Looking for the best liquid highlighters that will make your notes and glow stand out? I’ve found top options like L’Oreal Lumi Glotion, e.l.f. Halo Glow, Milani Highlighter, and Wet n Wild’s MegaGlo that deliver vibrant pigmentation and easy application. Whether you want a luminous face glow or bright highlight for notes, these formulas are blendable and long-lasting. Keep going, and you’ll discover even more fabulous highlighters perfect for your needs.
Key Takeaways
- Discover top liquid highlighters with various finishes like dewy, iridescent, and metallic for luminous note-taking.
- Explore popular brands such as L’Oreal, e.l.f., Milani, and ColourPop offering buildable, quick-drying formulas.
- Learn application tips for precise highlighting using pen-style, cushion-tip, or blending tools for natural or bold effects.
- Find shade options suitable for all skin tones, with nourishing ingredients that support skin health and hydration.
- Understand pros and cons, durability, and ideal usage scenarios to choose the best liquid highlighter for your needs.
LOreal Paris Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer
Looking for a liquid highlighter that gives your skin a natural, sun-kissed glow? The L’Oreal Paris Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer might just be your new go-to. I love how it instantly hydrates and illuminates my skin, delivering a healthy, radiant look. The lightweight formula blends seamlessly, whether I wear it alone, under foundation, or on targeted areas. Infused with glycerin and shea butter, it keeps my skin moisturized all day. With 4-5 shades to match all skin tones, it’s versatile and easy to use. Plus, it’s a TikTok favorite, making it perfect for achieving that luminous glow effortlessly.
Best For: those seeking a lightweight, versatile liquid highlighter that provides a natural, sun-kissed glow suitable for all skin tones and makeup styles.
Pros:
- Instantly hydrates and illuminates the skin for a healthy, radiant finish
- Lightweight, blendable formula that can be worn alone or under foundation
- Infused with glycerin and shea butter for all-day moisture and hydration
Cons:
- Limited shade options may not suit very deep or very fair skin tones
- Can be difficult to build for a more intense glow without layering
- Some users may find it too dewy or oily for oily skin types
e.l.f. Halo Glow Highlight Beauty Wand, Liquid Highlighter Wand
If you want a quick, easy way to achieve a luminous, dewy glow, the e.l.f. Halo Glow Highlight Beauty Wand is perfect. Its cushion-tip applicator makes precise, effortless application, instantly illuminating your high points. The buildable, blendable liquid formula allows you to customize your glow from subtle to radiant. Infused with 2% squalane, it keeps your skin hydrated and healthy-looking. Available in Champagne Campaign, Rose Quartz, and Liquid Gold, this lightweight wand gives a natural or more intense glow with minimal effort. It’s ideal for quick touch-ups or a natural finish, making your skin look fresh, radiant, and glowing all day.
Best For: those seeking an easy, luminous, and hydrating highlighter to enhance their natural glow quickly and effortlessly.
Pros:
- Buildable and blendable formula for customizable glow intensity
- Infused with 2% squalane for added hydration and skin benefits
- Convenient cushion-tip applicator for precise and mess-free application
Cons:
- Limited to three shades, which may not suit all skin tones
- May require layering for a more intense glow, adding to application time
- As a liquid highlighter, it may not be as long-lasting as powder formulas
Milani Conceal + Perfect Liquid Highlighter for Face Glow
The Milani Conceal + Perfect Liquid Highlighter is ideal for anyone seeking a luminous, candlelit glow that can be built up to suit any occasion. Its silky-smooth, buildable formula, made with finely milled pearls, creates an effortless radiance perfect for day or night. The targeted cushion applicator allows for seamless, precise application, making it easy to layer and blend for an even, luminous finish. Designed to enhance facial features with a soft-focus glow, it pairs beautifully with contour and brightening products. Plus, as a cruelty-free brand, Milani guarantees you get stunning glow without compromising your ethics.
Best For: individuals seeking a versatile, buildable highlighter to achieve a luminous, candlelit glow suitable for any skin tone or occasion.
Pros:
- Silky-smooth, buildable formula that creates a radiant, candlelit effect
- Targeted cushion applicator for precise, seamless application and easy layering
- Compatible with other Milani face products for a complete, glowing look
Cons:
- May require multiple layers for those with very pronounced high points
- Fine milled pearls could potentially emphasize texture on very textured skin
- Availability might be limited in some retail locations or regions
wet n wild MegaGlo Liquid Highlighter Makeup in Rose Gold
For those aiming to achieve a radiant, multi-dimensional glow, wet n wild MegaGlo Liquid Highlighter in Rose Gold is an excellent choice. Its intensely pigmented, buildable formula delivers a stunning shimmer effect with high pearl pigments, making it easy to customize your glow. Infused with Murumuru Seed Butter, Grapeseed Oil, and Vitamin E, it glides on smoothly and hydrates the skin, improving texture over time. Designed for effortless blending, it enhances your natural radiance with shimmering pearlescence. Whether layered for more intensity or used lightly, this highlighter ensures your skin stays luminous and youthful-looking all day long.
Best For: those seeking a luminous, multi-dimensional glow with customizable intensity suitable for all skin types and tones.
Pros:
- Intensely pigmented with a stunning multi-shimmer effect
- Buildable formula allows for personalized glow levels
- Infused with nourishing ingredients like Murumuru Seed Butter and Vitamin E for smooth application and skin hydration
Cons:
- May require blending for a seamless finish on certain skin textures
- High pearl pigments could emphasize texture on very dry or rough skin
- As a liquid highlighter, it might be less convenient for quick touch-ups compared to powder options
Sharpie Liquid Highlighters, 10 Count
Sharpie Liquid Highlighters, 10 Count, are perfect for students, teachers, and professionals who need reliable, vibrant highlighting tools. These highlighters feature a chisel tip that glides smoothly, ensuring clean, precise lines for highlighting or underlining. With an assortment of ten fluorescent colors like Blue, Green, Pink, and Orange, they make important notes stand out. The quick-drying pigmented ink delivers bold, easy-to-see colors, while the visible ink supply helps monitor usage. The micro chisel tip allows for detailed highlighting, and the convenient loop attachment makes them portable. Sold in bulk, they’re ideal for school, office, or personal use.
Best For: students, teachers, and professionals seeking reliable, vibrant highlighters for organizing notes, highlighting documents, and creative projects.
Pros:
- Vibrant, quick-drying fluorescent ink for bold visibility
- Micro chisel tip provides precise and detailed highlighting and underlining
- Visible ink supply helps monitor ink levels and prevents running out unexpectedly
Cons:
- Limited to 10 colors, which may not suit all color-coding preferences
- Chisel tip may require some practice for consistent line thickness for detailed work
- Bulk packaging may be less portable for individual use compared to smaller highlighter sets
Sharpie Liquid Highlighters, Chisel Tip, Assorted Colors, 5 Count
If you need reliable highlighters that offer bold, quick-drying colors and precise application, the Sharpie Liquid Highlighters with chisel tips are an excellent choice. The visible ink supply lets you monitor levels so you won’t run out unexpectedly. This pack includes vibrant Fluorescent Pink, Orange, Yellow, Green, and Blue shades, perfect for organizing and emphasizing important details. The smooth glide of the chisel tip ensures clean highlighting and underlining. Plus, their quick-drying, pigmented ink makes your notes easier to read. Designed with portability in mind, they feature a loop for attaching to binders or bags, making them ideal for on-the-go use.
Best For: students, teachers, and professionals who need vibrant, quick-drying highlighters for organizing notes and documents efficiently.
Pros:
- Visible ink supply allows easy monitoring of ink levels to prevent running out unexpectedly
- Bright, pigmented colors that dry quickly for bold, easy-to-read highlighting
- Portable with a convenient loop feature for attachment to binders, planners, or bags
Cons:
- Limited to five colors, which may not suit all color-coding preferences
- Chisel tip may require some practice for precise highlighting or underlining
- Slightly bulkier design compared to slimmer highlighters, which might be less comfortable for extended use
ColourPop Hi-Lite Dewy Liquid Highlighter
Looking to achieve a luminous, dewy glow that enhances your natural radiance? The ColourPop Hi-Lite Dewy Liquid Highlighter is perfect for that. It features superfine, light-reflecting pearls that create an ultra-radiant, glass-skin finish. You can wear it alone, mix it with foundation, or add it to body lotion for a customizable glow. Infused with Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, and Polyglutamic Acid, it nourishes and hydrates skin while providing a fresh, dewy look. Its lightweight, non-sticky formula blends seamlessly and builds easily, making it ideal for highlighting cheekbones, nose, brow bone, or even your body—delivering a luminous, healthy radiance effortlessly.
Best For: individuals seeking a customizable, dewy highlighter that enhances natural radiance and can be used on face and body for a luminous glow.
Pros:
- Creates a glass-like, ultra-radiant finish with superfine light-reflecting pearls
- Infused with nourishing ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, and Polyglutamic Acid for added skin benefits
- Lightweight, buildable, and blends seamlessly over makeup or bare skin
Cons:
- May require multiple layers for a more intense glow, which could be time-consuming
- As a liquid formula, it might be less suitable for those preferring powder highlighters
- Can be slightly difficult to control the amount applied, leading to potential over-application
COVER FX Custom Enhancer Drops – Halo: Iridescent Liquid Highlighter
The COVER FX Custom Enhancer Drops – Halo: Iridescent Liquid Highlighter is perfect for anyone seeking a customizable, radiant glow that can be tailored to their style. I love how versatile it is—whether I want a subtle shimmer or a blinding highlight, I just mix a few drops with my foundation or moisturizer. The liquid formula blends seamlessly, making it easy to build up intensity. Plus, it’s made with skin-safe, natural ingredients, so I don’t worry about irritation. A little goes a long way, and I can apply it with my fingers or brushes for a luminous, healthy-looking finish that truly makes my skin pop.
Best For: individuals seeking a customizable, luminous highlighter that blends seamlessly with their makeup for a natural or intense glow.
Pros:
- Easy to blend with foundations, moisturizers, or applied directly for versatile looks
- Made with skin-safe, natural ingredients suitable for daily use
- Provides customizable radiance, from subtle shimmer to bold highlight
Cons:
- A small amount of product goes a long way, which might lead to less frequent replenishment
- Some users may prefer more pigmentation for a stronger highlight
- Requires blending to achieve the desired glow, which may take extra time for quick routines
SHEGLAM Glow Bloom Liquid Waterproof Highlighter
For those seeking a long-lasting, dewy glow with shimmer, SHEGLAM Glow Bloom Liquid Waterproof Highlighter is an excellent choice. The Vanilla Frost shade boosts radiance, giving your skin a luminous, dew-like finish that lasts all day. Infused with nourishing ingredients, it keeps your skin hydrated while adding a radiant sheen. Its versatile formula allows you to create subtle or bold looks, perfect for any style or occasion. Plus, as part of SHEGLAM’s trusted beauty line, it offers reliable quality and innovative options for creative expression. Whether you want a natural glow or a dazzling highlight, this highlighter makes it easy to achieve a stunning, lit-from-within effect.
Best For: those seeking a long-lasting, dewy, and radiant highlighter that can be customized from subtle to bold for any occasion.
Pros:
- Provides a luminous, dew-like glow with a shimmer finish
- Infused with nourishing ingredients to hydrate the skin
- Versatile application allows for both subtle and bold looks
Cons:
- May require blending to achieve a seamless finish
- Liquid formula might be less suitable for very oily skin types without setting
- Limited shade options beyond Vanilla Frost
KIKO Milano Glow Fusion Highlighting Drops 02 Liquid Face Highlighter
If you’re after a luminous, customizable glow that enhances your natural features, KIKO Milano Glow Fusion Highlighting Drops 02 is an excellent choice. Its liquid formula with reflective pearls delivers instant radiance and a sophisticated metallic finish. The ultra-fine texture allows you to build intensity for your perfect glow, whether subtle or bold. It dries quickly, leaving a lightweight, shiny film on your skin without feeling heavy. Suitable for sensitive skin, it’s easy to blend on key areas like cheekbones, brow arches, and the nose bridge. Shake well before use, dab on your favorite spots, and enjoy a radiant, luminous look that’s tailored to you.
Best For: those seeking a customizable, radiant highlighter that enhances their natural features with a lightweight, luminous finish suitable for sensitive skin.
Pros:
- Instantly boosts radiance with a sophisticated metallic shimmer
- Buildable formula allows for subtle or bold highlighting effects
- Quick-drying, lightweight texture feels comfortable on the skin
Cons:
- May require blending for a seamless finish on certain skin types
- Limited shade options (only available in shade 02)
- Can be difficult to control the level of glow without over-application
Erinde Liquid Highlighter and Face Bronzer Stick
Erinde Liquid Highlighter and Face Bronzer Stick is an ideal choice for anyone seeking a natural, radiant glow with minimal effort. Its lightweight, silky smooth cream formula blends seamlessly, delivering an all-over luminous finish. The multi-dimensional shimmer and intensely pigmented, buildable coverage let you customize your glow from subtle to bold. Perfect for face and body, it can be worn alone, under foundation, or layered with other products for different effects. Waterproof and transfer-proof, it stays vibrant all day long. Plus, its cruelty-free formula makes it a thoughtful gift for loved ones, helping them look fresh and radiant effortlessly.
Best For: those seeking a versatile, radiant highlighter and bronzer that enhances natural beauty with a lightweight, buildable, and long-lasting formula.
Pros:
- Instantly boosts skin’s natural glow with multi-dimensional shimmer
- Waterproof, transfer-proof, and long-lasting throughout the day
- Cruelty-free formula suitable for face and body, customizable from subtle to bold looks
Cons:
- Limited shade options, available only in shade 01# Moonlight
- Might require blending for a seamless finish on some skin types
- May be less suitable for those preferring matte or non-shimmer finishes
AVERY Pen-Style Highlighters (6 Assorted Colors)
Avery Pen-Style Highlighters are an excellent choice for students, professionals, and anyone who needs precise, vibrant highlights on the go. Their smear-safe, quick-drying ink in six fluorescent colors—green, orange, pink, purple, yellow, and blue—makes highlighting, underlining, or sketching effortless. The narrow, pen-style design offers comfortable handling, while the durable chisel tip guarantees clean, accurate lines without fraying. These highlighters resist bleeding through most papers, dry rapidly, and can be left uncapped for a week without drying out. Compact and lightweight, they’re perfect for textbooks, planners, or on-the-move note-taking, with a sturdy clip for easy attachment.
Best For: students, teachers, professionals, and anyone who needs precise, vibrant highlighters for on-the-go highlighting, underlining, or sketching tasks.
Pros:
- Smear-safe, quick-drying ink in six vibrant fluorescent colors for clear, bold highlights.
- Pen-style design with a durable chisel tip for precise, fray-resistant lines.
- Compact, lightweight, with a sturdy clip for easy attachment to organizers or pockets.
Cons:
- Limited to six colors, which may not satisfy users needing more color options.
- May run out of ink faster with frequent use, requiring replacement.
- As a pen-style highlighter, it may be less suitable for large highlighting areas compared to traditional highlighters.
Physicians Formula Butter Glow Liquid Highlighter | Glow | High Pigment
Looking for a high-pigment highlighter that delivers a radiantwithout looking heavy? The Physicians Formula ButterLiquid Highlighter is perfect for that. It offers sheer coverage that enhances your features and adds dimension, whether worn alone, under, or over makeup. Infused with illuminating minerals and nourishing butters from the Amazon, it softens, conditions, and hydrates your skin. The lightweight, hypoallergenic formula is ideal for sensitive skin and provides a natural, silky-soft finish. Plus, it’s cruelty-free, reflecting Physicians Formula’s commitment to healthy, ethical beauty. This highlighter creates a luminous, naturalthat’s perfect for everyday wear.
Best For: those seeking a natural, luminous glow with high pigment and a lightweight, sensitive-skin friendly formula suitable for everyday wear.
Pros:
- Delivers a radiant, natural glow with sheer coverage that enhances features without heaviness
- Infused with nourishing Amazonian butters and illuminating minerals for soft, hydrated, and glowing skin
- Hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin, free from harsh ingredients, and cruelty-free
Cons:
- May require multiple layers for more intense highlight effect
- Sheer coverage might not satisfy those looking for a high-coverage, bold highlighter
- Limited shade options might not suit all skin tones
Sharpie Pen-style Liquid Ink Highlighters
If you’re seeking a highlighter that combines precise control with bold, quick-drying color, the Sharpie Pen-style Liquid Ink Highlighters are an excellent choice. They feature a micro chisel tip with a 0.5mm line size, shaped for comfortable grip, making highlighting, underlining, and note-taking effortless. The fluorescent pink ink is pigmented and dries quickly, ensuring your notes stay vibrant and smudge-free. With visible ink supply indicators, you can monitor levels easily. Packaged in a 12-pack with a convenient loop for attachment, these highlighters are highly rated for smooth ink flow and consistent performance, making them a favorite for students and professionals alike.
Best For: students, educators, and professionals who need precise, vibrant highlighters for highlighting, underlining, and note-taking.
Pros:
- Visible ink supply indicators for easy monitoring of ink levels
- Smooth, consistent ink flow with quick-drying, bold fluorescent pink color
- Comfortable micro chisel tip with a 0.5mm line size for precise application
Cons:
- Limited to fluorescent pink color, reducing options for color-coding
- Slightly bulky design may not fit comfortably in all pencil cases
- Price may be higher compared to standard highlighters for some users
FOCALLURE Shimmer Liquid Highlighter, Long-lasting Face Illuminator
The FOCALLURE Shimmer Liquid Highlighter is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a lightweight, natural glow that lasts all day. Its smooth, cream-like formula melts seamlessly into the skin, delivering a soft-focus sheen and radiant dewiness perfect for everyday or special occasions. Available in nine shades, it enhances your skin’s luminosity without feeling greasy or heavy. To use, apply to high points like cheekbones or collarbones and blend with a brush, sponge, or fingers for a subtle or intense glow. Its long-lasting, non-greasy finish ensures your skin stays luminous and fresh throughout the day.
Best For: those seeking a lightweight, natural highlighter that provides a subtle glow suitable for daily wear and special occasions.
Pros:
- Seamlessly melts into the skin for a natural, dewy finish
- Long-lasting with a soft-focus radiance
- Available in nine versatile shades to match various skin tones
Cons:
- Can be difficult to blend over layered makeup or powders
- May cause glitter fallout or uneven application for some users
- Some users report a watery consistency that may wipe off foundation or powder
Factors to Consider When Choosing Liquid Highlighters
When choosing a liquid highlighter, I consider how well it suits my skin type and tone, ensuring it blends seamlessly. I also look at the shade options and application methods to find what works best for my desired glow. Additionally, I pay attention to formula benefits like hydration and how long the highlighter will stay put throughout the day.
Skin Compatibility
Choosing a liquid highlighter that’s compatible with your skin involves paying close attention to the formulation. I always look for products labeled as skin-safe and non-comedogenic, especially if I have sensitive or acne-prone skin. Checking for hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested labels helps me minimize allergic reactions or irritation. I prefer high-quality ingredients like hyaluronic acid, squalane, or niacinamide because they hydrate my skin and offer additional benefits beyond highlighting. I avoid highlighters with alcohol, fragrances, or harsh chemicals that can dry out or irritate my skin. It’s also important to select a formula suited to my skin type—oily, dry, or combination—to prevent issues like excess shine or uneven application. Prioritizing skin compatibility guarantees a beautiful, irritation-free glow.
Shade Range Options
Having a wide shade range is essential because it lets you find a highlighter that perfectly matches your skin tone and desired luminous effect. With diverse shades like champagne, pearl, or deeper hues, you can customize your glow—brightening with lighter tones or adding warmth with richer shades. This variety guarantees inclusivity, making highlighters suitable for different undertones and complexions. Multiple shades also let you experiment with layered or multi-dimensional looks, adding depth and interest. Choosing shades that complement your natural skin tone enhances a seamless, natural glow, preventing unwanted color contrasts. Ultimately, a broad spectrum of options allows you to tailor your highlighter to your unique style and mood, making your makeup truly personalized and radiant.
Application Techniques
Ever wondered how to make your liquid highlighter look flawless? The key lies in application techniques. You can use your fingers, brushes, or sponges—each offers different control and blending ease. Applying to the high points of your face, like cheekbones, brow bones, and the bridge of your nose, instantly adds natural dimension and glow. Gradually building the product allows you to customize the luminosity, from a subtle dewy finish to a bold, luminous look. Proper blending is essential; a dense brush or makeup sponge seamlessly integrates the highlighter with your base makeup. For more targeted highlighting, tools like cushion-tip or precision wands give you better control in small or tricky areas. Mastering these techniques guarantees a flawless, radiant finish every time.
Formula Hydration Benefits
Did you know that the hydration properties of a liquid highlighter can make a significant difference in how your skin looks and feels? Hydrating formulas, which include ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or squalane, help maintain your skin’s moisture levels. This prevents dryness or flakiness, giving you a smooth, dewy glow. If you have dry or sensitive skin, these highlighters offer added comfort without causing irritation. Plus, moisturizing ingredients enhance how well the product blends and lasts on your skin. They also support overall skin health by nourishing and locking in moisture. Choosing a hydrating liquid highlighter means you’re not only adding radiance but also caring for your skin, ensuring it looks fresh, healthy, and luminous all day long.
Long-lasting Wear
When choosing a liquid highlighter for all-day wear, it’s essential to pay attention to the formulation. Look for products with long-wearing ingredients like silicone or polymer-based compounds that resist fading throughout the day. I recommend checking for highlighters infused with hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or squalane, which help maintain a fresh, dewy look longer. Opt for formulas that are quick-drying, smudge-proof, and transfer-resistant to keep your glow intact without transferring onto clothes or surfaces. Additionally, consider highlighters that build and layer smoothly without caking or separating, ensuring a consistent luminous effect that lasts hours. Reading customer reviews can also provide insight into the product’s performance under various weather conditions or routines, helping you find a truly enduring glow.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Prevent My Liquid Highlighter From Creasing or Settling?
To prevent my liquid highlighter from creasing or settling, I always make sure to shake it well before use. I apply a thin, even layer and avoid over-highlighting. Let it dry completely before closing my notebook or adding more. Storing it upright helps, too. These simple steps keep my highlighter smooth and vibrant, ensuring my notes stay neat and colorful without creases or settling.
Can Liquid Highlighters Be Used on Body or Only Face?
Liquid highlighters are mainly designed for face and makeup, not for body use. I wouldn’t recommend using them on your body because they can stain skin or clothes and aren’t formulated for that purpose. If you want a glow on your skin, look for body-specific highlighters or shimmer lotions. Always follow product instructions to avoid any unwanted reactions or stains.
Are There Hypoallergenic or Dermatologist-Recommended Options Available?
Absolutely, there are hypoallergenic and dermatologist-recommended liquid highlighters out there. I’ve found options that are gentle on sensitive skin and made with skin-loving ingredients, so you can highlight your notes or even add a subtle glow without worries. These products often boast soothing formulas, ensuring you get that radiant finish while caring for your skin’s health. It’s all about finding highlighters that love your skin as much as you do.
How Long Does a Liquid Highlighter Typically Last on the Skin?
A liquid highlighter typically lasts on the skin for about 4 to 8 hours, depending on factors like skin type, application method, and environmental conditions. I find that using a primer beforehand helps it stay put longer, and setting it with a light dusting of powder can also improve longevity. Keep in mind, oily skin may cause it to fade faster, while dry skin might hold it longer throughout the day.
What Is the Best Way to Mix Liquid Highlighter With Foundation?
Imagine your brush gliding smoothly over a shimmering pond; that’s how I mix my liquid highlighter with foundation. I add a few drops of highlighter directly onto my foundation or mix them on the back of my hand. Then, I blend everything together with a beauty sponge or brush until it creates a seamless, radiant glow. This method guarantees my skin looks luminous, not frosted.
Conclusion
So, there you have it—my top picks for liquid highlighters that will make your notes and makeup pop. Whether you’re after a subtle glow or a radiant shine, there’s something here for everyone. Remember, choosing the right highlighter is about what makes you feel confident and brightens your day. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket—try a few and see which one truly makes your notes and skin shine like a star!
