Best Matte Face Highlighters of 2026
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Matte face highlighters are a type of cosmetic product that can be used to add a subtle glow to the skin without any added shine or shimmer. These products typically come in a cream or powder form and are designed to be applied to specific areas of the face, such as the cheekbones, temples, and brow bone, to create a natural-looking radiance. Unlike traditional highlighters, which can often appear too glittery or overpowering, matte face highlighters are perfect for those who prefer a more understated makeup look. In this article, we will be discussing some of the top-rated matte face highlighters available on the market today.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 8 Matte Face Highlighters
Generic 3-Shade Contour Palette with Bronzer
The Generic Contour Palette offers a complete face sculpting solution with its three shades: highlighter, contour, and matte bronzer. You can easily enhance your facial definition and balance your features, whether for daily makeup or a professional look. Its silky smooth texture ensures the powders glide on evenly without creasing, providing a flawless, natural finish that lasts all day. Plus, the palette is versatile—you can use it not only for contouring but also as brow powder, eyeshadow, or to enhance your hairline, making it a convenient all-in-one compact for your makeup routine.
bayfree 3 PCS Cream Contour Stick Set
The bayfree Contour Stick Set offers a convenient trio of cream sticks for highlighting, bronzing, and blushing, making it easy for you to sculpt and define your facial features with a natural finish. Its portable design allows you to carry it effortlessly, perfect for touch-ups on the go, while the smooth cream texture ensures easy application and long-lasting wear throughout your day. You can apply the sticks directly or over foundation, blending with fingers or a brush to enhance your features with a dewy or matte look. Plus, the formula is gentle on skin, free from parabens and harmful ingredients, and enriched with moisturising vitamin E and shea butter for added care.
EveBeaty 2-Color Blush Highlighter Contour Palette
The EveBeaty Contour Palette offers a versatile range of four style shades, including matte and shimmer finishes that help you highlight and sculpt your face with ease. Its smooth pressed baked formula ensures the powder glides on effortlessly, blending seamlessly without any mess, whether you use your fingers or a sponge. You’ll benefit from a long-lasting colour payoff that maintains a vibrant and glowing look all day, resisting fading and smudging. Additionally, the palette's multi-functional design allows you to use it not only for contouring and highlighting but also as blush, eyeshadow, bronzer, and body shimmer, providing you with a radiant, multidimensional finish.
KYDA 3-in-1 Highlighting Eye & Cheek Palette
The KYDA Glow Palette is a versatile 3-in-1 makeup option that includes a shimmer pink blush, a pearl white highlighter, and a warm matte bronzer/contour, suitable for all skin tones. Its buildable matte and shimmer colours blend smoothly with your skin, giving you a natural, healthy glow that enhances your features. You can easily adjust your look to match your mood, whether you want something subtle or bold. The lightweight, mineral powder is lightly pigmented and comfortable to wear all day, making it perfect for both everyday and special occasions.
bayfree 3 PCS Cream Contour Stick Set
The bayfree Contour Stick Set is a handy trio including a blush, bronzer, and highlighter, all with a creamy, buildable texture that lets you easily define your facial features. Its compact design makes it perfect for carrying around, so you can touch up your makeup on the go while enjoying a long-lasting finish. You can apply the sticks directly to areas like your cheeks and jawline and blend with your fingers or a brush for a natural, contoured look. Plus, the formula is gentle on your skin, free from harmful ingredients, and enriched with moisturisers like vitamin E and shea butter to keep your skin hydrated.
bayfree 3 PCS Cream Contour Stick Set
The bayfree Contour Stick Set offers a convenient trio of cream sticks including a highlighter, bronzer, and blush. The cream formula is highly buildable and easy to blend, allowing you to contour your face quickly and enhance your features with a natural finish. Its portable design means you can carry it easily for touch-ups throughout the day, while the long-lasting texture ensures your makeup stays put. Additionally, the set uses a safe formula free from parabens and harmful ingredients, boosted with moisturising vitamin E and shea butter to care for your skin.
ZDHSOY Liquid Contour Beauty Wand Blush Stick
The ZDHSOY Contour Beauty Wand is a versatile makeup stick designed to sculpt and enhance your facial features with ease. You can use it to add shadows along your cheeks, nose, and hairline for a defined look. The matte liquid blush wand blends smoothly, giving your face a natural, charming colour boost. Its shimmer highlighter stick adds a glowing, three-dimensional finish that lasts all day. Thanks to the upgraded cushion applicator, application is precise and mess-free, making your makeup routine quicker and more enjoyable.
KARLOR Ashy Bronze Glow Contouring Palette
The KARLOR Contour Palette offers a delicate and light bronzer powder that is easy to apply, allowing you to spread it evenly with a brush or your fingers for a natural finish. This palette features two highly pigmented shades—a pearlescent and a matte texture—perfect for defining your face shape and adding a radiant glow. It also includes a built-in mirror, making it convenient for touch-ups wherever you are. The elegant leaf design on the powder adds a touch of beauty to your makeup routine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is there a matte highlighter?
Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Baked Powder Compact If you love that "no-makeup" look, this matte finish highlighter creates a healthy glow.
2. Which type of highlighter is best for dry skin?
Highlighter For Dry Skin: Inglot Glow On Highlighter A dollop of the right highlighter can make dry and dull skin look more awake and glowing. The Inglot Glow On Highlighter with its creamy base ensures effortless application to lend you that subtle glow.
During our matte face highlighter research, we found 48 matte face highlighter products and shortlisted 8 quality products. We collected and analyzed 2,397 customer reviews through our big data system to write the matte face highlighters list. We found that most customers choose matte face highlighters with an average price of £5.94.
The matte face highlighters are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of matte face highlighters, including bayfree, EveBeaty, KYDA, ZDHSOY, KARLOR. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 116 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.
Charlotte Powell is a dermatologist and a licensed cosmetologist from Westminster, London. However, she was first a cosmetologist from London Beauty Training School. According to Charlotte, she needed better insight into the human skin, hence the dermatology degree. Long before she acquired her degree, she wrote and edited articles, eBooks, and editorials for companies and websites. Charlotte combines her skill and knowledge in providing DIY Beauty tips amongst other fashion related topics.