Pantone’s ‘Cloud Dancer’ Has Me Stocking Up on Iridescent Highlighter

Ethereal energy is in—and my cheekbones are ready.

Jessica Fields

Published: Dec 8, 2025

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Pantone’s 2026 Color of the Year has just debuted, and if you ask me, it couldn’t be more perfect. Described as a lofty white neutral that whispers calm and peace in a noisy world, PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer instantly calls to mind the luminous sheen of a good highlighter. And that’s an excuse in itself to buy one, right? Whether you prefer full-on iridescence or a soft wash of radiance, there’s a modern formula to match every take on Cloud Dancer. Ahead, discover the best highlighters to channel Pantone’s 2026 Color of the Year.

1 / 7

Haus Labs Bio-Radiant Glassy Balm Highlighter Stick in Glassy Opal ($30)

If you’re new to using highlighter and still want to embrace Pantone’s new hue, this stick is a godsend. The balmy formula melts into skin and instantly delivers a glassy finish. Plus, the stick format makes it easy to apply.

2 / 7

Rare Beauty Positive Light Silky Touch Highlighter in Enlighten ($27)

Where some highlighters can be intimidating, Rare Beauty’s offers a natural finish with just a hint of shimmer. The shade named “Enlighten” uses both champagne and silver pigments, which work together to create a soft finish on every skin tone.

BUY NOW – $27

Rare Beauty Positive Light Silky Touch Highlighter

3 / 7

Erly Daily Dew Illuminating Serum ($38)

For a subtler approach, try mixing a few drops of this serum into your foundation. Instead of dousing your skin with shimmer, it creates a glass-like glow, leaving it looking pearlescent and radiant.

BUY NOW – $38

4 / 7

Danessa Myricks Vision Flush Glow Highlighter in Femme ($22)

Reach for this highlighter when you want an ethereal (not subtle) makeup look. One swipe deposits pearly pigments packed that capture light like a prism, no matter where you place it.

BUY NOW – $22

Danessa Myricks Vision Flush Glow Highlighter

5 / 7

Catrice Diamond Haze Highlighter ($7)

This highlighter leans into the frosty elements of Cloud Dancer, making it ideal for winter makeup looks. It’s packed with ultra-fine shimmer particles that create a reflective finish when the light hits them. It works well, swept across the cheeks, but can also be used on the eyes and brow bone for a cool Y2K effect.

BUY NOW – $7

6 / 7

L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Le Glow Highlighter Stick in Glowy Creme Chic ($13)

If you’ve scrolled through TikTok lately, you know this tiny stick has its own following (Bethenny Frankel is among its devotees). Fans say it’s a staple for glass-like shine and giving skin a subtle sheen. They also rave about the formula, noting how it adds a hint of color without leaving behind an ashy streak.

L'Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Le Glow Highlighter Stick in Glowy Creme Chic

7 / 7

Jones Road Just A Sec in Linen ($28)

You’ll be hard-pressed to find another product that feels as soft and cushiony as this one. It’s weightless and adds a light veil of luminosity wherever it’s placed. Even better? It’s made for cheeks, brow bones and eyelids.

BUY NOW – $28

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