Laura Geller’s Baked Gelato Swirl Illuminator Is Back From the Vault—and Yes, It’s That Good

After six years off the market, the cult-favorite highlighter returns with a formula that actually loves dry and mature skin.

By Camila Quimper Oct 17, 2025 11:00 AMTags
Shop Laura Geller Baked Gelato_1024x759.jpgPhoto Courtesy of Laura Geller

If you thought highlighter was just for teens chasing a glow, think again. Laura Geller’s Baked Gelato Swirl Illuminator is back from the vault after six years, and this time, it’s designed with dry and mature skin in mind.

For anyone who remembers the original cult-favorite in the shade "Gilded Honey," this reimagined formula delivers the same radiant, swirled glow—but with hydration and a creamy, finely-milled texture that flatters skin at any age.

Highlighter isn’t just sparkle, it’s light in a compact. When applied to cheekbones, the bridge of the nose, or cupid’s bow, it mimics the natural radiance of smooth, glowing skin. But not all highlighters are created equal.

Photo Courtesy of Laura Geller

Chunky glitter, coarse powder, or formulas that dry out can age skin rather than enhance it. Laura Geller’s updated Baked Gelato Swirl skips the harsh shimmer in favor of light-reflecting particles so subtle they feel like part of your skin.

“Originally, the old Baked Gelato wasn’t working for women with mature skin,” says Laura Geller. “This version gives the same glow but with skincare benefits.” Fans like actress Debi Mazar and celebs including Kyle Richards, Oprah Winfrey, and Fran Drescher all swear by the brand.

Photo Courtesy of Laura Geller

Ready to get your radiance back? It’s the glow we’ve all been waiting for. It's available on Amazon now, plus it's 50% off on the Laura Geller site for a limited time.

Laura Geller New York Baked Gelato Swirl Illuminator

Still hand-finished by artisans in Italy, this highlighter is baked on terracotta tiles for 24 hours to give you that signature glow. Now infused with Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E, and Vitamin C Esters, it hydrates, brightens, and flatters skin with a soft-focus finish.

read
Editor-Approved: This K-Beauty Cleansing Balm Is So Good, I Officially Gave Up Makeup Wipes For It

Laura Geller Baked Gelato Swirl Illuminator Reviews:

One reviewer raved: "I love my Laura Geller! She has been my #1 since I started wearing makeup!! This highlighter is the perfect soft glow on any area of the face for any skin type. It was a discount special, so the price was great. This will last forever, a little goes a long way. Beautiful!!"

"This baked gelato highlighter provides a luminous look. The swirl on top makes it look like gelato. The product itself is high quality as well. It is easy to use. It provides a luminous and not glittery shine. I use it on my cheekbones, eyelids, and collarbones. I think it goes on smoothly, and one swipe is sufficient. The color is subtle on my skin, so all I can see is the shine. It lasts all day, more than 13 hours on me; I do set it with fixing spray. There is no strange fragrance, and it doesn’t cause redness or irritation. For the quality, it is a great value," said another Amazon customer.

This shopper gushed, "This illuminator is great for giving your look a little extra something. I apply it to the high points, as recommended, and it definitely gives me a noticeable shimmer and shine in those spots. I apply it to the top part of my cheekbones and my brow bone below my brows. You don’t need much. A little goes a long way, making it a great value. You can be as subtle or dramatic as you’d like, depending on your need or event. It goes on smoothly and evenly. It’s also easily bendable. This illuminator works well for me. I’m happy with it and recommend it."

Photo Courtesy of Laura Geller

Holiday Gift Shopping? We Found a Beekman 1802 Hand Cream Gift Set for 70% Off (Only $29 RN).

How We Choose

The E! Insider Shop editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews, and use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.

As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think our readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not E!. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.