When it comes to adding an instant glow, we’re always gonna reach for Highlighter, our best highlighter stick that makes getting a glow as easy as swipe, blend, and go. Highlighter has been a Milk Fam fave for years, thanks to a nourishing formula that lets you build and blend with ease. Now, it’s gotten even better with an expanded shade range. But before we officially introduce Spark, Flare, and Strobe (our three new Highlighter shade heroes), we’re breaking down everything you need to know about this multi-use highlighter stick.
Our team originally designed Highlighter as part of our signature Sticks Fam. We wanted to make a cream highlighter in a portable format that was no fuss, all fun, so you could get ready fast and freestyle your highlighter exactly the way you wanted. Highlighter is a true multi-use stick that builds and blends seamlessly for a radiant, shimmery glow. And when we say multi-use, we really mean it; there are so many ways to wear this one little stick.
“The amazing thing about this formula is that it can be worn on eyes and lips, too.” says Milk Makeup Director of Artistry Sara Wren. That’s just one of the many things that make Highlighter’s formula stand out. Below, everything you need to know about our MVP cream highlighter stick.
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What makes Milk Makeup’s Highlighter stick look so good?
No matter which shade you choose, Highlighter’s signature shimmer gives skin a radiant glow that’s noticeable, but not too sparkly. “This glow translates so well to all skin textures to give the most natural beam of highlight,” says Sara, who describes the finish as “a natural glimmer that doesn’t look too disco ball.” Our glitter-free, radiant shimmer formula applies smooth, not chunky or gritty.
Highlighter started off with three dewy shades: Lit (champagne), Turnt (golden peach), and Flash (golden bronze). You loved them so much, we had to add to the lineup. Now, you’ve got even more highlighting options with our new shades: Spark (golden copper), Flare (rose gold), and Strobe (gold). Sara recommends finding the one that best flatters your skin tone, but you can also mix several shades and wear them in different ways—more on that later.
Why is this Highlighter stick so nourishing?No matter your skin type, Highlighter’s non-drying, super creamy formula wears so comfortably, you’ll forget you even have it on. “The creaminess of this formula is so easy to work with,” says Sara. Our team designed the formulation to have a hydrating, nourishing feel, with an ingredient list you can feel good about. To help the formula glide on and stay blendable, we made it with a blend of mango butter, avocado oil, and apricot oil. Thanks to these nourishing skincare ingredients, you can count on application without caking, creasing, or dragging. And like everything else we make, it’s clean, vegan, and cruelty-free. To make it even easier to use, we popped it into a twist-up stick format that doesn’t require any extra tools. Don’t let the compact size fool you; it’s easy to toss into your bag, but still packs plenty of highlighting power. Not only did we make it the perfect size for precise application, we also packed more than 1,000 swipes into every stick. What’s the difference between cream highlighter and liquid illuminator?If you love our Bionic Glow, you may be wondering what the difference is between a liquid illuminator and a cream highlighter. Just ask yourself this: How do you want to wear it? Liquid illuminators like Bionic Glow are made to be mixed with your skincare and makeup for a glowy boost or worn alone for a lit-from-within glow. Meanwhile, Highlighter’s radiant shimmer works best when you swipe it on the high points of your face and body for instant illumination. |
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“Bionic Glow is better for mixing and layering, or for someone who wants a softer natural glow,” says Sara. “Highlighter has more shades, more noticeable shimmer, and more buildable pigment for that high-wattage glow.” If you’re still undecided, you actually don’t have to choose. Bionic Glow and Highlighter are a stealth match made in heaven. When you wear them together, you get a lit-from-within glow with an extra pop of radiance. Where should I apply Highlighter?Use Highlighter to brighten your face and body anywhere the sun naturally hits. “I always focus on the high points of my face for highlighting, like the brow bone, tops of my cheekbones, and cupid’s bow,” says Sara. She also loves to swipe it along her collarbones, on her shoulders, and down her arms and legs for added radiance. And don’t forget this formula is safe to use on your eyes and lips, too. “I like to dab it on the center of my eyelid as a shimmery eyeshadow or layer it under Odyssey Lip Oil Gloss for extra glow,” says Sara. Highlighter also shines when paired with the rest of our Sticks Fam. Layer it with our Matte Bronzer, a contour stick like Sculpt Stick, a cream blush stick like Lip + Cheek, or even under a concealer like our Future Fluid Hydrating Cream Concealer for a glowy finish. Which skin tones does Highlighter look good on?Highlighter looks good on everyone—don’t just take it from us; our Milk Fam has tried and approved every single shade. “Depending on your skin tone and the look you want to achieve, there’s a shade for everyone and every occasion,” says Sara. Rather than focusing on the shade that looks closest to your skin tone and undertones, you should also think about the overall look you want to create. For instance, Sara’s favorite shade for creating “wet-looking shower skin” is Lit. |
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When it comes to our new shades, Flare creates a beautifully warm-toned blush/highlighter hybrid on light skin tones, Strobe gives a stunning pop of gold on deeper skin tones, and Spark adds a bronzed glow on medium-to-deep skin tones. That said, you can still wear all of our shades across multiple skin tones, depending on the effect you’re going for and where you’re applying. We’re obsessed with the gorgeous new shades joining our Highlighter Fam, but don’t forget our original three, either. “If you ever need maximum glow, grab Turnt,” says Sara. “It’s a frosted champagne pink that pops on all skin tones.”
Meet the Expert
Sara Wren (she/her) is the Director of Artistry at Milk Makeup. In her role, she does all the makeup artistry and direction for our Milk Makeup global campaigns, educates the staff and field team on application methods, stars in the brand’s social media videos, and travels to different markets spreading Milk Makeup’s good vibes. When she’s not on set, Sara loves experimenting with DIY hair colors, eating tacos, watching basketball, and scouring for vintage cosmetics to add to her impressive collection.
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