Best: Overall highlighter

Rating: 10/10

With its travel-friendly packaging, easy to apply formula and beautiful radiant finish, this shimmer stick is frankly the perfect highlighting cocktail. Either swipe it on directly from the stick and blend in with your finger or use a synthetic haired brush to blend it onto the areas where you need illumination. This shade is more suited to fair to medium skins (there are five shades available overall), and the finish is beautiful – it’s shimmery, not glittery, and catches the light in all the right ways. We really noticed how easy it is to blend this cream in. While some formulas disappear during the blending process, or are too dry to move around on the skin, this silky smooth, lightweight texture stretches nicely and still leaves a subtle gleam, all day long. It even has a floral, sweet fragrance too – not something you often find with highlighters but adds to that luxury feel.

Best: Powder highlighter

Rating: 9/10

From the brand which brought you the signature shimmer brick face palette, this highlighting powder is equally pleasing to the eye and lives up to all expectations. It doesn’t gather or clog in fine lines and is everything you want from a powder highlighter – a sheer texture that’s available in numerous shades, it’s easy to layer and incredibly long lasting. So much so that as a test, we swished some on our hands then tried to remove it with a cotton pad and it didn’t budge. This golden shade, afternoon glow, is ideal for fair to medium skin tones but pink glow would be best if you’re very fair, while bronze glow would be gorgeous on dark skin. All skin tones can apply one layer of their suited shade over bronzer on the apples of their cheeks for an extra sun-kissed finish.

Best: Liquid highlighter

Rating: 8/10

This could quite easily be one of Benefit Cosmetics’ most iconic products – an oldie but a goodie. The “satiny pink” description on the packaging could not be more accurate – that’s exactly what it looks and feels like on application, as the slight iridescent finish makes it look like you have literally shone a torch on your skin. We particularly liked the doe-foot applicator which gives instant control over how much you apply – it’s especially handy as a little goes a long way with this one. If you use too much, the pinky hue can appear rather white – so as long as you’re savvy about quantity you’ll notice the quality.  It blends in quickly and seamlessly and lasts a full day whether you’re wearing make-up or not, although it should be said that wearing it with make-up looks more seamless because of the intensity of this highlighter’s glow.

Best: Versatile highlighter

Rating: 9/10

Not only is this beautifully presented highlighter versatile in the application department, it is also an all-rounder when it comes to the shade range, meaning that all skin tone bases are covered (if you’ll pardon the pun). Available in five varied shade, we tested inspiration, a rose gold shimmer that looks beautiful on medium to dark skin tones and can be applied, well, everywhere you want really. From the tops of your cheekbones as a highlighter, to the centre of your eyelids as a highlighting eyeshadow, this is a crowd pleaser in all areas. The formula is actually surprisingly sheer so don’t be fooled by its seemingly opaque finish when you open the palette. But sheer can only mean one thing – easily buildable – and the way the pigment catches the light is super flattering.

Best: For on-the-go

Rating: 8/10

This is a great little handbag essential for when you’re on the move and your skin needs a quick pick-me-up. For a start, the packaging is chunky and sturdy meaning any worries about the lid coming off in your handbag can be forgotten. The formula is a shimmery cream – this shade is best for fairer skins –and is super soft on application. It feels slightly more oily than the Estee Lauder stick above, but that makes it perfect for those with drier skin. Even though it does have more slip, it doesn’t clog or feel tacky when you’re wearing it thanks to it settling into the skin nice and quickly. As far as longevity goes, it may need touching up at lunch time but hey, that’s why it’s the best one for when you’re on-the-go.

Best: For a natural look

Rating: 8/10

For those who like a natural finish, this powder is just that. Plus, it leaves a subtle, lightweight finish. Where liquid or cream highlighters can deliver a strong glow off the bat, powders can be more subtle and easily buildable. This one is the sort of highlighter that can easily become a staple in your daily make-up routine thanks to its longevity, reasonable price and all-round non-cakey texture. It adds shine without the glitter and allows the light to bounce off it without looking streaky or obvious. It blends in with other natural make-up but also looks beautiful when worn alone. Either way, it adds radiance in one quick layer.

Best: Custom highlighter

Rating: 8.5/10

Don’t be fooled by the somewhat miniscule bottle – this highlighter might be small in size but it’s mighty in performance. There’s no messing about with its liquid formula – we tested the bronze shade for dark skin, and when worn alone, it spreads onto the skin like wildfire. In other words, you only need the very smallest of drops. For less intensity, you can mix it into your foundation to achieve an all-over glow but our preferred method is mixing a few drops with moisturiser to create either a tinted moisturiser or just a glowy base for foundation. We liked that we could wear it in three different ways, whatever our mood, plus its beautifully bronzed glimmer finish is gorgeous. Wear alone or with make-up for a sun-kissed, radiant finish.

Best: For glam

Rating: 9/10

This shimmery gold shade was tested on medium to dark skin and it really didn’t disappoint. For a start, a little goes a long way so don’t be put off by the price. You won’t need to make a top up purchase for a while. The intense sheen that this gives is perfect for glamorous evening looks, but may be a bit too much for daytime wear, depending on your preference. We enjoyed the finish best when wearing make-up. Its twistable, on and off applicator is a clever way of saving on product wastage when you’re not using it and we love how the sponge applicator gives such a smooth, easy application.

Best: Lightweight highlighter

Rating: 9/10

Listen up, subtle make-up fans! This pressed powder highlighter is as light as a feather and you’ll never know you’re wearing it unless you catch a glimpse of your own radiance in the mirror. Its lightweight formula is just the right mix of subtle and glowy. Powder highlighters often get a bad reputation for creating a face full of glitter – this one certainly has sparkle but it is not glittery and leaves just the right amount of sheen. Apply with a large brush for an all-over glow, a small brush for precision or use your finger to dab it into small nooks like the inner corners of your eyes or cupid’s bow. We didn’t need to reapply it over the course of the day either – lightweight and low-maintenance.