Is it just us, or is it the year of the purple highlighter? Brands have been cranking them out seemingly non-stop: the new Fenty Beauty Match Stix Shimmer Skinsticks, two of the recent Anastasia Beverly Hills Glow Kits and the buzziest of the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfectors are just a few on our radar.
Have you gotten in on the purple highlighter game yet? They're pretty, but they can be a bit intimidating -- so we turned to professional makeup artist Jared Lipscomb for tips on how to pull off the trend. He explained that as a cool-toned color, purple highlighters are generally easier to wear for those with fair skin -- that said, there are still plenty of ways to wear the look for skin tones across the color spectrum. For example, he noted that the rich violet Mykonos in the Huda Beauty Summer Solstice Highlighter Palette looks wonderful on darker complexions. He also suggested layering as a way to make the trendy color a bit more versatile and easier to wear. "You know, a lot of normal highlighters have a warm gold tone to them, so you can layer it with that, and just use the lavender on the highest points," he explained.
At the end of the day, purple highlighter can be a fun way to mix things up: "It's great for a night out, a concert -- if you want to look a little otherworldly," said Lipscomb. And come on, who doesn't want to look otherworldly and ethereal now and then?
The Milk Makeup Holographic Stick has reached icon status for a reason; it really deserves every bit of buzz it gets. First off, it's so convenient, since it comes as a stick -- and, even better, the shade itself is downright beautiful. It's sheer enough that it's flattering on a wide range of skin tones while still being pigmented enough to earn you some major compliments.
Fenty Beauty actually offers two purple highlighters: the Match Stix Shimmer Skinstick in Unicorn and in Confetti. Confetti is packed with beautiful icy iridescent lavender and holographic blue shimmer. Unicorn is more of a true purple with a silvery shift. Since they come in convenient stick highlighter form, they're both great for on-the-go -- especially if you're looking to add an unexpected pop of color. Pro tip: These look excellent as eye shadows.
If you're looking to take your highlight game to the next level, consider the Anastasia Beverly Hills Moonchild Palette your new go-to. It's got six shades, each more spectacular than the last. Holographic shades Blue Ice, Pink Heart and Lucky Clover all look demure in the pans, but they're actually boldly iridescent. You'll also love the preternaturally sparkly ultra-violet Purple Horseshoe and the icy-silvery Star (a pale blue) and Blue Moon (a pale lavender).
Oh, and if that's not enough for you, it's worth pointing out that the equally epic Aurora Palettealso has a purple highlighter (Spectra, an iridescent lavender).
Huda Beauty 3D Highlighter Palette in Summer Solstice, $57
The Huda Beauty Summer Solstice Palette is home to one of the most unique purple highlighters on this list; as opposed to the popular lilacs and lavenders, the shade Mykonos is a deep, shimmery violet. Depending on your skin tone, it can actually be used as a highlighter or a blush, and you'll look like a high-fashion goddess either way. Between its unique shade and high-shine foiled finish, it's a definite statement-maker. You'll also love the rest of the shades: Saint-Tropez, a creamy true gold; Malibu, a buttery bronze and Copacabana, a deep rose gold.
