Top 5 Under Eye Highlighters: Your Radiant Glow Guide

Ever feel like your eyes are playing hide-and-seek with brightness? You’ve probably noticed that sometimes, no matter how much sleep you get, those under-eye shadows just linger. It’s like a little cloud that follows you around, right? That’s where the magic of an under-eye highlighter comes in, but finding the *perfect* one can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. So many shades, so many finishes – it’s enough to make your head spin!

But don’t worry, we’re here to clear up the confusion. This post is your secret weapon to understanding exactly what makes a great under-eye highlighter. We’ll break down the key things to look for, from the best shades for different skin tones to how to choose the right formula that won’t crease or cake. Get ready to say goodbye to tired-looking eyes and hello to a brighter, more awake you!

Top Under Eye Highlighter Recommendations

No. 1

BYE-BYE DARK CIRCLES! Say goodbye to heavy eye baggage with the Under Eye Brightener from Catrice. It ensures an instantly alert effect with its light pink, nourishing texture that is specially developed for the under-eye area.
CARING AND COLOR ADAPTING: The formula is enriched with hyaluronic acid and shea butter, which nourish the skin and give it a radiant glow. The pink color visibly balances out the bluish tones of under-eye shadows and dark circles.
NATURAL AND RADIANT: The Under Eye Brightener has a medium coverage and can be easily applied with your fingers, a make-up sponge or brush, and gently blended to help you achieve a natural & fresh look.
CLAIMS: Vegan & Cruelty Free. Formulated without Gluten, Parabens, Fragrance, Phthalates & microplastic particles.
CRUELTY FREE: Catrice Cosmetics is certified and acknowledged by PETA as a cruelty-free brand. We do not test any of our products on animals, and never have.

No. 2

e.l.f. Soft Glam Brightening Corrector, Helps Minimize Dark Circles & Discoloration, Hydrating With A Natural Finish, Vegan & Cruelty-Free, White

BRIGHTENING COLOR CORRECTOR: Lightweight, creamy brightening corrector delivers medium buildable coverage and a natural finish.
PERFECT PAIRING: Layers beautifully under e.l.f. Soft Glam Satin Concealer to help minimize dark circles and discoloration.
HYDRATING FORMULA: Infused with 1% hydrating hibiscus complex, hyaluronic acid, and amino acid-coated pigments.
LONG LASTING: Long-lasting formula is cake-resistant, crease-resistant, and transfer-resistant.
VEGAN & CRUELTY-FREE: e.l.f. stands with every eye, lip, face, paw and fin. Proudly vegan, e.l.f. is double-certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny & PETA. e.l.f. brushes are synthetic, vegan & cruelty-free.

No. 3

BYE-BYE DARK CIRCLES! Say goodbye to heavy eye baggage with the Tik Tok viral Under Eye Brightener from Catrice. This nourishing formula color corrects and brightens the under-eye area instantly.
CARING AND COLOR ADAPTING: The formula is enriched with hyaluronic acid and shea butter, which nourishes the skin and gives it a radiant glow. The warm color cancels out the bluish tones of under-eye shadows and dark circles.
NATURAL AND RADIANT: The Under Eye Brightener has a medium coverage and can be easily applied with your fingers, a make-up sponge or brush, and gently blended to help you achieve a natural & fresh look.
CLAIMS: Vegan & Cruelty Free. Formulated without Gluten, Parabens, Fragrance, Phthalates & microplastic particles.
CRUELTY FREE: Catrice Cosmetics is certified and acknowledged by PETA as a cruelty-free brand. We do not test any of our products on animals, and never have.

No. 4

COLORGRAM Under Eye Highlighter Stick 03 Real Tone | Silky-Smooth Long-Lasting Highlighter & Contouring Stick for Smudge-Proof, Shining Daily Makeup | K-Beauty Face Highlighters & Luminizers

✨[Easy-to-Use, Double-Sided Design] Creating the perfect aegyo-sal has never been easier with our innovative double-sided highlighter stick. Designed for convenience, this product allows you to add depth with the shade liner and volume with the shadow/concealer. Achieve a natural and youthful look effortlessly, enhancing the beauty of your eyes with just a few simple steps.
✨[Perfect Size for Precision Application] The COLORGRAM Under Eye Highlighter Stick is designed with precision in mind. Its compact size and ergonomic design make it perfect for applying in small, delicate areas like the under-eye region. The creamy formula melts into the skin and adheres smoothly, even in thin and wrinkled areas, ensuring a flawless finish every time. Enjoy the comfort of a light-weight, opaque glitter eye makeup that feels weightless on your skin.
✨[Versatile and User-Friendly] Whether you're a makeup novice or a seasoned pro, our highlighter stick is designed to be versatile and user-friendly. It allows you to create a variety of looks with ease, from subtle daytime shimmer to bold evening glam. This all-in-one product is perfect for anyone looking to enhance their makeup routine with a simple yet effective tool.
✨[Step-by-Step Application Guide] Achieving a flawless aegyo-sal look is simple with our step-by-step application guide. First, draw a shadow with the shade liner to create depth. Next, add volume with the shadow/concealer for a more pronounced effect. Finally, blend lightly with your fingertip for a seamless finish. This easy process ensures that you achieve the perfect aegyo-sal look every time.
✨[Ideal for Natural Looking Makeup] The COLORGRAM Under Eye Highlighter Stick is perfect for those who want to achieve a natural-looking aegyo-sal with a single product. Its dedicated formula and design make it easy to create a subtle, realistic enhancement to your eyes, making them appear larger and more youthful. This product is a must-have for anyone looking to add a touch of elegance to their everyday makeup routine.

No. 5

Palladio Under Eye Brightener, Conceal, Brightens, Reduces Appearance of Dark Circles, With Caffeine Peptides & Vitamin E, Tired Skin Color Correcting Brightener & Primer, Light to Medium (Soft Pink)

WHAT IS IT: Brighten and awaken your under-eye area with Palladio’s new Under Eye Brightener, a powerful blend of skincare and makeup in one.
FORMULATION/ BENEFITS: Formulated with caffeine, this under-eye brightener helps detoxify and diminish the look of under-eye bags, leaving you with a refreshed, well-rested look all day long.
AVAILABLE IN 3 SHADES – Soft Pink (Light to Medium skin tones), Medium Nude (Medium to Tan skin tones), and Golden Tan (Tan to Rich skin tones) for a customized brightening effect across a wide range of complexions.
HOW TO USE: Apply a small amount of Under Eye Brightener under your eyes, focusing on dark circles and areas needing a lift. Gently blend with your fingers or a brush to brighten and smooth the area.
BOTANICAL AND VITAMIN INFUSED COSMETICS: Infused with caffeine, peptides, and vitamin E, this medium-coverage brightener is designed to reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness, giving you a refreshed, well-rested look.

No. 6

L'Oreal Paris Makeup True Match Lumi Glotion, Natural Glow Enhancer, Illuminator Highlighter, Bronzing Drops For a Sun-Kissed Glow For Face and Body, 902 Light, 1.35 fl oz

Glow Enhancing Make Up: Instantly hydrate and luminize your skin for an all over, natural glow with Lumi Glotion; This liquid face and body highlighter delivers an illuminating color tint to enhance your skin’s natural glow
Hydrating Makeup Highlighter: Our glow lotion is infused with glycerin and shea butter for all day hydration; Available in 5 shades for all skin tones, the glow drops can be worn alone, under foundation, or on target areas for a more luminous effect
Liquid Highlighter to Glow: Use Lumi Glotion illuminator to get a healthy, sun kissed glow with no sun; Try our complete line of bronzing drops, bronzers, luminizers, glow enhancing lotions
Because You're Worth It: Create the look you want with our full line of makeup including foundations, concealers, highlighter makeup, brow pencils, eyeshadow palettes, lipsticks and much more
L'Oreal Paris Beauty: A leading total beauty care company based in Paris, we offer innovative products and unique expertise from beauty experts in makeup, skin care, hair care, styling and hair color

No. 7

TULA Skin Care Spresso Energizing Eye Balm, Rose Glow - Energizing & Hydrating Caffeine Under Eye Treatment for Dark Circles, Portable and Perfect to Use On-the-go, 0.35 oz.

WAKE UP TIRED EYES: Instantly brighten & hydrate your under-eyes with this cooling eye balm stick. Formulated with caffeine, hyaluronic acid, and prebiotics, it instantly cools & brightens while helping to de-puff over time.
COOL AND BRIGHTEN: Energizes & brightens, cools & de-puffs, hydrates deeply, provides a rosy glow.
POCKET-SIZED POWER NAP: Portable and super easy to use. Glide this eye balm onto the under-eye area and orbital bone for an instant cooling sensation and a luminous, refreshed look. Use morning or night, or for a midday boost.
Prebiotic Power: TULA Skincare utilizes a unique superblend of prebiotic extracts & superfoods to nourish your skin's microbiome and reinforce the natural barrier.
Healthy Glow: Doctor-founded and clinically effective, our Eye Balm formulas are crafted to reveal your most radiant, confident self.

No. 8

e.l.f. Putty Color-Correcting Eye Brightener, Under-eye Brightener & Primer Reduces Appearance Of Dark Circles, Vegan & Cruelty-Free, Fair

UNDER-EYE BRIGHTENING CORRECTOR: Under-eyes need a pick-me-up? Fake a good night’s rest with this medium-coverage, under-eye brightening corrector.
CREATES HYDRATED, SMOOTH UNDER-EYES: It contains illuminating pearls to brighten eyes and color-correcting peach hues for hydrated, smooth, and lit-up skin (even after that late-night social media spiral).
FOR LONG-LASTING CONCEALER: This color corrector also primes and smooths skin to extend the wear of concealer.
INFUSED WITH HYALURONIC ACID: The formula is infused with squalane and hyaluronic acid.
VEGAN & CRUELTY-FREE: e.l.f. stands with every eye, lip, face, paw and fin. Proudly vegan, e.l.f. is double-certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny & PETA.

Shine Bright: Your Guide to Choosing the Best Under-Eye Highlighter

Tired of dark circles or dullness under your eyes? An under-eye highlighter can be your secret weapon! It brightens the area, making you look more awake and refreshed. But with so many options, how do you pick the right one? This guide will help you find the perfect highlighter to make your eyes pop.

What to Look For: Key Features of a Great Under-Eye Highlighter

When you’re shopping, keep these important features in mind:

Shade: The color matters a lot. You want a shade that’s just a little lighter than your skin tone. Too light, and it will look chalky. Too dark, and it won’t brighten. Look for shades with peachy or yellow undertones to cancel out blue or purple darkness.
Finish: Some highlighters have a shimmery finish, while others are more matte or satin. For everyday wear, a subtle shimmer or satin finish looks most natural. Too much glitter can draw attention to fine lines.
Formula: Under-eye highlighters come in different forms: liquid, cream, and powder. Liquids and creams are often more hydrating and blend easily. Powders can be good for setting makeup, but they can sometimes be drying.
Coverage: Do you need a little brightening or more coverage for dark circles? Some highlighters offer sheer to medium coverage, while others can build up to full coverage.
Longevity: You want your highlighter to stay put all day. Look for formulas that are long-wearing and won’t crease or fade.

Important Ingredients to Consider

Some ingredients can make your under-eye highlighter work even better:

Hyaluronic Acid: This ingredient attracts and holds moisture. It keeps the delicate skin under your eyes hydrated and plump, which helps reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Vitamin C: This antioxidant helps brighten the skin and can reduce the look of dark spots over time.
Peptides: These small protein fragments can help improve skin firmness and elasticity.
Light-Reflecting Particles: These tiny particles bounce light away from the skin, creating a brightening effect.

Factors That Affect Quality

Not all highlighters are created equal. Here’s what can make a difference:

Blendability: A good highlighter blends seamlessly into your skin. It shouldn’t look like a stripe of makeup. Easy blending means a more natural look.
Creasing: If a highlighter settles into fine lines, it can make them look worse. High-quality formulas are less likely to crease.
Oxidation: Some highlighters change color after you apply them, often turning orange or grayish. Good formulas resist oxidation.
Packaging: Does the applicator make it easy to apply the product precisely? Is the packaging sturdy? A well-designed package enhances the user experience.

How to Use Your Under-Eye Highlighter and When It’s Best

Using an under-eye highlighter is simple. After you’ve applied your foundation and concealer, dot a small amount of highlighter on the inner corners of your eyes and just below your brow bone. You can also apply it to the highest points of your cheekbones. Gently blend it in with your finger, a small brush, or a damp beauty sponge.

Use Cases:

Everyday Brightening: Use it to look more awake after a late night or early morning.
Concealer Booster: Apply it over your concealer to add extra brightness and dimension.
Evening Glam: A touch of shimmer can add a glamorous touch for a night out.
Highlighting Features: Beyond the eyes, it can be used to highlight your cupid’s bow or the bridge of your nose.

Frequently Asked Questions about Under-Eye Highlighters

Q: What is the main purpose of an under-eye highlighter?

A: The main purpose is to brighten the area under your eyes. It helps make you look more awake and refreshed by reflecting light.

Q: Can I use a regular highlighter for my under-eyes?

A: It’s best to use a highlighter specifically designed for the under-eye area. These are usually more gentle and hydrating, and they come in shades that work well for concealing darkness.

Q: What shade should I choose?

A: Choose a shade that is one to two shades lighter than your skin tone. Look for peachy or yellow undertones to counteract blue or purple dark circles.

Q: What’s the difference between a liquid and cream highlighter for under the eyes?

A: Liquid highlighters are often sheerer and easier to blend for a natural glow. Cream highlighters can offer more coverage and a dewy finish.

Q: Will under-eye highlighter make my wrinkles look worse?

A: Some highlighters with heavy glitter can emphasize wrinkles. Opt for formulas with a subtle shimmer or satin finish and hydrating ingredients to avoid this.

Q: How much product should I use?

A: A little goes a long way! Start with a small amount and build up if needed. Too much can look unnatural.

Q: Can I wear under-eye highlighter without foundation?

A: Yes, you can! It can provide a subtle brightening effect on its own, especially if you want a natural, no-makeup look.

Q: How do I prevent my under-eye highlighter from creasing?

A: Make sure the skin under your eyes is well-moisturized. Apply a thin layer of highlighter and blend it well. Setting it with a very light dusting of translucent powder can also help.

Q: Are there any specific ingredients I should look for?

A: Look for hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and nourishing ingredients like vitamin C. These help the skin look its best.

Q: How long should an under-eye highlighter last on my face?

A: A good quality under-eye highlighter should last for several hours, typically 6-8 hours, depending on your skin type and the formula.