YOUR NEW-SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
When news reached us that Benefit had given High Beam – its classic pink liquid highlighter – a bit of a makeover, we were intrigued. Diehard fans don’t panic: it’s a tweak to the packaging rather than the formulation and we think it’s all for the better. The bottle has been reduced to 6ml (from 10ml) and the price is now €19.50 instead of €28 (debenhams.ie). Gone is the mini (and oft-criticised) applicator brush and in its place is a doe foot (that spongey tip you find on many a lip gloss and suchlike).
This revamp got us thinking about highlighters generally, especially as spring is almost officially here, and brightening things up seems entirely appropriate. So here are four more favourites that we consider to be deserving of high praise and High Beam dupes. As with any highlighter you can use them alone under make-up to pick up and accentuate high points on the face, or mix with foundation to create more of a general lustre.
Iconic London Illuminator in Shine (€41, iconiclondoninc.com). The easiest way to fake the bone structure you wish you were born with, this repeatedly sold out when it launched and its popularity remains undiminished. As buildable, blendable and finely milled as High Beam, this comes with an angled dropper applicator for controlled dispensing. Wear it as above or blend on to browbones, cheekbones and your cupid’s bow for a luminosity that really pops.
Elf Jelly Highlighter in Bubbly (€7.15, elfcosmetics.co.uk). This super-affordable option has a slightly different texture to High Beam. It really is a small pot of jelly, but it blends like a liquid – and does not budge once set. Apply with fingertips to impart a perfect dewiness to the complexion with high impact on the cheekbones.
W7 Beam Me Up! Illuminator in Volcano (€10.75, w7makeup.com). This comes as a dropper applicator and a little goes a really long way. The closest to High Beam in shade, W7’s offering is slightly cooler while retaining that signature pink glow.
Chanel Le Blanc Rosy Light Drops (€45, nationwide). This has a more fluid texture and sheer formula than the above, but does a similar job just in a more understated way. Plus the pump-dispenser packaging is super chic and, let’s face it, sometimes that really does affect our choice.
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