Glowing skin always felt like such a distant dream for me. Every time a highlighter landed in my makeup stash, it either made me look like a disco ball or clung awkwardly to dry patches. Felt like a losing battle, honestly. But then came pastel highlighters, a total plot twist. The first time I swiped one across my cheekbones, it felt like catching the golden hour glow, minus the actual sun.
What really drew me in was how these soft, muted tones blended effortlessly into my skin. No harsh lines, no heavy shimmer, just this dreamy, ethereal radiance that felt so natural. Shades like lilac, champagne pink, icy mint, they didn’t just sit on my skin, they became part of it. Especially on those days when the vibe was minimal makeup and clean aesthetics, these pastel highlighters added the perfect finishing touch.
Glow up with these 4 pastel highlighters that hit different
Ready to add a pop of soft, glowing color to the makeup routine? These pastel highlighters are the ultimate way to get that subtle, radiant glow without going overboard. Here are my top 4 picks that have totally transformed my makeup game!

Okay, so I recently got my hands on the JOAH Highlighter Stick in Honey, and let me tell you, this stuff is fire! It’s a soft glow highlighter that has seriously upgraded my makeup routine. The best part? It’s not just a highlighter; it’s a whole vibe. I love how this little stick can contour, highlight, and add a radiant glow all at once. The formula is infused with Crystalide Peptide, which makes my skin look clearer and smoother.
I apply it on top of my foundation for that dewy, luminous finish or sometimes under it for that lit from within look. The built-in detachable brush is honestly a game-changer, making it super easy to blend it out on the go. The honey shade gives a subtle glow that’s perfect for every day, nothing too crazy, just that fresh, natural radiance.
The only thing I’d say is it can get a little tricky to blend in certain areas, but once you figure it out, it’s all good.

Let me tell you about the Pro Glow Liquid Highlighter. It’s been my absolute go-to lately. This is definitely one of the light-toned highlighters I’m obsessed with right now. The formula’s liquid, but it’s not thick, giving me that dewy glow without any sticky vibes. The cushion-tip applicator? Genius, just swipe it on, no brushes needed. It’s infused with 2% squalene, which my skin loves, and it blends in smoothly. I can keep it subtle for a fresh look or build it up for that wow glow. Honestly, this highlighter is like a cheat code for radiant skin!
The only downside? It can get a bit streaky if you apply too much, so blending it out quickly is key.

Okay, so let me spill the tea on the Europe Girl After Glow Highlighter; this thing is next-level glow magic. The palette is packed with six bomb shades, ranging from gold to pink to neutral tones, and honestly, they work on every skin tone. The first time I tried it, I was straight-up obsessed. The formula? Smooth like butter, blending so effortlessly it’s almost like magic.
What I love the most is how customizable it is. I can build it up to a blinding shine when I’m feeling extra or keep it chill for a more natural, lit-from-within glow. And it’s super versatile, too. I’ve dusted it on my cheekbones, nose, and even the inner corners of my eyes for that next-level dewy vibe. The shimmer is so fine that it literally melts into my skin, giving me that glow-from-within look that doesn’t feel heavy or cakey. This soft shimmer highlighter has me obsessed, and now I can’t imagine living without it. If you’re all about that subtle pastel glow, this highlighter is a total game-changer. The only downside? It can get a little messy if I’m not careful while applying. But honestly, totally worth it for that glow!
According to Reddit beauty gurus, “The secret to achieving the perfect highlight with this palette is to use a damp beauty sponge. It picks up the product better, giving you that flawless, glowing finish.”

This is the ultimate pastel glow makeup game-changer. The snowflake shade is everything I didn’t know I needed. The powder is ultra-smooth and gives this insane shimmer that makes my skin look naturally radiant. Seriously, it's like magic. The best part? It’s waterproof and long-lasting, so no more worrying about my glow fading halfway through the day or getting ruined in the rain.
I’ve been using it every day, and it’s a breeze to blend. Just swipe it on the high points of my face, like cheekbones, nose, and cupid's bow, and boom, instant glow. It’s perfect for that subtle but noticeable shimmer, and it works beautifully with my foundation. The only con? It does get a little powdery if you’re not careful with the application. But, honestly, the glow is worth it!
Conclusion
Pastel highlighters? Straight-up game changers. Never thought a tiny swipe of color could flex this hard, but every time they hit my skin, it's like a subtle pastel glow. That soft, dreamy glow feels like catching perfect sunlight on the best skin day, minus the sweat and stress. These little pastel beauties have become my not-so-secret glow code, always ready to drop that subtle magic, whether I’m just vibing through daily chaos or dressing things up for a spontaneous plan.
What started as a casual try-out has now spiraled into full-blown obsession territory. Can’t even picture my makeup stash without them; it feels incomplete, like an outfit without accessories. They’re feather-light, melt into the skin like second nature, and serve major soft-focus energy. No extra effort, just pure, flawless vibes. Honestly, it’s giving effortlessly iconic!