Give your face a glowy sheen with our list of the best highlighters for brown skin. A highlighter adds a luminous glow to the face and accentuates the highest points of your face. However, choosing the right highlighter shade depends on your complexion. Products with peach, bronze, or gold undertones can give your skin a warm, rich glow. Most highlighters are available in liquid or powder forms. They contain light-diffusing pigments that offer the skin a natural sheen and enhance your makeup. With various products available, choosing the right highlighter for your skin may be challenging. So, browse through our list to make an informed choice.
9 Best Highlighters For Brown Skin
1. Best For All Skin Types: Maybelline New York Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter
Maybelline New York master chrome metallic highlighter can add dimensions to your face. This highly pigmented formula is suitable for all types of skin, giving your skin a reflective effect. It is formulated with the best ingredients to enhance your facial features by attracting light. The pressed powder has two rich colors of molten metal tones. This video review will help you learn more about this highlighter. Pros
Can be applied using fingertips Works best on cheeks and brow bones Delivers a warm undertone Buildable and blendable
Cons
Shade may be darker than expected Pallete may have a brittle finish
2. Best Water-Resistant: Lifus Highlighter Palette
Lifus highlighter is a four-in-one palette that can enhance your makeup and give you a three-dimensional look with perfect and precise contours. The water-resistant and smudge-proof highlighter is ideal for your brow-bones, cheekbones, and eyelids and suitable for various skin tones. The pigment-rich powder-base glow bronzer adds a subtle glow to your face and gives it a soft silky texture. This bronzer is vegan and cruelty-free. Pros
Delivers a natural-looking finish Lasts up to 12 hours Best for simple makeup Suitable for professional makeup artists
Cons
May require a setting spray for a highlighted look May not be easy to get colors on the brush
3. Best Moisturizing: Physicians Formula Butter Highlighter
The Physicians Formula multidimensional powder-based highlighter combines the advantages of murumuru, tucuma, and cocoa butter. It is lightweight and can be worn over makeup or used as a stand-alone makeup delight. It also contains essential fatty acids and provitamins, which help moisturize the skin and retain moisture. The blendable highlighter has refined pearls to help brighten the skin tone. This hypoallergenic product is safe for sensitive skin and does not contain harsh chemicals. This video will help you make an informed decision about your purchase. Pros
Delivers a Brazilian glow seamlessly Made with a lasting hydrating effect Can be used without a makeup brush Glides on face easily Can deliver a subtle but shimmer finish Gluten-free and vegan Available in eight colors
Cons
May not be water-resistant May have a peculiar smell
4. Best Shimmery: Wet N Wild Megaglo Liquid Highlighter
The liquid highlighter delivers a multi-dimensional shimmer effect and gives it a natural moisturizing finish. Wet n Wild highlighter has refined pearls and soft-focus pigments, which can smoothen your skin tone and give it a subtle glow. This wear-alone formula contains murumuru seed butter and vitamin E, which can smoothly spread and brighten skin tone. The moisturizing formula has never been tested on animals. Check this video to learn more about the product. Pros
Consists of buildable pigmentation Long-lasting Made with a hydrating formula Comes in four colors
Cons
May not suit people with cool undertones May not be easy to remove
5. Best Vegan: Aesthetica Starlite Highlighter
Aesthetica highlighter, available in four shades, delivers a radiant glow and natural dewy effect to darker skin tones. The powder-based formula has a metallic luster, blends perfectly with your skin, and lasts for a long time. The disc-shaped compact contains luminous pressed powder with a mirror to complete your makeup look. It is fortified with the best ingredients and is vegan and cruelty-free. Pros
Emphasizes facial structure Glides smoothly on the skin Suitable for beginners and professionals Available in three colors
Cons
Some may find the pigmentation to be insufficient May crumble upon prolonged usage
6. Best Pigmented: Covergirl TruBlend Super Stunner Hyper-Glow
The Covergirl TruBlend highlighter is designed to give all skin tones a shimmering effect. It is a powder-based formula rich in pigments, which help accentuate the cheekbones and give a radiant glow. The rich formula blends perfectly with your makeup to create a perfect and charming appearance. The formula contains highly effective ingredients and has never been tested on animals. Pros
Suits all skin types and tones Can be applied using fingertips Blends easily Comes in various colors
Cons
May get clumped May not suit dry skin
7. Best Handmade Formula: Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick Compact
Bobbi Brown’s compact-based highlighter in pink quartz is a shimmering brush-on powder highlighter that gives your face a soft pink appearance. The light-diffusing pigments enhance the skin texture with a natural sheen, adds a soft glow to your cheeks, and accentuates your facial features beautifully. The handmade formula blends smoothly with your skin and reflects a radiant glow. The formula does not contain parabens, phthalates, and sulfates. Pros
Travel-friendly and comes with a mirror Tested by dermatologists Hassle-free application Available in three colors
Cons
May be smaller than expected May crumble easily
8. Best For Natural Glow: TheBalm Bonnie-Dew Manizer Liquid Highlighter
Use this liquid highlighter to enhance your skin’s natural glow and make your skin soft and smooth. The creamy formula is multidimensional and gives your cheekbones an illuminating effect. The balm liquid highlighter is a lightweight formula rich in pigments and blends easily with your skin. The liquid formula with ethical ingredients gives a dewy effect to your skin. Pros
Brush is easily bendable Can be worn alone on skin Works best on cupid’s bow Cruelty-free
Cons
May deliver patchy results for some May leave a mess upon usage
9. Best Nourishing: Hurraw! Multi-Use Highlighter
Hurraw highlighter is a non-greasy formula that enhances your facial features while nourishing your skin. The highlighter glides smoothly on the skin with a silky, buttery feel. It is rich in coconut, castor, and jojoba oils, which add luster to your skin. The formula has never been tested on animals and is a certified vegan product. This organic formula is also non-toxic and free of harmful chemicals or preservatives. Pros
Feather-light finish Can be worn alone or with foundation Contains fresh-pressed oils Made as a non-GMO product Third party-tested for quality
Cons
May seem slightly sheer to some May have a peculiar smell
How To Choose The Right Highlighter For Brown Skin?
Here are some suggestions for choosing the best highlighter for dark skin.
- Pigments: Choose a product that is rich in pigments to enhance natural luster.
- Shade: Rich gold, bronze, and copper are most suitable for brown skin. Avoid buying frosty colors such as pink and peach.
- Long-lasting: Always check the product label’s expiry date. Avoid buying products that are close to the expiry date. Expired products may irritate your skin.
- Sun protection: A highlighter with SPF content can be worn as wear-alone to provide you with double protection.
- Brand: Choose trustworthy brands that have positive reviews. A reputable brand will not compromise on quality.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Poulami Nag is a makeup, fashion, and personal care enthusiast. She has searched extensively to find the best highlighters for brown skin to give you a smooth finish. In this post, she has included products available in various brown shades. While all of these products are smudge-proof and offer glittery hues, they have varying intensities to suit your needs. This list comprises highlighters that would enhance your skin tone. Also included is a buyer’s guide to help you make the right choice.
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