Highlighters for Melanin Beauties
In my Beauty Hit List Volume II post I promised you highlighters. I’m back today to make good on that promise! Previously I’d only dipped my toe in the highlighter pond. This was partly because I struggled with adult acne. Adding highlighers to my textured skin just didn’t seem to make sense to me. But the year of 2018 brought me better skin and saw me dive head first into the world of highlighters. Here are a few that I wore on repeat all 2018.
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder
Technically this first product is not a highlighter, but an illuminating finishing powder. While I would never apply one of these powders to my entire face, the shade Radiant Light is the perfect barely there highlighter. I chose this as my first highlighter for that very reason. This product is almost traceless on the skin and literally makes you glow as if lit from within. If you want your highlight to be on one thousand this is not the one for you, but if you aim to achieve a beautiful, glowy, lit from within look start here. The Hour Glass Products are on the pricier side so I suggest purchasing a mini.
Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed
The name Becca is synonymous with highlighter. They have literally “perfected” this category. This ultra-fine powder formula applies like a liquid and blends seamlessly onto the skin. It never looks like you’ve applied sparkle or glitter to you face. It makes you shimmer and glow, and the shade selection is top notch.
No matter what your skin tone you’re sure to find something that suits you. My personal favorites are Topaz, Rose Gold, Champagne Pop and Prosecco Pop. I’ve never hit pan on a highlighter and doubt I ever will, so if you’re looking to build your highlighter collection and save some cash consider purchasing a palette. The Becca X Chrissy Teigen Glow Face Palette is my personal favorite.
Wet n Wild Megaglo Highlighting Powder
If a subtle glow is not your thing and you prefer a bold, glazed look and wanna save some coins at the same time, Wet n Wild Megaglo Highlighting Powder is for you. Crown of My Canopy is my shade recommendation. These highlighters are bright and blingy giving your skin that wet look without being too glittery or disco ball-ish. The formula is amazingly smooth given the 5 dollar price point. Wet n Wild definitely knocked it out of the park with this one!
ColourPop Pressed Powder Highlighter
The ColourPop website describes this product as a “silky soft, super blendable, high shine powder highlighter” and I couldn’t agree more. The shade Happy Camper has been my everyday, go-to highlighter since I purchased it a few months back. It’s the highlighter I reach for the most because it provides just the right amount of color and shine without being too much for the workplace.
These are my current highlighter picks. I’m sure I’ll add more to my collection in the coming months. Tell me, what highlighters are you currently wearing? Let me know your recommendations below. In the meantime, stay beautiful!
V. Richelle
For more beauty and makeup recommendations check out my Must Have Beauty Products and Must Have Makeup.
Where I Shop for Beauty
V. Richelle
Fashion addict, travel enthusiast and taco aficionado. Fur mama and aspiring plant mom, currently struggling to overcome my black thumb.
12 Comments
Lauren | Laurel and Iron
You know what’s the best part of all these picks, they work for fair girls, too.
I love all of these picks!
V. Richelle
Thanks Lauren!
Janay
Hello,
Thank you for sharing this list. It’s hard finding the perfect make up for any skin tone, but ours too. I also find something that is too light or too dark. Good to know we shop at the same locations. I usually just stick with bare minerals but I will try these!
V. Richelle
I used to be a huge Bare Minerals fan, but recently I’ve found it just doesn’t seem to agree with my skin, which really stinks. Hopefully you’ll find something from this list that works for you!
Jennifer
I have a lot of melanin from pregnancy that has never gone away, I’ve tried different things but not a highlighter. I love hourglasses products so I’m going to consider trying that!
V. Richelle
Jennifer I think the Hourglass powder is a great one to start with. Especially since you already know you like their products.
Jennie
Good info here! I haven’t ventured into the world of highlighters yet because I don’t feel like I know how to apply them correctly, but maybe it’s time to take the plunge! Do you use a highlighter every day, or only on some occasions?
V. Richelle
I was a afraid of them for a long time. I suggest that you treat it like you would any makeup product, start with a little. You can always add more! And yes! I wear it everyday now. I have some highlighters for work/everyday and others for when I want to be a little more bold.
Chloe
I LOVE highlighter!!! I am always looking for new highlighters to give me that glow. I will have to try some of these!
V. Richelle
I’m definitely addicted to highlighter now! I never do my makeup without it!
Madi Rowan
These are great suggestions! I’ve heard of the Hourglass powder a few times, I think it’s something I would try! I’ve tried Becca Champagne Pop, which I liked a lot! I’m currently trying Physician’s Formula Butter Highlighter & I’m not loving it! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
-Madi xo | http://www.everydaywithmadirae.com
V. Richelle
Thanks Madi! I was curious about the Physicians Formula highlighter but I know their butter products contain fragrance which I don’t tolerate well in cosmetics.