We're the first to own up to our highlighter obsession. Cream or powder, subtle or shimmer, we don't discriminate between radiance-enhancing products. Our motto? You can never be too glowy.
One of our favorite things about strobing products are the variations on the market between formulas, undertones, and intensities. The price, however, isn't always so alluring. Why? Most highlighters cost upwards of $20, which means an expansive collection isn't always feasible. In fact, many drugstore brands have either just released a strobing product in their range or they don't have one at all.
That's why we took it upon ourselves to find the very best highlighters that won't set you back more than $15. The best part? They totally deliver in pigment, texture, and longevity. It's time to get your shine on.
We discovered this two-tone chrome highlighter last year — and it's quickly become one of our favorites. In certain lights, the shimmery powder has a rosy, peachy sheen, and in others it veers more gold.
Topshop Chameleon Glow in Shuffle The Cards, $13, available at Topshop.
This finely-milled, soft powder is one of the most pigmented drugstore highlighters we have ever tried. Seriously, one layer of this stuff will make your cheekbones look like glass.
Wet n Wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder, $4.99, available at Wet n Wild.
Not into strobing? This baked highlighter from Essence gives a beautiful lit-from-within glow that never looks too sparkly.
Essence Pure Nude Highlighter, $4.49, available at Ulta Beauty.
This eye and face palette, created by YouTuber Carli Bybel, contains four pigmented highlighters that cater to pale, medium, and deep skin tones.
BH Cosmetics Carli Bybel Eyeshadow & Highlighter Palette, $14.50, available at Ulta Beauty.
Talk about a makeup multi-tasker. This liquid highlighter from Maybelline can be tapped onto the face alone to illuminate the skin or mixed into foundation for an all-over glow. It comes in three shades, each suited for light (a cool-toned peach), medium ( a neutral beige), and deep skin tones (a golden hue).
Maybelline FaceStudio Master Strobing Liquid Illuminating Highlighter, $9.99, available at Ulta.
If traditional highlighting isn't your thing, try an illuminating primer. A pea-sized dollop of this stuff will instantly brighten your complexion.
Nyx Cosmetics Born To Glow Illuminating Primer, $14, available at Nyx Cosmetics.
This $10 kit has everything you could possibly need to get your glow on: two highlighters (a liquid and a powder) that are great for layering or wearing alone and two brushes to help you apply 'em.
E.L.F. Highlighting Set, $10, available at E.L.F.
This tie-dye highlighter from ColourPop has gorgeous Champagne and gold hues running through it that flatter a range of skin tones. Dust it on with a brush for a sheer veil of color or tap it on with your fingers for a more intense effect.
ColourPop Churro Highlighter, $8, available at ColourPop.
The shimmer strips in this compact can be blended together and applied to the high-points of the face — or used separately as eyeshadows!
Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips, $12.99, available at Ulta Beauty.
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