Highlighters are commonly sold as pressed powder compacts, solid stick formats, and liquid formulas.
Most pen highlighters use a chisel-shaped tip that produces broad strokes or a fine edge for underlining. Size descriptions often use labels like “Bold” and “Medium,” while some manufacturers list numeric widths such as 5 mm.
Liquid and cream highlighters are often multi‑use: they can act as a tinted moisturizer or primer, be mixed into foundation, be applied to targeted high points, or be used on the body for a luminous effect.
Liquid highlighters can be worn alone, used under or over foundation, mixed into foundation, or dabbed onto targeted high points; some formulas are also marketed for full‑face or body use.
Erasable highlighters use thermo‑sensitive ink that disappears when rubbed with a dedicated eraser; because the ink reacts to temperature it can be affected by heat and may behave differently under changing temperatures. These are commonly available in pastel shades and require the specific eraser for removal.
Chisel tips have a wide flat edge for broad highlighting and a narrow edge for precise underlining, letting one pen perform both tasks.