Highlighters Guide
Color options
The market offers a wide range of color choices to suit different needs and preferences. For those who prefer classic colors, the Sharpie Pocket Highlighters come in shades like yellow, pink, orange, turquoise, blue, and green, providing vibrant and eye-catching highlighting. For those seeking a more subdued option, the Zebra Mildliner Double Ended Highlighter Pens offer a unique range of softer colors, including pastels, perfect for highlighting without overpowering the text. Additionally, the Stabilo BOSS Original Highlighter features a collection that balances both classic and vibrant hues such as yellow, green, pink, blue, and orange, allowing users to select the perfect color option for their highlighting needs. By considering the color options available, individuals can find highlighters that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also enhance their highlighting experience.
Pigmentation
Pigmentation refers to the intensity and color payoff of the product. A highly pigmented highlighter provides a vibrant and noticeable glow to the skin with just a small amount of product. On the other hand, a less pigmented highlighter may require layering to achieve the desired effect.
There are various highlighters in the market with excellent pigmentation. In the powder highlighter category, Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter offers an impressive color payoff with its richly pigmented formula available in a range of shades. Another option is the Maybelline New York Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter, known for its intense pigmentation and reflective finish. If you prefer a liquid highlighter, Cover FX Custom Enhancer Drops are highly recommended, known for their concentrated pigments that can be easily mixed with foundation or applied directly on the skin. Please note that the pigmentation results can also vary based on personal preferences, skin tone, and application technique.
Long-lasting
Long-lasting highlighters ensure that your vibrant markings won't fade away quickly, allowing you to see your important notes for an extended duration of time. There are several impressive options available on the market that excel in this category. One such highlighter is the Zebra MILDLINER Double-Sided Highlighter Set. These highlighters feature a water-based ink formula that is designed to resist fading and smudging over time. Additionally, their durable chisel tip allows for both precise highlighting and broad stroke coverage. Another excellent option is the Stabilo Boss Original Highlighters. Known for their vibrant colors and long-lasting performance, these highlighters boast a unique and waxy ink formulation that resists water, light, and fading. With a large ink reservoir and a patented Anti-Dry-Out Technology, the Stabilo Boss Original Highlighters offer up to 4 hours of highlighting without drying out. Overall, these long-lasting highlighters provide the reliability you need to make your important information stand out for an extended period.
Smudge-proof
Smudge-proof highlighters ensure that the ink dries quickly and stays put on the paper without smudging or smearing. This is particularly essential for highlighting important information in textbooks or documents, as you want the highlighted text to remain legible. A great example of a smudge-proof highlighter is the Zebra Mildliner Highlighter. These highlighters feature water-based ink that is quick-drying and resistant to smudging. Another option is the Sharpie Clear View Highlighters, which utilize a unique clear tip that allows for precise highlighting while preventing smearing.
Some highlighters on the market can be grouped into different segments based on their smudge-proof properties. In the gel highlighter segment, Javapen Rainbow Pastel Set is an excellent choice, featuring a smudge-proof formula that glides smoothly onto the paper. For those looking for a slimmer option, the Stabilo BOSS Original Pastel Highlighters provide a reliable smudge-proof solution. In the liquid highlighter segment, the Artline Stix Brush Tip Highlighters offer a smudge-proof and vibrant option with their brush tip design. With these smudge-proof highlighters, you can be confident in neat and clean highlighting every time.
Quick-drying
Quick-drying highlighters are perfect for those who need to avoid smudging or bleeding through pages. One option that is highly rated for its fast drying time is the Sharpie Liquid Highlighters. These markers feature a quick-drying, water-based ink that is smear-proof and fade-resistant. Another option is the Stabilo BOSS Original Highlighters, known for their fast-drying ink that prevents smudging and allows for a neat, clean highlighting experience. Additionally, the Mildliner Double-Sided Highlighters are renowned for their quick-drying ink, offering vibrant color that dries instantly to prevent any smearing or smudging, ensuring crisp and neat highlighting.
Waterproof
Waterproof highlighters are an excellent choice especially if you need long-lasting and smudge-proof results. A great example of a waterproof highlighter is the Stabilo BOSS Original Highlighter. It features a unique water-based ink formula that is designed to not smudge on inkjet printouts. Another option is the Sharpie Liquid Highlighters, which use a bright and translucent ink that resists smearing when treated with water. Both of these highlighters offer a range of vibrant colors and are perfect for highlighting important notes, documents, or textbooks without worrying about water damage.
Packaging
The packaging should be sturdy and easy to use, ensuring the highlighter lasts for a significant period. For instance, the Zebra Mildliner Double-Sided Highlighter has a sleek and durable design that prevents the ink from drying out. It features a firm tip and a firm cap to protect the marker, making it ideal for students and professionals who need a reliable option. The Stabilo BOSS Original Highlighter is another excellent choice, as its unique propylene tip ensures vibrant and precise highlighting. Its distinctive shape also ensures a comfortable grip for extended use. Both of these highlighters come in a range of colors, catering to diverse highlighting needs.
Tip shape (chisel, bullet, brush)
The three most common tip shapes are chisel, bullet, and brush. The chisel tip, like the one found in the Zebra Mildliner Highlighters, is a wide, angled tip that allows for both broad and fine highlighting. The bullet tip, such as the one in the Stabilo Boss Original Highlighters, is pointed and perfect for precise highlighting of specific text. Lastly, the brush tip, like the Tombow Dual Brush Pens, is softer and flexible, providing a more artistic and versatile highlighting experience. Consider your personal preference and the type of highlighting you'll be doing when selecting a tip shape.
Size/weight
For on-the-go highlighting needs, compact and lightweight highlighters are ideal. An example of such a highlighter is the Sharpie Pocket Highlighters. These highlighters are slim and small, making them easy to carry in your pocket or pencil case without adding much bulk. Another option for a lightweight highlighter is the Stabilo Swing Cool Pastel Highlighters which are designed with a sleek and slim barrel for comfortable and effortless highlighting.
On the other hand, if you prioritize durability and long-lasting use, larger highlighters with a weightier feel may be more suitable. For instance, the Zebra Mildliner Double Ended Highlighters offer a solid and sturdy design with a slightly heftier weight, ensuring a comfortable grip while withstanding regular use without wearing down quickly. The Tombow Dual Brush Pen Highlighters are another option that provides a substantial weight and size, suitable for those who prefer a more substantial pen-like feel.
Ergonomics
Look for highlighters with a contoured barrel and a rubberized grip that provide a secure and nonslip hold, reducing hand fatigue during extended periods of writing. The Sharpie Liquid Retractable Highlighters are a great option, offering a rubberized grip and a sleek barrel design that fits comfortably in the hand. Another ergonomic choice is the STAEDTLER Textsurfer Gel Highlighter, which features a triangular barrel shape, providing a natural and ergonomic grip. Moreover, the Zebra Mildliner Double Ended Highlighters, known for their unique color set, boast an ergonomic barrel shape that promotes a smooth writing experience. Remember, choosing a highlighter with ergonomic features will enhance your overall highlighting experience.
Non-toxic
Opting for a highlighter that is non-toxic is especially important, as it ensures the safety of both adults and children. There are several options available in the market that are known for being non-toxic. For instance, the 'Sharpie Accent Tank Style Highlighters' are explicitly marketed as non-toxic and safe to use. These highlighters feature a chisel tip for precise highlighting and come in various vibrant colors. Similarly, the 'Zebra MILDLINER Double Ended Highlighter Pens' are also non-toxic and are popular for their unique pastel color range. They feature a fine tip on one end and a broad chisel tip on the other, allowing for versatile highlighting options. These highlighters are noted to be safe for use on various documents without the worry of smudging or bleed-through. Checking for the non-toxic label is an essential step in choosing highlighters that prioritize safety and peace of mind.
Safety certification
It ensures that the product has met the required safety standards and regulations, providing peace of mind to the user. One highly recommended product that holds safety certification is the Sharpie Accent Retractable Highlighters. These highlighters are AP-certified non-toxic, making them safe for use in any environment. Another excellent option is the Zebra Mildliner Double Ended Highlighter & Marker, which is also AP-certified non-toxic. Its water-based ink system is acid-free, making it suitable for use on most paper surfaces.
Segmenting the products into different groups, we have traditional highlighters and gel highlighters. Some popular options in the traditional highlighter segment include the Staedtler Textsurfer Classic Highlighters and the BIC Brite Liner Highlighters. Both these products are AP-certified non-toxic and provide consistent, vibrant highlighting. In the gel highlighter segment, the Pilot FriXion Light Pastel Highlighters and the Stabilo BOSS Original Desktop Box Set are excellent choices. These gel highlighters are also AP-certified non-toxic and feature an innovative design for smooth and smudge-free highlighting.
Availability
You want to ensure that the highlighter you choose is readily available for purchase. Many well-known brands offer a wide range of highlighters that are easily accessible. A popular option is the Sharpie Accent Pocket-Style Highlighters, which come in packs of various vibrant colors and are widely available in office supply stores and online. Another commonly found highlighter brand is Stabilo Boss Original Highlighters, which are known for their high-quality ink and iconic shape. They can be found in a range of colors and are easily available in most stationery stores as well as online platforms.
Versatility (multi-purpose use)
Opting for a multi-purpose highlighter allows you to maximize the product's usage and value, making it an ideal choice for those seeking variety in their highlighting needs. One such versatile highlighter is Stabilo BOSS Original Highlighter, which offers a range of pastel colors that can be used not only for highlighting text, but also for doodling, lettering, and creative projects. Additionally, the Zebra Mildliner Double Ended Highlighter is another great option with a wide range of soft and subtle colors to choose from. These highlighters provide a versatile option, allowing you to not only highlight text but also add pops of color to your study notes, journals, and artworks. Other multi-purpose highlighters include Sharpie Accent Pocket Highlighters and BIC Brite Liner Highlighters, which also offer a variety of colors for various uses.
Blendability
A highly blendable highlighter will seamlessly melt into your skin, creating a radiant and natural-looking glow. One standout product for blendability is the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter. This highlighter is formulated with ultra-fine, luminescent pearls that blend effortlessly and give a multidimensional glow. The Fenty Beauty Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter is also known for its blendability. It has a buttery soft texture that can be easily blended for a smooth and seamless finish. Additionally, the NARS Multiple Highlighting Stick offers a blendable cream-to-powder formula that gently glides on the skin, leaving a delicate shimmer that can be effortlessly blended using fingertips or a brush. These highly blendable highlighters provide options for achieving a flawless and seamlessly blended glow for any skin type.
Buildable (layering capability)
A buildable highlighter allows you to create a subtle or intense glow depending on your preferences. It enables you to layer the product, gradually building up the intensity without overpowering your makeup look. For instance, the Fenty Beauty Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter offers a buildable formula that can be worn sheer or layered for a more intense shine. Another option is the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter, which provides a buildable, luminous finish that can be customized to your desired level of radiance. Both of these highlighters give you control over the level of glow you want to achieve without compromising on quality or longevity.
Highlighter formula (liquid, powder, cream)
There are three main highlighter formulas on the market: liquid, powder, and cream.
Liquid highlighters, such as the Benefit Cosmetics High Beam Liquid Face Highlighter, are known for their versatility and ease of application. They are typically applied with a brush or fingers and provide a natural, glowing appearance. Liquid highlighters are great for those with dry or mature skin, as they blend seamlessly into the skin and provide a dewy finish.
Powder highlighters, like the renowned Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter, are favored for their buildable coverage and long-lasting wear. These highlighters often come in a compact form and are applied using a brush. Their lightweight texture makes them ideal for oily or combination skin, as the powder formula helps absorb excess oil and gives a more matte finish.
Cream highlighters, such as the popular Fenty Beauty Match Stix Shimmer Skinstick, offer a creamy, smooth texture that can be easily blended with fingers or a brush. Cream highlighters deliver a radiant, glow-from-within effect and are fantastic for those with normal to dry skin. Their creamy consistency allows for effortless blending and can be used alone or layered under powder highlighters for intensifying the glow.
Suitable for sensitive skin
Opt for highlighters that are free of common irritants such as fragrances, parabens, and talc. One example of a suitable highlighter for individuals with sensitive skin is the 'Ilia Beauty Illuminator'. This product is made with organic ingredients and provides a natural glow without causing any irritation. Another option is the 'Cover FX Custom Enhancer Drops', which are formulated without common irritants and are specifically designed to be safe for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Keep in mind that these are just a few examples of highlighters suitable for sensitive skin, and there are many other options available on the market to choose from.
Cruelty-free
Cruelty-free highlighters are products that are not tested on animals during the development and production process. By choosing a cruelty-free highlighter, you can ensure that no harm or suffering has been caused to animals. Some excellent cruelty-free highlighters on the market include 'Cover FX Custom Enhancer Drops', which are vegan and provide a customizable, radiant finish. Another option is 'Fenty Beauty Diamond Bomb All-Over Diamond Veil', which is also cruelty-free and delivers a glittery and luminous effect with its unique jelly-powder formula. Remember, by opting for cruelty-free highlighters, you can enhance your features without compromising on your ethical values.
Vegan
Vegan highlighters are made without the use of any animal-derived ingredients, and are not tested on animals. For those looking for vegan options, there are several excellent choices available.
One prominent brand that offers a range of vegan highlighters is Cover FX. Their Custom Enhancer Drops come in an array of shades and are vegan-friendly. These drops can be mixed with foundation or applied directly for a luminous glow. Another great option is the Kat Von D Alchemist Holographic Palette, which features four vegan highlighter shades that provide a unique holographic effect. For those seeking more affordable options, e.l.f. has several vegan highlighters, such as their Baked Highlighter and Shimmering Face Whip. These products are not only vegan, but also cruelty-free and budget-friendly.
Mattifying effect
A mattifying highlighter helps create a non-shiny, more natural look without adding additional shine to the skin. One example of a highlighted product known for its mattifying effect is the 'Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed - Opal Mattifying Highlighter'. This highlighter offers a soft-focus and natural matte finish, perfect for those with oily or combination skin. Another option is the 'Hourglass Ambient Strobe Lighting Powder - Brilliant Strobe Light' which provides a subtle ethereal glow while minimizing any unwanted shine. Whether you prefer a pressed or powder formula, these mattifying highlighters will give you a more radiant complexion without the excess shimmer.
Shimmering effect
Shimmering highlighters add a touch of radiance and create a luminous, dewy glow on the skin. If you prefer a more natural and subtle shimmer, the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter could be a great option. This highlighter has a buttery-smooth texture and offers buildable coverage. Another excellent choice is the Fenty Beauty Diamond Bomb All-Over Diamond Veil, which provides an intense sparkle thanks to its unique diamond powder formula. For those looking for a budget-friendly option, the Wet n Wild Megaglo Highlighting Powder offers a stunning shimmer without breaking the bank. These highlights effortlessly enhance the high points of your face and deliver a stunning, lit-from-within glow.
Translucent finish
Translucent finish highlighters are designed to provide a soft and natural glow without adding too much color or shimmer to the skin. One great option is the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter in Opal, which has a translucent base with a golden opalescent sheen that works well with a variety of skin tones. Another excellent choice is the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Dim Light, which is not technically a highlighter but can provide a subtle translucent glow to the skin. Both products are highly recommended for those looking for a natural and dewy highlight effect.
UV protection
UV rays are not only harmful to our skin but also to objects we frequently use like highlighters. It is crucial to select highlighters made with UV protection, which can prevent long-term damage caused by the sun's rays. One excellent example of a highlighter with UV protection is the Stabilo Swing Cool Pastel Highlighter. This highlighter includes a special UV protection feature that helps prevent the ink from fading over time, ensuring the longevity of your highlighting. Another great option is the Zebra Mildliner Double-Sided Highlighter. It offers a unique formula that not only provides vibrant colors but also includes UV protection, making it resistant to fading caused by sunlight exposure. These highlighters are perfect for individuals who require reliable UV protection to maintain the vibrancy and integrity of their highlighted texts.
Fragrance-free
Fragrance-free highlighters are beneficial for those with sensitive skin and allergies as they do not contain any added scents that could potentially irritate the skin. One example of a fragrance-free highlighter is the NYX Professional Makeup Born to Glow Highlighting Palette. This highlighting palette offers a variety of shades to suit different skin tones and provides a luminous glow without any added fragrance. Another option is the Milani Strobelight Instant Glow Powder, which is also fragrance-free and delivers a radiant and shimmery finish without any irritation. It is essential to look for the "fragrance-free" label on highlighters, especially for individuals with sensitive skin or those who prefer unscented products.
Easy to remove
This is especially important if you frequently make mistakes or need to change your highlighting. One option that offers easy removal is the Sharpie Clear View Highlighters. These highlighters are equipped with an innovative clear tip that allows for precise highlighting and visibility, while also making it easy to erase or correct any mistakes. Another great option is the Zebra Zazzle Liquid Highlighters, which feature a unique water-based pigment ink that is easy to remove from most surfaces. These highlighters offer smooth and vibrant highlighting while providing ease of clean-up when needed.
Highlighter with a mirror
Highlighters with a mirror can be incredibly convenient for on-the-go touch-ups and precision application. For example, the Maybelline Face Studio Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter not only provides a stunning metallic sheen to the skin but also features a built-in mirror, allowing you to effortlessly apply and blend the highlighter anytime and anywhere. Another option is the e.l.f. Cosmetics Baked Highlighter with Mirror, which offers a radiant glow and includes a handy mirror for quick and easy touch-ups throughout the day. The presence of a mirror on these highlighters enhances their practicality and makes them an excellent choice for those looking for both functionality and radiance.
Glides on smoothly
A smooth application ensures effortless highlighting and prevents any clumps or streaks. One noteworthy option is the Sharpie Clear View Highlighters, known for their smooth gliding tips that make highlighting a breeze. These highlighters feature a unique blade-shaped tip design that provides unmatched precision and control. Another excellent choice is the Zebra Mildliner Double Ended Highlighter, which offers a smooth and easy glide. These highlighters have a distinctive mild ink color that is perfect for highlighting both in textbooks and on thicker papers like journals or planners. Regardless of your preference, it is crucial to select highlighters that glide effortlessly for a seamless highlighting experience.
No harsh chemicals
Harsh chemicals can irritate the skin and cause adverse reactions, making it crucial to opt for a product that is gentle and safe to use. One excellent option is the Stabilo BOSS Original Highlighters, which boast a water-based ink formula. These highlighters are free from harmful substances such as xylene and toluene, ensuring they are non-toxic and harmless. Additionally, the Zebra Mildliner Double Ended Highlighter Set is another fantastic choice. With a mild, water-based pigment ink, these highlighters are acid-free and feature a chisel and fine tip for versatile highlighting. Both of these highlighter sets are excellent picks for individuals seeking products that are free from harsh and irritating chemicals, making them suitable for extended use without any skin irritations or health concerns.
Transfer-resistant
Transfer-resistant highlighters are designed to provide long-lasting and smudge-proof application, ensuring that the product stays put on your skin without the risk of smearing or transferring onto clothing or other surfaces.
One notable example of a transfer-resistant highlighter is the 'Stila Heaven's Hue Highlighter'. This highly pigmented and suq-reisiw otni.lpexim skin-like finish. The Stila Heaven's Hue Highlighteris hailed for its ability to stay on the skin without fading or smudging throughout the day.
Another option is the 'Fenty Beauty Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter' which boasts 24-hour transfer-resistance, providing a lightweight and buildable glow without any fallout or transferring onto clothes. The formulation of this highlighter ensures that it lasts all day, even in hot and humid conditions.
In the market, transfer-resistant highlighters can be found in various finishes, including powder, cream, and liquid formulas. Some other popular options include the 'Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter', known for its buttery texture and intense luminosity, and the 'NARS The Multiple', a multi-purpose stick highlighter that can be used on the face, eyes, and lips. With a multitude of transfer-resistant options available, it is essential to consider your preferred finish and application method when selecting the right highlighter for you.
Not greasy
A non-greasy highlighter will glide smoothly onto your skin without leaving a heavy or oily residue. The Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed is a popular highlighter that fits this criterion, as it has a creamy texture that blends effortlessly and dries down to a natural, radiant finish. Another excellent option is the Fenty Beauty Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter, which features a lightweight and buildable formula that adds a luminous sheen to your complexion without feeling greasy. In the market, highlighting products can be grouped into powder highlighters like the Anastasia Beverly Hills Amrezy Highlighter and liquid highlighters such as the Benefit Cosmetics High Beam Highlighter.
No glitter fallout
Glitter fallout occurs when the shimmer particles on the highlighter tend to fall onto different areas of the face throughout the day, leading to an uneven and messy application. Opting for a highlighter with no glitter fallout guarantees a clean and polished look that lasts. For instance, one exceptional highlighter that meets this criterion is the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter. This highlighter boasts a finely milled texture and a creamy formula that provides a smooth application, imparting a radiant glow without any hint of glitter fallout. Another highlighter that stands out is the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette. Each shade in this palette offers a luminous finish without glitter fallout, creating a stunning, lit-from-within appearance. Keep in mind that these are just a few examples of high-quality products on the market. Nevertheless, the criteria of no glitter fallout remain relevant when making your selection.
Price
You want to find a highlighter that fits within your budget without compromising on quality. In the lower price range, options like the Crayola Take Note Highlighters offer a budget-friendly choice with vibrant colors and a smooth, chisel tip for precise highlighting. Moving towards a mid-range price, Zebra Mildliner Double Ended Highlighters are worth considering, as they boast a unique pastel color range and a dual-end design with a fine tip for underlining. For those who are willing to invest a bit more, premium highlighters such as the STAEDTLER Textsurfer Classic Highlighters would be an ideal choice, providing a large ink storage volume, fast-drying fluorescent ink, and in some cases, a wedge tip for variable line widths.
Variety of brands
Different brands offer their unique set of pros and cons. For example, STABILO BOSS Original Highlighter is a popular choice among students and professionals due to its vibrant colors, long cap-off time, and ability to withstand long usage without drying out. On the other hand, brands like Zebra Mildliner Double Ended Highlighter are known for their subtle, pastel shades that are perfect for note-taking and organization. These highlighters also offer a dual-ended design with a fine-point tip for precision highlighting and a broad chisel tip for larger areas. Additionally, Sharpie Accent Pocket Highlighters are known for their durable and reliable performance, as well as their fluorescent ink that stays vibrant even after long periods. By exploring the variety of brands and their features, you can select a highlighter that suits your specific needs and preferences.