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As a beauty blogger, I have way more makeup than a normal human should ever own. Because of this addiction hobby, I own five of some of the most popular powder highlighters on the market and if you have yet to delve into the glorious world of highlighting, let me share which powder highlighter should you try…
This is the lightest highlighter I own. It’s a champagne beige shimmer that also doubles as an eyeshadow. Super pigmented and melts into the skin, this highlighter was the very first powder highlighter I ever purchased. I even used it on my wedding day.
try Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder – Luminous Light
The Hourglass Ambient Lighting powders are the most luxurious, softest textured powders I’ve ever tried from any brand. It’s very unique, extremely finely milled and with no glitter. This highlighter blurs imperfections and bounces the light off of the skin in a totally natural way.
I also recommend this highlighter to those who are sort of intimidated by the ‘seen from space’ highlighters found on Instagram. This gives a refined, soft-focus highlight.
try Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick – Bronze
Bobbi Brown makes a few shimmer bricks, but my favorite for highlighting deeper skin tones is her original shade in Bronze. The darkest highlight I own, this shade is a rosy bronze that I like to use as a shimmer blush/bronzer in the summertime but would look spectacular on deep skin. The description of shimmer is spot on – you won’t see glitter or particles in this baked formula. It also doubles as an eyeshadow.
try Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed – Opal
Becca Opal is the first highlighting powder I ever hit pan on. This opalescent light tan powder with rose undertones is super soft. The pigment seems like crushed pearls. It’s not as light as Mary-Lou Manizer but not as dark as Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick. The formula of the Becca highlighters are definitely the most intense out of the bunch and not for the faint of heart, but can be applied with a light hand for a gorgeous glowing effect on the skin.
try Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed – Champagne Pop
I believe Champagne Pop is one of the most (if not *the most*) universally flattering highlight shade. Champagne Pop is a light golden peach shimmer that I’ve seen look beautiful on those much fairer than me and I’ve seen it on others much darker than me. It seems to look great on everyone! I know Becca is under a bit of fire right now for some drama with Jaclyn Hill, but regardless, Champagne Pop is a huge hit and if you can find this highlighter, you won’t be disappointed.
My favorite brushes to apply highlight are this one (for a light, natural application), or this one (for a look-at-me glow).
Would you add any others to my list that are must-tries? Let me know in the comments and share this post with someone who may find it helpful. Thank you!
-Steffanie
