Choosing the best eye highlighter depends on your specific makeup goals and application preferences. For a natural, lit-from-within radiance, LAURA GELLER NEW YORK Baked Gelato Swirl Illuminator offers a luminous glow suitable for all skin tones. If you want a versatile product that works as both an eye brightener and highlighter with added skincare benefits, the Thrive Causemetics Brilliant Eye Brightener stands out. For those seeking long-lasting, waterproof options for intense brightening, the tarte Fake Awake Eye Highlight provides a reliable pencil, while the Lune+Aster Eye Illuminator Pencil offers a fuss-free, silky finish in a convenient crayon form. Each has different strengths and tradeoffs, making it important to match your needs with the right product.
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Key Takeaways
- Natural glow highlighters like the LAURA GELLER gelato swirl are best for everyday subtle radiance.
- Multi-use sticks such as Thrive Causemetics combine hydration and brightening, ideal for versatile application.
- Long-wear, waterproof pencils like tarte Fake Awake excel for all-day brightening, especially in active settings.
- Crayon highlighters like Lune+Aster provide effortless application but may lack the depth of powder formulas.
- Choosing the right eye highlighter depends on your desired finish, longevity needs, and application style.
| LAURA GELLER NEW YORK Baked Gelato Swirl Illuminator, Gilded Honey |  | Best Natural Glow | Finish: Luminous, natural glow | Type: Gelato swirl powder | Suitable for: All skin tones | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Thrive Causemetics Brilliant Eye Brightener Eyeshadow Stick Champagne Shine |  | Best Versatile Multi-Use | Finish: Shimmer | Formulation: Cream-to-powder stick | Waterproof: Yes | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| tarte Fake Awake Eye Highlight – Brightening Highlighter Pencil for Eyes & Brows |  | Best Long-Lasting Waterproof Pencil | Type: Highlighter pencil | Vegan: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Lune+Aster Eye Illuminator Highlighter Pencil Crayon, Silky Champagne |  | Best No-Sharpening Crayon | Shade: Champagne | Format: Crayon stick | Texture: Silky | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| eye highlighter | Finish | Type | Formulation | Waterproof |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LAURA GELLER NEW YORK Baked Ge | Luminous, natural glow | Gelato swirl powder | Baked powder | — |
| Thrive Causemetics Brilliant E | Shimmer | — | Cream-to-powder stick | Yes |
| tarte Fake Awake Eye Highlight | — | Highlighter pencil | — | Yes |
| Lune+Aster Eye Illuminator Hig | — | — | — | — |
More Details on Our Top Picks
LAURA GELLER NEW YORK Baked Gelato Swirl Illuminator, Gilded Honey
This baked gelato swirl illuminator shines for its ability to produce a natural, luminous glow that works across all skin tones. Its melting texture creates a lit-from-within radiance without any shimmer or glitter, making it perfect for a subtle enhancement. Compared with cream-based products, this powder-like formula offers longer wear and a more natural finish, though it requires careful application to avoid patchiness. It’s a strong choice for those seeking a glow that looks effortless and sophisticated.
Pros:- Creates a natural, luminous glow
- Suitable for all skin tones
- Long-lasting, melts into skin
Cons:- Requires proper application for best results
Best for: Individuals wanting a natural, everyday highlighter that enhances without heavy shimmer
Not ideal for: Users seeking a highly pigmented or glittery effect or those preferring powder highlighters over creams
- Finish:Luminous, natural glow
- Type:Gelato swirl powder
- Suitable for:All skin tones
- Longevity:Long-lasting
- Formulation:Baked powder
- Glitter/Shimmer:None
Our verdict“A versatile, natural-looking highlighter that suits most skin tones, especially for those preferring a subtle glow.”
Thrive Causemetics Brilliant Eye Brightener Eyeshadow Stick Champagne Shine
This stick combines the ease of a cream-to-powder formula with nourishing ingredients, making it an excellent multi-purpose tool. It imparts a soft, diffused glow that awakens tired eyes and highlights multiple areas—inner corners, brow bone, cheekbones, and even lips. Its waterproof, crease-resistant formulation ensures longevity, but some users might find blending tricky or wish for more shade options. Its nourishing oils add hydration, making it ideal for those who want a brightening product with skincare benefits.
Pros:- Long-lasting, waterproof formula
- Multi-use for eyes, cheeks, and lips
- Infused with nourishing oils
Cons:- May be difficult to blend for some users
- Limited to shimmer finish in this shade
- Requires sharpening which can be inconvenient
Best for: People looking for a multi-use product that combines highlighting with skincare benefits
Not ideal for: Those who prefer powder formulas or need a highly pigmented, sharp-edged highlighter
- Finish:Shimmer
- Formulation:Cream-to-powder stick
- Waterproof:Yes
- Nourishing Ingredients:Macadamia seed oil, Meadowfoam seed oil
- Usage:Eyes, brow bone, inner corners, cheekbones, cupid’s bow
- Built-in Sharpener:Yes
Our verdict“A flexible, nourishing highlighter stick perfect for quick, multi-purpose brightening, though blending may challenge some users.”
tarte Fake Awake Eye Highlight – Brightening Highlighter Pencil for Eyes & Brows
The tarte Fake Awake pencil offers a reliable, long-wear, waterproof solution designed for busy days or active lifestyles. Its smooth glide provides immediate brightness to inner corners, brow bones, and waterlines. The vegan, cruelty-free formula is tested for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers, with a built-in smudger for easy blending. While it performs well for all-day wear, some may find they need multiple layers for a truly intense highlight, and the shade options are somewhat limited.
Pros:- Long-lasting, waterproof formula
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Smooth application with built-in smudger
Cons:- May require multiple layers for brightness
- Limited shade options
Best for: Those needing a dependable, waterproof highlighter that lasts all day
Not ideal for: Users seeking a powder or cream formula with more variety or a softer glow
- Type:Highlighter pencil
- Vegan:Yes
- Cruelty-Free:Yes
- Waterproof:Yes
- Duration:8 hours
- Application:Inner corners, brow bone, waterline
Our verdict“A durable, waterproof highlighter pencil ideal for active or prolonged wear, particularly for inner corner and waterline brightening.”
Lune+Aster Eye Illuminator Highlighter Pencil Crayon, Silky Champagne
This highlighter in a crayon format offers an effortless way to achieve illuminated eyes. Its silky finish glides smoothly, creating a bright, radiant look without the fuss of sharpening. The vegan, gluten-free formula is gentle on the skin and includes organic jojoba for added hydration. However, its shade selection is limited to Champagne, and it might not provide the depth or shimmer intensity some users desire from powder or liquid formulas. Nonetheless, it’s a convenient choice for quick application and a subtle glow.
Pros:- Creates effortless illumination
- No sharpening required
- Vegan, gluten-free, dermatologist tested
Cons:- Limited shade options
- May not suit those desiring a powder or liquid highlighter
Best for: Individuals seeking a fuss-free, portable highlighter with a silky finish
Not ideal for: Those wanting a broad shade range or more intense highlighting effects
- Shade:Champagne
- Format:Crayon stick
- Texture:Silky
- Vegan:Yes
- Gluten-Free:Yes
- Dermatologist Tested:Yes
Our verdict“A highly convenient, silky highlighter crayon perfect for quick, on-the-go application, especially in the Champagne shade.”
How We Picked
Our selection process focused on products that excel in delivering a luminous, eye-brightening effect while considering ease of use, longevity, and formulation quality. We prioritized options with versatile application methods—creams, pencils, and sticks—to suit different preferences. Each product was evaluated for its suitability across skin tones, whether it offers long-lasting wear, and if it provides additional skincare benefits. We also balanced pros and cons, emphasizing real-world tradeoffs like blending difficulty or limited shades, to recommend options that serve different types of users best.
| eye highlighter | Finish | Type | Formulation |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAURA GELLER NEW YORK Baked Ge | Luminous, natural glow | Gelato swirl powder | Baked powder |
| Thrive Causemetics Brilliant E | Shimmer | — | Cream-to-powder stick |
| tarte Fake Awake Eye Highlight | — | Highlighter pencil | — |
| Lune+Aster Eye Illuminator Hig | — | — | — |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Best Eye Highlighters
When selecting the best eye highlighter, consider your preferred application style, the type of finish you want, and how long you need the product to last. Whether you want a subtle glow for daily wear, a multi-use stick for convenience, or a waterproof pencil for long days, understanding these factors helps narrow down your choices.
Application Style
Decide if you prefer powders, creams, pencils, or sticks. Powders typically offer a natural finish but may require brushes and blending skills. Creams and sticks are easy to apply and blend on the skin, ideal for quick makeup routines. Pencils and crayon formats are portable and convenient, perfect for on-the-go touch-ups or precise highlighting.
Finish and Intensity
Are you after a subtle, natural glow or a bold, shimmering highlight? Cream-to-powder formulas and baked powders usually provide a more natural look, while shimmer sticks and pencils can deliver a brighter, more intense effect. Consider your skin tone and the look you want to achieve to select the appropriate finish.
Longevity and Waterproof Features
If you need a highlighter that stays put all day, waterproof and long-wear formulas are essential. Pencils like tarte Fake Awake excel in this area, while creams and powders may require setting sprays or primers for longevity. Think about your daily activities and choose accordingly.
Additional Benefits
Some highlighters include nourishing ingredients or are formulated to be suitable for sensitive skin. Multi-use products that can also work on lips or cheeks add versatility. Weigh these factors based on your skincare routine and makeup preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between powder and cream highlighters?
Powder highlighters tend to offer a more natural, matte finish and are often easier to blend for a subtle glow. They work well with brushes and are typically more long-lasting. Cream highlighters, on the other hand, provide a dewy, luminous effect that melts into the skin, making them ideal for a fresh, natural look. They usually require fingers or sponges for application and may need setting for longevity.
Are highlighter pencils suitable for all skin types?
Yes, highlighter pencils like tarte Fake Awake are generally suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and contact lens wearers. Their precise, pencil format allows easy application on delicate areas like the waterline or inner corners, and many are formulated to be gentle and hypoallergenic. However, always check ingredient lists if you have allergies or sensitivities.
Can I use eye highlighters on other areas of my face?
Absolutely. Many eye highlighters, especially multi-use sticks and pencils, are designed to be versatile. They can be applied on cheekbones, cupid’s bow, or brow bones to add brightness and dimension. Just ensure the product is suitable for multiple areas and that hygiene practices are followed, especially with pencil formats.
How do I choose the right shade of highlighter?
Choosing the right shade depends on your skin tone and the look you want. Light, champagne shades like Lune+Aster work well for most skin tones, providing a subtle, radiant glow. Deeper or warmer tones may benefit from richer hues, but neutral shades tend to be the most versatile. Test shades in natural light whenever possible to see how they complement your complexion.
How can I make my highlighter last longer?
To extend the wear of your highlighter, start with a good primer or illuminating base. Applying a setting spray after finishing your makeup can also help lock in the glow. For powders, setting with a translucent or luminous finishing powder can prevent fading. When using creams or pencils, ensure they are well-blended and set with a light dusting of powder if needed for extra staying power.
Conclusion
If you prefer a subtle, natural glow that enhances your everyday look, the LAURA GELLER Baked Gelato Swirl is an excellent choice. For those seeking multifunctionality and skincare benefits, the Thrive Causemetics stick offers versatility for eyes, cheeks, and lips. Active individuals or anyone needing all-day brightness should opt for the waterproof tarte Fake Awake pencil. Meanwhile, if convenience and quick application are your priorities, the Lune+Aster highlighter crayon provides effortless radiance in a portable format. Match your makeup routine and preferences with these options to find your perfect eye highlighter.
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