Back

The best drugstore highlighters under $30

Shine bright like a diamond, no matter your budget

By Briar Clark

BEAUTYcrew Content Producer / March 16 2021

If you’re still mourning the news that the OGs of the highlighter game, BECCA Cosmetics, will be closing, please do not fret, because we’re one step ahead of you.

While highlighter trends may not be as in-your-face as they used to be that doesn’t mean the illuminating product has completely left our kits. No, instead we’re reaching for affordable picks that leave our skin with that covetable lit-from-within-glow.

So, forget the sunnies because we’re not blinding our haters anymore, we’re instilling a quiet sense of fear in them. Let the gloriously glossy psychological warfare begin...

L'Oreal Paris Woke Up Like This Drops Coconic Glow

These dewy glow drops and a cream blush is all we need for perfect skin. Seriously, a few drops of this magic elixir on the high points of the face will make you look like the type of person who has never had to be reminded to drink water a day in their life. We’re talking sheeny, radiant skin that will make you the envy of all those you encounter. To die for.

Shop now.

MILANI Strobelight Instant Glow Powder

Light reflecting pearls are the culprits behind the creamy glow you’ll be sporting after you swipe on a healthy dose of this glow booster. Keep it light with a touch of highlighter in key placements or build the buttery formula up for a more impactful finish.

Shop now.

Mco Beauty Highlight & Glow Stick Illuminating Cream Highlighter

If your skin is looking a little sick, sallow and tired then this cream highlighter stick is your new best friend. In a stunning peach nectar shade that adds a touch of warm radiance to any complexion, this hydrating pick will bring the life back to your makeup look with a quick swipe-and-blend action over the apples and high points of the cheeks.

Shop now.

Revlon Skinlights Face Glow Illuminator Sunrise Luster

An OG in the world of illuminators, Revlon’s SkinLights received a reformulation makeover in recent years but still brings the heat in terms of radiance. Layer this bad boy under or into foundation for an all-over glow or blend onto cheekbones and temples for a toned-down strobe effect that’ll definitely catch an eye or two.

Shop now.

thebalm Mary-Lou Manizer

Remember this guy? There’s a reason we all loved it back in the day. With a subtly shimmery finish, this is the lowkey look-topper that’s legitimately (and blessedly) very hard to mess up. Definitely in the kit for our everyday face, we’re swiping hefty strokes of this creamy formula all over cheeks and lids for a super subtle sheen.

Shop now.

Want to amp up your glow naturally? These 5 vitamin B serums are the answer to a knockout glow.

Main image credit: @faithjaggernauth

Briar Clark

Briar is a Content Producer at BEAUTYcrew. She is a self-professed skin care obsessive, always on the hunt for the perfect mascara, and can't go past a plumping lipgloss.