10Best.Guide

Highlighter Makeup Stick

Top Picks

Last Updated: September, 2023
Pros
  • Affordable price
  • Easy to apply with sponge applicator
  • Brightening effect without mica
  • Does not cake or dry
  • Multiple uses
Cons
  • Difficult to get product out of the tube
  • Not moisturizing
Bottom Line
Maybelline Concealer is an affordable and easy-to-use product that provides good coverage and lasts all day. However, it may not be suitable for those with dry skin and the shade range is limited.
Pros
  • Laura Mercier shadow stick dupe
  • Easy to use
  • Long-wearing
  • Well-pigmented
  • Quick and mess-free application
Cons
  • Some colors are impractical for everyday use
  • Some shades don't show up well
Bottom Line
The ELF No-Budge Shadow Sticks are a great value for the price, with well-pigmented and long-wearing colors that are easy to use and perfect for quick and mess-free application. However, some colors are impractical for everyday use and the pigment may not be as deep as advertised.
Pros
  • Big crayon for forgiveness and easy control
  • Brightens under-eye area
  • Lasts all day
  • Soft and easy to apply
  • Goes on like butter and blends smoothly
Cons
  • Not much product in the pencil
  • Smudges easily
Bottom Line
The NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil is a good product for brightening the under-eye area and creating different looks. However, it has some downsides such as smudging easily and settling into creases. It can be sharpened with an eye pencil sharpener, but there isn't much product in the pencil. Overall, it's worth trying if you're looking for a creamy and easy-to-apply eye pencil.
Pros
  • Great for a subtle highlight
  • Affordable price
  • Subtle shimmer
  • Good for sensitive skin
  • Nice feel
Cons
  • Price changes frequently
  • Not very prominent
Bottom Line
This Maybelline strobing stick is a great affordable option for those looking for a subtle shimmer and glow. It's good for sensitive skin and blends smoothly. However, it may not be very prominent and doesn't last long. The price also tends to fluctuate frequently.
Pros
  • Subtle glow for everyday use
  • No glitter or shimmer
  • Work-appropriate and natural-looking
  • Quick and easy to apply
  • Great price and quality
Cons
  • Difficult to blend
  • More on the powder side
Bottom Line
These cream highlighter sticks are a great value for everyday use, providing a subtle glow without glitter or shimmer. They are quick and easy to apply, but may be difficult to blend and have limited color options. While they are smaller than expected and not as good as high-end brands, they are still a good choice for those on a budget.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Highlighter Makeup Sticks

Overview

Highlighter makeup sticks are a popular beauty product that can help you achieve a radiant, glowing complexion. They come in a variety of types, shades, and finishes, making it easy to find one that suits your skin tone and preferences. However, with so many options on the market, it can be challenging to know which one to choose. In this buying guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about highlighter makeup sticks, including the different types, key considerations, features, prices, and tips to help you make an informed decision.

Types

1. Cream Highlighter Sticks: These are perfect for dry skin types because they provide a dewy finish that blends seamlessly into the skin.

2. Illuminating Sticks: These highlighter sticks have a subtle shimmer that gives the skin a natural-looking glow.

3. Glow Sticks: These sticks have a more intense shimmer that creates a bold, statement-making look.

4. Strobing Sticks: These sticks are designed to create a high-impact, dramatic glow.

5. Shimmer Sticks: These sticks have a glittery finish that's perfect for special occasions or events.

Key Considerations

1. Skin Tone: It's important to choose a highlighter stick that complements your skin tone. If you have fair skin, go for a lighter shade, and if you have darker skin, opt for a deeper shade.

2. Skin Type: Consider your skin type when choosing a highlighter stick. If you have dry skin, go for a cream highlighter stick, and if you have oily skin, choose a powder or liquid formula.

3. Finish: Highlighter sticks come in a variety of finishes, including matte, shimmer, and glitter. Choose one that suits your preferences and the occasion.

4. Ingredients: Check the ingredients list to make sure the highlighter stick is free of harmful chemicals and irritants.

5. Brand: Choose a reputable brand that has positive reviews and a good reputation in the beauty industry.

Features

1. Long-Lasting: Look for a highlighter stick that has long-lasting staying power, so you don't have to touch up throughout the day.

2. Blendable: A good highlighter stick should be easy to blend into the skin for a natural-looking finish.

3. Pigmented: Choose a highlighter stick that has good pigmentation, so you can achieve the desired level of glow.

4. Cruelty-Free: Consider choosing a highlighter stick that is cruelty-free and vegan, if that's important to you.

Prices

Highlighter makeup sticks vary in price, depending on the brand, quality, and type. You can expect to pay anywhere from $5 to $50 for a highlighter stick.

Tips

1. Apply highlighter to the high points of your face, including the cheekbones, brow bone, and bridge of the nose.

2. Use a light hand when applying highlighter, as a little goes a long way.

3. Layer your highlighter for a more intense glow.

4. Use a damp beauty sponge to blend the highlighter into the skin for a seamless finish.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a highlighter stick on my body?

A: Yes, highlighter sticks can be used on the body to create a shimmery, glowing effect.

Q: How do I choose the right shade of highlighter stick?

A: Choose a shade that complements your skin tone. If you have fair skin, go for a lighter shade, and if you have darker skin, opt for a deeper shade.

Q: What's the best way to apply a highlighter stick?

A: Apply the highlighter stick to the high points of your face, including the cheekbones, brow bone, and bridge of the nose. Use a light hand and blend well for a natural-looking finish.

Q: How do I make my highlighter stick last longer?

A: Set your highlighter with a translucent powder to make it last longer. You can also layer the highlighter for a more intense glow that lasts all day.

Q: Can I use a highlighter stick if I have oily skin?

A: Yes, but choose a powder or liquid formula that's designed for oily skin types. Avoid cream highlighter sticks, as they can make oily skin appear greasy.

Runner-Ups

Pros
  • Easy to apply
  • Gives a subtle shimmer
  • Long-lasting
  • Can be used as an eyeshadow
  • Comes in a convenient tube
Cons
  • Color may not be flattering on all skin tones
  • May flake on fine facial hair
Bottom Line
This highlighter stick is a good option for those looking for a subtle, everyday glow. It is easy to apply and long-lasting, but may not be suitable for all skin tones and may cause hotspots in flash photography. Some customers have received opened or used products, so be cautious when ordering.
Pros
  • Thin consistency, can be applied sheer or built up
  • Lasts all day
  • Provides a natural glow without glitter
  • Melts into skin leaving a lovely glow
  • Can be used as eyeshadow
Cons
  • Can have an iridescent and pink cast on fair skin
  • Can lift foundation
Bottom Line
This Wet n Wild Hello Halo highlighter has a thin consistency that can be applied sheer or built up, and lasts all day without absorbing or vanishing. It provides a natural glow without glitter and can be used as eyeshadow. However, it can have an iridescent and pink cast on fair skin, lift foundation, be glittery, dry too quickly and be hard to blend, look purple/pink on warmer skin tones, and have messy packaging.
Pros
  • Glides on easily
  • Creamy and easy to use
  • Gel-like consistency
  • Smudge-proof
  • Lasts all day
Cons
  • Not smudge-proof
  • Doesn't last for a whole day
Bottom Line
These eye pencils are easy to use, creamy, and smudge-proof. However, some colors may be too sheer and the tip wears down quickly.
Pros
  • Gives the perfect amount of glow to cheeks
  • Affordable
  • Can be used on lips
  • Easy to apply
  • Good for mature skin
Cons
  • Caps break easily
  • Not matte as described
Bottom Line
The Wet & Wild MegaGlo Makeup Stick is an affordable and easy-to-use highlighter that gives a sparkly and pretty glow to cheeks and can also be used on lips. However, the caps break easily, it is not matte as described, and may not be suitable for older women due to the sparkles. It also does not stay on for long and can be difficult to blend.
Pros
  • Good color
  • Easy to apply
  • Visible and long-lasting
  • Easier than powder highlighter
  • Cute
Cons
  • Chunky and hard to apply
  • Clumpy and broken
Bottom Line
This product has a good color and is easy to apply, but it can be chunky and hard to apply. It is visible and long-lasting, but needs a couple of swipes to be visible and doesn't last long. It is easier than using a powder highlighter, but it can be clumpy and broken.
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