Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Review: Benefit High Beam

A dewy, healthy glow is a signature look for many models and celebrities. Makeup companies churn out products for the rest of us that claim to shimmer, shine and illuminate their way to a similar look. Unfortunately, most miss the mark -- but I recently added a new product to my collection. Enter Benefit's High Beam, a "luminescent complexion enhancer" designed to give you a healthy glow when blended onto the top of your cheekbones. The packaging notes that it can be used on brow bones too, but I opt for a more minimalist approach. Let's see if High Beam rightly earned its "model in a bottle" nickname, shall we?


Pros:
  • (potentially) Perfect for skin tones ranging from light to medium-dark
  • Icy pink color that works with either rosy or golden undertones, although there is a more warm-toned peach version called Moon Beam
  • Blends smoothly onto the skin
  • Has staying power
  • No glitter, just very soft, light-reflecting shimmer
  • Gives a "candlelit glow"
Cons:
  • May cause breakouts if not washed off before bed (learned that the hard way) 
  • The brush applicator is similar to a nail polish brush -- I don't mind, but many reviewers dislike this
It can be difficult to capture in photos, depending on the light. But here's a decent example:


The overall verdict? I love it. I can learn to live with the above-mentioned cons, and I'm a big fan of the way it kicks my look up a notch -- provided I don't pile it on. Too much of this product is definitely a bad thing. You want to look glowing, not glow-in-the-dark. My general rule of thumb is to use it sparingly (if at all) during the day, and apply it a bit more liberally for an evening out. Do what works for you. =)

Do you use an illuminating product?


8 comments:

  1. When I went to the counter they tried this on me and I LOVED it. I think it's especially nice on my dark skin. The only think I didn't like about this was the price :/ I can do without glow for that much. Do you know of any cheap dupes?

    p.s that picture of you is so pretty!

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    1. Aw, thanks Joanna! I'm with you on the price, although it is a huge bottle for the purpose. If I didn't have my Birchbox points (or maybe a Sephora gift card) I'm not sure I could have brought myself to buy a bottle. In any case, you're in luck as far as dupes go! Here are some similar products I found via other blogs or videos:

      - Boots No7: High Lights Illuminating Lotion (these may be at Target, or online)

      - Elf: Facial Whip in Lilac Petal

      - Elf: Facial Whip in Spotlight

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  2. I don't use an illuminating product ... I usually go for the matte look. Love this though!

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  3. i've used a similar product by benefit, but i forget which one it was. it was a solid stick though, same concept as a highlighter. i only used it once when i was visiting a friend, but i did like the effects. guess i should ask her what it was :)

    a peek of chic

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    1. It might have been Girl Meets Pearl, though I'm not sure. =)

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  4. I love your review (and your earrings). I have been thinking about trying it myself. Glad to hear you were so happy with it.

    *Erin

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Erin! It's definitely worth it, but there are some comparable dupes, as I mentioned in the comments above to Joanna. =)

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