Highlighters

Highlighter has truly earned its place in our makeup bags. Whether you love an ultra‑pigmented sheen for a standout finish or a softer veil of light for everyday glow, it’s become one of the most‑reached‑for beauty staples. Rosy, golden, apricot – Sephora helps you master highlighter like a pro. Liquid formulas melt seamlessly into the skin for a fresh, lit‑from‑within look. Gold tones flatter warm undertones, soft rose shades are beautiful on cooler complexions, and apricot adds gorgeous warmth to deeper skin tones. Mix a few drops into your foundation for a beautifully blended glow that still feels effortless. For more targeted radiance, place highlighter strategically under the brow to lift the eyes, at the inner corners to brighten the gaze, along the bridge of the nose to add structure and on the Cupid’s bow to give lips a naturally fuller look. From Benefit’s iconic glow to Lancôme’s soft radiance and cult palettes from Anastasia Beverly Hills, Sephora has everything you need to perfect the art of highlighting.  

Whether you’re after a dramatic shimmer or a subtle wash of light, it instantly enhances and freshens the complexion.. Liquid highlighter fuses with the skin for a natural, dewy finish, while gold enhances warm undertones, pink lifts cool tones and apricot complements deeper complexions beautifully. Blend a little into your base for a seamless sheen that lights up the whole face. Eye highlighter adds luminosity to key points: under the brow arch, at the inner corners, down the bridge of the nose and on the Cupid’s bow. Applied high on the cheekbones or beside the nose, it can also help reduce the look of shadows and tiredness. From Haus Labs and Charlotte Tilbury to the iconic illuminators from Kosas, your ideal glow is waiting at Sephora.

Highlighter is the go‑to product for boosting your complexion, whatever the occasion – which is why it deserves a permanent place in your routine. With so many brands and textures to choose from, it helps to start with the type of formula you prefer.  

- Liquid highlighter: Blends into the skin for targeted, believable radiance – especially flattering on dry or normal skin.  

- Powder highlighter: Best swept on with a fluffy brush for even, buildable glow – ideal if your skin is oily or combination.  

- Illuminating powder: Sets makeup while adding a soft, diffused brightness.  

- Highlighter stick: Great for precision and quick blending on the go.  

- Illuminating drops: Perfect for pinpoint glow and more detailed, pro‑style application.  

When you’re picking a highlighter, think about the finish as much as the shade. Do you want a soft, natural glow for day‑to‑day wear, or something more dazzling for a big night out?  

For daytime looks, natural or semi‑matte finishes work best, giving a fresh, healthy sheen. Look to face highlighters and sticks from brands such as Makeup By Mario, Tarte or Fenty Beauty for that kind of “lit‑from‑within” effect that lasts through work, lectures or errands. These formulas help control shine while providing long‑lasting radiance that looks like great skin rather than shimmer.  

For evening, reach for satin, shiny or glossy finishes. Palettes and compacts from Dior Backstage, Sephora Collection or Kosas catch the light beautifully, making cheekbones, brow bones and Cupid’s bows pop in photos and on the dance floor.  

Face and eye highlighters are brilliant for enhancing your features, drawing attention to your favourite angles and reviving your natural glow. They come in a range of comfortable textures, so if you’re not sure where to start, match your product to your skin type:  

- Dry or mature skin: Choose a liquid or fluid highlighter that adds moisture and won’t cling to dry patches.  

- Combination skin: Creams and sticks give control and blend easily over specific areas.  

- Oily skin: Compact or loose powder highlighters help keep excess shine in check while still delivering impact.  

When it comes to shade, pick a tone that works with your complexion and undertone: cooler skin pairs well with champagne and pink; warmer skin suits gold and peach; deeper complexions glow with bronze, copper and apricot. With a few simple choices and a light hand, you’ll find the highlighter that suits you best and makes every look feel complete.