11 Best Highlighters for Mature Skin to Exude a Radiant Glow

Written by Sayantani Deb, Makeup & Beauty Writer
Updated on Apr 09, 2024
best highlighter for mature skin
The products curated for this article are independently chosen by the editorial team. If you make a purchase through the links mentioned below, we may receive a commission. Check out our product research & curation process

Flaunting a natural, dewy glow feels so fulfilling. However, the signs of mature skin may dull your spark. Hence, we have curated a list of some of the best highlighters for mature skin that will accentuate your facial features and make your skin glow. Mature skin is also associated with more chances of skin dryness and loss of elasticity (1). Based on our observations, using a soft and creamy highlighter can enhance your complexion, highlight the prominent facial features and make your skin more radiant.

Dr. Anna Chacon, who is a board-certified dermatologist, says, “Highlighters meant for mature skin often contain hydrating and light-reflecting ingredients and are free from glitter or excessive shimmer that may emphasize fine lines or wrinkles. They are typically creamy in texture and provide a subtle, natural glow rather than an intense shine.”

Highlighters may be used to add a tint of glamor to your cheekbones, brow bone, chin, and Cupid’s bow. You may also use a highlighter along the bridge of your nose to make it your favorite facial spotlight. With the smooth application of highlighters, you are in for feeling more attractive without letting the dull and dry skin dwindle your charm. Dr. Anna Chacon says, “Highlighters are effective for dull and dry mature skin because they add a natural-looking glow and can make the skin appear more youthful. They reflect light, creating an illusion of brightness and height, which can help to lift and revitalize dull or tired-looking skin.”

Finding a perfect highlighter for mature skin that makes your skin look youthful without making the appearance of aging signs prominent could be confusing. To help you find a glassy highlighter that will make your skin glow with a natural-like radiance, we have curated a list of our favorite products for you below. Scroll down to see our recommendations. 

11 Best Highlighters for Mature Skin

Who wouldn't want to shine as bright as Lady Gaga? This highlighter from Haus Labs curated by the popstar is vegan and cruelty-free. The luminous shade is suitable for all skin tones and all skin types. The pearly finish adds a luminous touch to your skin while the neutral tone covers pigmentation, scars, and fine lines. Add instant radiance, and subtle shimmer with this talc-free highlighter. Made with a 3D technology, this highlighter for mature skin doesn't leave a white cast. 

Pros
  • Suitable for all skin tones
  • Made with gel-powder
  • Beautiful coverage
  • Doesn't clog pores
  • Little goes a long way
Cons
  • On the expensive side
  • Best 2-in-1 Palette

    stila Sculpt & Glow All-in-one Contouring & Highlighting Palette

    stila Sculpt & Glow All-in-one Contouring & Highlighting Palette
  • When it comes to creating a makeup vanity, you know you can always count on stila. This contouring and highlighting palette is the best buy for a busy girl. With the built-in mirror, you can also sculpt your face, and accentuate your features on the go. With nueutral shades and a soft pink tint, you can go from AM to PM with just one fuss-free product. Suitable for mature skin, this product doesn't crease or accentuate your fine lines. Moreover, the buttery formula easily glides over your skin without drying your face. The best part is that you can do your full face makeup with this palette. 

    Pros
    • Value for money
    • Long-lasting
    • Effortless application
    • Suitable for all skin types
    Cons
    • Color from the palette may spill onto each other
  • Most Travel-friendly

    Wet n Wild Megaglo MAKEUP STICK HIGHLIGHT

    Wet n Wild Megaglo MAKEUP STICK HIGHLIGHT
  • Add a pop of color to your cheeks with this radiant stick highlighter by Wet n Wild. With its subtle sheen highlight, it gives your face a naturally flushed and glowy complexion. The creamy texture of this product blends in nicely and gives a matte finish in one swipe. Owing to its versatility, this cream highlighter may be used as a concealer and contour too. Featuring a travel-friendly design, it’s among the best face highlighters for on-the-go touch-ups to ace an ethereal glow.

    Pros
    • Creamy consistency
    • Glowy finish
    • Blends nicely
    • Precise application
    • Compact design
    Cons
    • Doesn’t last long
    • Defective cap
  • Best Waterproof Formula

    SUMEITANG Magical Halo COSMETICS-PRO SHIMMER STICK

    SUMEITANG Magical Halo COSMETICS-PRO SHIMMER STICK
  • Embody radiance with this moisturizing shimmer stick by SUMEITANG. With a silky soft texture, this creme highlighter enhances the complexion of your face naturally. The smooth and smudge-proof composition of this product is perfect to sculpt your face and cover dark spots and acne scars. Featuring a natural-looking blush, it gives your face a soft, flawless glow. The waterproof formula of this makeup essential gives your face a lit-from-within glow. For long summer days, this glittery highlighter might come in handy to get a dewy glow.

    Pros
    • Smudge-proof formula
    • Long-lasting
    • Smooth Texture
    • Flawless finish
    • Moisturizing texture
    Cons
    • May make pores more noticeable
    • Fragile holders
  • Best Overall

    Elizabeth Mott SHOW ME YOUR GLOW Shimmer Shadow & Highlighter

    Elizabeth Mott SHOW ME YOUR GLOW Shimmer Shadow & Highlighter
  • Add a flattering glow to your natural features with this shimmering highlighter by Elizabeth Mott. This ultrafine texture of this product refines your complexion and gives it a bright, dewy finish naturally. Featuring a soft luminizing finish, you may use this sparkling shimmer shadow to accentuate your cheekbones and the inner corners of your eyes. A versatile product, it’s a good highlighter that can be used as eyeshadow to create some glamorous looks.

    Pros
    • Lightweight formula
    • Suitable for all skin types
    • Cruelty-free
    • Paraben-free
    • Water-resistant
    Cons
    • May feel chalky for some
  • Best Creamy Formula

    BECCA COSMETICS Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter

    BECCA COSMETICS Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter
  • With this highlighter by BECCA COSMETICS, you can give your skin a flawless radiance. The creamy application of this product amplifies your look with a gleaming finish. Featuring an ultra-fine pigment composition, this shimmering highlighter makes your natural features pop out delicately. To get a truly unique look, you may dab this highlighter makeup lightly on the areas you want to make more alluring.

    Pros
    • Feathery consistency
    • Paraben-free
    • Refines your complexion
    • Glowing finish
    Cons
    • Breaks easily
  • Best for Touch-up

    Benefit Watt’s Up Soft Focus Highlighter For Face

    Benefit Watt’s Up Soft Focus Highlighter For Face
  • Give your face a delicate glow with this face highlighter by Benefit. Creating a soft-focus look, it blends nicely into your skin. The easy glide application of this product refines your skin tone and gives it a perfect glam smoothly. Designed for quick touch-ups, this compact product is ideal to stash into your purse for creating on-the-go glamorous looks. The added perk is that you may also apply this highlighter stick without using any other makeup product.

    Pros
    • Travel-friendly
    • Smooth applicator
    • Evens skin tone
    • Gives a sparkling glow
    Cons
    • May accentuate pores
  • Best for All Skin Types

    FENTY BEAUTY BY RIHANNA FREESTYLE HIGHLIGHTER DUO

    FENTY BEAUTY BY RIHANNA FREESTYLE HIGHLIGHTER DUO
  • With this peachy pink shimmer by FENTY BEAUTY, add a lovely soft pink sheen to your facial features. This lightweight cream powder melts in your skin and blends evenly. Suitable for all skin types, you may use this pink highlighter to give your face a flawlessly flushed glow. Formulated to make dull skin look glowing, you can use it to give your pale skin a revitalizing look naturally.

    Pros
    • Feathery consistency
    • Even composition
    • Soft peachy pink glow
    • Suits all skin types
    Cons
    • Defective container
  • Best Crease-free formula

    KEVYN AUCOIN The Contour & Highlighter Duo

    KEVYN AUCOIN The Contour & Highlighter Duo
  • Sculpt your facial features with this matte-finish highlighter by KEVYN AUCOIN. With an easy gliding application, this product blends in flawlessly to enhance your skin tone. The subtle highlight created by this product is perfect to give your face a crease-free glow. Featuring a natural radiance, this product feels like your innate spark. The red and gray pigments of this powdered highlighter give a matchless highlight to make your special days extra bright. 

    Pros
    • Easily blendable
    • Crease-free formula
    • Subtle glow
    • Versatile
    Cons
    • Small size
  • Best Non-greasy Formula

    Julystar PROFESSIONAL MAKE-UP 3PCS Contour Stick

    Julystar PROFESSIONAL MAKE-UP 3PCS Contour Stick
  • Give your face a lovely glow with this contour stick by Julystar. Formulated with a moisturizing composition, it gives your skin a plump appearance. The easily blendable texture of this product feels light and soft on the skin. Designed as a multi-purpose product, you can also use it as a blush and eyeshadow. You may also give your lips a subtle tint with its smooth gliding application. The added perk is that this product comes with makeup sponges to take care of your blending worries.

    Pros
    • Multi-use
    • Moisturizing formula
    • Feather-like texture
    • Comes with makeup sponges
    • Non-greasy
    • Waterproof
    Cons
    • May look too bright on some
  • Lilah.b Glisten + Glow Skin Illuminator

    Lilah.b Glisten + Glow Skin Illuminator
  • Revitalize your skin with this luxurious illuminator by Lilah B. Formulated with black currant seed oil and sunflower oil concentrate, this highlighter imparts a natural glow to your skin. The replenishing properties of this product make your skin feel healthy and youthful. You may sculpt your cheekbones, and contour your nose with this paraben-free shimmer without triggering dryness or any harsh reactions. Featuring a sleek design, it’s easy to carry for any time glow.

    Pros
    • Cruelty-free
    • Vegan
    • Sulfate-free
    • Free of synthetic fragrance
    • Easy to carry
    Cons
    • Weighty container

    Now that you have seen our product recommendations for the best highlighters for mature skin, refer to the following buying guide so that you can shop wisely.

     

    How to Choose the Right Highlighter for Mature Skin?

    Here are some of the factors to consider before buying the  best highlighter for mature skin:

    Consistency: Consistency is one of the most important factors to consider before buying a highlighter for mature skin. Mature skin has prominent signs of aging. It may also be prone to dryness, and sagging. As such, it's important to use a highlighter with a creamy consistency that blends into the skin evenly without drawing attention to unwanted areas. Using a powdered or highly pigmented highlighter may not blend into your skin properly. On another note, it may settle messily in your fine lines giving your face an uneven and messy texture. Lightweight highlighters with subtle tints will enhance your complexion while making it look minimal and natural.

    Know Your Skin Type: As per our expertise, it’s important to use a highlighter that suits your skin type. If you have oily skin, you may want to give liquid highlighters a try. To get the best out of the product, check the label carefully and ensure you’re not allergic to any of the ingredients used in its formulation. You may as well do a patch test before using it on your face daily to avoid triggering any allergic skin reactions. 

    Anti-aging Ingredients: While it’s not compulsory to get a highlighter that has anti-aging additives, it's still an added perk. Using a highlighter that is formulated with an anti-aging formula may suit your skin better as it’s specially designed for catering to the diverse requirements of mature skin. So, besides giving your face a dewy glow, your anti-aging concerns might be reduced effectively.

    How to Apply a Highlighter to Get a Natural-looking Glow?

    Step 1: Ensure your face is thoroughly moisturized before you start with your makeup routine. With a moisturized face, makeup application is smoother. 

    Step 2: Apply your foundation evenly on your face to make your skin texture smooth and even. With a smooth base, applying a highlighter is easier and gives a flawless finish too.

    Step 3: If your skin feels harsh by applying highlighter after foundation, you may reverse the application steps. Try using a highlighter before applying a foundation. 

    Step 4: Use a beauty blender or a brush and apply the highlighter on the high point of your cheekbones. You may also use your fingertips to blend the product nicely.

    Step 5: Follow it up by applying some amount of highlighter on your brow bone and along the bridge of the nose. You can also highlight the tip of your lips for fuller-looking lips.

    Step 6: You may also highlight the areas you want to draw more attention to. Applying some highlighter at the center of your chin and forehead can also help you get a youthful glow.

    Step 7: Avoid using a lot of highlighter as it may make your fine lines and wrinkles more prominent. Your skin might feel chalky too. 

    Step 8: Don’t add 2-3 layers of highlighter at one spot. Over-layering will highlight your pores. It may also make your skin look uneven and unnatural.

    Conclusion

    Looking captivating never goes out of style. However, when the skin begins to mature, acing a flattering look may feel tedious. The signs of aging may get more attention while interrupting your experience with makeup and glow.  But, with a highlighter adding glitz and glam to your natural features, the signs of aging don’t bother much. You can easily highlight the features you want to draw attention to and step up your makeup game. Hence, having some of the best highlighters for mature skin to choose from relieves you of the stress of finding a shimmering highlighter for your glamor touch-up. You don’t only feel glamorous but also reflect a charm that’s hard to miss. Up your glow game with these travel-friendly highlighters. Ensure you go through the buying guide to find the best product for yourself. Happy shopping!

    Contributor: Dr. Anna Chacon, Dermatologist - MyPsoriasisTeam

    FAQ's

    Should mature skin wear highlighter?
    Yes, by using a highlighter, you can accentuate your natural features and give your skin a soft glow.
    Where do you put highlighter over 50?
    You may apply a highlighter on your high points like on the cupid’s brow, eyebrow bone and of course on the top part of your cheeks. You may also avoid applying too much of a highlighter, especially under your eyes as that may give your face an uneven texture.
    Where do you apply highlighter after 40?
    You may use a highlighter on the apple on your cheeks, in the center of the eyelid, and above the brows once you hit the 40s.
    Should highlighter be lighter or darker than foundation?
    You may use a highlighter two shades lighter than your foundation to create a natural-looking glow.
    Where do you put highlighter to look younger?
    You may use a highlighter on your cheeks, along the bridge of the nose, and above your brows to create a youthful look.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Sayantani loves a dewy touch-up of glow on her cheeks. As a makeup professional, she understands the challenges of skin aging and believes highlighters are amongst the best ways to highlight your facial features and get that soft and subtle radiance. Hence, she researched thoroughly and curated this list of the best highlighters for mature skin that blend in smoothly and give a natural illuminance worth flaunting.

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

     

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Sayantani Deb
    Makeup & Beauty Writer

    Sayantani is a certified hair and makeup professional turned writer with 2+ years of experience in the same genre. Ap More