Budget Beauty: Highlighters to try under P500
Highlighters used to be pretty low on the beauty totem pole, at least here in the Philippines, because we were all scared of how easily glowy skin could turn into grease-landia in this heat. But the narrative is different now. As more Korean and American makeup lovers dig the dew, we realize how useful they can be! Highlighters are stunning when worn correctly - on the brow bones, cheekbones, bridge and tip of the nose, corners of the eyes, and/or the philtrum!
As a student on a really tight budget though, Benefit's Watt's Up and Bobbi Brown's Shimmer Brick are way out of my league so I headed out to the department store to check out the best highlighter deals currently available. Here's what I found!
Ellana Blush Duo Compact in Light Roast and Butter Rum (P299 each, at Ellana)
This is an old favorite at Project Vanity for being one of the best affordable highlight/contour duos we've tried so far. If you're not into contouring though, Ellana now sells the pans individually! Butter Rum may look scary white in the photo, but it actually has finely-milled gold shimmers that you only need to apply sparingly.
Image via worldinspiresyoucreate.wordpress.com
Essence Soo Glow! Cream to Powder Highlighter (P169 at SM Beauty and Watsons)
This wow-ed me upon first touch - the cream is so soft and the finish is gorgeous! As promised, it dries to a powdery finish and quite quickly too, so you need to be really fast when blending it on. It’s almost impossible to diffuse this once it’s dry. There are two shades available: 10 Look On The Bright Side (yellow undertone) and 20 Bright Up Your Life (pink undertone).
Image via The Face Shop Philippines
The Face Shop Flash Pink Powder Beam (P495 at The Face Shop boutiques)
This is a loose illuminating finishing powder but the subtle shimmer allow it to moonlight as a highlighter! It has a delicate pink tint that creates a brightening effect on skin. If you use BB creams, they recommend a liquid version called High Lighter Beam, which is just P395.
Etude House Face Color Corset in Light Shading Corset (P278 at Etude House boutiques)
This is a subtle highlighter for those who aren’t ready to commit. The shimmer is very fine and the effect isn’t as much as one would normally expect. It’s the perfect highlighter for a no-makeup makeup look.
Image via Etude House Philippines
Image via makeupalley.com
ELF All Over Color Stick in Spotlight (P130 at SM Beauty and Watsons)
ELF products are often hit or miss, and this one is definitely a home run! It’s subtle but the effect is really there. It’s a cream product which I actually prefer when it comes to highlighters since it’s easier to pack the product where you want it to stay.
Image via beautynmelody.com
Tony Moly Luminous Goddess Aura Crystal Light (P448 at Tony Moly boutiques)
This liquid highlight promises to give your skin a heavenly glow, but make sure to use it sparingly. Just a few small dots of this product on your nose bridge, cheekbones, cupid's bow and forehead are all you need to instantly look like an KPOP star!
Do you use highlighters? What are your favorite products for achieving that healthy glow?
