Save, don’t splurge: Makeup artist reveals the one product that’s best to buy budget
When building a makeup bag, we feel it’s best to strike a balance between high-end and high-street. While there are certain products worth a heftier price tag – mainly, a longer lasting foundation or a quality, pigmented eyeshadow – you can easily ace other parts of your makeup with a budget option.
Purse-friendly beauty on the whole seems to be on the rise, as Boots’ trend report for 2025 revealed that 32% of UK consumers are opting for affordable alternatives to save money, with price being the number one reason to switch beauty brands. In a fast-moving market, drugstore beauty brands are often quicker to react to the latest makeup trends and adopt new technologies – whether that’s offering something new that won’t break the bank, or offering countless ‘dupes’ for some of our luxury favourites.
But with hundreds of budget options to choose from, it’s important to know exactly where and when to save. We spoke to pro makeup artist SJ Froom to find out more about the one base product that’s best to shop at the drugstore – a simple, glow-giving highlighter.
What makes a good highlighter?
“A good highlighter is all about achieving that natural, radiant glow without looking too glittery or overdone. The key factors to consider are finish, formula, and shade," SJ explains.
Depending on your preference, cream and liquid highlighters offer a dewier look for dry skin while powder formulas are matte and better suited to oily skin. SJ recommends opting for a satin finish, as it’s versatile and gives just the right amount of shine.
“The best highlighter for you depends on your skin tone,” she adds. “For fair skin, opt for pale silver or soft champagne shades. Medium to tan skin tones look great with rose gold or warm peach tones, and deeper skin tones often shine with rich golds or copper hues.”
Am I safe to save on a highlighter?
According to SJ, the answer is yes – highlighters are one of the products where you can absolutely save without sacrificing quality. “Often, the high price tags on highlighters are due to packaging and brand prestige rather than a significantly better formula,” she explains. “And some brands are even made in the same factories and by the same manufacturers.”
As a result, SJ says that budget highlighters can deliver just as much radiance and texture as their luxury counterparts. “Many drugstore brands have also greatly improved their formulas over the years using quality pigments and blendable textures, and many affordable highlighters are considered dupes for popular high-end options. For example, the e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter is often compared to Charlotte Tilbury’s Hollywood Flawless Filter for providing a similar radiant glow, for a fraction of the price.”
As for shade ranges, SJ adds that high-street retailers like Boots and Superdrug have massively expanded their selection to cater to a wider range of complexions, meaning that from fair to deep skin tones, everyone can find the perfect glow on a budget.
How should I apply a highlighter?
SJ explains that when it comes to application, “highlighters are all about enhancing your natural features, not being seen from outer space!”
Coordinating with your usual base – whether you prefer a cream or powder foundation and concealer – creates an even canvas for your highlighter. “Opt for a makeup sponge to apply liquid highlighters to the high points of your face (your cheekbones, brow bones and Cupid’s bow), or for powders, use a small, tapered brush for more control,” says SJ.
She adds: “Focus on areas where light naturally hits your face for a subtle look, or if you want a more intense glow, you can layer a powder highlighter over your liquid highlighter, ensuring each layer is blended out for a smooth finish.”
Ultimately, the key is that less is more – “a little goes a long way, so start with a small amount and build up to your desired effect.”
Shop ours and SJ’s top picks for budget highlighters
Halo Glow Highlight Beauty Wand
SJ says: “This is a liquid highlighter that gives a stunning, glowing finish, ideal for a soft, radiant look, and for those who love a dewy finish.”
Glow Fusion Highlighting Drops
Paradise Lumi Glotion
Born To Glow Liquid Illuminator Glowy Highlighter
Highlight Reloaded
Shimmer Highlight
Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter
SJ says: “Known for its intense pigmentation and smooth formula, this powder highlighter gives a metallic shine without feeling heavy on the skin.”
Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter
SJ says: “Known for its intense pigmentation and smooth formula, this powder highlighter gives a metallic shine without feeling heavy on the skin.”
Shimmer Highlight
Illuminating Pressed Highlighting Powder
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