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I find it pretty comforting to know that dewy, glowing, and youthful skin is just a swipe away on any given day. Yes, skincare helps, but I’m talking about my makeup item of choice (always), a good highlighter. If I were stranded on a desert island and could only have three makeup products, well, it would definitely be one of them. Because, at least if I’m stranded on an island somewhere, I’ll appear like I’m just casually vacationing and working on my summer glow (spoken like a true beauty editor—I know).
My only slight gripe with a lot of highlighters these days is that they aren’t always flattering on all skin tones. Especially as a woman of color, I’ve found some of them just don’t even show up on my skin at all. That’s why I’ve made it my mission to find the most universally flattering highlighter palettes out there. And, of course, I’ve enlisted the help of two top celebrity makeup artists, Tobi Henney and Monika Blunder, to provide us with their recs. Keep scrolling for the best highlighter palettes that look good on literally everyone.
Tobi Henney, Celebrity Makeup Artist
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1. Tom Ford Soleil Sheer Highlighting Duo in Reflects Gilt
“This is one of my all-time favorite highlighters, as it looks incredible on all skin tones, and when the light hits it in photos, it just radiates and makes my girls’ cheekbones pop!”
2. Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow Sculpt & Highlight Palette
“I have been using this highlighter palette since it first was released, and I cannot live without it in my kit. It is a gorgeous soft golden tone and is so beautiful when used on all of the high points of the face.”
3. Chanel Eclat Magnétique de Chanel Illuminating Powder
“This is a great handbag highlighter to carry on the go and travel with. I love the peachy tone, and the packaging is divine. It is so pretty with a bronzed makeup look.”
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4. Dior Backstage Glow Face Palette in Glitz
“I am seriously obsessed with this palette. I love how it has four shades, which can be used all together, alone, or mixed with one another. It is a super-versatile palette and is also very beautiful when used on the eyes.”
5. MAC Cosmetics Mineralize Skin Finish in Soft & Gentle
“I have had this in my kit for years. The soft pearly tone is absolutely divine on the cheeks and Cupid’s bow. It is definitely a ‘can’t live without’ product for me.”
Monika Blunder, Celebrity Makeup Artist
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6. Pat McGrath Labs Divine Blush + Glow Trio in Galactic Sun
“For high impact and shine, I love Pat McGrath powder highlighters! They’re eye-catching and fun without being too chunky. They have people asking you what you’re wearing all night.”
7. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette
“For something subtler and more natural, I love the Hourglass Ambient Light powders. These are subtle enough to wear as a luminous setting powder, and they glow rather than sparkle.”
8. Charlotte Tilbury Nudegasm Face Palette
“Charlotte Tilbury highlighters are a staple in my kit. [They] work on so many skin types and skin tones, and they’re so versatile. I love it on the eyes as much as I love it on the face.”
9. RMS Mini Living Luminizer Highlighter Glow Quad
“For everyday fresh makeup, my go-to is the RMS highlighter. It looks dewy and glowy without being too sparkly, but it also adds youth and vibrancy to the face.”
10. Dior Forever Couture Luminizer Highlighter Powder
“I also just love Dior highlighters. They’re some I find myself reaching for often, and they have great staying power!”
Other beauty-editor favorites:
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Sometimes, I genuinely can’t believe how unreal Juvia’s Place formulas are for the price. I’ve been in love with the brand’s Nubian Eyeshadow Palette ($20) for years, and my love affair continues with this highlighter bundle.
Fenty Beauty’s Killawatt Freestyle Highlighters are hands down some of my favorites. They’re definitely not as intense as a few others on this list, but if you like to go for a subtler, lit-from-within glow, these are definitely for you.
I’ve always been a huge fan of Anastasia Beverly Hills highlighters. The brand makes some of the best highlighter palettes out there because they’re so flattering and provide a radiant, almost metallic finish.
I mean, do I even need to explain why this palette is on the list? The highly pigmented shades will have you looking so sun-kissed, so radiant, that you won’t even know what to do with yourself. The hues truly do the most. They don’t just merely show up on every skin tone; they shine.
The tones in this Natasha Denona palette are a mix of the brand’s best-selling highlighters, and all I can say is wow. These highlighters are creamy, hydrating, and glide on so beautifully. They truly give all skin tones a dewy, flushed look or can be turned up in intensity for a night out.
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