It wasn’t that long ago that “highlighter” basically meant a shimmering ivory shade. We were lucky if we got the occasional gold or metallic bronze. How things have changed. It seems like there is a new highlighter launching every day now in colors that go way beyond pearly ivory.
In the quest to create the super strobed look that’s all over Instagram, beauty companies are getting more creative with their highlighter colors and finishes. It started with the viral rainbow highlighters and then moved on to standalone hues. Want a purple highlighter? You can have it. How about pink? Yup. Fancy some green? You can now find it at the drugstore.
If you’re worried about overdoing your highlighter when you’re using an ivory shade, a colored highlighter probably makes you doubly intimidated. The sheer formulas and hints of color make them surprisingly easy to pull off, though. They’re much less intimidating compared to opaque eyeshadows and unconventional lip colors.
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You only need a bit of colored highlighter makeup to make an impact. Try starting off with a dab of one color on your cheekbones or under your brow bones. You can even try some on the inner corners of your eyes. When you get comfortable with that, you can try layering different shades. If you’re feeling creative, try applying a bit of highlighter on top of your lipstick for a cool top coat. Just remember that with all of the looks, blending is key.
Ready to start experimenting with colored highlighter makeup? Shop the products below.
[ Next: Highlighters for Every Skin Tone ]
12 Unique Highlighter Shades That Give You An Instagram-Worthy Rainbow Glow
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Rainbow Days
You can thank this affordable highlighter for making unique highlighter shades one of the biggest makeup trends around. The pearlescent powder gives you a multidimensional glow that outshines your plain old ivory highlighter.
wet n wild Color Icon Rainbow Highlighter, $5.99 at wet n wild
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Not So Naked
There's nothing really naked about a shimmering blue highlighter, but you won't be complaining about it when you see what this highlighter does to your complexion. Use the concealer-like brush to swipe a bit of the pearly pigment on your cheekbones, cupid's bow and brow bones.
Urban Decay Naked Skin Highlighting Fluid in Skywalk, $28 at Sephora
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Glow Getter
Love yourself some lavender? This icy-toned shade is just the thing for you. Use a flat brush to apply the prismatic highlighter to your cheekbones in a C shape. For even more of a glow, dust a bit down the bridge of your nose and on your cupid's bow.
ColourPop Pearlized Highlighter in Hippo, $8 at ColourPop
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Gonna Be Lit
Don't mistake this for a basic blush. The budget-friendly powder has light-reflecting pearls that illuminate your face. Apply some anywhere you want to add a peachy glow.
NYX Cosmetics Duo Chromatic Illuminating Powder in Synthetica, $7.99 at Ulta
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Like a Jewel
This gorgeous soft purple highlighter looks as good on your face as it does in the package. If you're used to using strictly opal highlighters, this one is a good option for rainbow highlighter newbies thanks to the subtle duo-chrome lilac finish.
BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Prismatic Amethyst, $38 at Sephora
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Start Baking
No, not the oven kind of baking, the makeup variety. This highlighter combines a rose gold hue with a healthy dose of shimmer for a beautiful glow.
Makeup Revolution Vivid Baked Highlighter in Rose Gold Lights, $6 at Ulta
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Just a Drop
When Cover FX launched custom foundation drops, it revolutionized the makeup game. The latest product in the family is this prismatic version. Add a few drops to your foundation or primer and the multidimensional drops will give your skin that coveted holographic finish.
Cover FX Custom Enhancer Drops in Halo, $42 at Sephora
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Plenty of Choice
If you're the type of person who likes to have multiple options, you'll love this palette. Take your pick from four gorgeous highlighter shades: pink, purple, green and blue. Or you can wear them all at once. The first-of-its-kind highlighters contain 360-degree refractive pearls that have been dipped in a prismatic coating for megawatt shimmer.
Kat Von D Alchemist Holographic Palette, $32 at Sephora
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Baby Blues
You may assume this is an eyeshadow, but it is actually a prismatic highlighter. The surprisingly easy-to-wear baby blue shade was inspired by the looks LORAC sees at brunch, making it perfect for your usual weekend morning with the girls. It would be just as pretty on date night or for a lazy lunch, though.
LORAC I Love Brunch Light Source Illuminating Highlighter in Limelight, $23 at Ulta
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Great Gradient
This beautiful gradient highlighter has six different shades blended into it. Choose from a soft pink highlighter or a fresh mauve. Alternatively, you can glide a big fluffy brush over the entire palette, then sweep the color over your cheekbones.
Kevyn Aucoin The Neo Limelight, $58 at Sephora
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Ice, Ice Baby
Whether you want to play up certain features or prefer an all-over glow, this powder highlighter is just the product to do it. The silvery blue and pink tones give you an ice queen-like vibe.
L'Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Powder Glow Illuminator in Ice, $12.99 at Ulta
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Frostbite
Don't let the bold color in the compact intimidate you. The mint highlighter is very pigmented, but it blends easily to create a soft finish. If you're craving bold color, try applying it with a wet brush.
Jeffree Star Cosmetics Skin Frost in Mint Condition, $29 at Jeffree Star Cosmetics
