14 Best Highlighters Perfect for Dark Skin Tones

Not only is this highlighter under $9, but it is a favorite of professional makeup artist Delina Medhin. The lightweight soft powder formula is available in three shades, all great for deeper skin tones. It's perfect for those who prefer a lighter, more natural glow, but it's also buildable for those who want to make more of a statement. 

The golden light reflecting minerals in this translucent highlighter balm is what makes it stand out. Made with baobab seed oil, the highlighter gives off a natural looking sheen. The brand chose a translucent base to cater to all skin tones but more specifically women with brown and deep complexions, allowing their natural hues to shine through while giving a dewy look.

Iman Cosmetics has been around for years and is one of the first companies to cater to women of color. We're especially fond of the OG beauty brand's liquid highlighter. It has so much versatility: Mix in a couple of drops with foundation to give an all over glow, or blend by itself for a more concentrated look in high point areas like the cheek and brow bones. It can also be used on the eyelids and lips.

Fenty Beauty has prioritized inclusion from day one. Providing 50 foundation shades and over 40 shades of concealer, we knew Rihanna was going to come through with beautiful highlighters for every skin tone. The copper shade "Cognac Candy" has a 3D glitter formula that can be worn on the face and body.   

The tribe highlighter was specifically made for darker skin tones, and the brand has special highlighters for medium and lighter skin tones as well. The bronze highlighter is a powder formula and costs under $20.

No, you can't eat this highlighter, though you might want to! The brownie bar palette features a contour powder, bronzer and highlighter, great for travel or simply taking up less space in your makeup bag.  

Lightwork Highlighting Palette 2 was created by makeup artist Danessa Myricks, who has aided in product development for KISS and Benefit Cosmetics and is definitely experienced in the makeup world. The palette has not just one, but six multi-tonal shades that can be worn as highlighters, giving a range of options. The creamy powder formula can be used on the face, eyes and body. 

Highlight and contour all with one product: The sculpt and strobe stick takes the guesswork out of trying to find the best contour and highlight combination. Available in four colors, the contour shades comes in black pearl, which is the deepest, and honey, the lightest. The cream formula can be applied on top of foundation, underneath or on its own if you are going for a more natural look. 

This is a favorite of our Senior Chemist of the Health, Beauty & Environmental Sciences Lab, Sabina Wizemann because it comes in four vibrant color combinations which can suit a range of skin tones and shades. Her favorite is a bright poppy pink and golden copper combination that creates a glowy, sun-kissed look. The highly pigmented blush can be applied under or over the highlighter for a gentle glow. 

This bronze gold highly pigmented powder is definitely a show stopper. The buildable color can be worn on cheekbones or on the eyes for a golden glow. What makes it even better is that this pressed powder is so large you won't have to worry about running out any time soon. 

Perfect for both eyes and cheeks, this dual highlighter is under $10 and is available in five shades. The loose powder can be used wet to give a more bold and frosted look, or dry for those who like a subtle shine. The brand also recommends mixing it into your body lotion for an all over glow.

Mented Cosmetics was created by KJ Miller and Amanda E. Johnson, two business school pals that decided they wanted more beauty options for women of color. Their compact, sun-kissed palette features four beautiful highlight shades including champagne, gold, deep gold and bronze colors, perfect for a wide range of skin tones.

Celebrity and fashion makeup artist Pat McGrath has been dominating the industry for years, so fans were ecstatic when she launched her first beauty item in 2015. The highlighter gives off shimmer and reflects light, while the transparent balm gives a dewy finish to the skin. It's also very beloved by Medhin.

Prime's moto is to "keep women of color beauty primary and not secondary," which is why this peach and rose gold highlighter had to be on this list. Available is three shades, including Glo Off, which is a bronze and Soul Glo, a yellow gold perfect for all shades of melanated skin.