Highlighters are great for students and professionals alike. They make highlighting text and marking important information on a page easier than ever before. You don’t even need to go to college to know that.
But there’s more to highlighters than just making notes and highlighting text. There are many options to choose from, and some have cool designs and features that you may not know about. That’s why we researched the best highlighters available today, and compiled a buying guide to help you choose the best one for you.
Surprisingly, some highlighters can be used for more than just highlighting text. They can also be used for highlighting the desktop, notes, and even photos. We’ll explain more about these features below.
Top 10 Best Highlighters In 2023 (With Buying Guide)
1. theBalm Manizer Liquid Highlighter
TheBalm is a highly-rated brand that produces products in the beauty industry for more than 20 years now. This liquid highlighter comes from their Mary-Dew range, which is a popular product that’s been around for quite some time now. They claim that this highlighter will add sheen to your favourite lip colours and gives them a long-lasting finish that won’t smear off or fade.
This product has 5.5g of product in one tube, which is enough to cover the entire surface of your lips. It can also be applied to other areas such as cheeks, eyes, and even nails, so it’s great for enhancing the look of any area of your face.
TheBalm claims that this liquid highlighter will last for up to 12 hours without smudging, and that it’s safe to use on most types of skin. They back up this claim by providing a 30-day money back guarantee if you’re not satisfied with it.
You can find this product online at a variety of retailers. It’s also available in a bunch of colours, so you should find one that matches your lip colour perfectly. You can even buy it in bulk, so it’s perfect for gift giving too.
Pros
- Has a long-lasting finish
- Safe to use on most skin types
- Can be used for highlighting lips, cheeks, eyes, and nails
- Has a 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Not suitable for sensitive skin
- Can smudge if applied too thickly
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2. Maybelline New York Face Studio Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter
There are a ton of different highlighters out there and they all have their pros and cons, but this one is unique in that it’s a liquid highlighter. And it works. This highlighter is infused with reflective pigments that give it a bold glow, and it’s super easy to apply – you just blend it on your face with your fingers or a brush.
I have used other liquid highlighters in the past and they always dried out my skin, but this one doesn’t. It stays soft and pliable, and you can still blend it for a subtle glow. You can also build up the intensity of the product for a more dramatic look. I like to use it on my cheekbones to get a stronger, more intense glow.
The Molten Gold highlighter also comes in a matte formula, so if you prefer something less shiny, then that’s a great option too. It’s really versatile and can be used on every skin type. It’s one of those products that you’ll want to keep in your collection because it looks so good and lasts all day long.
It comes with a full size, which is great because it means you won’t need to buy any extra products for it. The packaging is super cute too – it has a mirror inside, so you can see how it looks on your face without having to open the tube. I love that feature!
If you’re looking for a liquid highlighter, then get this one! It’s the perfect way to add some dimension to your look, and I highly recommend it.
Pros
- Has a nice, lightweight formula
- Blends easily with fingers or a brush
- Has a long-lasting finish
Cons
- Not for very dry skin
- Doesn’t come in a travel-friendly size
3. Becca Cosmetics Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter
This highlighter is a little bit more expensive than other options on the market, but it’s worth every penny. The Champagne Pop has a unique texture that feels like a cream blush and glides on the skin for a beautiful effect. It’s very blendable, so you can create different looks by combining it with other shades.
This is the only highlighter that I’ve found that doesn’t look chalky or too shimmery, which makes it perfect for daytime use. It doesn’t leave any sticky residue either, which is great when you want to apply your makeup in the morning.
There are four different shades in this collection – Pink Champagne, Peach Champagne, Golden Champagne and Champagne Pop. You can choose between a light or medium coverage option, but I’d recommend the lighter shade as it’s easier to blend out.
It’s also suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin and oily skin. It doesn’t irritate my skin either, so I can easily apply it without feeling uncomfortable. The Champagne Pop is the perfect champagne blush for summer, but if you prefer a more natural look, then go with the Peach Champagne. Overall, it’s one of the best highlighters I’ve ever used, and it’s definitely worth the price.
Pros
- Smooth, buttery texture
- Blends easily with fingers or a brush
- Very blendable
- Very natural looking
- Doesn’t look chalky
- Doesn’t irritate skin
- Doesn’t leave a sticky residue
Cons
- More expensive than other options
- It’s more suited to medium to dark skin tones
4. theBalm Manizer Liquid Highlighter
This is a very useful product for when you want a shiny lip but don’t want to use a lip gloss. It does come with a little brush, so you can apply it right away without any hassle. However, this isn’t an ideal product to wear all day long. It has a pretty strong scent too. It’s not overpowering, but it does linger on your lips for a while.
The liquid highlighter is designed to be applied directly on your lip and to be left on for about 5 minutes before you remove it. You can also use it as a base for lipsticks or lip glosses too, and it works well in that case. The color is pretty sheer, but you can layer it up to get more intense shades.
It doesn’t have a cooling effect like most glosses, so you can apply it right after eating. It’s not drying, but it can make your lips look shiny. You should avoid using this on areas of your face where you want a matte finish, such as your cheeks.
It’s not recommended for people with sensitive skin, so those with dry lips may want to avoid this product. It also comes with a small amount of moisturizer in the cap, which is great for keeping your lips soft.
Pros
- Available in a travel-friendly size
- Has a cooling effect
- Has a pretty strong scent
- Can be used as a lip gloss
- Doesn’t irritate skin
Cons
- It’s not suitable for very dry skin
- It’s not suitable for sensitive skin
5. Makeup Revolution Soph Highlighter Palette
This is a great option for people who want a more natural glow and don’t want to go overboard with makeup. It has eight different shades, so it’s great for all skin tones and will definitely suit anyone.
Each of the colors has a subtle hint of shimmer to it, and it also contains antioxidants that help to keep skin healthy and hydrated. So you can get that glowing look without having to wear a ton of makeup. It also won’t dry out your skin or make you feel uncomfortable.
It contains a light texture that doesn’t weigh down your skin, and the packaging is also quite convenient, so it’s easy to carry around. You can use this on your face, lips, or cheeks, and you can also apply it all over your body for that natural glow. The product is paraben-free, gluten-free, and cruelty-free.
This highlighter palette is perfect for people who want a natural glow and don’t want to go overboard with makeup.
Pros
- Natural-looking glow
- Easy to apply
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- It doesn’t come with a brush
- It’s more suited to medium to dark skin tones
6. Nyx Professional Makeup Born to Glow Liquid Illuminator
This is one of the best liquid illuminators on the market right now. It provides a natural glow to your skin that’s perfectly suited for both daytime and evening. It has a light, dewy finish that adds a subtle radiance to your skin, and it won’t leave you looking like a zombie after you apply it.
It also has SPF 25, which is more than enough to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. The formula is incredibly lightweight and doesn’t clog pores. It’s also very fast absorbing, so it won’t leave your skin feeling greasy.
This liquid illuminator comes in a gorgeous gold bottle, and it also has a handy pump dispenser. The pump allows you to get just the right amount of product for a full coverage and it doesn’t drip. You can also use this as a concealer if you want a slightly more matte finish.
Overall, I love this liquid illuminator. It has everything that I look for in a face moisturiser. I’ve been using it for over a year now and it’s still going strong, and it won’t disappoint you either. It will make you look younger, fresher, and radiant.
Pros
- Gorgeous gold bottle
- Contains SPF 25
- Has a light, dewy finish
- Has a fast absorbing formula
- Doesn’t leave your skin feeling greasy
Cons
- It’s quite expensive
- It’s not suitable for very dry skin
7. Wet n Wild Megaglo Highlighting Powder (Highlighter)
We’re going to start this review off with one of our favorite products – Wet N Wild Megaglo Highlighting Powder. This product is one of the best highlighters that we have ever tried. It’s pigmented, hydrating and has a glow-like effect on the skin.
If you have dry, sensitive or flaky skin, then this highlighter will definitely work wonders for you. It makes your skin look more alive and healthy with a natural radiance. Wet n Wild offers a wide variety of colors in their Megaglo range, and you can choose any shade that you like. They’re super easy to apply, and they blend in well with any makeup.
The best thing about these highlighters is that they last for up to 16 hours on your face, which is really good considering that it’s only a 5.4g product. You won’t have to apply it too often either – just apply once every day or two to keep your skin glowing.
This product is perfect for any skin type, especially dry, sensitive, oily or combination skin. We’d highly recommend that you buy this one.
Pros
- It’s affordable
- It’s super easy to apply
- Has a glow-like effect
Cons
- The color selection is limited
- It’s quite expensive
8. Love Light Prismatic Highlighter
This is the most recent highlighter from Too Faced and it’s very different to their usual palette. It’s got a prismatic finish, which means that it’s got a rainbow of colors.
I can see how this would be perfect for someone who wants to try out a new shade, or for someone who wants to change things up a bit. This isn’t the kind of thing that you would use to highlight your eyes because it’s a lot brighter than most highlighters, but it’s great for highlighting your cheekbones, your nose and even your collarbones.
The colors are bright and vivid, and they don’t run, smudge or fade at all. It’s also super easy to blend, and I like the fact that the cap has a magnet so you can stick it on your makeup bag. The only downside is that it doesn’t come with an applicator, but you can use your fingers to apply it. Overall, this is a really fun highlighter that is perfect for people who want something different.
Pros
- It’s prismatic
- It has a rainbow of colors
- It’s easy to blend
- It has a magnet
Cons
- It doesn’t come with an applicator
- Needs to be scrapped
9. Benefit Cosmetics High Beam
Benefit Cosmetics is an American makeup brand that started in 1994. They’ve been making products like highlighters, concealers, foundation, and other beauty essentials for a while now, and their products are some of the best available.
Their High Beam collection includes three products, all of which are designed to enhance the natural radiance of your skin. The first product is the High Beam Concealer, which is formulated to minimize the appearance of dark circles and puffiness under the eyes. It also contains vitamin C to improve skin tone and texture, and vitamin E to help keep skin moisturized.
The second product is the High Beam Primer, which has a matte finish so it can be used as a base for your makeup or as an all-over coverage. It can be used with any makeup style you’d like, but its light formula makes it a good option for those who want to wear only a bit of makeup.
The last product in the High Beam collection is the High Beam Foundation. This lightweight, non-greasy formula contains antioxidants that work to protect the skin from environmental damage. It’s perfect for people who want to look natural and natural-looking.
If you want to use these products for a flawless complexion, then buy the Benefit Cosmetics High Beam. It’ll definitely make you feel satisfied, relaxed, and confident in your purchase, and reduce your energy costs too.
Pros
- It’s a great all-around product
- It’s affordable
- It’s easy to apply
Cons
- It’s not suitable for those with oily skin
- Might feel too light
- It doesn’t come with an applicator
10. M.A.C mineralize skinfinish highlighter
M.A.C’s Mineralize Skinfinish Highlighter is a perfect addition to your makeup collection. It provides an intense glow to the skin without clogging pores. The formula is infused with 77 minerals, which is the perfect amount for the skin.
This product comes in a variety of shades, which will fit every skin tone and hair color. It can be used on the eyes, cheeks, and lips. It’s also suitable for all skin types, so there shouldn’t be any issues. The product comes in a jar packaging, so you don’t have to worry about spillage. The highlighter will last for a long time, and you only need to apply it once or twice a day.
This highlighter won’t dry out the skin, so you won’t have to worry about the product leaving a white cast on your skin. The formula is light-weight, so it won’t weigh down your face either. It provides a radiant glow that will brighten up your skin, and it’ll definitely enhance your natural beauty.
The Mineralize Skinfinish Highlighter is perfect for every woman out there. You can easily find it in any department store.
Pros
- It’s affordable
- It’s easy to use
- It has a long-lasting formula
Cons
- It might look too much on the eyes
- It’s not suitable for oily skin
Buying Guide For Best Highlighters
What to Look For in a Highlighter
For some, it’s a color that pops against a plain white or light colored wall, and for others it can be something that’s almost invisible. Whatever the case may be, there are a variety of different highlighters available on the market that can be used to highlight text in any type of document or writing project.
Highlighters come in a wide variety of colors, sizes, and surface options, so you’ll want to be sure that you’re finding the right one for your needs.
Surface
There are two main types of surfaces you can use your highlighter on: paper and plastic. If you plan on using your highlighter on paper, then you’ll need a fine-tipped pen. The most popular brand of highlighter pens is Uni-ball, which offers a broad range of models that feature different tips.
If you plan on using your highlighter on plastic, then you’ll want a waterproof highlighter. This type of highlighter is usually used on plastic or glass items that may get water or other liquids on them, such as coffee mugs or wine glasses.
Color
When it comes to choosing a highlighter, there are several things to consider. First, you’ll want to look for a color that complements the document or writing project that you’re highlighting. You can find highlighters in a variety of colors, but if you’re highlighting something written in black, you’ll want to go with a black highlighter.
If you’re highlighting something written in another color, then you’ll want to look for a highlighter that matches. For example, if you’re highlighting a piece of text written in blue, then you’ll want a highlighter that’s a close match to that color.
Size
It may seem like a small detail, but size matters when it comes to highlighters. The size of your highlighter will depend on the size of the text that you’re highlighting. If you have a large block of text, then you may need a larger highlighter than you would a smaller one.
That said, you can usually find highlighters in a range of sizes, so make sure that you’re not purchasing a highlighter that’s too small or too big.
What makes a good highlighter?
There are plenty of highlighters on the market today, and they can range from extremely affordable to ones that are quite expensive. But before you purchase one, you need to consider what you want your highlighter to do.
In general, if you’re looking to highlight text, then the most affordable option is probably a pencil or ballpoint pen. But if you want to highlight a specific area on a page, then you’ll probably need a highlighter that’s designed for that purpose.
Budget
The first thing to think about when you’re buying a highlighter is your budget. Highlighters are generally inexpensive and easy to find, but it’s important to know exactly how much money you’re willing to spend on one.
When shopping online, make sure to compare prices so you can find the best value for your money.
Consider Your Needs
Another consideration when you’re buying a highlighter is how much information you will be highlighting. For example, if you’re highlighting a phone number for call-screening purposes, then you’ll need to highlight that number in a specific area of a page.
If you’re highlighting a sentence, then you’ll need to be careful to highlight it in the correct spot of the page. This is because the page may not look the same way to somebody else who is reading it.
Consider How You Will Use It
It’s also important to consider how you plan on using your highlighter. If you only want to highlight text once, then you won’t have to worry about the ink bleeding through onto another page. But if you plan on highlighting text repeatedly, then you’ll need to think about how the ink will last. You may need to use a highlighter more than once, which will cause the ink to wear down.
Consider Your Other Items
It’s also important to think about how your other items will affect your choice of highlighter. For example, if you’re highlighting an important phone number, then you’ll probably want a pen that is as close to the phone number as possible.
But if you’re highlighting a sentence in a book, then you’ll want to consider whether you will be reading the book out loud. In this case, you’ll want to choose a highlighter that’s designed for ink that won’t bleed through when you read it aloud.
Frequently Asked Questions For Best Highlighters
What highlighters last the longest?
The longer a highlighter lasts, the better it is. Highlighters are usually made up of fluorescent ink, so they tend to last for a few years. A great way to extend their life span is to get a highlighter with a replaceable cartridge, which allows you to easily replace the ink without having to replace the whole highlighter.
How do I choose a highlighter?
Highlighters are very simple to use. All you need is a pen or pencil, and you’re good to go. However, you should know that you can never go wrong with any highlighter. The best highlighters are the ones that are easy to erase, can be used with all surfaces, and don’t leave any residue behind.
Conclusion
We all know how hard it is to find the perfect highlighter. Whether you’re looking for a good-quality product with great durability, or you just want something that’s affordable, there are plenty of options available.
So, what makes one highlighter better than the next? Here’s our top pick:
For a well-made, durable product at an affordable price, the Highlighter by American PaperWorks is a great option. It offers great coverage, great grip, and an exceptional feel.
If you want something in the middle, the Highlighter by Epson is a great choice as well. Not only is it affordable, but it’s made from quality materials and offers an excellent performance.
And if you’re looking for something special, the Highlighter by Lumogenics is the best choice for you. It’s designed with professional artists in mind, and its ergonomic grip and precision control makes it the perfect tool for those who are passionate about their craft.