What is makeup highlighter used for?
If you want your skin to look radiant and glowy after you've applied your foundation and concealer, then add a touch of highlighter to any features you want to stand out.
Most choose to apply it with their fingers (which helps to warm up the formula) to their cheekbones, jawline, or brow bone to create a sculpted look, but there are no rules about where to apply it. (Go easy on the amount though, as you don't want to look like a glazed donut!)
Is highlighter always vegan?
Just like most cosmetics, highlighter can sometimes contain ingredients derived from animals.
Squalane, for example, is often used as a lubricant, but while it can be derived from plant sources, it can also come from shark liver (so make sure you double-check before you buy).
Another popular cosmetic ingredient is lanolin, which is often used in glossy, high-shine products. But because it comes from sheep's wool, lanolin is not vegan.
Other popular ingredients include beeswax and glycerin. Like squalane, the latter can come from plants or animals. So, if an item isn't labeled as vegan but contains glycerin, make sure you double-check the source before you buy.
But to save you from doing any extra research, we've gathered some of the best vegan highlighters on the market below. And, of course, as always, they are all cruelty-free too.
Best vegan and cruelty-free highlighters
Cover FX
Custom Enhancer Drops
$42
How many shades? | 7 |
Liquid, powder, balm, or drops? | Drops |
Parent company tests on animals? | No |
100% vegan brand? | Yes |
If you prefer to integrate a bit more shimmer into your existing foundation rather than apply extra highlighter on top, then consider using Cover FX's luminous enhancer drops.
The result is a natural-looking, even, glowing complexion, with just the right amount of subtle shimmer.
Depending on your skin tone, the brand offers several different shades. There's Blossom, for example, which is a soft pink, or Candlelight, which has more of a bronze tone.
Milk Makeup
Bionic Glow
$34
How many shades? | 2 |
Liquid, powder, balm, or drops? | Liquid |
Parent company tests on animals? | No |
100% vegan brand? | Yes |
Just a small amount of this formula goes a long way, so don't be too liberal when you're squeezing it out of the tube.
With your (clean!) fingertips, dab the highlighter—which is available in two shades (Luminous Peach and Luminous Bronze)—onto your cheekbones, nose, or cupid's bow (basically, wherever you feel needs highlighting) for a beautiful, radiant, natural glow.
You can also use this formula on your body, so, if you're wearing something low-cut, you can highlight your neck and chest too.
How many shades? | 8 |
Liquid, powder, balm, or drops? | Liquid |
Parent company tests on animals? | No |
100% vegan brand? | Yes |
Available in eight luminous shades, this silky highlighter from Selena Gomez's Rare Beauty will leave your skin looking dewy and fresh.
The formula is lightweight and easy to blend, but it doesn't just look good, it's also beneficial for your skin too. This is because it contains a soothing, nourishing blend of botanicals, including lotus, gardenia, and white water lily.
3INA
The Highlighter 512
$17
How many shades? | 2 |
Liquid, powder, balm, or drops? | Powder |
Parent company tests on animals? | No |
100% vegan brand? | No |
For some, using a powder with a brush is preferable to applying a liquid formula with your fingers. If this is you, then consider giving 3INA's The Highlighter a try.
Despite the powder format, the product (available in two shades) is not too dry on the skin, and actually has quite a lightweight, soft texture, which will leave your face with a lovely, subtle shimmer.
About-Face
Light Lock Stick
$16
How many shades? | 6 |
Liquid, powder, balm, or drops? | Balm |
Parent company tests on animals? | No |
100% vegan brand? | Yes |
If you prefer a creamy formula, try the Light Lock Stick from Halsey's brand About-Face.
With aesthetically pleasing shiny packaging, the stick comes in six different shades, including Silvered Orchid Sparkle and Peachy Amber. All have a pleasantly subtle shimmery effect, as well as a satisfyingly velvety texture.
The formula also contains olive oil, which doesn't just help to provide a smooth application but is also known for its hydrating impact on the skin and body.
This is a sponsored listing.
How many shades? | 7 |
Liquid, powder, stick, or drops? | Powder |
Parent company tests on animals? | No |
100% vegan brand? | Yes |
For an enviable glow that will make your selfies (and reflection) pop, try using Estate's ultra-buildable Dew Me Baked Highlighter.
If you're heading somewhere vibrant, like a party or a festival, try adding a pop of blue to your look with Raindrop, or if you prefer something a little more subtle, try its champagne gold shade Lit (which also happens to be one of its best-sellers).
All in all, the brand has seven shades, so you're bound to find something that suits your go-to makeup routine down to a tee.
How many shades? | 3 |
Liquid, powder, balm, or drops? | Liquid |
Parent company tests on animals? | No |
100% vegan brand? | Yes |
When Freck Beauty first hit the market, its Freckle Pens were undeniably one of its most popular products.
But since then, the brand has branched out; now its high-performance range of cosmetics also includes not just a highlighter, but a holographic highlighter.
Available in three shades (Big Bang, Beam Machine, and Space Face), this unique formula is ideal for those who like more of a bold makeup look. It's eye-catching, luminous, and beautifully glowy.
Best budget:
How many shades? | 5 (3 vegan) |
Liquid, powder, balm, or drops? | Liquid |
Parent company tests on animals? | No |
100% vegan brand? | No |
Again, if you're after something vivid and eye-catching, then try MegaGlo from Wet n Wild. (Halo, Goodbye, Halographic, and Goddess Glow are vegan.)
The shimmering, affordable formula is super buildable, so if you want bold, you can keep applying until you get the look that you're after.
This highlighter also comes with some major skin benefits too, as it contains soothing murumuru seed butter and hydrating grapeseed oil, as well as softening and protective vitamin E.
Best shimmer:
How many shades? | 6 |
Liquid, powder, balm, or drops? | Liquid |
Parent company tests on animals? | Yes - Puig |
100% vegan brand? | No |
There's a good reason why Charlotte Tilbury is a go-to brand for so many makeup lovers.
Its trusted formulas always perform to a high standard, and this Beauty Light Wand (which is one of the brand's award-winning and sell-out products) is no different.
Available in six different shades, expect your face to catch the light, glow, and shimmer all night long.
Best for sensitive skin:
How many shades? | 2 |
Liquid, powder, balm, or drops? | Balm |
Parent company tests on animals? | No |
100% vegan brand? | Yes |
For those who prefer a subtle look, Tower 28 is a simple, balmy highlighter that will still leave your face glowing and radiant, just without any added sparkle.
The idea, according to the brand, is to give you beautiful "glassy" skin that looks healthy and luminous, without the need for any shimmer.
The gentle, nourishing formula is also soothing on your face, as it contains extracts from chamomile and green tea.
How many shades? | 5 |
Liquid, powder, balm, or drops? | Powder |
Parent company tests on animals? | No |
100% vegan brand? | No |
As per usual, Colourpop wins top marks for fun packaging. The buildable, powder formula comes in a cute heart-shaped case (complete with a mirror too, so you can use it on the go).
The soft, lightweight, light-catching powder is easy to use with your fingers or a brush and will leave your face with just the right touch of sparkle and shimmer after application.
LUSH
Glow Stick
$15.45
How many shades? | 5 |
Liquid, powder, balm, or drops? | Balm |
Parent company tests on animals? | No |
100% vegan brand? | No |
Lush's shimmery highlighter Glow Sticks come in five different shades, so whatever look you're going for, it's got an option for you.
If you're after a more dewy look, try the Egret shade, or if you prefer something with pink tones, the Robin Glow Stick is perfect. Both are enriched with organic, ethically-sourced extra virgin coconut oil, as well as conditioning Moroccan argan oil.
Even better, if you're looking to cut down on waste, all of Lush's highlighters are totally plastic-free.
The verdict
While many of the best-selling highlighters on the market come from non-cruelty-free companies, it is easy to find compassionate brands that don't test on animals or use animal ingredients in their products. You can get the same radiant look, without hurting any living creatures in the process. To summarize, some of our top vegan highlighter picks are:
Best Budget: Wet n Wild MegaGlo Liquid Highlighter
Best Shimmer: Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Highlighter Wand
For sensitive skin: Tower 28 SuperDew Highlighter Balm
Which Brands Are Cruelty-Free?
Download our list of 600+ verified cruelty-free brands straight to your device. Bring it with you everywhere you go, and never worry about supporting animal testing again. Click here to download