Rare Beauty Highlighter: One thing is for sure: I am a sucker for dewy skin. Of course, I love soft matte looks too, but a glowing, non-oily complexion will always be the makeup look I gravitate toward and strive to perfect. When I heard that one of my favorite brands, Rare Beauty, had launched the Positive Light Silky Touch Highlighter.
I knew I had to get my hands on the product before it sold out for good. When I noticed that the hashtag #rarebeautyhighlight had been viewed over 70 million times on TikTok, I immediately knew the brand was onto something good.
With a range of powder formulas that can serve as alternatives or complements to the brand’s liquid shades, I was eager to see what the highlighter would do with my own makeup looks. To learn more about my experience with Rare Beauty’s Positive Light Highlighter, continue reading my full review below.
About My Skin: Sensitive and combination
After suffering from acne throughout my teenage years and into my adult years, my skin and I have come a long way. About a year ago, my dermatologist put me on Accutane, and since taking this oral treatment, my skin’s appearance has improved significantly. With or without my acne issues, I’ve always loved my skin to have a bright, lit-from-within finish.
Right now, my go-to complexion product is the Halo Glow Liquid Filter from e.l.f. Cosmetics. After applying this skincare/makeup hybrid, I add a little blush to my cheeks using one of my Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush colors. I have a few different highlighters that I love, but lately I’ve been switching to one of my Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Wands.
When it comes to highlighters, I like products that are intensely pigmented and make my cheeks pop. I wanted to see if Positive Light Highlighter would give me the look I was going for and live up to Rare Beauty’s overall prestigious reputation.
How to Apply: Use a brush to sweep onto high points
While it’s fairly straightforward to apply, using a highlighter can be a different experience for everyone. Some people prefer to use multiple layers of product, while others prefer to apply as little as possible to achieve a subtle glow in key areas.
Either way, the application process for Rare Beauty’s Positive Light Highlighter is simple. The brand recommends taking a brush, gently sweeping it over the highlighter, and then applying the product in light strokes to the high points of your face.
The Results: Glowing, healthy-looking skin
I’m always so excited when Rare Beauty releases a new product; I’m curious to see if it will be another star product that I can add to my list of favourites from the brand. I’m so happy to say that Positive Light Highlighter is another exceptional product.
Although it’s a powder, the highlighter has a nice creamy texture while still feeling lightweight. The highlighter is so vibrant that I thought it might last for several hours, and I was pleased to find that it did – I was able to wear it all day without needing to touch it up.
When I first applied the Positive Light Highlighter to my hand, it was so intense and pigmented that I knew I would have to be sparing when applying it to my face. Each time I used the highlighter, I started with a light layer to determine how much product I wanted to use. At most, I added an additional layer or two after the first application.
The product itself blends well and is very easy to use: as I applied the highlighter to my skin, each new layer increased the luminosity until it reached the desired intensity. When I was done, the high points of my face were beautifully accentuated and I had luminous skin and a glowy (but never gritty) glow.
The Value: Incredible quality that’s well worth the cost
For $25, I think the Rare Beauty Positive Light Highlighter is a reasonable price. Considering its incredible quality, it’s affordable and not too expensive. The product has amazing pigmentation and you only need a small amount to make a big impact, so I think it will last a long time, making it an even better investment.
Similar Products: You’ve got options
LYS Beauty Aim High-Pressure Highlighter Powder: Slightly more affordable but just as effective, the LYS Beauty Aim High-Pressure Highlighter Powder ($19) is a vegan and cruelty-free product that gives your skin an instant glow. If budget is a priority for you, this is a solid option that doesn’t skimp on quality.
Lady Gaga Haus Labs Bio-Radiant Gel-Powder Highlighter: An intensely pigmented gel-powder formula, Haus Labs Bio-Radiant Highlighter ($40) melts into the skin while creating a soft glow. Available in 10 shades, this product is the ideal solution if you want maximum options.
Dior Backstage Glow Face Palette: A luxe highlighter that’s definitely worth the investment, the Dior Backstage Glow Face Palette ($45) offers four vibrant and stunning highlighter shades in one product.
You can choose which one you want to use that day or mix them together for a glow of impressive dimensions. This product is great for a customizable look, but if you need a simple, more affordable highlighter, you can’t go wrong with Rare Beauty.
Conclusion
Rare Beauty’s Positive Light highlighter, which gives my skin an incredible glow and luminosity without any excess shimmer or graininess, is another star product from the cult Selena Gomez brand. After trying it for a month, I was very happy with the highlighter’s creamy texture and vibrant pigments that lasted all day without the need for touch-ups.