I have tried countless highlighters, but these are my top picks for achieving a natural glow.

      When putting together a low-maintenance makeup routine, a good highlighter may not be the first item on your list. In conversations with other beauty editors or friends and family regarding their essential makeup products, items like a versatile concealer, an excellent mascara, or a volumizing brow gel are typically regarded as must-haves. However, for me, there's one item I depend on every morning to brighten my complexion and prepare me for the day: a cream highlighter.

      As someone who prefers a quick and easy morning routine, I find a cream highlighter to be an underrated multitasker. It revitalizes my often weary-looking skin, making it appear fresher, brighter, and more awake with just a few taps on the high points of my face.

      **What Makes a Good Cream Highlighter?**

      Not all cream highlighters are the same, which has motivated me to seek out the best formulas. Before I began testing them, I wanted to hear from experts regarding the characteristics of an ideal radiance booster. “A good cream highlighter should be creamy enough to build and blend easily but not too greasy that it fades quickly—it must have staying power,” says celebrity makeup artist Tania Grier. “It should highlight using fine pigments—avoid anything too shimmery or heavy that is overly noticeable! Also, consider your skin tone when selecting one, as many people tend to choose shades that are too pale and ashy.”

      Ready to achieve a luminous glow? Below, I've compiled a list of the best cream highlighters for effortless radiance.

      **Best Cream Highlighters**

      - **Best Cream Highlighter for a Natural Glow:** Merit Day Glow Highlighting Balm (£28)

      - **Best for Longevity:** Victoria Beckham Beauty Reflect Highlighter Stick (£45)

      - **Best Cream Highlighter for Oily Skin:** Ilia Lightshift Cream Highlighter (£41)

      - **Best for Dry Skin:** Jones Road Miracle Balm (£36)

      - **Best for Cream Highlighter Newbies:** Collection Gorgeous Glow Highlight Stick (£5)

      1. **Merit Day Glow Highlighting Balm**

       This highlighter is one of the few I can count on to instantly refresh my tired skin without appearing overly made up. The Merit Beauty highlighter features a beautifully balmy texture, aided by hydrating squalane and an amino acid blend, allowing for easy application. Its creaminess makes it blend seamlessly into the skin, leaving behind a soft, candlelit glow. Personally, I prefer it on bare skin after my skincare routine, as it gives the illusion of having had eight hours of sleep, though it also looks lovely over foundation. If a minimal makeup routine appeals to you, you might find this product very appealing.

       **Pros:** Natural, dewy finish; easy to apply

       **Cons:** May not satisfy those wanting a dramatic highlight

      2. **Victoria Beckham Beauty Reflect Highlighter Stick**

       I've yet to encounter a Victoria Beckham Beauty product that I haven't loved. Although this cream highlighter comes with a higher price tag, its quality distinguishes it from many others available. The sophisticated formulation creates the effect of just having undergone a premium facial rather than applying a product meant for evident shine. The creamy stick applies smoothly to both bare skin and makeup, providing a light-reflective finish that catches the eye without seeming sparkly. Grier recommends this for oily skin as it dries to a nearly velvet-matte finish, lasts all day, and still imparts a lovely glow.

       **Pros:** Offers a polished, glass-like sheen; all-day wear

      3. **Sculpted by Aimee Cream Luxe Highlighter**

       If you prefer to control the intensity of your glow, this option is incredibly versatile. One of my initial impressions was how easily I could adjust it to fit the desired look. A light layer by simply dabbing with my fingertips creates a soft, luminous glow ideal for daily wear, whereas using a brush allows for a more pronounced look in the evenings. I appreciate the creamy texture and its ability to blend seamlessly, even over heavier foundations. Its versatility makes it appealing for both highlighter newcomers and experts.

       **Pros:** Can be built from subtle to intense; layers well over other products

       **Cons:** Requires some blending

      4. **Ilia Lightshift Cream Highlighter**

       I was hesitant about cream highlighters due to my oily skin, fearing that I'd end up looking excessively shiny by midday. However, this Ilia cream-to-powder formula is perfect for those with similar concerns, offering the blendability and dewiness of a cream but with the lasting power of a powder. It's easy to blend with your fingertips and effectively brings light to the high points of the face without an overly shiny finish. Additionally, its powdery finish ensures it lasts well throughout the day while layering gracefully with other products.

       **Pros:** Cream-to-powder formula; bright