Updated 3/20/2025
Widely considered the “secret weapon” for a healthy, radiant glow, Makeup Highlighters can literally turn back the hands of time. Within minutes, they can make you look 10 years younger. A good Highlighter Cream or Highlighter Powder can decrease the look of lines and wrinkles, minimize under eye circles and diminish a wide nose, receding chin or droopy eyes. (Who’s not ALL in at this point? Duh!) I’ll reveal the best highlighters for mature skin in just a minute, but first…
One of my favorite books is ”Toss the Gloss, Beauty Tips, Tricks & Truths For Women 50+” by former beauty industry CEO, Andrea Robinson. In the book she states that the secret of highlighters is this:
“Highlighter Creams and Powders use light to draw attention to the features we want to accentuate and deflect attention from the spots we want to diminish. The best Highlighters will not and should not read shimmer in any kind of light.It’s purpose is to highlight the areas that show you off to your best advantage.”
Andrea Robinson spent decades in the Beauty industry with chief roles with Estee Lauder, Tom Ford Beauty, Vogue, Seventeen and Ralph Lauren. I think it’s fair to say, Andrea knows some “stuff”!
Nearly all makeup artists agree, the key to achieving great results with Highlighters on mature skin is finding the right product AND applying the highlighter properly.
How to Apply Highlighter
For flawless application, use a Highlighter Brush for applying Powder Highlighters. For cream highlighters, dot on with your fingertips and then blend using a beauty blender sponge.
- Above the Brows and under the Brow bone Arch.
- In the Center of the Eyelid.
- Just above the cheekbone.
- On the apples of the cheeks over blush.
- Above the cupid’s brow of the lips.
- Down the bridge of the nose.
- Center of the forehead.
When choosing a highlighter, avoid highlighter creams and powders that contain glitter or sparkle as it will emphasize fine line and wrinkles and make them stand out. We’re going for that lit from within glow.
Best Highlighters for Mature Skin
I’ve tried more highlighters than I care to mention! (they are seriously taking up an an entire drawer in my Makeup Drawers!🤦♀️) Of all the highlighters I have tried, there are a few that stand out and I reach for them over and over again. These are tried and true winners you can count on to deliver perfectly flawless, glowing results on mature skin.
Best Cream Highlighters & Liquids
Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter
This liquid highlighter gives a soft glow and can be worn alone as a highlighter or mixed with foundation for a dewy finish. I love the doe foot applicator. Just dot Hollywood Flawless Filter on the areas of the face that you wish to illuminate and blend. Easy peasy and flawless!
Price: $49.00 USD
BUY IT HERE
RMS Beauty Living Luminizer
This is one of my favorite highlighters. Living Luminizer from RMS Beauty creates a gorgeous sheer, luminous glow and blends like a dream. And I love that RMS Beauty is a Clean Beauty brand with all natural, certified organic ingredients. This lovely highlighter cream is made with Castor Seed Oil, Coconut Oil, Rosemary Extract and Beeswax. Oh and did I mention this is a celebrity insider secret and a favorite of Supermodel, Giselle!
Price: $40.00 USD
BUY IT HERE
Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Highlight
This creamy stick formula highlighter from Clinique is easy peasy to apply. Just a quick swipe and you’ll be glowing! Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Highlight is a universal shade that looks good on all skin tones and is paraben free.
Price: $32.00 USD
BUY IT HERE
Best Powder Highlighters
MAC Extra Dimension Skinfinish Highlighter
This mineral powder highlighter adds the perfect glow to the skin and does not settle into fine lines or wrinkles. MAC Extra Dimension Skinfinish is creamy powder formula is available in seven shades and lasts up to 10 hours. I love the shade “Double Gleam”, a beige that breaks silver (pictured above). You can’t go wrong with this little gem!
Price: $43.00 USD
BUY IT HERE
Smashbox X BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter is a favorite of celebrities and makeup artists. This highlighter provides a high impact, reflective shine to the skin that enhances it’s natural radiance. The formula has a little shimmer but works amazingly well on mature skin with no settling into fine lines or wrinkles.
Price: $42.00 USD
BUY IT HERE
If you are in your 40’s, 50’s, 60’s or beyond with mature skin, you can’t go wrong with any of these highlighters for a youthful glow. If you enjoyed this article and found it helpful, please subscribe to my newsletter below.
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How do I know what color to get in the l’Oreal I’m light mediem skin tone….
Hi Rebecca! Thank you for stopping by and reading 🙂 I would suggest the Rose Illuminator which L’oreal says works on all skin tones!
This is so helpful! You’re right about the CT Flawless Filter, I had a sample not long ago and admittedly, I was really impressed..
Great tips! thank you!!
I’ve never used a highlighter, but I just might try it! Thanks for the recommendations!
Loved reading this! I’ve read a few beauty books myself and your information is right on target with what a pro would suggest. I use a highlighter every time I apply make up. Your first two picks are my absolute favorites.
Great informations, Susie! I’m always confused on where to add the hilighter, so this was helpful.