We Asked Makeup Artists for the Best Highlighters for Dark Skin Tones—Here Are the Only 13 You Need

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Highlighters have come a long way since MAC’s Vanilla Pigment, BECCA Cosmetics’ Champagne Pop, and Benefit’s Watt’s Up (seemingly discontinued—RIP). Not only has cosmetic technology advanced and makeup trends shifted since the early 2000s, but shade ranges have also expanded because makeup isn’t one size fits all. The industry has become far more inclusive (though there’s always room for improvement), and makeup wearers have more resources than ever, à la YouTube, TikTok, Reddit, and other forms of media, to discover products and shades that suit their complexions. In the spirit of providing this same service, we’re zooming in on the best highlighters for dark skin tones.

The Best Highlighters for Dark Skin Tones at a Glance

• Expert’s Choice: Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter (try Trophy Wife and Ginger Binge/Moscow Mule), $40
• Best Cream: NUDESTIX Nudies Glow Cream Highlighter Stick (try Brown Sugar Baby), $35
• Best Powder: Charlotte Tilbury Glow Glide Face Architect Highlighter (try Rose Gold Glow), $49
• Best Balm: Danessa Myricks Beauty Dew Wet Hydrating and Highlighting Balm (try Hot Water), $24
• Best Liquid: L’Oréal Paris Makeup True Match Lumi Glotion , $14 (originally $17)
• Best Drugstore: L’Oréal Paris Lumi Le Glass and Glow Highlighter Stick (try 625 Glassy Sunset Amour), $10 (originally $13)
• Most Affordable: Black Radiance Artisan Color Baked Bronzer , $5 (originally $8)
• Best Splurge-Worthy: Patrick Ta Beauty Major Glow Crème & Powder Light Reflecting Translucent Highlighter Duo (try Honey), $40
• Best Palette: Danessa Myricks Beauty Lightwork Palette, $42

So you want that golden goddess glow that everyone’s rocking on your social media feeds but aren’t sure how to recreate it at home? You’ve come to the right place because we asked three makeup artists to shout out highlighters that flatter melanin-rich skin tones. We also consulted them on what makes a good highlighter for dark skin tones and how and when to apply it. Even better: We got recommendations and photos from a few melanated women, so you can see what some of the following formulas look like on real skin.

Keep scrolling to learn about the best highlighters for dark skin tones and how to apply them so you can shine bright like a diamond (we just had to quote our girl RiRi). Our experts’ product picks range from the always dependable Fenty Beauty and Danessa Myricks Beauty to the affordable L’Oréal Paris and Black Radiance.

What should you look for when buying a highlighter for dark skin tones?

• Warm tones—think gold, bronze, peach, rose gold, copper, and deep gold
• Cream or liquid formulas for a more natural look
• Powders should be finely milled and pigmented
• A radiant sheen instead of chunky glitter

All three of our experts are on the same page about going for warm-toned highlighters if you have a melanated complexion. What do they mean by warm-toned? Stick to gold, bronze, peach, rose gold, copper, and deep gold undertones. L’Oréal Paris Celebrity Makeup Artist Allan Avendaño and makeup artist and mature skincare expert Kat James recommend steering clear of cool-toned highlighters.

These kinds of highlighters “might not complement deeper complexions as well and could look a bit flat,” according to Avendaño, and “anything too icy or pearly can turn ashy fast,” James adds. Film and TV makeup artist Cidni Merrett, however, believes you can absolutely branch out to purples and champagnes. At the end of the day, finding your go-to highlighter might take a bit of trial and error (though we’re trying to minimize this by writing this in-depth guide), and you should wear whatever makes you feel beautiful.

Highlighter formula and product consistency are truly subjective. If you’re a fan of a more natural, lit-from-within radiance, Avendaño and James suggest trying cream or liquid formulas. But if you can’t live without your powders, make sure they’re finely milled and pigmented, but not chalky or packed with chunky glitter, James notes.

How should you apply highlighter to dark skin tones?

A highlighter does exactly what its name suggests and illuminates skin wherever applied. But you don’t want to whack highlighter onto areas that might not look the most flattering. The places you should be calling attention to are the high points of your face, specifically your cheekbones, brow bones, bridge of the nose, inner corner of the eyes, and cupid’s bow, according to the pros.

There is such a thing as overdoing highlighter, though. “My number one rule: Don’t go too wide. Keep your highlighter placement focused,” says James. “I also love tapping a little highlighter on the center of the eyelid for a cohesive glow.” Alternatively, she recommends mixing a drop of liquid highlighter into your foundation or moisturizer for an all-over radiance. And don’t forget your collarbones, your shoulders, or even your shins. Adding highlighter to these areas can help pull the whole look together, per James.

Merrett takes a slightly different approach and likes to start with a glow serum. It can help give your base makeup a sheer inner glow and create a smooth canvas for your liquid, stick, or powder highlighters later on. The MUA can’t say enough good things about Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops ($35), Danessa Myricks Beauty’s Yummy Skin Glow Serum ($34), e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter ($14), and MAC Cosmetics’ Strobe Highlighting Moisturizer Cream ($39).

When should you apply highlighter in your makeup routine?

You should lay down your foundation and any powders before applying highlighter. This should all come before misting your setting spray. “That’s when the texture blends best into the skin without grabbing. If you’re using a cream or liquid, make sure you do it before powdering to avoid patchiness,” says James.

Avendaño is all about keeping liquid products with other liquid products, and the same goes for cream and powder formulas. So if you’re using a cream foundation, be sure to use a cream highlighter, blush, and so on. “To make powder highlighter look more a part of your skin, I love to apply a setting mist that adheres the products to your face and makes it look like a part of your skin instead of just lying on top of it,” he explains.

The Best Highlighters for Dark Skin Tones, According to Experts