11 Best Highlighters For Oily Skin, According To An Esthetician (2024)
For a well-rounded and polished makeup look that blends perfectly on your face.
Felicia ChangLicensed Esthetician 
Felicia is a licensed esthetician and a certified airbrush makeup artist. Prior to this, she worked in the IT industry as a business sales assistant while enriching her bridal professional beauty and styling skills on the side. Felicia like... more
baishali bhattacharyaMA (English) Baishali is a beauty and lifestyle writer and holds a master's degree in English from Assam University. She specializes in makeup and fashion and is also a certified Style and Image Consultant. Prior ... more
srijani roy chowdhuryMA (Journalism & Mass Communication), Certified Style & Image Consultant Experience: 3 yearsSrijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a ce... more
krati darakMBA, Certified Skin Care Coach Experience: 3 yearsKrati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of ... more
Image: Shutterstock
If you are looking for the best highlighter for oily skin, we have got you not just one but 11 of them. All these products go well with your oily or oily to combination skin types. These highlighters offer an enhanced beauty by bringing out your best look. They also do not turn your makeup into a cakey mess or change your skin texture way too much. Keep scrolling to check them out.
In This Article
11 Best Highlighters For Oily Skin To Get A Natural Glow (2024)
1. Best For No-Makeup Look:theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer Highlighter
theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer Highlighter is a subtle and gorgeous powder highlighter. It controls oil and leaves your skin with a subtle glow that you are going to love. This pore-minimizing comes in three shades and flatters a wide range of skin tones. You can also use this non-comedogenic highlighter as an eyeshadow or on the body. It is best for daytime use if you like that natural no-makeup makeup look. Ethically-conscious consumers also favor this product as it is not tested on animals. Check out this video detailing a reviewer’s experience to learn more about the highlighter.
Pros
- Adds a subtle glow
- Controls skin oil
- Titanium dioxide protects the skin from sun rays.
- Has a soft shimmery finish
- Fills pores
- Does not exaggerate skin texture
- Adds a honey-hue to the skin
- Available in three gorgeous shades
- Can be used as an eyeshadow
- Best for a no-makeup makeup look
- Beautiful packaging
Cons
- Expensive
- Not for blinding highlighter lovers
"This highlighter has a versatile shimmer and good staying power. It has a fine powder texture that goes on smoothly and does not look cakey upon application. It is also travel-friendly."
Pro Tip2. Best Metallic Finish:Maybelline Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter
Beauty gurus and makeup lovers swear by the Maybelline Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter. It is a reflective powder highlighter that adds an almost wet metallic effect to enhance the best facial features. It helps bring out and create an illusion of high cheekbones. You can use this lip highlighter on Cupid’s bow to create a gorgeous pout. Apply it to the inner corners of your eyes to brighten up your face instantly. This highlighter is available in five different shades. It complements different skin tones and can also be used as an eyeshadow.
The metallic pearls in the highlighter create a sheen that does not exaggerate pores or fine lines. It blends into the skin and gives it a brilliant glow and dewy finish. One light swipe is good for daytime use. You can build it up by tapping with your fingers. It can give you a blinding glow that so many of us love.
Pros
- Does not exaggerate pores and fine lines
- Wet metallic finish
- Brings out the facial features
- Creates an illusion of high cheekbones
- Can be used to define a pout
- Can be used as an eyeshadow
- Available in five gorgeous shades
- A little goes a long way
- Can be used to get a blinding highlight
- Affordable
Cons
- The powder may crumble if not handled properly.
Trivia
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The extensive 14,888 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are vouching for this product.
3. Best Cruelty-Free Option:Wet n Wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder
The Wet n Wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder is milled and pressed, and has a buildable, buttery finish. It is weightless and blends effortlessly into the skin to give it a natural, dewy finish. It is formulated with micro-fine pearls, vitamin E, murumuru seed butter, argan oil, and shea butter. This dewy highlighter nourishes the skin and does not cause dry patches.
This intense highlighter also photographs beautifully. It accentuates the high points of your face and leaves your skin with a fresh glow. It comes in various shades that flatter many skin tones. This mattifying highlighter is perfect for oily skin. It is a cruelty-free product, highly-pigmented, pearly, and makes the skin look silky-smooth. Watch this video for more information about the tester’s experience with the product.
Pros
- Does not exaggerate pores and skin texture
- Blends effortlessly
- Makes the skin look silky-smooth
- Does not dry the skin out
- Nourishes the skin
- Available in various shades
- Flatters many skin tones
- Super affordable
- Cruelty-free
- Good for day and night use
Cons
- The powder may crumble if not handled with care.
- It does not add a metallic, blinding highlight.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 16,558 rave reviews on Amazon.
theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer Highlighter Best For No-Makeup Look | Maybelline Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter Best Metallic Finish | Wet n Wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder Best Cruelty-Free Option | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | DryColor | - | - |
| Dimensions | 2.75 x 0.5 x 2.75 inches | 2.85 x 0.63 x 2.85 inches | 2.64 x 2.64 x 0.39 inches |
| Weight | 0.32 Ounces | 0.24 Ounces | 0.19 Ounces |
| Color | - | 050 MOLTEN ROSE GOLD | Golden Flower Crown |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 4,511 | 14,888 | 16,558 |
| Price | $22.8 | $4.86 | $3.59 |
4. Best Multi-Purpose:Elizabeth Mott Show Me Your Glow Shimmer Shadow & Highlighter
The Elizabeth Mott Show Me Your Glow Shimmer Shadow & Highlighter is ideal for lifting, illuminating, and enhancing your facial features with its buildable and versatile formula. This mineral highlighter is infused with finely-milled, light-reflecting pearl particles that impart a natural glow.
The beeswax-coated powder of the highlighter imparts a long-lasting shine, while the highly absorbent minerals help you apply it evenly without developing unflattering creases. The product is designed to have a long-lasting hold and it is suitable for a wide range of skin tones. It does not smudge or wash off easily. Reviewers recommend this highlighter for a subtle, ‘glow from within’ look.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin tones
- Buildable
- Smudge-proof
- Water-proof
- Long-lasting
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
Cons
- May break if not handled properly
"This highlighter is nicely pigmented. It helps me achieve that bronzy glow and looks stunning on my skin. Its packaging is sturdy and travel-friendly."
5. Best Seamless Blend:L’Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Shimmerista Highlighting Powder
The L’Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Shimmerista Highlighting Powder is a beautiful, finely milled loose highlighting powder. It is perfect for controlling excess oil and gives your skin a flawless, smooth, and prismatic finish. The lightweight formula blends seamlessly into the skin and adds a natural-looking glow. You can use this nose highlighter on the cheekbones, Cupid’s bow, under the eyebrows, the inner corner of the eyes, collar bones, and shoulders. It illuminates the skin without exaggerating skin texture. It is available in two shades, is buildable, and is perfect for use in the day and night. This video detailing a reviewer’s experience helps you know more about the product.
Pros
- Controls excess oil
- Blends seamlessly into the skin
- Lightweight
- Does not exaggerate pores and skin texture
- Gives the skin a flawless, smooth, prismatic finish
- Highlights cheekbones, nose, Cupid’s bow, under the eyebrows, inner corner of the eyes, collar bones, and shoulders
- Available in two shades
Cons
- Not many shades are available for different skin tones
"This highlighter is versatile and good quality. It applies easily and blends smoothly. A tiny dab of the product is enough to add a subtle shimmer to the face. It can also be used on the eyes and lips for added sheen."
Pro Tip6. Best For Soft Glow:Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette
The Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette is a beautiful, high-end subtle powder highlighter. The radiant finish, iridescent, and luminous glow that this highlighter adds makes the skin look ethereal, youthful, and fresh. This warm highlighter is finely milled and pressed. It adds a soft glow to your skin and leaves it with a natural-looking finish.
This powder utilizes photo-luminescent technology to filter out and diffuse harsh light. Its ability to deliver multidimensional luminescence and ‘lit from within’ look to all skin tones has made it a favorite among many reviewers. This product is paraben-free, gluten-free, talc-free, and fragrance-free. It is suitable for oily skin and sensitive skin.
Pros
- Delivers multi dimensional luminescence to all skin tones
- Lightweight and blends easily
- Soft to touch
- Can be used as an eyeshadow
- Suitable for oily skin
- Does not irritate sensitive skin
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Talc-free
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Very expensive
- Not for striking, blinding or highlighting
"This palette has stunning shades that add a natural glow to the skin. It can be used by a range of skin tones. It provides a subtle glow without that unwanted glitter. It is lightweight and does not feel cakey on oily skin."
7. Best Buildable Coverage:TZ COSMETIX Aurora Borealis Highlighter
The TZ COSMETIX Aurora Borealis Highlighter contains six highlighter shades in a powder formula. It is a soft, smooth, creamy, and wet-to-touch formula that blends like a dream into the skin. It does not exaggerate the pores but adds an iridescent metallic light to the high points of the face. From yellow gold, icy greens, to lilac pinks – this highlighter palette is for makeup lovers, makeup collectors, and highlighter daredevils.
The lightweight and creamy formula glides smoothly onto the skin. The duo chromatic light gives the skin a gorgeous eye-catching luminescence. You can easily use any of the colors on your eyelids, collar bones, cheekbones, shoulders, chest, and the Cupid’s bow. Reviews on online forums attest that a little goes a long way with this non-irritating highlighter. Use a brush to apply and build this highlighter to your satisfaction.
Pros
- Does not exaggerate the pores and fine lines
- Soft, smooth, creamy, and wet-to-touch formula
- The formula glides onto the skin
- A small amount goes a long way
- Adds duo chromatic light and eye-catching luminescence
- Can be used as an eyeshadow, on collar bones, shoulders, and chest
- Buildable
- Lightweight
- Reasonably-priced
Cons
- May break if not handled with care
"I love using this holographic highlighter to add a playful pop to the inner corners of my eyes. It has a powdery texture that does not cakey on my oily skin. It is highly pigmented. However, using a little hand during application can also help achieve a natural look."
8. Best Creamy Texture:NicefaceHighlighter Stick
The Nice face Highlighter Stick is perfect for people with oily skin. You do not need an extra minute or a fan brush. All you have to do is twist it up, dab three dots on the cheekbones, one or two on the Cupid’s bow and nose, blend it with your fingertips, and you are ready to go out the door! This cream highlighter comes in two gorgeous shades that blend into the skin beautifully.
It controls oil, does not exaggerate skin texture, is waterproof, and adds a light shimmer to the skin. This cheek highlighter catches and reflects the light to make your skin look naturally luminescent. It photographs well, glides like butter, and stays put for more than 3 hours. The best part is, you get both the shades for $10. It is definitely a highlighter to check out and try.
Pros
- Stick highlighter
- Creamy and smooth
- Glides on the skin like butter
- Does not exaggerate skin texture
- Blends beautifully
- Can be worn under the foundation
- Does not make the skin look oily or sweaty
- Two shades for $10
- Photographs well
- Easy to apply
- Not messy
Cons
- Limited shade range
9. Best Easy To Apply:Benefit Watt’s Up Soft Focus Highlighter
The Benefit Watt’s Up Soft Focus Highlighter has a sheer finish type. The cream-to-powder formula of the highlighter glides smoothly onto your skin, providing buildable coverage. The champagne shade of the highlighter adds a delicate and subtle shimmer to your skin. This sheer, beauty highlighter has a soft focus effect that can be applied on its own or over makeup.
Pros
- Silky-smooth texture.
- Buildable
- Can be used as an eyeshadow or body highlighter
- Compact
- Affordable
Cons
- None
"It is a versatile highlighter that can be doubled as an eyeshadow. It has a soft texture that applies smoothly and blends effortlessly. It adds a natural glow to the skin."
10. Best Long-Wearing Formula:Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Baked Powder
The Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Baked Powder is a baked highlighter that adds a soft, natural radiance to the skin. It is long-wearing, does not exaggerate the pores, wrinkles, and fine lines, blends into the skin smoothly, and fills pores. It is perfect for a no-makeup look. The matte finish with a sift hint of shine makes it perfect for wearing anytime. The dermatologist-tested, ultra-lightweight formula is comfortable on the skin. The popular highlighter applies smoothly and works on all skin tones.
Pros
- Long-wearing
- Velvety and silky formula
- Applies smoothly
- Does not exaggerate the skin texture
- Matte finish with a sift hint of shine
- Ultra-lightweight formula is comfortable on the skin
- For all skin tones
- Enhances facial features
- Can be used as an eyeshadow
Cons
- Not for a blinding highlight
- Expensive
"This highlighter is perfect for achieving that subtle, natural glow without the flashy glittery appearance. It applies smoothly and works well on oily and textured skin. It offers a sheer, matte finish that's perfect for daily wear."
11. Best For Flawless Look:BeccaCosmetics Shimmering Skin Perfector
The Becca Cosmetics Shimmering Skin Perfector is one of the best highlighters for oily skin types. This pressed powder highlighter is travel-size and comes in sturdy, cute packaging. It adds a shimmering glow to the skin and is perfect for daily use. It makes the skin appear smooth and flawless. It enhances the facial features beautifully without accentuating the pores and lines. One swipe is enough to add an iridescent, luminous glow to the skin. It is easily buildable and is long-wearing. It is also not tested on animals, making it an ideal cruelty-free option.
Pros
- Enhances facial features beautifully without accentuating pores and lines
- Makes the skin appear smooth and flawless
- Makes the skin look youthful
- Lightweight
- Easily buildable and long-wearing
- Sturdy packaging
- Value for money
- Available in three shades
Cons
- None
"The Becca highlighter is a cult-favorite and for all the right reasons. It adds a subtle, healthy glow, which I love on my oily skin. It has a good staying power and enhances the cheekbones nicely without looking too much."
These are the 11 best highlighters for oily skin types. In the following section, we have discussed how you can choose the best highlighter for oily skin.
How To Choose The Best Highlighter For Oily Skin?
- Choose powder highlighters or highlighters with a powdery finish.
- Stay away from oil-based cream highlighters.
- Avoid liquid highlighters.
- Do not use highlighters that have harmful, comedogenic ingredients.
- Choose lightweight highlighters.
We also have discussed how you can use a highlighter on oily skin. Keep reading.
How To Use A Highlighter On Oily Skin?
Here is a step-by-step guide to using a highlighter on oily skin:
- Use a blotting paper to blot away the excess foundation and contour.
- Use a fan brush or your fingertips to pick the product.
- Apply it lightly to your cheekbones, Cupid’s bow, and the bridge of the nose.
- Blend away the edges to soften the harsh lines.
- Use a translucent powder on top to set everything.
- Use a setting spray after your whole makeup is done.
Infographic: Key Ingredients To Look For And Avoid In Highlighters For Oily Skin
Highlighters specifically meant for oily skin types add a luminous glow without exacerbating the oiliness or causing skin concerns. When choosing one, it is important to be aware of the ingredients present in the formula. Check out the infographic below to learn about some of them. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Putting makeup on oily skin can be tricky. Using the wrong makeup products that do not suit your skin type can melt on your skin. The best highlighters for oily skin offer exceptional results by absorbing excess oil and giving you a subtle look. They do not make your makeup look messy or cakey. The theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer Highlighter adds a subtle, dewy glow and minimizes pores, while the Maybelline Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter offers an intense, gorgeous glow and enhances facial features. The Wet n Wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder gives a natural, dewy finish. Most of these expertly crafted highlighters on our list are cruelty-free, lightweight, and paraben-free. However, do handle them carefully to avoid any breakage or spillage. Go through the buying guide to pick the correct highlighter that suits your skin type and tone.
Why Trust Stylecraze
Baishali Bhattacharya, is our in-house image consultant who has the required expertise in helping people look and feel their best. Additionally, she is also certified in the techniques of makeup artistry. She has in-depth knowledge of tools and products that can help accentuate your best features making you feel confident in your skin. She has spent hours going through several health and beauty forums and reviewing all valued customers’ feedback before curating this list of the top 11 highlighters for oily skin beauties. These give you that desired glow while giving you a clean matte finished look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a highlighter good for oily skin?
Yes, a highlighter is good for oily skin.
Should you use a liquid, cream or powder highlighter on oily skin?
Use a powder highlighter on oily skin.
How do I find my highlighter based on my skin tone?
Know your skin tone and pick a highlighter shade based on it-
• Very fair to fair skin tone: Opt for cool tone highlighters like silver. Even highlighters with pink, lilac, and icy undertones look good on a fair complexion.
• Fair to medium skin tone: Opt for highlighters with warm and peach undertones. Champagne highlighters also look fabulous on a medium complexion.
• Medium to dark skin tones:- Golden and bronze highlighters complement dark skin tones.
Can you use a highlighter without a foundation?
Yes. Skip using a foundation if you have clear skin. Instead, just apply a highlighter to the high points of your bare face to achieve a luminous, natural glow.
Which is better – highlighter or illuminator?
Highlighters add a dramatic shine to your face, whereas an illuminator enhances the natural glow. So, if you want a subtle sheen, use an illuminator and opt for a highlighter if you need a heightened glow.
