14 Best Highlighters for Pale Skin of 2020 reviews
Medium to dark skin tones look simply amazing with a hint of shimmery highlighter but in case of pale skin, finding the right highlighter is quite tricky. If you choose the wrong product, your skin might look too old or too flashy. Thus, to achieve a natural, dewy, and radiant glow, it is vital to pick the right highlighter. If you have pale skin and still haven’t figured out which highlighter suits you the best, we have come up with the 14 best highlighters for pale skin that’ll add shape to your face and make your cheeks stand pop.
The 14 Best Highlighters to Wear On Pale Skin
1. theBalm, Manizer Beauty Kit, Translucent Pressed Matte Shimmer, Mary Lou
theBalm from Mary-Lou Manizer is a seemingly bright honey-hued luminizer that looks perfect on pale skin. A product trusted by various makeup artists, this shimmer diffuses light to make the skin look smoother and younger. It can be used as a shadow, highlighter, and as a shimmer to add a subtle glow to your cheekbones. Available in 4 shades, the highlighter blends just right with the skin and doesn’t overpower fair skin. If you are not a fan of extremely shimmery highlighters, try this glitter-free highlighter with buildable coverage that’s worth trying.
Pros
- Highly-pigmented
- Long-lasting
- Lightweight
- Nourishing
- Skin-friendly ingredients
Cons
- Some may find it too powdery
2. Physicians Formula Powder Palette Highlighter, Translucent Pearl
The Physician’s Formula Mineral Glow Pearl Highlighter comes in a unique palette with multi-colored pearls that provide an instant glow and even skin tone in a single swipe. It consists of real mineral pearl extracts to create a luxurious and illuminating glow on pale skin. Additionally, the palette is specially formulated for sensitive skin and is recommended by ophthalmologists, dermatologists and allergists. The highlighter also comes with a chic ergonomically-designed applicator brush for easy and hygienic application. Grab this highlighter if you want to get good makeup for pale skin done.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Chemical-free
- Multi-colored
- Suitable for all skin types
- Blendable
Cons
- The glitter is not long-lasting.
3. LIFUS Illuminating Kit
If you like rocking a little shimmer on your cheekbones, try the LIFUS Highlighter Palette that consists of colors that provide natural radiance and a lasting glow. The highlighter provides seamless coverage without looking thick, dramatic, or cakey. The palette can be used for highlighting the cheekbones, eyelids, brow bones and the inner corners of the lips to make your face more enhanced. So pick this bronzer highlighter palette if you want the luminous glow to last throughout the day.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Smudge-proof
- Soft and silky texture
- Light-diffusing pigment
- Shimmery
Cons
- Some may find the odor unpleasant
4. essence Pure NUDE Highlighter, Beige
The hues of the essence Nude Highlighter pops on pale skin and leaves your face with a radiant and fresh look. Its baked finish and cruelty-free formula seamlessly blends with the skin. For creating a subtle glow on your face, apply it on your temples, cheeks and brow bones. The best thing about this highlighter is its reflective surface sheen which makes it mild shimmery. Hence, it effectively works for pale skin. So, pick this one if you are looking for a multipurpose skin illuminator that also provides skincare benefits.
Pros
- Natural radiance
- Vegan
- Rich pigment
- Long-wear
- Also ideal for mature skin
Cons
- Not ideal for acne-prone skin
5. L’Oreal Paris Makeup True Match Lumi Glow Nude Highlighter, Moon-Kissed
If you like to contour or highlight your face and want to uplift your facial assets, the L’Oreal Paris Lumi Glow Nude Highlighter is the one for you. It comes with a glowy highlighter, a blush and bronzer to provide a sculpted glow. The highlighter is available in 2 universal shades that are suitable for all skin types. The nude highlighter awakens the complexion and creates a multi-dimensional look for parties and special occasions. This Moon-Kissed palette offers a pearl finish and impressive glow to the skin with cool undertones and thus, is a good contour for pale skin.
Pros
- Easy-to-apply
- Long-wear
- Shimmery glow
- Rich pigment
Cons
- Not highly blendable due to its grainy consistency
6. NARS Illuminator- Laguna
What’s not to like about the NARS Illuminator that acts as a complexion enhancer as well as a highlighter. This light-reflecting liquid refreshes and enhances the complexion in a single glide and remains intact for hours. It also has a shimmery base so you can wear it alone or can pair it with your regular makeup products. Its ultra-creamy formula effortlessly blends with the skin and makes it look bright within seconds. If you are looking for a day-time highlighter that looks glowy and remains intact for night parties, this is just the right product to choose.
Pros
- Convenient packaging
- Multifunctional
- Non-comedogenic
- Sheer coverage
- Skin-friendly
Cons
- May not suit acne-prone skin
7. Benefit Cosmetics High Beam Liquid Face Pink Highlighter
The Benefit High Beam Liquid Highlighter is formulated to offer a long-lasting and dewy finish to the skin. Its ultra-creamy formula melts into your skin and adds soft definition to the nose, brow bones, and cheeks. Simply dot and blend the product on areas you want to highlight and get impressive results in seconds. The satiny pink highlighter goes a long way and works very well on pale skin and skin with cool undertones. You can use it alone or can pair it with your favorite go-to powder or foundation to cover skin imperfections and achieve the even-toned look.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Ultra-lightweight
- Opaque
- Easy-to-use
- Blendable
- Versatile
Cons
- Some may find the product too shimmery
8. wet n wild hello HALO BLUSHLIGHTER, Highlight Bling
The wet n wild hello HALO BLUSHLIGHTER is a combo that effortlessly sculpts, highlights, and defines the face. This illuminating duo has 2 shades that impart an instant glow and blends beautifully with the skin. The buildable and soft shades enhance the cheeks with micro-fine and ultra-reflective pearl pigments. Furthermore, the product has a weightless texture, and thus, it feels breathable and smooth on the skin. If you have pale skin, give some space to this blush and highlighter duo in your makeup kit.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Fragrance-free
- Pocket-friendly
- Rich pigment
- Customizable coverage
Cons
- Some may find the shades too dark.
9. LAURA GELLER NEW YORK, French Vanilla
LAURA GELLER NEW YORK highlighter is one of the best selling baked highlighters that seamlessly fuses with the skin to create a silky low-glow finish. This velvety soft powder is available in 2 shades, a sheer cream and a peachy nude to beautifully highlight and contour the skin. The best thing about this duo is that the liquid pigments are baked on terracotta tiles for 24 hours and hand-finished in Italy to create a silky and long-lasting powder. Furthermore, the powder is infused with antioxidants and white tea extracts to illuminate the skin safely.
Pros
- Excellent pigment
- Long-wear
- Multi-purpose
- Lightweight
- Blendable
Cons
- The product may not come off easily.
10. PÜR Sparkle And Shine Bright Travel Highlighter Palette
Create a glorious range of multi-dimensional effects with the PUR Sparkle And Shine Bright Travel Highlighter Palette that comes with 3 shades (Bottom Up, Cheers and Let’s Toast) and a fan brush for easy application. This travel-friendly special edition palette imparts your skin with a luminous and radiant glow and gives a brighter look to the dark areas of your face. The best thing about this highlighter is that it provides a buildable and subtle sheen to your skin that’ll make your face edges shine even better. Additionally, it is formulated with skin-enhancing ingredients like Ginseng, B- vitamins and Green tea to nourish the skin.
Pros
- Compact
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben and gluten-free
- Long-lasting
- Gentle and pleasing fragrance
Cons
- The applicator is poorly constructed.
11. Ciate London Dewy Stix Luminous Highlighting Balm
Highlighting balms are highly effective on pale skin tones, and the Ciate London Dewy Stix highlighting balm is no exception. This buttery balm brilliantly blends with the skin and offers a dewy sheen that lasts for hours. It is formulated with hyaluronic acid and murumuru butter to provide a weightless and natural radiance to the skin. This dewy wet-look illuminator spreads evenly on the skin and ensures maximum coverage and longevity. Additionally, the convenient stick is easy-to-use and effortlessly reaches the areas like corners of the lips, nose bridge, and temples.
Pros
- Non-tacky
- Hydrating
- Brushless application
- Non-greasy
- Mild glitter
Cons
- Some may find the product pricey.
12. COVER FX Custom Enhancer Drops Highlighter
The COVER FX Custom Enhancer Drops features ultra-fine pearls that provide a luminous and flawless glow. For a natural dewy look, apply drops of the highlighter on areas like your nose, cheekbones, temples, and around your lips and blend them gently to spotlight your natural assets. These illuminating drops can be used alone and can also be used with a foundation or any other makeup for a metallic glow. The applicator is highly convenient to use, and the drops effortlessly balances the skin tone. Thus, if you are looking for a versatile liquid formula to achieve a flawless coverage, this one is a great pick. This is one of the best drugstore highlighter for pale skin you can get your hands on.
Pros
- Skin-friendly ingredients
- Easy on the wallet
- Long-wear
- Lightweight texture
- Buildable coverage
Cons
- Some may find its consistency runny.
13. Benefit Dandelion Twinkle
The Benefit Dandelion Twinkle highlighter features a unique baked technology that delivers sheer and feather-light coverage. This is a perfect nude light pink shade ideal for highlighting and providing dimension to the pale skin. Furthermore, it is infused with notes of delicate blossom and dandy daydream scent. It also comes with a natural and gentle applicator brush that seamlessly blends the product into your skin and delivers a dewy glow. The matte, twinkling pink shade is ideal for contouring immensely pale skin and looks breathtaking when swept on the cheekbones.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Rich pigment
- Easy-to-apply
- Non-tacky
- Versatile low-key illuminator
Cons
- Not for those who prefer blinding highlighters
14. Too Faced Candlelight Glow
The Too Faced Highlighting powder duo ensures that your skin looks camera ready and lit-from-within throughout the day. It consists of 2 radiant shades for illuminating pale skin and its velvety texture seamlessly blends into the skin. It diffuses and refracts light for a multi-dimensional glow and gives a smooth shine to the highpoints of your face. This duo can be used for color correction and also for highlighting the skin under different lighting conditions.
Pros
- Sheer coverage
- Versatile
- Smooth texture
- Lasts for up to 8 hours
- Rich pigment
Cons
- Not for sensitive skin
We have already discussed some of the best highlighters you can consider for pale skin. Now let’s move to the points to keep in mind before selecting a perfect highlighter for your pale skin.
How To Choose Highlighter For Pale Skin
Choosing the right highlighter for pale skin is no joke. There are several factors to keep in mind while selecting a highlighter for pale skin. Here are some of the factors that’ll help you pick the right one:
- The best way to choose the right highlighter is to pick a highlighter that is 1-2 shades lighter than your skin tone. Bright highlighters offer a natural highlight makeup and radiant glow.
- Pick a highlighter with a subtle sheen that blends effortlessly into your skin. You don’t want an extraordinarily glittery or blinding product if you want a natural look.
- For pale skin, always look for highlighters with an icy silver, champagne, or pearlescent sheen. These highlighters complement undertones of your skin and provide dimension to your face.
- Avoid choosing the shades with dark red or too warm undertones. Instead, choose the shades with a pink-peach finish.
- Liquid illuminators with pink tones are best for pale skin. Avoid bronze and copper shades.
- If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, always look for highlighters with cruelty-free and fragrance-free formulas. Plenty of highlighters are tested by allergists and dermatologists so pick chemical-free highlighters with skin-friendly ingredients.
- It is important to keep your skin type in mind while buying a highlighter. If you have dry skin, pick a liquid highlighter to make your skin appear smooth and radiant. If you have oily skin, a powder highlighter will seamlessly blend and highlight your skin.
Highlighters come in plenty of shades and textures. One highlighter doesn’t fit all skin types, and thus, it is crucial to choose the highlighter for pale skin effectively. The primary goal of a highlighter is to provide a dewy and illuminating glow so always consider factors like texture, type, shade, coverage and formula of the highlighter before buying it. The product that gives a light and appealing sheen to your pale skin is the right one.
Expert’s Answers For Readers’ Questions
How do you apply highlighter to pale skin?
Applying a highlighter on the pale skin is not too tricky. You need to highlight areas on which lights reflect naturally. Apply a small amount of highlighter on the temples, nose bridge, around the lips, on the chin, on the cheekbones, and the center of the forehead for an illuminating and radiant glow. Make sure that you apply a foundation before applying a highlighter to even out the skin tone and set a base for a highlighter.
Does highlighter make you look older?
Wearing a highlighter on wrong places, especially on the mature skin can make you look older. Don’t apply a glittery highlighter on smile lines, on the crease of the eyes, or the brow bone. Apply it on the cheekbones and the between the brows if you have mature skin.
What is the best natural highlighter?
You can use ingredients like coconut oil, cocoa powder, mica powder, argan oil etc. to make a natural highlighter.
Is liquid or powder highlighter better?
Both liquid and powder skin highlighters are suitable for different skin types. If you have dry skin, a hydrating and nourishing liquid highlighter is perfect for you. It prevents cakiness and blends efficiently with the skin providing a natural glow. On the other hand, if you have oily skin, go for powder highlighters that are non-tacky and non-greasy. Powder highlighters blend perfectly with oily skin and leave the skin with a subtle dewy finish.
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