Glow All Out with the Best Highlighter Picks For Your Wedding Events

Looking to enter your glowy makeup era? It all starts with finding the best highlighter that will give you that dewy complexion of your dreams. Never used a highlighter before? Don't worry, bestie, I've got you. Simply put, a highlighter is used to "highlight" the areas where the sun would naturally hit your face. It's a great addition to any special event or pre-wedding beauty routine. Some of the areas you can highlight include your upper cheekbones, temples, the bridge of your nose, above the cupid's bow, your brow bone, and your chin. One of my favorite ways to use highlighter is by adding a tiny bit to the inner corner of the eyes to make them look bigger and more awake. For those extra special events where I'm wearing an off-the-shoulder dress, I dust it along my collarbone to emphasize the area.

Try to avoid applying highlighter everywhere, unless you want to look like a glitter bomb, which I actually totally support (but probably not for a wedding). Remember, it's part of your sculpting routine. Contour makeup defines and shadows, while highlighter enhances the higher zones on the face. Below, I've curated a list of some of the best makeup highlighters, from creams and sticks to the best finds from the drugstore to Sephora, to help you find your perfect lit-from-within glow.

In this article:

• The Best Overall Highlighters
• The Best Cream Highlighter
• The Best Stick Highlighter
• The Best Liquid Highlighter
• The Best Powder Highlighters
• The Best Highlighter Palette
• The Best Highlighter at Sephora
• The Best Highlighter at Ulta
• The Best Drugstore Highlighter

The Best Overall Highlighters

Saie Glow Sculpt Multi-Use Cream Highlighting Blush

Photo: Sephora

We love a multi-tasking highlighter for bachelorettes, destination weddings and honeymoons, and the Saie Glow Sculpt is both a highlighter and a blush. I've tested this beauty out for myself in several shades and can confirm it's hydrating, lifting and leaves a gorgeous finish on the skin. (Chalky highler, never heard of her?) It's certainly one of the best cruelty-free highlighters on the market too, and it comes in eco-friendly refillable packaging that comes in 100% plastic-free shade pans. It doesn't get any better than that.

Shade Options: 5 | Finish: Shimmer

Benefit Cosmetics Cookie and Tickle Powder Highlighters

Photo: Benefit

She's an icon, she's a legend and she is the moment. The Benefit Cookie Highlighter has been a cult favorite for years and is still a top-rated bestseller to this day. From the early days of YouTube makeup tutorials to TikTok favorites, this superfine powder highlighter gives a buildable natural gold shimmer that adds just the right amount of warm glow that works for nearly all skin tones.

Shade Options: 1 | Finish: Shimmer

The Best Cream Highlighter

Tower 28 Beauty SuperDew Shimmer-Free Highlight Balm

Photo: Sephora

Looking for the best cream highlighter that will give you that gorgeous glow without any shimmer or glitter? Look no further than the Tower 28 Beauty SuperDew Shimmer-Free Highlight Balm. This highlighter is all about that natural-looking radiance, perfect for daytime summer weddings when you want to shine without the disco ball effect. No need to worry about any noticeable glitter particles here—just a beautiful, dewy sheen that looks effortlessly stunning. Plus, the SuperDew packaging is made from 50% post-consumer recycled plastic, which means you can look good and feel good.

Shade Options: 1 | Finish: Dewy

Danessa Myricks Beauty Dew Wet Hydrating and Highlighting Balm

Photo: Sephora

Let me put you on the Danessa Myricks Beauty Dew Wet Hydrating and Highlighting Balm. This balm is a serious game-changer when it comes to achieving that perfect dewy look. It's a multi-purpose gem that not only highlights your best features but also provides a boost of hydration for your skin. This highlighter comes in six shades that cater to all skin tones but is often referred to as one of the best highlighters for brown skin. It's also super easy to use, so you'll feel like a makeup pro in no time.

Shade Options: 6 | Finish: Dewy

The Best Stick Highlighter

Ogee Sculpted Face Stick

Photo: Ogee

If you haven't heard of Ogee, let me introduce you to their iconic Sculpted Face Stick. This magical little stick is all about creating that no-makeup look that celebs from Hailey Beiber to Sofia Richie-Grainge are loving. What makes the Sculpted Face Stick one of the best highlighters is its incredible formula, making it the best highlighter for mature skin. Packed with essential fatty acids and oils that hydrate your skin, it's a dream come true for those who want a luminous and healthy glow. Oh, and did I mention that it's also one of the best cruelty-free highlighters that is certified organic, gluten-free, and made right here in the USA?

Shade Options: 10 | Finish: Subtle Shimmer

Milk Makeup Dewy Cream Highlighter Stick

Photo: Sephora

The Milk Makeup Dewy Cream Highlighter Stick never disappoints. It's like a secret weapon for that ethereal glow. Trust me, this little stick will take your highlighter game to new heights! The formula is creamy, blendable, and oh-so-easy to apply. Just swipe it on and blend it with your fingertips for an instant radiant glow. The texture is like butter, gliding effortlessly on your skin and leaving you with a natural-looking dewiness that screams fresh-faced beauty. But wait, there's more! This highlighter stick is packed with nourishing ingredients like mango butter and avocado oil, so it not only makes you look fabulous but also takes care of your skin. It's like a win-win situation!

Shade Options: 6 | Finish: Dewy Shimmer

The Best Liquid Highlighter

Saie Glowy Super Gel Lightweight Dewy Multipurpose Illuminator

Photo: Saie

You didn't think I would talk about the best liquid highlighters and not mention the Saie Glowy Super Gel, did you? This illuminator is not just a one-trick wonder. It can be used to highlight your cheekbones, brow bones and anywhere else you want that extra bit of glow. You can also mix either shade with your foundation or moisturizer for an all-over radiance. This lightweight gel formula is like a breath of fresh air. It's not heavy or greasy, but rather it effortlessly melts into your skin, leaving you with a natural, dewy finish perfect for all of your wedding events.

Shade Options: 2 | Finish: Dewy Shimmer

Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Highlighter Wand

Photo: Charlotte Tilbury

Hello, darling! If you're looking for some serious glow that will have you feeling like a Hollywood starlet, then let me tell you about the Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Highlighter Wand. This award-winning, TikTok favorite beauty wand is the real deal! The liquid formula is so easy to apply that it practically glides onto your skin like butter. This highlighter wand gives you a natural-looking, radiant glow that is simply stunning. Trust me, your skin will thank you. And can we just take a moment to appreciate the packaging? The rose gold tube is so chic that you'll feel like you're applying makeup straight from a movie set.

Shade Options: 6 | Finish: Radiant and Shimmer

The Best Powder Highlighters

Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Positive Light Silky Touch Highlighter

Photo: Sephora

Selena isn't the only thing you gotta keep an eye out for when you wear this Rare Beauty highlighter. Picture the ultra glass-like glow of a liquid highlighter, but in convenient powder form. But here's the real magic: the feel. This highlighter is like silk reborn as powder. It's unexpectedly smooth, airy, and unbelievably weightless. With this talc-free formula, you'll achieve the most seamless, natural-looking sheen that even the pros would envy. And let's not forget the shade range! With four stunning shades, from cool champagne to rose bronze, there's a hue for everyone.

Shades: 4 | Finish: Shimmer

FENTY BEAUTY by Rihanna Diamond Bomb All-Over Diamond Veil

Photo: Sephora

Can we talk about how iconic Fenty Beauty by Rihanna's Diamond Bomb All-Over Diamond Veil actually is? Picture this: a superfine glittering veil that leaves your skin diamond-dusted in show-stopping sparkle. I'm talking major shine that turns heads and steals the spotlight. Rihanna knows a thing or two about shining bright like a diamond, and she's bottled up that radiance just for you! The fine glitter particles are like tiny little diamonds, reflecting and refracting light from every angle.

Shades: 2 | Finish: Sparkle

The Best Highlighter Palette

Dior Backstage Glow Face Palette

Photo: Dior

The Dior Backstage Glow Face Palette is no ordinary highlighter; it's a luxury makeup pro favorite, and it will look so good on you too with an instant radiance that gives Hollywood-worthy results. Whether you want a natural, healthy glow or jaw-dropping luminosity, this palette has you covered. Dior Backstage has created not one, not two, but three new makeup palettes for you to choose from. Each palette features four stunning shades with gold tones that can create a multitude of makeup looks and finishes. From pure gold with a metallic finish to rose gold infused with a rosy gleam and even gold with warm copper tones, there's a shade for every occasion and every skin tone. Hot tip: try using the shades as eyeshadows or even blush (you can thank me later!)

Shades: 2 | Finish: Shimmer

The Best Highlighter at Sephora

Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Positive Light Liquid Luminizer Highlight

Photo: Sephora

The Light Liquid Luminizer Highlight is "that girl". This liquid highlighter from Sephora is all about that silky, second-skin finish that effortlessly melts to create an instant, dewy, buildable glow. Not only does this highlighter help your skin shimmer, but it also takes care of your skin. Yep, you heard me right! It nourishes your skin with a double whammy of beauty and skincare benefits. Miss Gomez, you've really outdone yourself with this one!

Shades: 8 | Finish: Shimmer

Hourglass Vanish Flash Highlighting Stick

Photo: Hourglass

Now this is a highlighter worth obsessing over - the Hourglass Vanish Flash Highlighting Stick. It's an instant flash of light on your skin in the form of five brilliant shades. I'm talking about an unparalleled glow that will leave you mesmerized! Not to mention, this highlighter has the same weightless texture as the other beloved products in the Vanish line. That means it effortlessly glides on, giving you a seamless, lustrous highlight that won't budge. Did I mention the long-wearing luster? Yep, this highlighter is built to last, so you can rock that glow all day and night. Plus, it comes in a sleek, portable stick - perfect for quick touch-ups and on-the-go luminosity.

Shades: 5 | Finish: Shimmer

The Best Highlighter at Ulta

Iconic London Illuminator

Photo: Ulta

The Iconic London Illuminator deserves a VIP spot in your makeup collection. It's super versatile, allowing you to get that gorgeous glow on any part of your face. Mix it with your foundation, primer, or moisturizer for an all-over glow that screams, "I woke up like this!" Or, if you're feeling extra bold, apply it directly to your cheekbones, nose tip, collarbones, and cupid's bow for a stunning high gloss look. The formula is so silky smooth that it effortlessly blends into your skin, leaving you with a radiant finish that catches the light in all the right ways. Oh, and did I mention it's super easy to apply? Just tap it in with your fingers, and voila! And let's not forget the packaging—it's sleek and chic, deserving of a spot on your vanity.

Shades: 5 | Finish: Dewy Shimmer

Nudestix Nudies All Over Face Color

Photo: Ulta

Long-wearing and water-resistant, the NUDESTIX Nudies All Over Face Color will stay put through all your adventures and even survive those late night wedding receptions and afterparties. But what truly sets it apart is its easy multi-tasking abilities. Not only does it give you a buildable glow, but it also adds a gorgeous shimmer to your complexion. You can even transform a powder highlighter into a "wet look" by using this beauty. And let's not forget about the adorable packaging that fits perfectly in your makeup bag.

Shades: 5 | Finish: Dewy Shimmer

The Best Drugstore Highlighter

e.l.f. Cosmetics Halo Glow Highlight Beauty Wand

Photo: Ulta

The e.l.f. Cosmetics Halo Glow Highlight Beauty Wand is the ultimate highlighter that won't break the bank. This highlighter will effortlessly blend into your skin, giving you a natural-looking radiance for any wedding makeup look. With three stunning shades to choose from, this highlighter was designed to suit all skin tones. Plus, the skin-loving 2% squalane ingredient helps keep your skin hydrated and healthy.

Shades: 3 | Finish: Dewy Glow

ColourPop Super Shock Highlighter

Photo: Ulta

Get ready to glow without breaking the bank with the ColourPop Super Shock. Don't let the price tag fool you - it's packed with pigment and performance. The silky, creamy formula has a bouncy texture that feels like a dream to apply with your fingertips. Whether you're going for a subtle ethereal glow or a blinding highlight that could literally guide planes in the dark, the ColourPop Super Shock Highlighter has your back. Plus, those soft pearls in the formula work their magic by reflecting light and giving you a luminous glow without emphasizing any pesky skin texture.

Shades: 6 | Finish: Luminous Shimmer