The search is over: here are 13 highlighters that look great on women of color
While there are hundreds of highlighters on the market, not all are created equal when it comes to women with deeper complexions. For us deep skin beauties, there is a fine line between finding a highlighter that leaves us with that coveted lit-from-within glow or chalky and overly sparkly.
It is essential to pick a highlighter similarly to the way you would pick your foundation — colors that enhance and complement your skin. For example, copper shades work well for deeper skin tones with red undertones, whereas bronzy, gold shades work well for deep skin tones with yellow undertones.
Here are the best highlighters that will enhance and complement deeper complexions for that everyday glow.
1 Lorac Tantalizer Baked Bronzer in Bronze, $9.97
If you aren’t a highlighter pro just yet, this bronzy shade is just for you. Great for deeper complexions with yellow undertones, Lorac’s bronzer won’t leave you shining super bright even if go in with a heavy a hand.
2 Glossier Haloscope Highlighter in Topaz, $22
How often does a product live up to its hype? NEVER. However, Glossier’s Haloscope in Topaz is super easy to apply and leaves deep skin with a luminous glow that is neither chalky or too sparkly.
3 Black Up Sublime Powder in Shade 5, $37.50
Created with black women in mind (YAS), this powder is a cross between a highlighter and a bronzer. It’s perfect for that deep bronzy glow. It provides an overall natural shimmer, which is perfect for an everyday glow.
4Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter in Topaz, $38
This golden compact provides the perfect shimmer for deeper skin tones without becoming a glittery mess. Sweep a bit under your brows, along the bridge of your nose, and to the center of your lower lip for the perfect finish.
5NYX Hyrda Touch Brightener in Luminous, $9
Another favorite for your pockets, this pencil can be buffed onto the high points of your face — nose, forehead, and cheekbones — before applying your finishing powder for a quite literal lit-from-within glow.
6Nars Dual Intensity Blush in Jubilation, $45
With this duo palette, you can achieve either a sheer glow or a high shine finish. The compact comes with two shades that can be used individually or together.
7Benefit Cosmetics Sun Beam Golden-Bronze Liquid Highlighter, $26
If you prefer a more radiant and high shine glow (like I do), then this highlighter is essential in your makeup bag. Apply just a little bit of product directly to your cheekbones and blend it in with your fingertips.
8Laura Mercier Face Illuminator Powder in Seduction, $44
The copper tones in this powder equal makeup magic for black girls. Use a little bit for a sheer natural look or build it up for an intense glow that can only be described as Instagram-worthy.
9Black Radiance Baked Bronzer in Gingersnap, $4.79
For fewer than $5, you can create a subtle highlight that is perfect for everyday wear. It complements deeper skin with warmer undertones and can be used in the corner of your eyelids as well as under your brow bone.
10Anastasia Beverly Hills Sun Dipped Glow Kit, $40
FINALLY. A highlight kit that works well for deep skin tones. The four shades vary in color but my personal favorites are Moonstone and Bronzed for a glow that is striking from a mile away. Try different hues layered together.
11Too Faced Love Light Prismatic Highlighter in You Light Up My Life, $30
Despite the name of this highlighter, it provides a very natural glow on deeper skin tones. Because it isn’t insanely pigmented, the highlighter can easily be built upon.
12M.A.C Mineralize Skinfinish in Gold Deposit, $34
This is MAC’s most popular baked powder highlighter for a reason. Make sure to try a dab in the corners of your eyes and down the center of your nose for a glow that can only be described as regal.
13Urban Decay Afterglow 8-Hour Powder Highlighter in Fireball, $26
I’m a fan of a lot of Urban Decay products and this highlighter is no exception. It enhances deeper skin tones without leaving any specks of glitter behind and it provides a beautiful glow in one sweep.
Keep glowing ladies. #BlackGirlMagic