Highlighters are an essential tool for students, professionals, and anyone who wants to add a pop of color to their notes, documents, or artwork. With so many brands available in the market, choosing the best one can be overwhelming. In this article, we will delve into the world of highlighters, exploring the top brands, their features, and what makes them stand out.
What Makes a Good Highlighter?
Before we dive into the best brands, let’s discuss what makes a good highlighter. A good highlighter should have the following characteristics:
- Vibrant ink colors that are consistent and do not fade quickly
- Quick-drying ink that does not smudge or bleed
- Ergonomic design that fits comfortably in your hand
- Durable tip that withstands heavy use
- Affordable price without compromising on quality
Top Highlighter Brands
Now that we know what makes a good highlighter, let’s explore the top brands that meet these criteria.
Tombow
Tombow is a Japanese brand that has been a favorite among artists, writers, and students for decades. Their highlighters are known for their:
- Vibrant ink colors that are light-fast and water-resistant
- Flexible tips that allow for varying line widths
- Ergonomic design that fits comfortably in your hand
Tombow offers a range of highlighters, including the popular Tombow Dual Tip Highlighter, which features two tips in one pen.
Faber-Castell
Faber-Castell is a German brand that has been producing high-quality art supplies for over 250 years. Their highlighters are known for their:
- Light-fast ink that does not fade quickly
- Water-resistant ink that withstands moisture
- Durable tips that withstand heavy use
Faber-Castell offers a range of highlighters, including the popular Faber-Castell Pitt Highlighter, which features a ergonomic design and quick-drying ink.
Staedtler
Staedtler is a German brand that has been producing high-quality writing instruments for over 180 years. Their highlighters are known for their:
- Vibrant ink colors that are light-fast and water-resistant
- Quick-drying ink that does not smudge or bleed
- Ergonomic design that fits comfortably in your hand
Staedtler offers a range of highlighters, including the popular Staedtler Textsurfer Highlighter, which features a unique design that allows for easy highlighting and underlining.
Pilot
Pilot is a Japanese brand that has been producing high-quality writing instruments for over 100 years. Their highlighters are known for their:
- Vibrant ink colors that are light-fast and water-resistant
- Quick-drying ink that does not smudge or bleed
- Affordable price without compromising on quality
Pilot offers a range of highlighters, including the popular Pilot Frixion Highlighter, which features a unique erasable ink that can be removed with a special eraser.
Sharpie
Sharpie is an American brand that has been producing high-quality writing instruments for over 50 years. Their highlighters are known for their:
- Vibrant ink colors that are light-fast and water-resistant
- Quick-drying ink that does not smudge or bleed
- Durable tips that withstand heavy use
Sharpie offers a range of highlighters, including the popular Sharpie Highlighter, which features a ergonomic design and quick-drying ink.
Comparison of Top Highlighter Brands
| Brand | Ink Color | Tip Type | Ergonomic Design | Price |
| — | — | — | — | — |
| Tombow | Vibrant | Flexible | Yes | $2-$5 |
| Faber-Castell | Light-fast | Durable | Yes | $3-$6 |
| Staedtler | Vibrant | Quick-drying | Yes | $2-$5 |
| Pilot | Vibrant | Quick-drying | Yes | $1-$3 |
| Sharpie | Vibrant | Durable | Yes | $1-$3 |
Conclusion
Choosing the best highlighter brand can be overwhelming, but by considering the characteristics of a good highlighter and exploring the top brands, you can find your perfect match. Whether you’re a student, professional, or artist, there’s a highlighter brand out there that meets your needs.
Recommendation
Based on our research, we recommend the Tombow Dual Tip Highlighter for its vibrant ink colors, flexible tips, and ergonomic design. However, if you’re on a budget, the Pilot Frixion Highlighter is a great alternative that offers a unique erasable ink at an affordable price.
Final Thoughts
Highlighters are a simple yet powerful tool that can add a pop of color to your notes, documents, or artwork. By choosing the right brand, you can ensure that your highlighter meets your needs and provides you with the best possible results. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a student just starting out, we hope this guide has helped you find your perfect match.
What are the key factors to consider when choosing a highlighter brand?
When choosing a highlighter brand, there are several key factors to consider. First, think about the type of highlighting you want to achieve. Do you want a subtle, natural-looking glow or a more dramatic, radiant effect? Different brands offer different levels of pigmentation and finish, so it’s essential to choose one that aligns with your desired look. Additionally, consider the skin type you have. If you have oily skin, look for a highlighter that is oil-free or non-comedogenic to avoid clogging your pores.
Another crucial factor to consider is the formula and texture of the highlighter. Do you prefer a cream, liquid, or powder formula? Some brands offer a range of textures, while others specialize in one specific type. Finally, think about the price point and brand values that are important to you. Some high-end brands offer premium ingredients and advanced formulations, while more affordable brands may offer excellent value for money. By considering these factors, you can narrow down your options and find the perfect highlighter brand for your needs.
What are the most popular types of highlighters available in the market?
There are several types of highlighters available in the market, each with its unique characteristics and benefits. One of the most popular types is the liquid highlighter, which offers a radiant, lit-from-within glow. These highlighters are often applied with a dropper or brush and can be mixed with foundation or moisturizer for a subtle effect. Another popular type is the cream highlighter, which provides a smooth, blendable texture and a natural-looking finish.
Other popular types of highlighters include powder highlighters, which offer a soft, subtle glow and are often used to set makeup or add a touch of highlight to the high points of the face. Stick highlighters are also popular, as they offer a convenient, on-the-go application and a precise, targeted highlight. Finally, some brands offer gel or jelly highlighters, which provide a unique, bouncy texture and a long-lasting, radiant effect.
How do I choose the right shade of highlighter for my skin tone?
Choosing the right shade of highlighter for your skin tone can be tricky, but there are a few tips to keep in mind. First, consider your natural skin tone. If you have a cool skin tone (pale with pink undertones), look for highlighters with pink or purple undertones to enhance your natural glow. If you have a warm skin tone (olive or golden), look for highlighters with golden or peach undertones to complement your skin.
Another way to choose the right shade is to consider the type of highlight you want to achieve. If you want a subtle, natural-looking glow, choose a shade that is one to two shades lighter than your skin tone. If you want a more dramatic, radiant effect, choose a shade that is three to four shades lighter than your skin tone. Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment and try out different shades until you find the one that works best for you.
What are the benefits of using a highlighter in my makeup routine?
Using a highlighter in your makeup routine can have several benefits. First, it can help to enhance your natural features and create a more radiant, glowing complexion. Highlighters can be used to accentuate the high points of the face, such as the tops of the cheekbones, nose, and cupid’s bow, creating a more defined and sculpted look.
Highlighters can also help to create a more even, balanced complexion. By applying highlighter to areas of the face that tend to be dull or flat, you can create a more uniform glow and reduce the appearance of imperfections. Additionally, highlighters can be used to create a range of different effects, from subtle and natural to dramatic and radiant, making them a versatile and essential part of any makeup routine.
Can I use a highlighter on its own, or do I need to pair it with other makeup products?
A highlighter can be used on its own to add a touch of glow to the high points of the face, but it can also be paired with other makeup products to create a more dramatic, radiant effect. One popular way to use a highlighter is to apply it on top of foundation or tinted moisturizer, allowing the highlighter to enhance the natural glow of the skin.
Highlighters can also be paired with other products, such as bronzer or blush, to create a more defined, sculpted look. By applying bronzer or blush to the areas of the face that you want to define, and then applying highlighter to the high points, you can create a more balanced, radiant complexion. Additionally, highlighters can be used to set makeup and extend the wear of other products, making them a versatile and essential part of any makeup routine.
How do I apply a highlighter for a natural-looking glow?
To apply a highlighter for a natural-looking glow, start by choosing a shade that is one to two shades lighter than your skin tone. Then, use a gentle, sweeping motion to apply the highlighter to the high points of the face, such as the tops of the cheekbones, nose, and cupid’s bow.
For a more subtle effect, apply the highlighter with a light hand, building up the color gradually. For a more dramatic effect, apply the highlighter more heavily, using a patting or stippling motion to blend the color into the skin. Finally, blend, blend, blend! Use a fluffy brush or beauty blender to soften the edges of the highlighter and create a seamless, natural-looking finish.
Are there any specific highlighter brands that are suitable for sensitive skin?
Yes, there are several highlighter brands that are suitable for sensitive skin. Look for brands that offer fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, or non-comedogenic formulas, which are designed to be gentle and non-irritating. Some popular brands that cater to sensitive skin include BareMinerals, NARS, and Tarte.
These brands offer a range of highlighters that are free from harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances, making them an excellent choice for sensitive skin. Additionally, look for brands that use natural ingredients, such as plant extracts and essential oils, which can be soothing and calming on the skin. Always read the ingredient label and do a patch test before using a new highlighter to ensure that you don’t have any adverse reactions.