Makeup artists have informed me that this product provides skin that resembles a goddess like no other, and I agree.
If there's one unsung hero in my makeup routine, it has to be highlighter. To be completely honest, it took me quite a while to embrace highlighter as part of my regimen. In my younger years, the only highlighter available was the pressed powder kind, which was far too glittery and shimmery for my taste. This is why I have welcomed creamy highlighter sticks with enthusiasm since makeup artists introduced me to these remarkable formulas that create a radiant glow fit for a goddess. Instead of being sparkly, these creamy options provide a dewy shine that appears more natural, making it easy to apply and blend with your fingertips for precise placement. They give your complexion the illusion of having just come from an expensive facial. After all, there's a limit to the glow you can achieve with skincare products like glowy moisturizers or serums, and these highlighter sticks are the simplest way to boost your radiance in specific areas with just one swipe.
These glowy highlighter sticks aren't just limited to your cheeks; they can also be applied to the browbone for a heavenly highlight, on the eyelids for a glossy effect, or even on the décolletage or shins to add radiance to your body without the stickiness of shimmery body oils. You can even mix them with your blush or dab them onto your lips. In short, a glowy highlighter stick may be one of the most versatile products in your makeup collection.
Having seen every celebrity showcase dewy, glossy cheekbones on the red carpet, I figured it was time to share my favorite glowy highlighter sticks that replicate that glassy finish. Keep reading for the ones that permanently reside in my makeup bag.
**Best Glowy Highlighter Sticks**
*Best Overall: Westman Atelier Lit Up Highlight Stick*
**Pros:**
- Creates a dewy, glossy sheen
- Available in four shades, including a completely transparent, shimmer-free version
- Also offered in a mini travel size
**Cons:**
- On the pricier side
I've loved every Westman Atelier product I've tried, but this highlighter stick is always in my rotation. It provides a glossy glow on the cheekbones that isn’t sticky; it simply makes your skin look as if you've just had a facial. There’s a transparent version for those who prefer no shimmer or color, but the tinted shades also have a minimal glimmer (read: not glittery). My favorite for summer is Nectar, which features lovely pink-gold tones.
*Best Shimmer Highlighter: Victoria Beckham Beauty Reflect Highlighter Stick*
Just look at the vintage-inspired gilded packaging of Victoria Beckham Beauty's Reflect Highlighter Stick; it's gorgeous! Beyond aesthetics, it delivers a glossy glow to your cheeks with a pearly, satin finish that’s both dewy and subtle. I own the shade Pearl, which provides a sheer luminous finish, while Amber has a golden undertone that suits deeper skin tones beautifully. For a dewy highlighter stick with a hint of pearly color, this is an excellent choice.
*Best Luxury Highlighter Stick: Chanel Baume Essentiel Multi-Use Glow Stick*
**Pros:**
- Luxurious formula
- Comes in various sheer shades, from completely transparent to pink and shimmer finishes
**Cons:**
- Some shades are frequently out of stock due to popularity
Chanel was among the pioneers of sheer, glossy highlighter sticks when others were still making powder highlighters. For this reason, I regard this product as iconic. It’s a favorite among makeup artists and editors (myself included) and is often sold out because it’s simply that good. You can find it in a transparent shade for a glassy finish or in sheer tinted colors for a touch of color. My top pick is Sculpting, which has just a whisper of pearly shimmer that enhances the skin with a luxurious sheen.
*Best Shade Range: Dior Backstage Glassy Glow Stick*
I was thrilled when Dior announced the launch of a highlighter stick this year, and I'm happy to report that they’re fantastic. Available in eight shades and two formulas, the Glassy shades provide a glass-like radiance that’s ultra-sheer and glossy, while the Glazed formulas offer more pearl and color tint for a bolder look. There’s something for everyone, from transparent glossy options to vibrant mint and lilac tones, which are surprisingly easy to wear due to their translucency. Personally, I love the wet-look texture of Glossy Jelly, which has a hint of pink.
**Pros:**
- Choice between Glossy and Glazed finishes
- Eight shades available
- Gives a glossy sheen
**Cons:**
- The packaging is somewhat large, taking up more space in your bag.
*Best Grippy Texture: Merit Beauty Day Glow*
Oh, Merit Beauty, you rarely miss the mark. While many dewy highlighter sticks boast a wet-look texture
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Makeup artists have informed me that this product provides skin that resembles a goddess like no other, and I agree.
All the shine, without any of the sparkle.