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Ria Bhatia profile imageRia Bhatia

Highlighter powders today feature buttery-soft formulas that deposit a natural wash of shine, instead of chunky, muddy or glittery finishes. These are the best highlighter powder picks on the market right now

A side profile photo of a model with bronzed and highlighted skin

Highlighters never went out of style; they simply changed form. Over the past five years, soft, balmy textures  have replaced highlighter powder pans on every beauty shelf. The chunky, glitter-forward finish that dominated the mid-2010s fell out of favour. Brands responded. 

Today, highlighter powder formulas are finely-milled, weightless, and designed to leave a natural sheen rather than a frosted layer. 

A return to powders now reflects a preference for controlled radiance and subtle light-play—making these the best highlighter options to consider.

A few pans of make-up palettes placed on a silver tray, including highlighter powder too
Photograph: (Instagram.com/kryolanindia)

Kryolan Glamour Glow: Best highlighter powder for oily skin

This highlighter powder, from professional-grade make-up brand Kryolan, is among the most finely-milled formulas to exist in the market, allowing for a smooth application. Available in over 15 shades, this velvety-soft highlighter powder is versatile; it can be used to highlight the high points of the face, eyelids, cupid’s bow, and even the body—the long-lasting formulation will not budge. 

Priced at ₹2,300

Available at In.kryolan.com

Charlotte Tilbury highlighter powder pan in shades of rose pink, champagne and gold
Photograph: (https_thebeautylookbook.com)

Charlotte Tilbury Glow Glide Face Architect Highlighter: Best golden highlighter powder

For a highlight that catches the eye from far away—without looking chunky and muddy—this highlighter powder is a promising pick. The trifecta of squalane, glycerin, and corn starch makes it stick to the complexion all day, without drying out or irritating the skin.

Priced at ₹4,400

Available at Nykaa.com 

Highlighter powder pans from NARS infused with serum for skin
Photograph: (Instagram.com/lookatme_ph)

NARS Light Reflecting Luminizing Powder: Best highlighter powder for dry skin

This highlighter powder moves from soft sheen to full shine effortlessly. Its serum-to-powder hybrid texture allows buildability, while golden seaweed extract targets oxidative stress, appealing to those seeking a hydrating highlighter. 

Priced at ₹4,000

Available at Tirabeauty.com

Champagne highlighter powder from Bobbi Brown in black cases
Photograph: (Instagram.com/bobbibrown)

Bobbi Brown Highlighting Powder: Best long-lasting highlighter powder

For a sheer, lit-from-within glow, turn to this highlighter powder, a best-seller from Bobbi Brown. Infused with glycerin, red seaweed extracts, and squalane, this gel-powder hybrid highlighter powder applies and blends effortlessly, leaving behind the softest radiance. 

Priced at ₹2,200

Available at Bobbibrown.in

Highlighter powder from H&M placed by the poolside with lipglosses
Photograph: (Instagram.com/hmbeauty)

H&M Beauty Glow-Pro Highlighter: best loose highlighter powder

A loose powder that behaves like a glow-booster. This product does exactly that. This highlighter powder packs a punch of shine; a little goes a long way. Since it’s finely-milled and intensely-pigmented, it can also double as a high-performance body highlighter. 

Priced at ₹699

Available at Www2.Hm.com

Four shades of highlighter powder from Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez on a white table
Photograph: (Instagram.com/rarebeauty)

Rare Beauty Positive Light Silky Touch Highlighter: Best highlighter powder for mature skin

Vegan, non-comedogenic, and sensitive skin-friendly, this highlighter powder delivers  the most silky, smooth finish. The combination of tapioca starch, 50 per cent pearl microshimmers, and dimethicone promote the longevity of this formulation, while the almost-blurring nature of the product alleviates the appearance of texture and blemishes, which a highlighter powder would typically underscore.

Priced at ₹3,400

Available at Sephora.in

Highlighter powder, brow freeze and gloss from Anastasia Beverly Hills placed on a marble table
Photograph: (Instagram.com/anastasiabeverlyhills)

Anastasia Beverly Hills Highlighter: Best pearlescent highlighter powder

This highlighter powder is talc- and fragrance-free, making it a suitable choice for all skin types, including sensitive and mature skin. It provides the skin with an icy, glossy dash of shine, particularly ideal for parties and occasions. 

Priced at ₹4,000

Available at Nykaa.com

Highlight powder choices from Becca Cosmetics
Photograph: (Instagram.com/smashboxcosmetics)

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector: Iconic champagne highlighter powder 

Counted among the most viral highlighter products ever, this highlighter powder from Becca is ultra-pigmented and, yet, melts on the face like second skin. Champagne pop remains universally flattering, making it one of the best highlighters for Indian skin tones. 

Priced at ₹3,750

Available at Nykaa.com

Frequently asked questions on highlighter powder

Which is the best highlighter powder for Indian skin?
Some of the most dependable options for Indian complexions come from Kryolan, Rare Beauty, Bobbi Brown and Charlotte Tilbury. Each offers a finely milled highlighter powder that sits comfortably on undertones across the spectrum. These formulas are consistently regarded among the best highlighter for Indian skin choices in the market.

Frequently asked questions on highlighter powder

Which is the best highlighter powder for Indian skin?
Some of the most dependable options for Indian complexions come from Kryolan, Rare Beauty, Bobbi Brown and Charlotte Tilbury. Each offers a finely milled highlighter powder that sits comfortably on undertones across the spectrum. These formulas are consistently regarded among the best highlighter for Indian skin choices in the market.
Is powder or cream highlighter better for daily wear?
The distinction between powder highlighter and cream highlighter often lies in texture and the kind of finish desired. Powder versions create a more defined sheen, while creams blend into the base for a softer, natural radiance. Both fulfill different aesthetic preferences within daily routines. 
What is the best highlighter for dry/oily skin?
Cream formulations typically align well with dry skin because of their emollient textures, while highlighter powder performs reliably on oily skin, offering longer wear and a controlled glow. Within this divide, the best highlighter for dry skin is usually a cream blend, and the best highlighter for oily skin tends to be a refined powder.


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