20 Best Vegan Highlighters: From Cream to Glitter, Shimmer to Radiant!

Highlighters have been a staple in makeup routines for years, giving us that extra glow and radiance. However, not all highlighters are created equal – some are made with animal byproducts or tested on animals. For those of us who prefer vegan and cruelty-free products, the hunt for the perfect highlighter can be challenging.
Thankfully, there are now many options available in the market when it comes to vegan highlighters. Here’s a breakdown of some of the best types and brands available:
1. Cream Vegan Highlighters
Cream vegan highlighters offer a natural-looking sheen that melts into your skin seamlessly for a dewy finish. They’re ideal for dry skin types as they provide hydration while also adding luminosity to your complexion.
One brand that stands out in this category is Milk Makeup’s Highlighter Stick which is 100% vegan and cruelty-free. It offers an easy-to-apply formula that delivers a subtle yet buildable glow.
2. Powder Vegan Highlighters
Powder vegan highlighters give you more control over how much shimmer you want, making them great for both day and night looks. They’re also great if you have oily skin as they help absorb excess oil without looking cakey.
An excellent option here is Pacifica Beauty’s Alight Clean Foundation & Highlighter which comes in many shades suitable across various skin tones.
3. Liquid Vegan Highlighters
Liquid vegan highlighters come in dropper bottles or pump dispensers – allowing you to apply them precisely where you want them with ease using your fingers or brush. They tend to give off more intense shine compared to their powder counterparts but can still look natural depending on how much product you use.
A popular liquid option from Cover FX is its Custom Enhancer Drops line which gives an iridescent glow when mixed with foundation or applied directly onto cheekbones.
4.Natural Vegan Highlighters
Natural-based cosmetics often feature ingredients derived from plants, including flowers, fruits, and herbs. These ingredients work to nourish your skin while providing a radiant finish.
One of our favorite natural vegan highlighters is the RMS Beauty Living Luminizer. It’s made with coconut oil and castor seed oil that helps hydrate your skin while giving you a subtle glow.
5.Organic Vegan Highlighters
Organic vegan highlighters are free from synthetic chemicals that can harm your skin or the environment. These products use organic ingredients without compromising on performance or quality.
Juice Beauty Phyto-Pigments Illuminating Primer is an excellent example of such a product – it has an organic base of botanical juices combined with plant-based pigments that give off a natural radiance.
6.Glitter Vegan Highlighters
Glitter vegan highlighters are perfect for those who want to add sparkle to their makeup looks. They come in various shades of glitter particles and can be applied subtly or more boldly depending on how much you use.
A brand known for its glittery options is Makeup Revolution which offers multiple palettes like Re-Loaded Lustre Lights Glow and New-Trals vs Neutrals highlighting palette – all 100% cruelty-free!
7.Matte Vegan Highlighters
Matte vegan highlighters offer a more subdued look compared to other types as they don’t have shimmer particles in them. They’re great for everyday wear when you want to create a minimalistic look but still need some glow.
One popular option from e.l.f Cosmetics’ “Beautifully Bare” line is the Soft Matte High Def Powder which provides buildable coverage without any shine.
8.Shimmer Vegan Highlighters
Shimmer vegan highlighter gives off an intense and reflective finish, making it ideal for evening events where you want to make sure your face pops under lights!
An excellent pick here would be Ofra Cosmetics Rodeo Drive Highlighter which delivers high-intensity shimmer in gold tones that suits all skin tones.
9.Glow Vegan Highlighters
Glow vegan highlighters offer a subtle yet noticeable sheen to your face, giving it a healthy and fresh look. They’re perfect for everyday wear when you don’t want to go over-the-top with glow but still need a little something extra.
One brand that stands out in this category is KVD Beauty’s Alchemist Holographic Palette which features four iridescent shades that can be used alone or layered on top of other makeup products.
10.Radiant Vegan Highlighters
Radiant vegan highlighters create an ethereal and luminous effect on your skin, making them ideal for special occasions when you want to make sure you stand out. They come in various shades ranging from golds to pinks and purples.
Lime Crime’s Hi-Lite Mermaids palette is one option – it features three radiant shade options inspired by the oceanic hues of mermaids!
11.Buildable Vegan Highlighters
Buildable vegan highlighters allow you to layer them until you reach the desired intensity. This feature makes them great for creating different looks at each stage of the day!
Fenty Beauty Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter offers such an option with its cream-to-powder formula that can be built up as much as required without looking cakey.
12.High-end Vegan Highlighters
High-end vegan highlighters are usually pricier than other types due to their superior quality ingredients, luxurious packaging, and high-performance formulas.
Hourglass Cosmetics’ Ambient Lighting Powder has long been known as one of the best high-end options available – made with light-reflecting particles that give off a natural-looking radiance while blurring imperfections!
13.Drugstore Vegan Highlighters
Drugstore vegan highlighter options are affordable yet good-quality choices for those who prefer not spending too much cash on beauty products. Brands like e.l.f., Wet n Wild, and Milani offer various vegan highlighters that cater to different preferences.
Milani’s Strobelight Instant Glow Powder is a great drugstore option – It gives off high-intensity shimmer while being affordable!
14.Vegan Highlighting Palettes
Vegan highlighting palettes are excellent for those who want multiple color options in one purchase. They usually feature various shades of highlighter that can be used interchangeably or mixed together to create custom shades.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Moonchild Glow Kit features six pastel-colored shades inspired by the moon’s hues, making it an excellent pick for those who love experimenting with unique colors!
15.Multi-Use Vegan Highlighter Sticks
Multi-use vegan highlighter sticks can be used on your cheeks, eyes, lips – and even your body! The versatility makes them perfect for travel when you don’t have space to pack multiple products.
Wander Beauty’s Catch the Light Highlighter and Glowtion can be used as both a primer and highlighter – making it perfect for use under makeup!
16.Vegan Highlighting Drops
Vegan highlighting drops come in dropper bottles or pump dispensers similar to liquid highlighters. They’re great if you prefer more control over how much product you apply.
Barry M Liquid Chrome Drops are one such product. They deliver intense metallic shine while also being easy-to-blend into other makeup products like foundations and creams.
17.Vegan Highlighting Sprays
Vegan highlighting sprays work similarly to setting sprays but provide an extra glow boost! These sprays give off an all-over sheen that lasts throughout the day without looking greasy or oily.
One popular option from NYX Professional Makeup is its High Glass Illuminating Spray which leaves your skin with a dewy finish all-day-long!
18.Bold Colored Vegan Highlighters
Bold colored vegan highlighters allow you to experiment with different hues beyond golds or pinks. You can find highlighters in shades like blue, green, purple – and even rainbow!
Certifeye Rainbow Highlighter is one such product that features seven bright colors which you can use alone or combined to create a unique look.
19.Subtle Colored Vegan Highlighters
Subtle colored vegan highlighters offer a more muted tone that’s perfect for those who prefer less intense hues. These products give off a natural-looking radiance without being too overpowering.
Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Highlighter in the shade “Champagne” offers just the right amount of subtle glow with its satiny finish!
20.Cruelty-Free And Eco-Friendly Packaging For Highlighting Products
Cruelty-free and eco-friendly packaging has become increasingly important to consumers who want their makeup products to be as sustainable as possible. Many brands now offer highlighting products packaged in recycled materials or biodegradable containers.
Kjaer Weis Cream Blush & Highlighter Compact is an excellent example of eco-friendly packaging made from refillable metal cases that are recyclable and reduce plastic waste!
In conclusion, there are many types of vegan highlighters available – each catering to different preferences and needs. Whether you prefer cream, powder, liquid or multi-use formulas – there’s something for everyone! The best part? These options don’t compromise on quality or performance while also being cruelty-free!