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  • 10 Best Drugstore Highlighters 2024 | UK Makeup Artist Reviewed 1
  • 10 Best Drugstore Highlighters 2024 | UK Makeup Artist Reviewed 2
  • 10 Best Drugstore Highlighters 2024 | UK Makeup Artist Reviewed 3
  • 10 Best Drugstore Highlighters 2024 | UK Makeup Artist Reviewed 4
  • 10 Best Drugstore Highlighters 2024 | UK Makeup Artist Reviewed 5

10 Best Drugstore Highlighters 2024 | UK Makeup Artist Reviewed

In recent years, illuminating highlighters have become a must-have makeup item. A range of liquids, creams, and palettes packed with light-reflecting pigments, highlighters are ideal for adding dimension to the face and creating a luminous glow, which is achievable whether your skin tone is olive, pale, or dark, acne-prone, dry, or mature. 


With so many affordable options to choose from, we've put together this guide to the best drugstore highlighters to help you get the most pop for your pound! Once you're done reading, don't forget to check out our top 10 from brands like e.l.f., Sleek and Revolution, all from Amazon, and Boots. Moreover, we have partnered with Makeup Artist Marie Dancer for reviewing and fact-checking the article so that we can deliver the best information.

Last updated 22/03/2024

Quick List - Top Drugstore Highlighters

1

Makeup Revolution

Soph X Highlighter Palette
Soph X Highlighter Palette

The Best Drugstore Highlighter Palette for Everyone

2

Sleek MakeUP

Highlighting Elixir Illuminating Drops
 Highlighting Elixir Illuminating Drops

3 Blendable Liquid Highlighter Drops for Creating Custom Shades

3

e.l.f. Cosmetics

Baked Highlighter
Baked Highlighter

A Hydrating Highlighter for Dry Skin

4

L’Oreal Paris

Infallible Strobe Highlight Stick
Infallible Strobe Highlight Stick

Beginner's Choice for Easy Strobing to Accentuate Features

5

Sleek MakeUP

Highlighting Palette
Highlighting Palette

A Travel-Friendly Mini Highlighting Palette for All Skin Tones

Marie Dancer
Expert
Makeup Artist
Marie Dancer

As a professional make-up artist of ten years, Marie's job has taken her all over the UK working at top events, on TV shows and making up beautiful brides. For all her clients she loves emphasising their natural beauty by creating a flawless base that still looks like skin.

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Table of Contents

Fact-Checked & Approved by Makeup Artist Marie Dancer

Fact-Checked & Approved by Makeup Artist Marie Dancer

As a professional makeup artist of ten years, Marie's job has taken her all over the UK, working at top events, on TV shows and making up beautiful brides. For all of her clients, she loves emphasising their natural beauty by creating a flawless base that still looks like skin.


Find out more about Marie and what are her favourite makeup products are through her Instagram! She even shares some industry tips on makeup application too. And if you're interested in getting your makeup done by Marie, you can contact her via her email found at the top of her page.

How to Choose a Drugstore Highlighter in the UK

Key Points to Consider
  1. Think About What Shade Will Best Suit Your Skin Tone 
  2. If You Want Different Shades, Choose A Palette 
  3. Consider The Differences Between Cream, Liquid And Powder Formulas 
1

Make Sure to Pick a Shade That Compliments Your Skin Tone

Make Sure to Pick a Shade That Compliments Your Skin Tone

For Pale Skin, Choose Opalescent Silver and Lilac Shades for a Complementary Glow

Anyone with fair skin will know how easy it is to accidentally pick a shade that’s too dark, be that foundation or other makeup products. But when choosing a highlighter, you don’t want to end up looking washed out either!


As a rule of thumb, look for highlighters in pearlescent shades with silver and lilac tones, or a pale champagne-gold if you’d prefer something a little warmer. 

For Medium and Olive Skin, Opt for Peach Tones and Rose Gold

Rose gold and peach tones are the most complimentary shades for medium skin. These will work with, rather than against, the tanned hues of your skin to create that natural-looking glow we all covet.


As with pale skin, you should avoid anything too deep or ruddy. However, those with deeper-toned medium or olive skin may wish to give a bronze highlighter a go. 

For Dark Skin Tones, Consider Gold and Bronze Shades

Colours show up most vibrantly on deeper complexions, and those with dark skin tones benefit from being able to wear pigment the best. However, overly-contrasting highlighter shades can leave your skin appearing more dull and tired than gorgeously radiant. 


For deep skin tones, it’s best to skip silvery shades and instead opt for golds, rich rose golds and bronzes to beautifully lift and warm up the complexion

2

If You Want to Experiment With Different Shades, Opt For a Palette

If You Want to Experiment With Different Shades, Opt For a Palette

If you like to change things up a bit or are having difficulty deciding on the right highlighter shade for your skin tone, consider buying a palette instead. The great thing about highlighter is that it can even be used as an eyeshadow and to illuminate a number of areas on your face. It really is such a versatile product. 


They're also more cost-effective, more space-saving and more travel-friendly – especially when compared to buying multiple individual shades – and they offer a convenient way to experiment with different makeup styles without blowing your budget. You may even want to try combining shades together to create your own custom highlighter!

3

Use Cream and Liquid Formulas to Moisturise Dry Skin, While Powder Formula Absorbs Excess Moisture on Oily Complexions

Use Cream and Liquid Formulas to Moisturise Dry Skin, While Powder Formula Absorbs Excess Moisture on Oily Complexions

Highlighters are available as powders, liquids or creams. Some are better for certain skin types than others, and will yield different results. To begin, powder highlighters are best for oily skin as the fine, dry particles absorb excess moisture. Good for first timers, they can be built up gradually to get the right amount of coverage.


Liquid highlighters can be a little bit tricky to master, but will produce the most seamless finish on all skin types, including mature and combination. For easier application, and to make your product go further, mix a few drops with your foundation and buff into the skin.


For dry skin we recommend choosing a cream highlighter as they are the most moisturising, particularly ones containing hydrating ingredients such as coconut oil or other plant oils. Cream stick highlighters are great for quick, precise application: just sweep on and blend out using fingers or a brush!


If you looking for other great make up products which are suitable for a variety of skin types, why not check out our guides on the best drugstore foundations, green concealers and long-lasting lipsticks

Was the Buying Guide helpful?

10 Best Drugstore Highlighters in the UK

This ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Key features
1

Makeup Revolution

Soph X Highlighter Palette

Makeup Revolution  Soph X Highlighter Palette 1

The Best Drugstore Highlighter Palette for Everyone

2

Sleek MakeUP

Highlighting Elixir Illuminating Drops

Sleek MakeUP   Highlighting Elixir Illuminating Drops 1

3 Blendable Liquid Highlighter Drops for Creating Custom Shades

3

e.l.f. Cosmetics

Baked Highlighter

e.l.f. Cosmetics Baked Highlighter 1

A Hydrating Highlighter for Dry Skin

4

L’Oreal Paris

Infallible Strobe Highlight Stick

L’Oreal Paris Infallible Strobe Highlight Stick 1

Beginner's Choice for Easy Strobing to Accentuate Features

5

Sleek MakeUP

Highlighting Palette

Sleek MakeUP Highlighting Palette 1

A Travel-Friendly Mini Highlighting Palette for All Skin Tones

6

Bourjois

Sculpt Light Highlighter

Bourjois Sculpt Light Highlighter  1

Super-Sheer Liquid That Gives a Subtle Glow

7

L'Oreal Paris

Glow Mon Amour Highlighting Drops

L'Oreal Paris  Glow Mon Amour Highlighting Drops 1

Two Shades of Luxurious Highlighting Drops Infused With Coconut Oil

8

Revolution

Glow Mega Beam Highlighter Stick

Revolution  Glow Mega Beam Highlighter Stick  1

An Easy-To-Apply Cream Based Highlighter Which Can Used On-The-Go

9

Maybelline

Master Chrome Extreme Highlighter Powder

Maybelline  Master Chrome Extreme Highlighter Powder 1

An Ultra-Pigmented Metallic Highlighter

10

Wet N Wild

MegaGlo Highlighting Powder

Wet N Wild  MegaGlo Highlighting Powder 1

A Pearly Highlighter Which is Both Glamorous And Affordable

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Makeup Revolution
Soph X Highlighter Palette

Soph X Highlighter Palette 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£13.90
High
Reference price
£13.90
High

The Best Drugstore Highlighter Palette for Everyone

The Makeup Revolution Soph X Highlighter Palette is a fantastic mix-and-match product that lets you experiment with 8 different shimmering shades. Inside you’ll find 3 pressed powders and 5 creams in a variety of hues to complement all skin tones.


With some of the most pigmented formulas on the list, this is a very practical and economical choice, and the perfect match for those who prefer more dramatic or creative looks. Have a go at blending them together for your ideal colour match, or double up as an eyeshadow! 

Was this Ranking helpful?
No.2

Sleek MakeUP
Highlighting Elixir Illuminating Drops

Reference price
£6.99
Mid

3 Blendable Liquid Highlighter Drops for Creating Custom Shades

The Liquid Chrome Highlighter Drops from Sleek are not only affordable, but they come in 3 blendable shades to suit a variety of skin tones. These liquid droppers are great for creating a custom glow – try adding them to your foundation for a subtle shimmer, or mix them together to create your own unique shade!


Droppers can be a little tricky to master at first so if it's your first time using one we suggest adding a small amount onto a sponge applicator or brush rather than directly onto the face. They're well worth the effort, though! 

No.3

e.l.f. Cosmetics
Baked Highlighter

Baked Highlighter 1
Source:boots.com
Reference price
£5.00
Low Mid

A Hydrating Highlighter for Dry Skin

E.l.f cosmetics are known for their high-quality, affordable, and cruelty-free makeup that's available in a full spectrum of colours and shades. Infused with hydrating ingredients including vitamin E, jojoba, rose hip, sunflower, apricot, and grape oils their baked highlighter is one of our top picks for dry skin.


Available in three shades to best compliment medium and darker skin tones, apply dry for sheer coverage or use with a damp brush or sponge applicator for a more vibrant effect!

No.4

L’Oreal Paris
Infallible Strobe Highlight Stick

Infallible Strobe Highlight Stick 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£4.53
Low Mid
Reference price
£4.53
Low Mid

Beginner's Choice for Easy Strobing to Accentuate Features

If you've considered giving strobing a go, check out L’Oreal Paris' Infallible Strobe Highlight Stick. The application stick helps you distribute pigment directly onto the areas you wish to highlight, perfectly defining features without the need for harsh contouring shades.


Part of L'Oreal's Infallible Shaping Stick range, this and the rest of the family have an exquisite creamy texture that simply melt into the skin for easy blending. And the price is pretty appealing, too! 

No.5

Sleek MakeUP
Highlighting Palette

Highlighting Palette 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£9.99
High Mid
Reference price
£9.99
High Mid

A Travel-Friendly Mini Highlighting Palette for All Skin Tones

Sleek MakeUP has you covered when it comes to fab cosmetics designed for a wide range of skin tones. Their highlighting palette comes in four variations featuring a hand-picked selection of complimentary shades for pale, fair to medium, medium and dark skin respectively.


The 9 gram palette is also very travel-friendly and comes with a mini brush and mirror for those quick top-ups after a flight, during the day or on a night out. For a little extra drama, layer over Sleek’s Highlighting Elixir!

No.6

Bourjois
Sculpt Light Highlighter

Sculpt Light Highlighter  1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£4.96
Low Mid
Reference price
£4.96
Low Mid

Super-Sheer Liquid That Gives a Subtle Glow

Bourjois Sculpt Light Highlighter is one of our favourites for adding a finishing touch to your makeup. For a subtle shine that won’t run the risk of looking greasy, dot a couple of pumps onto the high points of the face and blend out using fingers or a brush.


For people who don’t really do makeup, or those searching for a suitable highlighter for work, look no further – it’s so sheer we consider it one of the few universal shades that actually works on all skin tones!

No.7

L'Oreal Paris
Glow Mon Amour Highlighting Drops

 Glow Mon Amour Highlighting Drops 1
Source:boots.com
Reference price
£9.99
High Mid
Reference price
£9.99
High Mid

Two Shades of Luxurious Highlighting Drops Infused With Coconut Oil

L'Oreal Paris’ Glow Highlighting Drops come in two luxurious shades, Champagne and Bellini, for golden gods and goddesses everywhere! A little goes a long way with these, and when mixed in with your moisturiser they can also be applied to the clavicle and décolletage for an all-over glow.


Plus, these drops are infused with nourishing coconut oil for smoother application and blending. While this is a real bonus for dry, mature and combination skin types, those with oily skin may want to give this one a miss as oil-based products can have pore-clogging effects.

No.8

Revolution
Glow Mega Beam Highlighter Stick

Glow Mega Beam Highlighter Stick  1
Source:asos.com
Reference price
£10.50
High Mid
Reference price
£10.50
High Mid

An Easy-To-Apply Cream Based Highlighter Which Can Used On-The-Go

This cream based and long-lasting highlighter from Revolution comes in 3 different shades, making it suitable for a variety of skin tones. If you are looking for highlighter which you can use throughout the day as a top-up, this is a great choice as it will give a glossy and illuminated glow in a way which is subtle yet vibrant. 


Packaged in a travel-friendly retractable case as well as being easy to apply means that this product is great for on-the-go. Notably, some customers have stated that this product does work better on bare skin rather than make up, so you may want to keep this in mind!

No.9

Maybelline
Master Chrome Extreme Highlighter Powder

 Master Chrome Extreme Highlighter Powder 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£4.90
Low Mid
Reference price
£4.90
Low Mid

An Ultra-Pigmented Metallic Highlighter

Not all of us subscribe to the natural look, so for those who prefer something with a bit of an edge we recommend Maybelline’s Master Chrome Extreme Highlighter Powder. Available in 5 metallic shades, this blinding highlighter is bound to turn heads


The ultra-pigmented pressed powder provides incredible coverage to rival a high-end brand with just one sweep, and catches the light exquisitely. Unfortunately, the formulation of this product leaves it prone to shattering so you'll want to handle it gently, especially when you're on the go. 

No.10

Wet N Wild
MegaGlo Highlighting Powder

MegaGlo Highlighting Powder 1
Source:boots.com
Reference price
£4.79
Low Mid

A Pearly Highlighter Which is Both Glamorous And Affordable

This easy-to-blend and smooth highlighter from Wet N Wild infused with shimmering pearl pigments is not only a fan favourite but ideal for anyone wanting to create a glam look. A little really does go a long way meaning that it will be a long time before you hit pan. As soon as you apply this product, you'll get an instant, bright glow! 


What is also great about this highlighter is the price and the fact it is cruelty free. That said, there are only two shades available; blossom glow and precious petals. Additionally, this product is not suitable for anyone wanting a more subtle glow. 

How to Apply Your Highlighter

How to Apply Your Highlighter

You don't necessarily need to spend a fortune to achieve your desired look. By using the right application technique, your drugstore highlighter can look just as good, or even better, than designer products!


Highlighters can be worn on top of, underneath, or without foundation. Whichever method you choose, make sure to start by prepping your skin with a hydrating moisturiser or primer to prevent caking and product sitting in any lines or wrinkles.



Only apply highlighter to the areas of the face where the light would naturally hit. For example; along the cheekbones, nose bridge and forehead, as well as on the cupid's bow and in the corners of the eyes.


Drugstore highlighters tend to be less pigmented than high-end brands, so you'll need to use a bit more to achieve the same effect. For a seamless finish, build gradually and blend out using circular motions. For liquid and cream highlighters using your fingers is fine, but for powders we advise using a brush for even distribution.

Frequently Asked Question

Can You Use Highlighter on Bare Skin?

Yes, using a highlighter on bare skin will give your skin a gentle and more natural looking glow. If you are looking to achieve a 'no make up' sort of look, it is a perfect choice. Though, be aware that highlighter will not cover any imperfections or texture on your skin. 

Written and researched by Wren Mann

Top 5 Drugstore Highlighters

No. 1: Makeup Revolution Soph X Highlighter Palette

No. 2: Sleek MakeUP Highlighting Elixir Illuminating Drops

No. 3: e.l.f. CosmeticsBaked Highlighter

No. 4: L’Oreal ParisInfallible Strobe Highlight Stick

No. 5: Sleek MakeUPHighlighting Palette

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The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.

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