My Top Makeup Highlighters for Dark Skin
Anyone that knows me knows I love to glow, using highlight is the favorite part of my makeup routine. With my highlight, I want to be seen from outer space. I want my face to be as gold and bronzed as an Academy Award.
You might find it surprising (or not) but It’s tough finding a good highlight; most aren’t flattering and appear ashy on darker complexions. For darker complexions, some highlighters can appear much brighter and way too pigmented which isn't necessarily bad depending on the look you're going for. Then there are some highlighters that don’t appear at all on darker complexions.
A good highlight is a makeup must-have especially for melanated skin. The way a good highlight can pop on brown skin, bringing more attention to the beauty that’s melanin gives me all the good feelings (makes me warm and fuzzy inside). As you know, I love a good piece of makeup that’s affordable, does a good job, and worth the investment.
I present to you my current favorite highlighters for darker complexions:
1). MAC Mineralize Skinfinish- Gold Deposit
Price: $34.00
In my opinion, MAC Gold Deposit is the holy grail of highlighters, it’s a beauty blogger favorite, and absolute must-have. MAC Gold Deposit is my top, go-to highlighter.
A little goes a long way, a single brush stroke of this highlight is enough to complete a look. I use this highlighter the majority of the time I wear makeup. When worn, I receive numerous compliments; honestly this highlighter was made for melanated skin.
I'm all about getting my money’s worth when it comes to makeup, and this highlighter doesn't disappoint. MAC Gold Deposit has lasted me going on 3 years and counting.
Color: Darker gold/ bronze
2). E.l.f Sunkissed Glow Bronzer
Price: $2.00
TWO. DOLLARS. 2 WHOLE DOLLARS, this highlight is more on the gold side, its a bit reminiscent of Fenty Trophy Wife but without the glitter and not as yellow.
It's a nicely pigmented alternative if you want a good, inexpensive glow.
3). NARS Blush-Taj Mahal
Price: $30.00
This is actually a blush, NARS Taj Mahal makes for a great highlight. It’s highly pigmented; with metallic orange and bronze undertones. I usually layer this under a gold highlight like, MAC Gold Deposit, because it’s more on the orange side and I like to create a look that flows into a more golden tone.
Color: Metallic Orange/ Golden Bronze
4). Too Faced Multi-Use Diamond Light Highlighter-Canary Diamond
Price: $36.00
I actually was on the hunt for a product that resembled a Becca Highlighter used on my skin for a photoshoot by my makeup artist, Courtney, that’s discontinued. This Too Faced Canary Diamond highlight in the packaging appears bronze but applies into a pinkish gold with a glittery finish. This Too Faced higlighter is absolutely gorgeous on darker tones especially for those that want to add a hint of color for their highlight. The results have you looking like fairy dust landed on your face after stepping out of a Disney Princess movie. Bomb!
Color: Bronze to Pink metallic glitter
