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.

Reviewed by Felicia Chang, Licensed Esthetician Felicia Chang Felicia ChangLicensed Esthetician facebook_iconinsta_icon
Written by Baishali Bhattacharya, MA (English) Baishali Bhattacharya MA (English) linkedin_icon
Edited by Srijani Roy Chowdhury, MA (Journalism & Mass Communication), Certified Style & Image Consultant Srijani Roy Chowdhury MA (Journalism & Mass Communication), Certified Style & Image Consultant linkedin_icon Experience: 3 years
Fact-checked by Krati Darak, MBA, Certified Skin Care Coach Krati Darak MBA, Certified Skin Care Coach linkedin_icon Experience: 3 years
Last Updated on
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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.

Top PicksCheck Price
Best For No-Makeup Look:theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer Highlighter
Price on Amazon
Best Metallic Finish:Maybelline Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter
Price on Amazon
Best Cruelty-Free Option:Wet n Wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder
Price on Amazon
Best Multi-Purpose:Elizabeth Mott Show Me Your Glow Shimmer Shadow & Highlighter
Price on Amazon
Best Seamless Blend:L'Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Shimmerista Highlighting Powder
Price on Amazon
Best For Soft Glow:Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette
Price on Amazon
Best Buildable Coverage:TZ COSMETIX Aurora Borealis Highlighter
Price on Amazon
Best Creamy Texture:NicefaceHighlighter Stick
Price on Amazon
Best Easy To Apply:Benefit Watt's Up Soft Focus Highlighter
Price on Amazon
Best Long-Wearing Formula:Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Baked Powder
Price on Amazon

11 Best Highlighters For Oily Skin To Get A Natural Glow (2024)

1. Best For No-Makeup Look:theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer Highlighter

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4.4
theBalm Mary-Lou Manize Highlighter Image: Thebalm

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.

Skin Type: DryColor: Mary-Lou | Product Dimensions: 2.75 x 0.5 x 2.75 inches | Weight: 0.32 Ounces

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

Our Tester's Experience

"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."


protip_icon Pro Tip
After finishing your lip makeup, apply theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer Highlighter on the center of your lips to get a fuller and plump pout.

2. Best Metallic Finish:Maybelline Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter

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4.4
Maybelline New York Facestudio Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter Makeup, Molten Rose Gold, 0.24 Ounce Image: Maybelline New York

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.

Color: 050 MOLTEN ROSE GOLD | Product Dimensions: 2.85 x 0.63 x 2.85 inches | Weight: 0.24 Ounces

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.

protip_icon Trivia
Maybelline was born after its founder, Tom Lyle Williams, saw his sister’s lashes and eyebrows burn in a kitchen fire.

worth-buy-icon

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

More than 14,888 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.

3. Best Cruelty-Free Option:Wet n Wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder

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4.4
Wet n Wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder Brown Golden Flower Crown, 0.19 Ounce (Pack of 1), 333B Image: Wet N Wild

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.

Color: Golden Flower Crown | Product Dimensions: 2.64 x 2.64 x 0.39 inches | Weight: 0.19 Ounces

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.
worth-buy-icon

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

More than 16,558 Amazon users have vouched for this amazing product.

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
Reviews4,51114,88816,558
Price$22.8$4.86$3.59

4. Best Multi-Purpose:Elizabeth Mott Show Me Your Glow Shimmer Shadow & Highlighter

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4.1
Elizabeth Mott Show Me Your Glow Shimmer Shadow & Highlighter Image: Elizabeth Mott

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.

Product Dimensions: 2.9 x 2.9 x 0.7 inches | Weight: 1.76 Ounces

Pros

  • Suitable for all skin tones
  • Buildable
  • Smudge-proof
  • Water-proof
  • Long-lasting
  • Cruelty-free
  • Paraben-free

Cons

  • May break if not handled properly

Our Tester's Experience

"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

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4.3
L'Oreal Paris Cosmetics True Match Lumi Shimmerista Highlighting Powder, Sunlight 0.28 oz 0.28 Ounce (Pack of 1) Sunlight Image: L'oreal Paris

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.

Color: Sunlight | Product Dimensions: 1.97 x 1.97 x 2.06 inches | Weight: 0.28 Ounces

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

Our Tester's Experience

"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."


protip_icon Pro Tip
Use this on the eyelid’s center on top of the eyeshadow for a luminous and shiny look.

6. Best For Soft Glow:Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette

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4.5
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette Image: Hourglass

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.

Color: Original

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

Our Tester's Experience

"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.

Color: Highlighter kit | Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 3.3 x 0.7 inches | Weight: 4.23 Ounces

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

Our Tester's Experience

"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.

Product Dimensions: 3.94 x 1.97 x 1.97 inches | Weight: 1.76 Ounces

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

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4.6
Benefit Watt's Up Soft Focus Highlighter Image: Benefit Watt's Up

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.

Color: Beige | Product Dimensions: 0.9 x 2.8 x 5.6 inches | Weight: 1.6 Ounces

Pros

  • Silky-smooth texture.
  • Buildable
  • Can be used as an eyeshadow or body highlighter
  • Compact
  • Affordable

Cons

  • None

Our Tester's Experience

"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

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4.6
Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Baked Powder Highlight, No. 01 Golden Nude, 0.26 Ounce Image: Laura Mercier

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.

Skin Type: AllColor: 1 Golden Nude

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

Our Tester's Experience

"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

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4.3
BeccaCosmetics Shimmering Skin Perfector Image: Beccacosmetics

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.

Skin Type: AllColor: Opal | Product Dimensions: 0.8 x 1.6 x 2 inches | Weight: 0.71 Ounces

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

Our Tester's Experience

"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."


*The prices provided in this article are based on the latest available information. However, they may vary due to changes in pricing by the seller and/or promotional offers.

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.

Key Ingredients To Look For And Avoid In Highlighters For Oily Skin(infographic)

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.


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Felicia Chang
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.

Read full bio of Felicia Chang
Baishali Bhattacharya
Baishali BhattacharyaBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
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 to this, she was a part of a digital marketing company in Kolkata where she wrote stories on travel, beauty, and home décor.

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Srijani Roy Chowdhury
Srijani Roy Chowdhury Associate Commerce Editor
Srijani 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 certified style and image consultant.

Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury
Krati Darak
Krati DarakAssociate Commerce Editor
Krati 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 experience in writing and editing for different niches.

Read full bio of Krati Darak
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