracotta brown infused with warm golden pigments.2. Giorgio Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Acqua Highlighter in Sunrise If you tend to prefer liquid highlighters over creams or powders, we recommend giving this luxe option a try. The deep, peach-toned formula is packed with tinted micropearls to reflect light, creating a shimmery sheen that helps accentuate your features. Plus, it’s buildable, so you can easily tailor your glow.3. NYX Professional Makeup Buttermelt Highlighter in Butta in Bronze Deep bronze highlighters are a natural pick for those with darker skin, as the rich metallic tone will help to bring radiance to your complexion without making it appear flat or chalky. Try this budget-friendly pick, which features skin-loving ingredients and melts into the skin for up to 12 hours of radiant, transfer-resistant wear.4. Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear C.E. Skin Transforming Highlighter in Deep Glow Illuminate cool-toned skin with this velvety powder highlighter. Unlike many highlighters for deep skin, this pretty pick isn’t distinctly golden or coppery. Instead, the rich chestnut brown hue boasts a neutral, rosy metallic sheen, helping to add luster without any unwanted warmth.5. Urban Decay Face Bond Luminizer Waterproof Glow Drops in High Profile Secure a stunning, natural-looking beachy glow with these liquid highlighting drops. The ultra-light formula, which contains 3% niacinamide, is suitable for use on the face and body and wears for up to 12 hours while resisting fading and transferring. As for the shade: It’s a rich, chocolate brown hue infused with subtle golden shimmer—perfect for illuminating melanin-rich complexions. Next Up: How To Pick the Right Blush for Your Skin Tone
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