(Beauty)

10 Highlighters For Dark Skin That Don't Look Chalky

by Traci Newman-Perry

Updated: Feb. 20, 2024

Originally Published: July 8, 2019

Imaxtree

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I think it was 2015 when I first discovered Becca's now-cultish Champagne Pop. After reading online reviews, I walked into a Sephora in SoHo, Manhattan and asked an employee to help me try it on for the first time. And with one sweep of a fan brush, I was a changed woman. Now, my vanity is filled with nothing but the best highlighters for brown skin, because I can't get enough glow. If I could, I'd highlight my entire body from head-to-toe with gold, bronze, and peachy shimmer.

I won't lie, though: Finding the right highlighter can be difficult, especially when many brands don't curate products for darker skin in mind. I've tried numerous products and shades, with many being too ashy and chalky on my complexion. Pearly shades tend to be geared towards fairer complexions, which is why I lean towards gold-based liquids, creams, and powders.

When I do find the right one, I can't stick to just one option. I love layering them all over my cheekbones, nose, cupid's bow, and all of the other high points of my face, trying to find perfect highlighter to make my brown skin glisten is my favorite part when doing my makeup.

Traci Newman-Perry

If it were up to me, I'd own at thousands of illuminators. But for now, these are my 10 favorites that I'll be using this summer and beyond.

Sephora

Sun Dipped Glow Kit

$40

This is one of my favorite purchases. It's the perfect palette when I want subtle luminosity, and the multiple shades allow me to layer up for more intensity.

Laura Mercier

Face Illuminator Powder in Addiction

$45

The shade is aptly named, as I truly am addicted to this shade. It's long-wear and buildable, and I recommend it to all of my friends.

Sephora

Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter in Girl Next Door/Chic Phreak

$36

This long-wearing highlighter duo always makes me tap into my inner bad gal. It is one of my favorite go-tos for the summer.

Sephora

Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter in Champagne Pop

$39

Unlike traditional pressed powders, this formula blends pigments with liquids, creating a creamy feel that applies seamlessly and never cakes.

Glossier

Haloscope in Topaz

$22

If you are looking for a dewy finish, then Glossier Topaz is it. It glides easily on the face and is enriched with vitamin E for hydration.

NARS

Illuminator in Orgasm

$30

The go-to blush shade that continues to dominate the industry is now available in liquid highlighter form, and it enhances my undertone like none other.

Sephora

Jelly Beam Illuminator in Rose Goals

$40

I will admit, there have been many times I would walk into a Sephora just to pat this gel highlighter above my cheeks. After several visits, I decided to purchase — and don't regret my decision at all. It stays on all day and night.

Sephora

Highlighting Powder in Afternoon Glow

$48

Great for everyday and special occasions, this compact gives the perfect rosy highlight.

Sephora

Golden Bronze

$42

This was the first liquid highlighter I ever purchased, back in summer 2017. Ever since then, the luminizer has been a mainstay in my makeup collection as it blends so easily.

Sephora

3D Highlighter Palette in Bronze Sands Edition

$45

I can never go wrong with this palette, especially with its four highly-pigmented shades.

This article was originally published on July 8, 2019