Highlighter is one of those make-up steps that can look effortlessly radiant when you get it right and a little off when you don't. The truth is, finding the right highlighter isn't just about picking the prettiest shade in the pan. It's about understanding your skin tone, the finish you're going for, and the formula that's going to work with your skin rather than sit on top of it.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know, with recommendations from the Stila highlighter collection for every skin tone and occasion.
First, Understand the Different Types of Highlighter
Before thinking about shade, it helps to understand that highlighters come in very different formulas and each gives a distinct finish.
Putty Highlighter
A putty formula is exactly what it sounds like - a soft, bouncy, cream-like texture that melts into skin on contact. It delivers a natural, skin-like luminosity that looks lit from within rather than applied on top. The Stila Heaven's Hue Highlighter is the hero of this category, available in Kitten (a shimmering nude pink) and Bronze (a warm, sun-kissed radiance). Because it's not a powder, it tends to last longer on the skin and flatters a wider range of skin textures.
Liquid Highlighter
Liquid highlighters offer incredible versatility, they can be worn alone on bare skin, mixed into foundation for an all-over glow, or layered on top of make-up for a more intense finish. Heaven's Hue Hydro-Luminator sits in this category, available in shades including Star Gazer, Light Catcher, and Bronze Beauty. The hydrating formula makes it a great pick for anyone with drier skin.
Glimmer & Body Highlighter
For a more diffused, full-body shimmer, glimmer formulas like the Heaven's Dew All Over Glimmer can be used on the face, décolletage, arms and legs. Available in Copper Lake, Lake Hillier and Silverlake, it's perfect for adding that warm-weather glow all year round.
Multitasking Highlight Sticks
If you prefer a streamlined make-up routine, the Complete Harmony Lip & Cheek Stick does double duty as a blush and a subtle highlighter. Sheer, buildable and easy to blend with just your fingers, it's ideal for a quick, fresh-faced look on the go. Available in Sheer Peony, Sheer Petunia, Sheer Gerbera and Sunkissed Bronze.
Choosing a Highlighter Shade by Skin Tone
Shade selection makes a significant difference to how a highlighter reads on the skin. Here's a simple guide:
Fair Skin Tones
Soft, cool-toned shimmers tend to work beautifully on fair skin - think champagne, pearl and pale rose. The Heaven's Hue Highlighter in Kitten is a natural choice here: its shimmering nude pink brightens the high points of the face without looking too stark or heavy. The Hydro-Luminator in Light Catcher and Star Gazer are also flattering options for a softer, ethereal finish.
Medium Skin Tones
Medium skin tones have both warm gold and cool pink shades that work well. The Heaven's Hue Highlighter in Kitten adds a fresh, brightening effect, while the Bronze shade brings warmth and depth. For a more diffused glow, Heaven's Dew All Over Glimmer in Copper Lake is a brilliant choice.
Deep Skin Tones
Deeper skin tones are beautifully complemented by rich, warm-toned highlighters in gold, copper and bronze. The Heaven's Hue Highlighter in Bronze was made for this - its warm, sun-kissed finish creates a stunning luminosity that really comes into its own on darker complexions. Pair it with the Heaven's Dew All Over Glimmer in Copper Lake for a full-body radiance that's hard to beat.
How to Apply Highlighter for the Most Natural-Looking Glow
Placement is everything. Here's where to apply it for maximum impact:
- Cheekbones: Sweep from the temple down to the high point of the cheekbone. This is the most classic placement and works with any highlighter formula.
- Brow bone: A small amount just beneath the arch of the brow creates a lifted, defined look.
- Inner corners of the eyes: Instantly brightens and opens up tired eyes.
- Bridge of the nose: A light touch down the centre of the nose adds dimension to the face.
- Cupid's bow: A tiny dab above the top lip adds volume and a subtle definition.
- Mixed into your base: A small amount of liquid or putty highlighter blended into your foundation gives an all-over radiance. The Heaven's Hue Hydro-Luminator is perfect for this.
Pro tip: For putty formulas like the Heaven's Hue Highlighter, always use your fingertip rather than a brush - the warmth of your skin helps the formula melt in seamlessly.
Best Stila Highlighter for Every Occasion
For Everyday Wear
You want something quick, flattering, and easy. The Complete Harmony Lip & Cheek Stick is hard to beat - one product, fingers only, done in seconds. Or for a slightly more polished finish, the Heaven's Hue Highlighter in Kitten applied to just the cheekbones and inner corners takes less than a minute.
For a Special Occasion or Evening Look
Layer up. Start with the Heaven's Hue Hydro-Luminator mixed into your foundation, then apply the Heaven's Hue Highlighter in Kitten or Bronze on top at the cheekbones for a concentrated, dimensional glow that catches the light beautifully.
For Summer, Festivals or Holiday
The Heaven's Dew All Over Glimmer was made for this. Use it on your shoulders, collarbones, legs and face for a warm, all-over shimmer that looks stunning in natural light. Copper Lake is particularly gorgeous against sun-kissed skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a highlighter and a bronzer?
A highlighter adds luminosity and a light-reflective glow to the high points of the face. A bronzer adds warmth and depth to give the appearance of a sun-tan. They work brilliantly together - bronze the areas where the sun would naturally hit, then highlight the peaks of the cheekbones above.
Should you apply highlighter before or after setting powder?
It depends on the formula. Powder highlighters go over setting powder. Cream and putty formulas like the Heaven's Hue Highlighter are best applied before setting powder - or skipped entirely if you want to keep that dewy finish intact.
Can highlighter be used on mature skin?
Yes - but formula matters. A finely-milled putty or liquid formula like the Heaven's Hue Highlighter is more flattering on mature skin, as it melts into skin rather than sitting on top of it.
Are Stila highlighters cruelty-free?
Yes. Stila is Leaping Bunny certified, meaning the entire supply chain - from ingredients to finished products - is free from animal testing.
