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Highlighters have come a long way since MAC’s Vanilla Pigment, BECCA Cosmetics’ Champagne Pop, and Benefit’s Watt’s Up (seemingly discontinued—RIP). Not only has cosmetic technology advanced and makeup trends shifted since the early 2000s, but shade ranges have also expanded because makeup isn’t one size fits all. The industry has become far more inclusive (though there’s always room for improvement), and makeup wearers have more resources than ever, à la YouTube, TikTok, Reddit, and other forms of media, to discover products and shades that suit their complexions. In the spirit of providing this same service, we’re zooming in on the best highlighters for dark skin tones.
Table Of Contents
The Best Highlighters for Dark Skin Tones at a Glance
What should you look for when buying a highlighter for dark skin tones?
How should you apply highlighter to dark skin tones?
When should you apply highlighter in your makeup routine?
The Best Highlighters for Dark Skin Tones, According to Experts
The Best Highlighters for Dark Skin Tones at a Glance
- Expert’s Choice: Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter (try Trophy Wife and Ginger Binge/Moscow Mule), $40
- Best Cream: NUDESTIX Nudies Glow Cream Highlighter Stick (try Brown Sugar Baby), $35
- Best Powder: Charlotte Tilbury Glow Glide Face Architect Highlighter (try Rose Gold Glow), $49
- Best Balm: Danessa Myricks Beauty Dew Wet Hydrating and Highlighting Balm (try Hot Water), $24
- Best Liquid: L’Oréal Paris Makeup True Match Lumi Glotion, $14 (originally $17)
- Best Drugstore: L’Oréal Paris Lumi Le Glass and Glow Highlighter Stick (try 625 Glassy Sunset Amour), $10 (originally $13)
- Most Affordable: Black Radiance Artisan Color Baked Bronzer, $5 (originally $8)
- Best Splurge-Worthy: (try Honey), $40
- Best Palette: Danessa Myricks Beauty Lightwork Palette, $42
So you want that golden goddess glow that everyone’s rocking on your social media feeds but aren’t sure how to recreate it at home? You’ve come to the right place because we asked three makeup artists to shout out highlighters that flatter melanin-rich skin tones. We also consulted them on what makes a good highlighter for dark skin tones and how and when to apply it. Even better: We got recommendations and photos from a few melanated women, so you can see what some of the following formulas look like on real skin.
Keep scrolling to learn about the best highlighters for dark skin tones and how to apply them so you can shine bright like a diamond (we just had to quote our girl RiRi). Our experts’ product picks range from the always dependable Fenty Beauty and Danessa Myricks Beauty to the affordable L’Oréal Paris and Black Radiance.
What should you look for when buying a highlighter for dark skin tones?
- Warm tones—think gold, bronze, peach, rose gold, copper, and deep gold
- Cream or liquid formulas for a more natural look
- Powders should be finely milled and pigmented
- A radiant sheen instead of chunky glitter
All three of our experts are on the same page about going for warm-toned highlighters if you have a melanated complexion. What do they mean by warm-toned? Stick to gold, bronze, peach, rose gold, copper, and deep gold undertones. L’Oréal Paris Celebrity Makeup Artist Allan Avendaño and makeup artistand mature skincare expert Kat James recommend steering clear of cool-toned highlighters.
These kinds of highlighters “might not complement deeper complexions as well and could look a bit flat,” according to Avendaño, and “anything too icy or pearly can turn ashy fast,” James adds. Film and TV makeup artist Cidni Merrett, however, believes you can absolutely branch out to purples and champagnes. At the end of the day, finding your go-to highlighter might take a bit of trial and error (though we’re trying to minimize this by writing this in-depth guide), and you should wear whatever makes you feel beautiful.
Highlighter formula and product consistency are truly subjective. If you’re a fan of a more natural, lit-from-within radiance, Avendaño and James suggest trying cream or liquid formulas. But if you can’t live without your powders, make sure they’re finely milled and pigmented, but not chalky or packed with chunky glitter, James notes.
How should you apply highlighter to dark skin tones?
A highlighter does exactly what its name suggests and illuminates skin wherever applied. But you don’t want to whack highlighter onto areas that might not look the most flattering. The places you should be calling attention to are the high points of your face, specifically your cheekbones, brow bones, bridge of the nose, inner corner of the eyes, and cupid’s bow, according to the pros.
There is such a thing as overdoing highlighter, though. “My number one rule: Don’t go too wide. Keep your highlighter placement focused,” says James. “I also love tapping a little highlighter on the center of the eyelid for a cohesive glow.” Alternatively, she recommends mixing a drop of liquid highlighter into your foundation or moisturizer for an all-over radiance. And don’t forget your collarbones, your shoulders, or even your shins. Adding highlighter to these areas can help pull the whole look together, per James.
Merrett takes a slightly different approach and likes to start with a glow serum. It can help give your base makeup a sheer inner glow and create a smooth canvas for your liquid, stick, or powder highlighters later on. The MUA can’t say enough good things about Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops ($35), Danessa Myricks Beauty’s Yummy Skin Glow Serum ($34), e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter ($14), and MAC Cosmetics’ Strobe Highlighting Moisturizer Cream ($39).
When should you apply highlighter in your makeup routine?
You should lay down your foundation and any powders before applying highlighter. This should all come before misting your setting spray. “That’s when the texture blends best into the skin without grabbing. If you’re using a cream or liquid, make sure you do it before powdering to avoid patchiness,” says James.
Avendaño is all about keeping liquid products with other liquid products, and the same goes for cream and powder formulas. So if you’re using a cream foundation, be sure to use a cream highlighter, blush, and so on. “To make powder highlighter look more a part of your skin, I love to apply a setting mist that adheres the products to your face and makes it look like a part of your skin instead of just lying on top of it,” he explains.
The Best Highlighters for Dark Skin Tones, According to Experts
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter
Expert’s Choice
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter
Buy Now on Sephora $40
Buy Now on Ulta $40
You can count all three of our makeup experts as fans of this Fenty Beauty highlighter, with shade Trophy Wife being the most recommended shade for dark skin tones. “Trophy Wife is bold and unapologetically gold, while Ginger Binge/Moscow Mule gives that warm rose-gold glow that looks amazing on medium to deep complexions,” says James. Avendaño likes this compact because it’s lightweight and super buildable, while Merrett notes it’s best for a more dramatic glam look.
Shades: 7 (try Trophy Wife and Ginger Binge/Moscow Mule)
Formula: Cream to powderDanessa Myricks Beauty Dew Wet Hydrating and Highlighting Balm
Best Balm
Danessa Myricks Beauty Dew Wet Hydrating and Highlighting Balm
$24Buy Now on Sephora
“This gives you editorial, glossy skin in one swipe—perfect for deeper tones. It’s not glittery, just glowing,” says James of the Hot Water shade. Expect dewy, hydrated, glass skin when this highlighting balm melts into your complexion.
“Danessa Myrick’s Dew Wet Balm gives such a natural glow… and I love it! Very satisfied! I use this product on my no-makeup, makeup days (which has become every day). So in love with the glitter shimmer behind the glow: it’s giving LIFE, naturally. Danessa Myricks Beauty Dew Wet Balm (in Hot Water) is it for the ultimate glow. Saves the day!” — Najeema Powell, Direct Care Support Professional
Shades: 4 (try Hot Water)
Formula: BalmCharlotte Tilbury Glow Glide Face Architect Highlighter
Best Powder
Charlotte Tilbury Glow Glide Face Architect Highlighter
We’ve included quite a few cream or cream-to-powder formulas in this roundup, but if you’re more of a powder girl, this Charlotte Tilbury option is for you. “This one gives that soft, airbrushed luminosity. It’s not overpowering—just a silky, sophisticated shimmer that looks luxe on rich skin tones,” says James, who suggests shade Rose Gold Glow for deeper skin tones. You might want to scoop it up ASAP since this shade is only in stock on Ulta’s site right now.
“Fantastic product and looks so amazing on rich skin tones. I especially love the way it looks in the sun. It stayed on all day, and I applied it with a brush.” — Kimberly Rodney, Go-to-Market Leader, Generative AI on Search at Google
Shades: 7 (try Rose Gold Glow)
Formula: PowderFenty Beauty by Rihanna Match Stix Shimmer Skinstick
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Match Stix Shimmer Skinstick
$32Buy Now on Fenty Beauty
$32Buy Now on Sephora
$32Buy Now on Ulta
The Match Stix Shimmer Skinstick is one of Merrett’s favorite cream highlighters. It features a long-wear, weightless formula that’s easy to blend and layer. “A pro tip is to rub this stick on the hand, letting the product warm up before applying for a seamless application,” Merrett notes. The shade she’s hooked on, Sinamon, is only available on Fenty Beauty’s site at the moment, but there are seven other beautiful shades on Ulta and four on Sephora.
Shades: 8 (try Sinamon)
Formula: Cream to powderL’Oréal Paris Lumi Le Glass and Glow Highlighter Stick
Best Drugstore
L’Oréal Paris Lumi Le Glass and Glow Highlighter Stick
On Sale 23% off
$10Buy Now On Amazon
$13Buy Now on Ulta
$11Buy Now on Target
$10Buy Now on Walmart
“I love these highlighter sticks because they are incredibly user-friendly. The formula is very lightweight, so it can be applied before and after powder products,” says Avendaño. Glide this stick wherever you want to highlight and then blend with a brush or tap, tap, tap with your fingers. That’s the beauty of an easy-to-use, apply-anywhere cream product that comes in a stick. The results? Just the most gorgeous, reflective, luminous, satin glowy finish. Don’t forget to swipe this highlighter onto your collar bone or really anywhere on your body that needs a little pop of glimmer.
Shades: 6 (try 625 Glassy Sunset Amour)
Formula: CreamDanessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder Lowlighter Soft Glow Highlighter
Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder Lowlighter Soft Glow Highlighter
$25Buy Now on Sephora
“These have a beautiful finish to them because of the blurring properties in the formula,” says Avendaño. This unique balm-to-powder formula utilizes upsalite to create a soft-focus effect, hyaluronic acid to hydrate, and vegan squalane to smooth. Plus, crushed pearl pigments ensure a luminous finish. Apply this Danessa Myricks Beauty balm all over the face or to specific parts of the face you’d like to highlight.
Shades: 4
Formula: Balm to powderBlack Radiance Artisan Color Baked Bronzer
Most Affordable
Black Radiance Artisan Color Baked Bronzer
On Sale 38% off
$5Buy Now On Amazon
$5Buy Now on Target
$6Buy Now on Walmart
Highlighting on a budget? This baked bronzer costs just $5 and “delivers a stunning glow without looking chalky, and it doubles as a blush topper or bronzer,” James explains. This product belongs in your makeup bag if you’re going for a lightly toasted, sun-kissed look.
Shades: 2 (try Gingersnap)
Formula: Baked powderNUDESTIX Nudies Glow Cream Highlighter Stick
Best Cream
NUDESTIX Nudies Glow Cream Highlighter Stick
$35Buy Now on Sephora
$35Buy Now on Revolve
Get your glow on with this NUDESTIX highlighter stick. Merrett shouts out the shade, Brown Sugar Baby, for creating a subtle, dewy look.
Shades: 6 (try Brown Sugar Baby)
Formula: CreamL’Oréal Paris Makeup True Match Lumi Glotion
Best Liquid
L’Oréal Paris Makeup True Match Lumi Glotion
On Sale 18% off
$14Buy Now On Amazon
$17Buy Now on Ulta
$15Buy Now on Target
Avendaño is a fan of multifunctional products, noting you can use this liquid formula as a highlighter or tinted moisturizer, or even as body makeup. You might recognize this tube from TikTok, since it went viral for being an affordable Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Drops alternative. And affordable, she is! Grab this liquid highlighter for just $14 on Amazon and wear it alone, under makeup, over makeup, or mixed in with your foundation.
Shades: 5
Formula: LiquidTower 28 Beauty SuperDew Highlight Balm
Tower 28 Beauty SuperDew Highlight Balm
$18Buy Now on Sephora
$18Buy Now on Revolve
$18Buy Now on Credo Beauty
Don’t sleep on the SuperDew Highlight Balm just because it’s clear. Avendaño says it’s “perfect for a quick and easy healthy glow” and flatters “all skin tones.” For those who prefer a more natural look, this balm will help you achieve a glassy, luminous highlight rather than a shimmery, blinding highlight.
Shades: 1 (try Clear)
Formula: BalmPatrick Ta Beauty Major Glow Crème & Powder Light Reflecting Translucent Highlighter Duo
Best Splurge-Worthy
Patrick Ta Beauty Major Glow Crème & Powder Light Reflecting Translucent Highlighter Duo
$40Buy Now on Patrick Ta Beauty
“I’m typically a girl who doesn’t really switch up my routine once I find something that I like, but I was super excited to try the Patrick Ta highlighter since I’ve been hearing so many good things about his products. I’ve never used a highlight that had a cream base as well so I had to do a quick TikTok tutorial to make sure I applied it the right way. The cream base is subtle once applied but really adds a nice definition to the face and once paired with the powder on top has a stunning glow. A little definitely goes a long way with this product as well. Overall, I really liked this highlight and the radiant glow it added to my face!” — Bria Metvier, Director, Integrated Sales Marketing at NBCUniversal
Shades: 5 (try Honey)
Formula: Cream and powderDanessa Myricks Beauty Lightwork Palette
Best Palette
Danessa Myricks Beauty Lightwork Palette
If there’s anything we know about Danessa Myricks Beauty products, it’s that they don’t skimp on pigment or shine. Folks with deep skin tones will fall in love with all six multi-tonal shades in this highlighter palette. Plus, a little goes a long way with products from this brand, according to Merrett. This creamy powder formula contains micro-light refracting particles to help your eyes, face, and body glisten. And if you do the math, each shade costs only $7, meaning you get the best bang for your buck with this option.
Shades: 1
Formula: PowderThe Crayon Case Highlighter Powder
The Crayon Case Highlighter Powder
Glow big or go home with this powder highlighter. Merrett calls it a “deep golden highlighter that works great for rich skin tones.” The bronze pigments will have you looking like a golden goddess in no time.
Shades: 4 (try AnGLOWla)
Formula: Powder
