It's only September, but already 2016 has been an amazing year for makeup-lovers — especially those of us who LIVE for the perfect highlight. Whether you're after a subtle glow or a super-metallic, I-can-see-your-cheekbones-from-space shine, there's been an incredible highlighter release that's perfect for you.
Here are 18 of the best, most amazing highlighters (and highlighter palettes) for 2016 — so far. Something tells us that the best might be yet to come.
1. Bitter Lace Beauty Prism Highlighter, $22.
This is the highlighter that launched a thousand rainbow ships: tiny Etsy store Bitter Lace Beauty hit it BIG this year with this amazing rainbow highlighter. There have been many imitators since, but nobody has been able to duplicate the iridescent shimmer of this glorious highlighter. The bad news: because these are handmade, the waitlist is currently six months long. I think I speak for everyone when I say WORTH IT. ($22, Bitter Lace Beauty)
2. Revlon Photoready Insta-Fix Highlighter Stick, $14.
This is hands down the best highlighter at the drugstore. For wear and fleekness, it gives even prestige brands a serious run for their money. Blendable so easy to use, you'll get that perfect lit-from-within glow — all for less than it costs to take yourself to lunch. Score. ($14, Ulta)
3. LORAC Light Source Illuminating Highlighter, $22.
If you want to glow, not sparkle, Lorac's Light Source highlighters are for you. Four new shades were added to the line this summer — Twilight, Daylight, Starlight, and Moonlight — the perfect way to add sheen to your skin without turning into a glittery vampire. So, so gorgeous. ($22, LORAC)
4. BECCA x Jaclyn Hill Prosecco Pop mineral blush duo, $38.
Jaclyn Hill's first collaboration with Aussie makeup brand BECCA nearly broke the internet — and the 2016 collab was just as amazing. All-new highlight shade Prosecco Pop PERFECT — a super-shiny rose gold that looks good on everyone. Combined in a split pan with the eternally flattering Amaretto blush, and it's a bonafide winner. ($38, Sephora)
5. Anastasia Moonchild Glow Kit, $40.
If you've ever wanted to be a pastel mermaid, this is the highlighting set for you. ABH's Moonchild Glow Kit caused an internet stampede when it launched, and it's since proven that it's no flash in the pan (pun INTENDED). The six celestial shades are far out, yet wearable — everything a highlight-obsessed queen could possibly need, right? (Anastasia Beverly Hills, $40)
6. Maybelline Master Strobing Stick, $10.
If you want to jump into the highlight game but don't want to spend a fortune, Maybelline's Strobing Stick is for you. Two shades of super-shimmery perfection (as in, you'll look like you're a radiant glowing goddess) at an awesome price — what's not to love? (Maybelline, $10)
7. Colourpop Churro Tie-Dye Highlighter, $8.
I almost didn't include Churro — not because the tie-dye highlighter isn't any good, but because it sold out in under a minute. The pastry-inspired highlighter was perhaps a little more matte than most, but DAMN, did it give the ultimate golden glow. The rest of Colourpop's highlighter range is still available, though — Candyman and Lunch Money are my JAMS. ($8, Colourpop)
8. Bitch Slap Cosmetics Deep Throat Highlighter, $20.
God bless Bitch Slap Cosmetics. This indie brand went viral earlier in the year for their penis highlighters — as in, highlighters embossed with penises, not highlighters specifically made FOR one's penis. Not only are they funny and irreverent, the highlighters are top quality. It's a peen dream come true. ($20, Bitch Slap Cosmetics)
9. Milk Makeup Holographic Stick, $28.
Milk Makeup was one of the biggest launches of the year — and with rad as hell products like this, it's easy to see why. Though they have a range of stick highlighters, I had to pick Holo as the standout product of the bunch — the iridescent lavender tone is surprisingly wearable, while still being absolutely stunning. Gorgeous alien vibes for sure. ($28, Milk Makeup)
10. Cover FX Custom Enhancer Drops, $42.
If you're like "SCREW NATURAL" and want your cheekbones to be visible from space, you obviously already know about Cver FX. Designed to add a touch of radiance to your foundation, these amazing metallic drops captured our imaginations earlier this year. Add to primer for a sheer wash of color, or use straight for that intense pop. ($42, Sephora)
11. MAC Cosmetics Trip the Light Fantastic powder, $34.
I love makeup and I love Star Trek, so it's no wonder I was totally captivated by MAC's Trek-inspired swirled highlighter. In three shades of planetary awesomeness, it gives you a little bit of sparkle as you glow — I've been wearing Luna Luster all summer, and have no plans to stop this fall. Live long as prosper, my babes. ($34, MAC Cosmetics)
12. Makeup Revolution Vivid Baked Highlighters, $6.
If you've been sleeping on this brand, stop. You NEED these highlighters in your life. Makeup Revolution's highlighters give you that "Oh yes, I'm naturally perfect" glow that is my everything. The wear on these is exceptional for the price, and if you're looking for a dupe of MAC's discontinued Silver Dusk powder, Radiant Lights is your man. Get into it. ($6, Ulta)
13. Glossier Haloscope, $22.
OK, so I'm not sure I'm "cool" enough to be writing about Glossier — but the waitlist for this moisturizer-highlighter combo stick is months long, so they're clearly doing something right. Come for the so-easy-to-use candlelit glow; stay for the never sticky finish. If you dig the natural look, this is your 2016 jam. (Glossier, $22.)
14. Makeup Geek x Kathleen Lights Highlighting Palette, $39.
When Makeup Geek announced that they were collaborating with YouTuber Kathleen Lights, the entire internet flipped the hell out — and deservedly so. This highlighting palette, with three amazingly blendable, rich highlighters is everything you've ever wanted to put on your face. An essential beauty buy. ($39, Makeup Geek Cosmetics)
15. Stila Star Light Star Bright Highlighting Palette, $39.
True story: Stila's eye shadow in Kitten was the first highlighter I ever used. Now the iconic shade has been brought into this versatile palette that will truly give you that starlit glow. Used damp, these three shades layer to create the most AMAZING metallic finish — wear dry for a much softer, more subtle look. ($39, Sephora)
16. e.l. f. Baked Highlighter and Blush, $4.
This latte-priced highlighter is amazing. Though it's hard to find online now, you can still find it in drugstores — and when you do, BUY TWO. Not only is this gorgeous highlighter incredibly shiny, it's also mega cheap and works on EVERY skin tone. Please, e.l.f., if you love us, you'll bring our Rose Gold combo back from the dead. Please? (e.l.f. Cosmetics, $4.)
17. Nudestix Skin Glossing Pencil, $24.
Do you want a highlighter that makes your skin look dewy and gorgeous, but that's also easy to transport and apply? Nudestix is gonna change your life. Not only does this genius multi-use pencil add the perfect amount of glow to your skin, it also comes with a useful carrying case AND a sharpener. Blend it quickly, though — once this baby sets, your skin will be shimmering all day. ($24, Sephora)
18. Laura Mercier Face Illuminator Powder, $44.
This amazing highlighter is the ultimate luxurybitch beauty purchase. Not only does it apply SO smoothly — seriously, I'm not even sure this is truly a powder — but it's the perfect balance between subtle shimmer and major shine. It is, in a word, perfect… and in four shades, you'll definitely find the perfect color for your complexion. ($44, Sephora)
What's been your favourite highlighter of 2016 so far?
Making this list was like trying to choose a favorite child, tbh. Tell me all your shimmer feelings in the comments, or over on Facebook!
