Nothing beats naturally radiant skin that glows in the sun, but not all of us are blessed with such good skin. This is where the best drugstore highlighters step in. In the world of makeup, this product is gaining popularity due to its ability to magically illuminate your face. It is a favorite product of every MUA which adds a luminous touch to all the high points of your face, including the cheekbones, brown bone, and cupid’s bow. 

Our contributor and certified makeup artist, Maya Adivi suggests using a highlighter anywhere as per one’s own choice. She says, “Highlighters can look great dusted over the shoulders and collar bone, but you can apply it anywhere you wish.”

While there are several high-end brands offering luxurious formulas and fancy packaging, drugstore brands have equally upped their game in the market. To achieve the perfect glowy makeup look, one can always go for affordable options that are available in the nearest drugstore. In this article, we will explore the best cheap highlighter that will help you achieve a radiant look without burning a hole in your pocket.

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  Best Overall

  MILANI Baked Highlighter

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MILANI’s Baked Highlighter is a warm-toned highlighter that is baked on Italian terracotta tiles, taking pigment intensity and lighting to the next level. The velvety-soft formula blends and develops effortlessly with multi-tonal, micro-fine luminous powders, allowing you to go from a natural glow to high-impact glam with just a single stroke of a brush. With no parabens or preservatives in it, one can use the product without having to worry about breakouts and skin damage. This beauty essential is available in a captivating range of shades that are exquisitely curated to cater to all skin tones. Whether you're in pursuit of a soft, glowing beam or a celestial spectacle that dazzles the eyes, the buildable intensity of this highlighter guarantees a star-struck glow.

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Best Travel-Friendly Design

Wet n Wild Megaglo MAKEUP STICK - HIGHLIGHT

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With just a single swipe of this highlighter stick, you can be glam-ready in seconds. This product is not only easy to use, but it is also easy to carry anywhere with its compact packaging. The easy-to-blend formula makes this portable makeup stick long-lasting and crease-proof too. It has multiple uses and is certainly the best makeup on-the-go option that is available at such an affordable price. It is non-greasy, and you can even use powder over it. Its buildable nature allows you to customize the intensity of your highlight, from a subtle, everyday sheen to a stunning, full-glam effect.

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Best for All Skin Types

PHYSICIANS FORMULA Butter Highlighter

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Physicians Formula’s Butter Highlighter in the shade Pearl is a cream-to-powder highlighter that adds an instant radiant glow to your face. This ultra-luxe, buttery product is enriched with a range of skin-loving ingredients that work together to provide glam on the go for any occasion or mood. The ultra-refined pearls and soft-focus pigments smoothen the skin’s texture, brighten the skin tone, and are easily blendable. Thanks to its lightweight formula, it is non-sticky and can be applied in just one swipe. It contains nutrient-rich ingredients such as murumuru butter, cupuacu butter, and tucuma butter which make it a good drugstore highlighter for sensitive skin.

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Most Versatile

FOCALLURE FACE HIGHLIGHTER AND FACE CONTOUR

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 This Focallure set of two is a makeup product that comes with two sticks – one for highlighting and the other for contouring. It is the best drugstore highlighter as it is designed to give a multi-dimensional and sculpted look, leaving you looking as glamorous as it gets. The product is waterproof and long-lasting with a natural lustrous finish that will give you a dewy and glossy look without making your skin feel too greasy or oily. Available in a range of skin-complementary shades, this finely milled highlighter seamlessly blends into the skin for a natural, radiant finish.

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Best Transfer-proof Formula

Olauty BODY LUMINIZER

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Olauty Body Luminizer is infused with a blend of nourishing oils, antioxidants, and vitamins, ensuring not only an enviable glow but also providing hydration and protection for your skin This drugstore liquid highlighter is a gel-based formula that has light-reflecting pearl pigments which gives a smooth and glossy finish. It certainly is a must-have in your makeup collection as it can be used not just for the face, but on the body as well! The product is designed to enhance your natural skin tone and create a subtle glow. The highlighter also promises to diminish flaws and tighten the skin. Additionally, it is a good wrinkle filler that will give your skin a velvety smooth finish.

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Best Finish

L'OREAL PARIS INFALLIBLE LONGWEAR SHAPING STICK - HIGHLIGHTER

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Glow on the go with this portable drugstore highlighter. The creamy formula contains SPF 17 - brightening pigments that will effortlessly make your skin glow from within. Its long-wear formula has certainly got you covered for all your big days - apply it just once and you are good to go for 24 hours straight! The creamy glide-on texture also makes blending a breeze. With its buildable coverage, you have the flexibility to create a subtle, natural glow or a more intense, dazzling highlight. This easy-to-apply, sleek, and portable stick helps you create effortless glamour and luminosity on the go.

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Best for Multipurpose Use

Too Faced Highlighter - Silver

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The Too Faced highlighter in the shade silver is a brilliantly-crafted product that offers a captivating and luminous silver shade that seamlessly blends into any skin tone. The formula of this highlighter is infused with crushed diamond powder and light-reflecting pearls. It is lightweight and non-powdery, making it very easy to use. The product has an opaque color coverage that lasts up to 9 hours. Its unique formula promises a glowing yet natural finish to your makeup. It comes in a beautiful box and the attractive packaging makes it the perfect gift for somebody special

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Most Eco-friendly

e.l.f. Baked Highlighter

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E.l.f’s baked highlighter is infused with Vitamin E, hydrating jojoba, rosehip, sunflower, and apricot that promises to nourish the skin. It is safe to say that this product is good for sensitive skin. It is long-lasting and can be applied wet for a vibrant effect, or dry for a more sheer look. Its velvety-smooth formula glides over your complexion, creating an enchanting, shimmering finish in just a few strokes! It offers a diverse selection of shades that are tailored to suit a variety of skin tones. From delicate champagne hues to radiant warm golden tones, you have the freedom to select the perfect shade that will flawlessly complement your complexion.

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Best Cruelty-free Formula

ELLESY Know you better

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 Available in two shades – Sun Glow and Rainbow Glow, Ellesy’s Know you better is the best drugstore highlighter that you can pick up for yourself, or as a gift for somebody special. It comes with a fancy packaging and is very affordable. It is not only cruelty-free but also BHA- free. The highlighter has a soft texture and is excellent for creating a three-dimensional effect on the face. Whether you’re going for a natural or a glam look, this highlighter comes in handy for every occasion.

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Best Waterproof Formula

Evpct Highlighter Palette

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The Evpct highlighter palette comes with 8 different shades of highlighter like pearl white, champagne gold, nude pink, and more. It has a long-lasting formula that is also waterproof. The Evpct Highlighter Palette is composed of high-quality ingredients that are sensitive-skin friendly and cruelty-free. The wide variety of shades makes the palette a great choice that can be used for every occasion. It is multi-functional – you can use it on the cheekbones, collarbone, chest, and any part of the body that you would like to highlight!

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CmaaDU Highlighter DREAM

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The unique formulation of CmaaDU’s Highlighter DREAM combines finely milled pigments and luminescent pearls, resulting in a velvety-smooth finish. This highlighter palette is designed to create a perfect glossy look and it comes in four different shades, such as white, pink, champagne, and gold shimmer. It has a powder formula that instantly creates a glowing effect when it is applied to the face. The product is lightweight and portable, making it easy to carry around wherever you go. Its alluring shimmer draws attention to your face, making you a showstopper at every event.

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BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector - Champagne Pop

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Becca’s Shimmering Skin Perfector in the shade Champagne Pop is a popular makeup product that is ideal for creating a high-impact glow on your face. It has a soft, buttery texture that melts into the skin. It contains ultra-fine, light-reflecting pearls that create a dewy and natural glow. The easy-to-blend formula has a creamy feel that applies smoothly to your skin. This drugstore highlighter is also sulfate free, making the product safe to be used.

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EDDIE FUNKHOUSER GLOW DROPS

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Eddie Funkhouser’s Glow Drops is a liquid highlighter that illuminates the features on your face while also acting as a diffuser, resulting in a brighter and more even complexion. Its ball-tip applicator makes the application feel like a breeze. You can either choose to use it as is or mix it with moisturizer, liquid foundation, or body lotion for a subtle glow. It can be applied to your face, eyes, lips, or body for a soft luminous effect.

Now that we’ve seen the 13 best drugstore highlighters, let us understand how to pick the right one for you.

Our contributor, Maya Adivi, states that the highlighter must be chosen as per the skin type. She explains, “If your skin is oily, you might prefer to use powder-based highlighters instead of cream ones. You may also want to avoid overly shimmery highlighters, as they may make your skin look too shiny. “

While selecting a drugstore highlighter, keep your skin tone in mind. Here are a few things to consider while looking for the best highlighter for yourself:

Fair Skin: Pick highlighters that have a pearl or champagne undertone. Stay away from highlighters that are too dark or too yellow as they can look unnatural on lighter skin tones.

Medium Skin: Highlighters with a peach or gold undertone blend perfectly on medium skin tones. Avoid highlighters that are too light, as they tend to look ashy on these types of skin tones.

Dark Skin: Highlighters that are too light or too cool-toned might seem chalky on dark skin, so go for highlighters with a bronze or gold undertone.

• Highlighter can instantly brighten your skin and give you a radiant, youthful glow. 
• When used correctly, it works like a charm to make your skin appear younger.
• This makeup product is versatile as it can be used on a variety of skin tones, and can be applied in different ways – such as with a brush, sponge, or your fingers.
• Highlighters are also easy to apply and can be used to create a variety of looks, from subtle looks to full glam looks.

Don't be afraid to experiment with the best drugstore highlighters! With the above list, you will be able to find a shade and textures that perfectly match your unique style and features. By selecting the right highlighter to add to your makeup collection, you can confidently enhance your complexion with a touch of luminosity, highlighting your favorite facial features and embracing the radiance that lies within you!

Contributor: Maya Adivi, Certified Makeup artist, Click here for blog