What if I told you there’s one makeup product that can instantly make your skin look healthier, your cheekbones look lifted, and your face look straight-up radiant in selfies? Babe, it’s not a filter — it’s the magic of a makeup highlighter.
If you’re still using your old eyeshadow as a makeshift highlighter, it’s time to level up. Whether you’re all about that dewy glow or love a blinding shine that says, “Yes, I’m extra and proud,” this guide will walk you through the best makeup highlighters in India, how to choose the right one, and why highlighters aren’t just for your face (hello, body shimmer!).
Let’s dive right into the shimmer pool, shall we?
🌟 What Is a Makeup Highlighter, Really?
A makeup highlighter is a product designed to reflect light and give the skin a radiant, luminous glow. It’s used to accentuate your best features — think cheekbones, brow bones, the bridge of your nose, and even your collarbones.
Highlighters come in different forms: powder, liquid, stick, jelly, cream, and even mousse (yes, makeup is basically dessert now).
🔍 Let’s Compare – Which Makeup Highlighter Is Actually Worth Your Coin?
Okay, so we’ve talked about the stars of the highlighter world. But if you’re stuck at checkout, wondering whether to add that SUGAR mini to cart or splurge on FACES CANADA, here’s the tea. Let’s break it down brand by brand, so you know exactly what you’re getting into.
💎 1. INSIGHT Glitter Makeup Highlighter – For the Budget Queens
INSIGHT is the kind of brand that delivers waaay more than it charges. If you’re just starting out with highlighters and want to dip your toes in the shimmer pool, this one’s perfect. It’s glittery, yes — but still wearable. Best for college students or broke-but-glam moods.
Best For: First-time users, affordable glam
Vibe: Glitter bomb on a budget
Price Range: Under ₹200/-
☁️ 2. MARS Glow Fly Liquid Highlighter – Gen Z’s Dewy Bestie
This one has TikTok-core vibes written all over it. Super light texture, buildable glow, and easy to mix into foundation or moisturizer. Bonus points: it gives you that “oh I drink 3L of water and sleep 8 hours” skin even if you don’t.
Best For: Dewy skin lovers
Vibe: Fresh, youthful, glass-skin glow
Price Range: ₹200/-–₹350/-
🧈 3. Swiss Beauty High Light It-Up Highlighter – Butter-Smooth Glow
Swiss Beauty isn’t playing. This one’s velvety soft, non-chunky, and honestly, looks way more expensive than it is. If you’re a glow-without-the-glitter kind of girl, this’ll be your jam. Pairs beautifully with both matte and dewy bases.
Best For: Smooth, natural-looking glow
Vibe: Soft focus, lit-from-within finish
Price Range: ₹250–₹400
🌈 4. Blue Heaven Pop & Glow Eye & Cheek Tint – The Multitasking Hero
This is a blush-highlighter hybrid that works on the eyes, cheeks, and even lips if you’re brave enough. The glow is subtle, so don’t expect fireworks — but it’s perfect for that clean girl aesthetic.
Best For: No-makeup makeup lovers
Vibe: Tint with a side of shimmer
Price Range: ₹250 and under
✨ 5. Lakme 9 to 5 Powerplay Velvet Crème Highlighter – Desk to Date-Night Friendly
Lakme always knows what the Indian woman needs. This highlighter glides on like a dream and gives you a soft, office-appropriate glow that you can easily amp up with a second layer. Not too extra, not too flat — just the right kinda pop.
Best For: Everyday wear
Vibe: Soft glam that suits all ages
Price Range: ₹350–₹500
🧴 6. FACES CANADA 3-in-1 Liquid Highlighter – Glow Goals in a Bottle
Now this is what we call multitasking magic. Use it under makeup, over it, or mix it in — it’s hydrating and luminous, perfect for dry skin. It’s slightly on the pricier side compared to others on this list, but you’re paying for versatility and quality.
Best For: Liquid highlighter lovers, dry skin
Vibe: Runway glow but make it subtle
Price Range: ₹500–₹700
🎨 7. Colorbar Sexy Twosome Highlighter – Two Shades, One Compact
This one’s perfect if you’re a glow chameleon — sometimes you want golden, sometimes you want champagne, and sometimes you want both. Colorbar’s compact gives you options without cluttering your vanity.
Best For: People who like to mix-n-match
Vibe: Customizable glow on demand
Price Range: ₹600–₹800
💖 8. SUGAR Contour De Force Mini Highlighter – Tiny But Mighty
Don’t underestimate this mini — it packs a punch. It’s super pigmented, long-lasting, and comes in shades that flatter Indian skin tones beautifully. The best part? It fits in your purse or clutch, so you’re never caught without glow.
Best For: On-the-go glam
Vibe: Bold pigment in a tiny pan
Price Range: ₹400–₹500
🌟 9. Nykaa Strobe & Glow Liquid Highlighter – For the Melanin-Rich Glow Queens
Nykaa really nailed it with this one. It’s rich, creamy, and has undertones that work with your skin tone, not against it. If you have deeper skin and are sick of ashy highlighters — this one’s for you.
Best For: Medium to deep Indian skin tones
Vibe: Strobe-worthy without being stark
Price Range: ₹600–₹850
🌿 10. EARTHING HANDS Hyper Gloss Liquid Highlighter – Nature Meets Glow
This one’s for the eco-conscious babes. It’s a clean beauty brand with a formula that feels light and gives a glossy sheen rather than glitter. Think more “body dew” than chunky sparkle. Oh, and it photographs like a dream.
Best For: Natural, earthy glow
Vibe: Instagram model in Bali
Price Range: ₹700–₹900
👉 Pro tip: Mix a few drops of liquid highlighter with your moisturizer for a natural all-over glow. You’re welcome.
📌 What to Look for When Buying a Makeup Highlighter (Especially in India)
Not all glow is created equal, especially in India where we deal with 40° heat, humidity, and varying undertones. Here’s how to shop smart:
- Undertone Check:
- Cool tones? Go for pink, pearl, or icy silver.
- Warm tones? Champagne, gold, or rose gold is your jam.
- Neutral? You lucky thing — you can wear them all.
- Texture Talk:
- Powder: Best for oily skin or setting makeup.
- Liquid/Cream: Works beautifully on dry or mature skin.
- Stick: Easy-peasy for beginners and travel lovers.
- Pigment vs Subtlety: Want a blinding “see me from space” glow? Pick formulas with high shimmer payoff. Prefer natural vibes? Look for “radiant” or “luminous” formulas.
🟢 Pros and Cons Table
| Reasons to Buy | What We Love | What We Don’t Love |
|---|---|---|
| Enhances features instantly | Instant glow-up in a swipe | Can emphasize texture if over-applied |
| Available in multiple formats | Lots of budget options in India | Not all shades suit every skin tone |
| Doubles as eyeshadow/topper | Travel-friendly formats | Some can be glittery instead of glowy |
🧠 How We Picked the Best Makeup Highlighters
We didn’t just throw darts at the beauty aisle — we evaluated each highlighter based on:
✔️ Ingredients (especially for sensitive skin)
✔️ Customer reviews (hello, 4+ stars only)
✔️ Brand reputation and availability in India
✔️ Pigmentation, staying power, and blendability
💡 Lifestyle Tip: Don’t Forget Body Highlighters!
Makeup highlighter isn’t just for your face — enter: body shimmer.
Planning a beach vacay? A night out in that off-shoulder dress? A glowing collarbone and shin are chef’s kiss ✨. Body highlighters like shimmer oils, lotions, and dusting powders are your new besties.
🔥 Coming up next: “Best Body Highlighters for Indian Skin – That Don’t Make You Look Like a Disco Ball.“
👉 Comment below if you’re excited, and we might just drop it sooner!
🧾 Related Articles You’ll Love:
- 💋 Best Lip Tints in India for That No-Makeup Look
- 🎨 Top 10 Blushes for Indian Skin Tones in 2025
- 🧴 Foundations That Actually Match Indian Undertones
- 🎭 Concealers That Don’t Cake or Crease
🛒 TL;DR – Makeup Highlighter Roundup
Here’s a quick-glance summary table for our top picks:
| Product | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| INSIGHT Glitter Highlighter | Budget Beauties | ₹100–₹150 |
| MARS Glow Fly | Beginners | ₹200–₹300 |
| Swiss Beauty | Dewy Skin Fans | ₹250–₹350 |
| Blue Heaven Pop & Glow | Multi-Taskers | ₹200–₹400 |
| Lakme 9 to 5 Highlighter | Everyday Wear | ₹350–₹550 |
| FACES CANADA 3-in-1 | Versatile Use | ₹550–₹750 |
| Colorbar Sexy Twosome | Combo Lovers | ₹700–₹900 |
| SUGAR Mini Highlighter | Travel-Friendly | ₹400–₹500 |
| Nykaa Strobe & Glow | Deep Skin Tones | ₹650–₹850 |
| EARTHING HANDS Hyper Gloss | Natural Glow Seekers | ₹700–₹900 |
✍️ Final Glow-Down
Whether you’re someone who loves a soft, candlelit glow or the “wet glass skin” aesthetic, there’s a makeup highlighter out there for you. From budget finds like INSIGHT and Blue Heaven to glow queens like Nykaa and SUGAR — India’s got options.
And remember, it’s not about looking perfect. It’s about feeling ✨ radiant ✨ in your own skin.
Now go out there, hit those high points, and light up the world one cheekbone at a time.
💬 Have a holy grail highlighter or a glow hack to share? Drop it in the comments! Your tip might just make it to our next blog.
👀 Also, would you want a full-body highlighter guide? Say yesss in the comments!
