Highlighter is a makeup product that reflects light and is used to brighten certain areas of the face. It can be applied to the cheekbones, temples, brow bone, cupid’s bow, and along the bridge of the nose. Highlighter comes in powder, cream, and liquid formulas, and choosing the right formula for your skin type is important. For oily skin types, powder highlighters are recommended as they stay put for longer, while creams and liquids are better suited for dry skin types. When applying highlighter, it is best to use a sponge or a medium-sized fluffy brush to disperse and blend the product onto the high points of the face.
It is worth noting that some highlighters are formulated with mica, a shimmery mineral that has traditionally been sourced in rural India using child labor. However, some brands now use lab-made mica, and major cosmetic companies have pledged to improve traceability within the Indian mica industry to create a more ethical supply chain.
In terms of ingredients, most highlighter inks contain fluorescein, which is an organic compound and dye that is soluble in water. The tip of the highlighter is made from polyethylene or polyester beads, both of which are lightweight types of plastic. Other chemicals that may be found in highlighter ink include pyranine, triphenylmethane, rhodamine, xanthene, and coumarin, depending on the color being created.
One example of a highlighter product is the Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Positive Light Liquid Luminizer Highlight, which is free of sulfates SLS and SLES, parabens, formaldehydes, formaldehyde-releasing agents, phthalates, mineral oil, retinyl palmitate, and other harmful ingredients.
