Ever since getting my 2015 Guerlain Météorites, I’ve been searching for some that aren’t as old to replace it. Unfortunately, no others from Guerlain have been able to fill that void. This brings me to the reason I purchased their newest Météorites, in yet another attempt to find something identical.
Well, this has certainly been the closest I’ve come! The older Météorites have an intense violet scent, whereas these new ones have been tweaked to smell of violets, sandalwood, vanilla, and musk at the same strongly lingering intensity. I prefer the original, though the new one is still okay. I don’t detect any of the vanilla, but the woody note mixed with violets is very present. Since they changed the scent anyway, I wish they toned it down so I wouldn’t smell it for so long while wearing it on my face and so the scent wouldn’t remain in my brushes either.
As for the color, Amber is subtle on my skin tone. I think going a shade lighter would have had the unfortunate effect of the pearls looking too cool for my warm undertone, and therefore ashy. The permanent Météorites have always been subtle, but my limited edition one had extra shimmer, which is the only thing I’m missing from these new ones. So, rather than using it as a highlighter, I can actually use these all over the face as intended as a finishing powder. When I think about it, I shouldn’t be searching anymore for subtle highlighters since I already have plenty I love.
When I use these Météorites, they’re impossible to detect on my camera when I take photos. I can see the slightest effect in person, and it’s pretty, but I actually prefer the sheen I get from using the Dior Powder No Powder over this one. So, once again, I think it’s time to end my search. I have other products by now that do the two functions I want, albeit separately, but have an even prettier effect than using the Guerlain product alone.
Considering this stunning packaging and having a layerable product, it’s still worth it for me to keep for the time being. However, I’m not sure that it would necessarily be worth it to others. I think perhaps this is just best for luxury lovers and not those who prioritize performance of makeup over everything else.
That’s all for today! Thank you for reading!
-Lili ❤
The only digital edits in the photos were to blur the background and remove moles which can be distracting for review purposes. The lighting in the first photo was the result of artificial light overpowering the natural light that was lacking during a cloudy and rainy day. I kept that one in this review since the tiniest of the meteorite particles were slightly more visible.
I’ve been saying for a while now that I really don’t need a huge highlighter collection because what I like usually comes down to having the smallest possible shimmer particles, a non-metallic finish, subtle to medium intensity, and being a color that suits me. Once I find the perfect one, there isn’t much need to purchase additional highlighters. So, I’m testing that theory in 2024. I only brought my top seven highlighters to Germany (and repurchased one additional former favorite in a different shade) in order to see if I will miss having endless options or if I can truly be happy with a smaller collection. I suspect that the only reason I had as many as I did was for the pretty packaging, embossings and debossings, and/or them being limited edition. Unlike other categories of makeup that I tried to do a mini declutter and took photos of everything, I only have a picture of my main highlighter drawer from 2021 as seen below. It really doesn’t look too different from what the 2023 version would look like because I slowed down on the highlighter purchases upon realizing things got out of hand, and I was only reaching for the same few ones while still barely making dents in them.
The first five highlighters I’ll be showing here can’t be ranked. It’s impossible for me to choose which one goes above the others because I love them equally for different reasons. The honorable mentions are products I loved, but left behind due to luggage weight limits on my flight.
I still enjoy my MAC highlighters, Becca Cosmetics highlighters, and more. However, I had to take into account the age of some of my older powders and how they aren’t fair to be compared to fresher formulas. So, this is my list of the best highlighters I own!
DISCLOSURE: All products in this post were purchased by me with my own money. I am not affiliated with any of these brands and all the links in this specific review are regular non-affiliated ones.
Tom Ford Shade Illuminate Highlighting Duo
As long as they aren’t sparkly and they’re a suitable skin tone match for me, baked gelee highlighters tend to be my favorites because of the wet effect they have on the skin. This is one of my top favorites of that type because of how smooth it looks and its versatility in impact. I’m able to make my highlighter application give light intensity to semi-high intensity with very small refined radiant particles. I reviewed several highlighters from Tom Ford and loved Tanlight specifically so much that I don’t feel the need to purchase anymore from the brand. The ability to tailor my color between the two shades is a great bonus.
Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Multi Glow Highlighter
It’s strange to call something so wonderful a “standard” formula, so perhaps “traditional” is a better way to describe how the highlighter looks on the skin. It’s basically what I picture as the quintessential shimmery powder highlighter. The third stripe is my perfect shade for a toned down highlight, but if I want to amp it up, I add a little of the first stripe. This produces a low emphasis on texture, excluding the second stripe that has larger size shimmer particles in it. The way it looks and performs fits the criteria of everything I want in a powder highlighter, so in my eyes it’s pretty much perfect. The only aspects keeping it down is the second stripe’s difference in shimmer particle size and difficulty picking up product from the highlighters on the left and right sides of the pan. The full review with more photos and details can be found HERE.
Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Glow Glide Face Architect Highlighter (form I kept was the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Blush & Glow Glide Palette in Tan-Deep)
The photo above shows the newest version of the highlighter that I decided to bring with me. In my review, the highlighter in the duo was pretty much identical to my Glow Glide shade in Sunset Glow. I decided to bring this one instead of the full-size I had been using, pictured below (in the compact I switched it to from its original packaging), because it’s smaller and has the bonus of having a blush with it as well. I could carry two products for the same size as one.
I mentioned in the Glow Glide review, in the same post as Dream Light, that this formula is officially my favorite of all of the brand’s highlighters. It gives the wet look I love and applies smooth like liquid because of its hybrid formula. It even feels a little damp, but it’s still a powder. It can emphasize texture if it’s too far from matching one’s skin tone, as I discovered when trying different shades in the line. There’s something about the way it reflects in the light that I love. As for the duo, I’m calling the highlighter in there the Glow Glide formula, but it hasn’t been officially stated by the brand from what I can see, so I’ll link my original review for the duo specifically HERE too. So, in my eyes, the overall Glow Glide formula and not the duo specifically, is what I consider one of the best highlighter formulas out there.
r.e.m. beauty Interstellar Highlighter Topper
I bought Miss Saturn first, thinking Miss Mars was too dark for me based on official website photos. I can sometimes pull off dark champagne shades of highlighters, so I liked this highlighter enough to be willing to try and see if I could get a better color match. It turns out that Miss Mars is much lighter on the skin than it looks within the compact. So, it’s actually a perfect shade match for me! Because of this, I completely stopped using Miss Saturn and use Miss Mars exclusively.
I have zero interest in the r.e.m. brand because their products’ packaging just doesn’t appeal to me, which is probably why I hadn’t reviewed this product until now, despite it being considered one of my top three highlighters at one point in my collection, and owning it for over a year! It’s now in my top five though, with me still being unable to label it at a specific rank among the five.
I gave Miss Mars the nickname, “The Highlighter Fixer,” because of its semi-sheer base. This is the perfect “topper” to fill gaps from highlighters with shimmer particles that are too spread out without increasing the intensity by adding it on top. The scatter effect is one I don’t mind on the eyes, but despise on my cheeks, so this product has been fantastic for me to get use out of some of the other highlighters in my collection that would otherwise have been tossed out, but I wanted to keep at least for the packaging. It also helps to lighten the look of some of the darker highlighters if I apply it on top too, or slightly deepen ones that are too light. Technically, most highlighters can do that, but this one does it without altering the intensity level.
When used alone, this highlighter’s radiance is subtle, giving a glow from within from its micro size shimmer particles. I like the fact that it’s not very reflective because I don’t have to worry about it looking harsh in certain lighting situations.
The texture is a little drier than the others and doesn’t stick quite as well to the skin if the base products underneath aren’t dewy to help it along, but the difference is it lasting eight hours versus twelve or more. It’s still long enough lasting for my needs. There are some uncommon colors in the range, so I cannot speak for all of them in being useful or pretty. My recommendation is for the more traditional skin tone colors from the brand.
Pat McGrath Skin Fetish: Ultra Glow Highlighter (Divine Rose)
Everything I raved about regarding the Tom Ford highlighter applies to this, but there’s more shimmer particles in this one. This shade isn’t perfect for me because it’s golden-pink. It’s very pretty, but not 100% flattering on my warm undertone because of the pink pearly element, but it looks a little more natural if I pair it with a neutral or slightly cool-toned blush. If I’m a few shades darker, as can happen during summer, this is at times too light. Currently, it works.
I’ve referenced this highlighter many times, but I don’t believe I ever officially reviewed it, so I’ll include a photo below of it on the top of my cheekbones, inner corner of my eyes, and under the brow arch. When the apartment is nearly finished being worked on, I’ll try to create a better lighting setup.
The Ultra Glow formula is my absolute favorite from Pat Mcgrath, and I’ve been waiting…impatiently…for the brand to release another shade in this formula that’s sparkle-free (unlike the Bridgerton ones), but it hasn’t happened yet.
The way people rave about the Anastasia Beverly Hills x Amrezy highlighter as if it’s the best ever made is the way I feel about this highlighter, but I wish it was in my perfect shade. I still tend to use it quite often regardless. And in terms of baked gelee formulas, this one and the Tom Ford are my top favorites within that category.
Chantecaille Sunbeam Cheek and Eye Shade
This is another gel powder formula, but it’s a little more on the shimmery side than the others and with slightly larger particles of shimmer, but it’s still smooth looking on the face and a buildable formula. The shade is the deepest that I use and doesn’t work as well during certain times of the year, but in those times I have to be more careful about the placement on the face and I make sure to apply lightly. The original review is HERE.
Gxve Beauty Check My Glow Multi-dimensional Illuminating Talc-Free Highlighter
This is one of the two newest highlighters added to my collection and most recently reviewed. This formula reminds me the most of the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfectors, but less powdery and slightly more reflective. I love that I can tailor the shade depending on which colors I mix, and I have an easier time accessing each block than the Multi Glow from Charlotte Tilbury. This is yet another smooth looking and reflective highlighter that starts at medium intensity unless a very airy/wispy brush is used. Because it’s so new, I’m cautious about ranking it, but this has the potential to become one of my most loved.
I listed both products in this category because they’re so incredibly similar, but I didn’t bring mine from Nabla because their best shades for me are too light or too dark. I didn’t bring the one from Hatice Schmidt Labs because I planned to get the darkest shade while in Germany. Both of these I reviewed and discussed previously. For some reason, the brand has Medium and skipped Tan to go straight to Deep. Deep turned out to be not much darker than Medium (which probably explains the lack of need for Tan). The base color is medium-deep, but it’s not opaque, so the pearly colored shimmer/pigment lightens the color overall. The way it looks on the skin reminds me of Chantecaille’s highlighter, but much more reflective and intense in direct light. But because of that sheerer base, it can be subtle if using the right tools. It also tends to look subtle in many lighting situations in Germany because it’s so dark here! I’m used to the Florida brightness and sunshine. The Deep highlighter shade doesn’t pop on me unless light hits my cheek perfectly. This can be a benefit or downside depending on someone’s preferences.
Melt Cosmetics Digital Dust Highlighter
It might specifically be the Genesis shade from Melt in this formula that I love because I bought Nova just before this trip and it was just “nice,” but not special upon first impression. Plus, I rarely reached for the Digital Dust Duos again either several months after I reviewed them since they weren’t the perfect shades for me. It’s a little less refined than the other highlighters I’ve discussed already, but still pretty smooth. It has a great wet effect. It’s very reflective in the light and Genesis is an even more flattering tone than PML’s Divine Rose because it leans even more gold than pink on me. I left it behind because there are just so many others already that are like this and I wanted a small amount in my first wave of products I brought over. However, it’s definitely coming in the second wave.
Guerlain Meteorites Light Revealing Pearls Of Powder
The original one I purchased (having removed the stars) gave the ultimate subtle glow. I’ve been looking for a good replacement since 2015 or 2016. In that length of time, I’ve purchased three others in the hopes I could replicate the experience. The first was the pressed trio, but the issues were the shades and pearliness (pearls on my skin tone tend to have an ashy effect), another set of meteorites I don’t believe I ever reviewed (and later sold) that had red-bronze balls too deep and too red toned to suit me, and most recently a gold powder-gel one that is a bit light for me and just looks alright on the skin.
I stopped using my original meteorites after five years because of fear of using makeup so old, but I’m tempted to bring it over anyway and start using it again and give up trying to find a replacement. Then again, it might even be too subtle for my tastes nowadays. Just before I left, I tried out Melt’s new glaze powder which had a similar effect based on my first impression. It’s possible that one is the best replacement I’ll be able to get, even if it’s not from Guerlain themselves.
This is quite random, but speaking of Guerlain, I skipped getting anything from their Glittery Tiger themed holiday launch (the palette specifically). However, I bought a sweater for the season that reminded me of a mashup of those ideas and made me feel like I wasn’t missing out in some strange way. Plus, thanks to Black Friday sales, it cost the same as a single lipstick case!
Colourpop Super Shock Highlighters
One of the best features of the Super Shocks is the ability to get a cream-like wet looking effect on the face without it actually being dewy on the skin. Some of the Super Shocks can be more glittery than shimmery. My preference are the ones with the smallest of shimmer particles. I loved Parasol at first, but my tastes started changing and I wanted something a little deeper. Others I attempted to purchase since then were not the perfect shades. The best one came from the Avatar collaboration collection. I considered bringing that one specifically, but the formula requires a dense brush and works best with synthetic bristles. I’m still on my fude kick, so it will come later. This gives me a chance to use my top eight for most of 2024 before I reintroduce the honorable mentions to my updated collection.
That’s everything for today’s post! I hope it has been helpful. Thank you for reading!
Hourglass and Guerlain are the two most hyped brands I’ve seen when it comes to all over face powders that give a blur and sheen but aren’t shimmery enough to be considered highlighters. So, when I saw both brands release actual highlighters and noticed how similar they were, I had to buy them.
Hourglass Metallic Strobe Lighting Palette
This palette has a net weight of 9 grams for $64. It was originally released for the holidays in 2017, but they brought it back for a limited time in 2020. I purchased this in May, but as of August, it’s still available on multiple retailers’ websites.
The Hourglass powders have a sheer base to them, which is why they appear sheerer in swatches than the ones from Guerlain. However, the Hourglass powders are much more reflective, as can be seen when applied to my cheeks. So, they end up making a bigger impact with my usual application method. They are meant to be used wet for more intensity (with a spray or primer) or dry. When I apply them dry, they’re at my maximum shimmer comfort level (unless I use a light hand and blend them very well), so I don’t use them wet. The Guerlain ones can also be applied wet too, but the difference is minimal compared to the jump in intensity when the Hourglass powders are used wet.
Guerlain Pearl Dusting Palette
Also known as the Meteorites 3-in-1 Highlighting and Illuminating Pressed Powder Palette, this has a net weight of 8.5 grams for $65. So, it’s slightly more expensive for a bit less product. The compact is huge with a lot of wasted space, though the packaging feels luxurious. Both palettes have mirror-finish plastic packaging, but despite the Guerlain one having less makeup inside, it’s a bit heavier. I suspect the actual mirror inside the Guerlain compact is heavier than the one in the Hourglass and accounts for the difference in weight.
The visible sheen on the surface of Hourglass and Guerlain’s trio powders are unlike any other highlighters I own. This is probably due to the addition of pearl powder which both brands cite as the main contributor to the beauty of these highlighters. Even though a sheer base, in theory, seems like the Hourglass powders would look better on my skin, the micro pearl particles are whitish, which doesn’t look as complimentary to someone like me with a yellow undertone and dark skin. The base pigment in the Guerlain highlighters help match me better, with the exception of the pink one.
All Guerlain Meteorites have a lovely violet scent that I enjoy experiencing whenever I open the containers. I have a keen sense of smell, so perhaps I’m more sensitive to fragrances than most people, but the violet scent in this trio is way more intense than the regular meteorites. It’s on the cusp of headache-inducing. It takes a few hours before I can no longer smell it on my face, which is not something I ever experienced with the regular meteorite pearls. I bought this a month and a half ago, and even let it air out for a few hours, but the scent is still as present as the day I bought it. I can tolerate it enough to keep using it, but if you’re sensitive to smells I would caution against buying this.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Hourglass powders don’t have as much color to them, are smoother to the touch, easier to blend, are buildable and highly reflective. The Guerlain powders are more pigmented, stick where they apply, and have an impactful sheen without being blinding.
I’ve always favored Guerlain Meteorites over the Hourglass Ambient Powders, but when it comes to their highlighters it’s not as simple to decide between them.
Neither of the pink shades from Guerlain and Hourglass are flattering on me. They’re too stark on my skintone and look more white on my skin than the actual white pan powders.
The other two Guerlain powders are probably the most flattering on me and more of my style, though I have to tolerate the smell to wear them. I still think the other two Hourglass powders are beautiful. Lucent Strobe makes the most wearable-impact of them all, as it’s intense but not as icy.
The best uses of the Guerlain Trio I’ve found is using Gold alone, Amber alone, or mixing the Gold and Amber shades together. It tones down the yellow base in Gold while amping up the intensity that Amber doesn’t have on its own.
The best use of the Hourglass Trio I’ve found is to use Pure Strobe as an inner corner of the eye highlight and Lucent Strobe as a spotlight/pinpoint highlighter. I basically use a regular highlighter along my cheeks and at the very highest point of my cheekbone add Lucent Strobe to make that spot stand out even more. All that these Metallic Strobe powders really need is to be mixed with something deeper, and then the outcome is much more to my liking. In the photo below, I used Nabla’s Amnesia highlighter, which is not an example of a deeper highlighter, but of one that’s on the more subtle side that was amped up by Lucent Strobe.
The shades in the Guerlain Pearl Palette better compliment my skin tone than the Hourglass Metallic Strobe Palette. Both brands advertise these products as “universal” highlighters, but I don’t believe this to be the case. They can be used on a wide range of skin tones, but none were catered to me, not even the Guerlain trio. I still really enjoy them anyway and don’t regret my purchases.
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