On Black or Brown skin, a highlighter is chosen golden, bronze, copper or rose-gold, never white, silver or pale pink: cool shimmers look ashy instead of luminous. It goes on in touches on the high points of the face: tops of the cheekbones, bridge of the nose, brow bone, inner corner of the eye, cupid's bow. Here are the colours that work according to your complexion, the technique, and the mistakes that look grey or greasy.
This article is part of our guide to blush, highlighter and contouring for Black skin.
Why a white highlighter looks grey on Black skin
Because a white or silver shimmer adds cold and white on warm, deep skin: instead of reflecting light, it "powders" it. A golden or copper shimmer extends the warmth of the skin and makes it glow. It's the same logic as for translucent powder and the grey cast.
Colours according to your complexion
| Complexion | Shimmer that illuminates | Shimmer that greys | NEW BLACK shade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light mixed-heritage, olive | Golden champagne, light gold | Silver, cool pink | Constellation |
| Caramel, copper | Warm gold, rose gold | Pearly white | Éclipse, Aurore australe |
| Dark | Bronze, copper, deep gold | Silver, champagne too light | Éclipse, Aurore australe |
| Very dark | Copper, red bronze, deep gold | Anything light or cool | Aurore australe |
Rule: the deeper the skin, the warmer and deeper the shimmer should be.
Where to apply it
- The tops of the cheekbones, above the blush, towards the temple.
- The bridge of the nose, a thin line.
- The inner corner of the eye, a touch: opens the eyes.
- Under the brow bone, lightly.
- The cupid's bow, a touch: the lips look fuller.
- Optional: the middle of the chin, the collarbone for a ceremony.
Not on the T-zone, not across the whole forehead, not on the sides of the nose: that's where it already shines.
The technique
With a finger for a cream or a satin powder (the finger warms and blends), with a fan brush for a powder; in touches, never in a thick stripe; blended at the edges. On oily skin, a powder highlighter lasts better; on dry or mature skin, a satin rather than a glitter.
Mature skin, oily skin, photos
- Mature skin: satin shimmer, no glitter (it marks the texture); under the brow bone and inner corner above all. See Makeup for mature Black skin.
- Oily skin: powder rather than cream; no highlighter within two centimetres of the T-zone.
- Photos, flash: satin gold; glitter and silver flare in flash. See Bridal makeup for Black skin.
The mistakes
- A white or silver shimmer: ashy.
- Too much product: greasy.
- Applied on the T-zone.
- Glitter on mature skin.
- Replacing highlighter with a lighter foundation: grey.
What NEW BLACK does
Our "Pearly Finish" highlighter comes in three reflections designed for Black and Brown skin tones: Éclipse (warm gold), Constellation (luminous gold), Aurore australe (rosy copper). Fine, satin powder. With the blush, it's the Sculpt duo. Designed in Paris, made in Italy.
Frequently asked questions
What colour highlighter for dark skin?
Golden, bronze, copper or rose gold; the deeper the skin, the warmer and deeper the shimmer should be. Never white or silver.
Where do I put highlighter on Black skin?
Tops of the cheekbones, bridge of the nose, inner corner of the eye, under the brow bone, cupid's bow. In touches.
Cream or powder highlighter on Black skin?
Powder on oily skin and for wear; cream or satin on dry or mature skin.
Does highlighter replace a lighter foundation?
Yes: it's what brings the light. A lighter foundation greys; a golden highlighter illuminates.
Which highlighter for very dark skin?
Copper, red bronze, deep gold (like Aurore australe). Light or cool shimmers look ashy.
Written by the NEW BLACK editorial team · Reviewed by Charlotte Mambo, NEW BLACK makeup artist · Updated 9 September 2026
