Plot Twist: Powder Highlighter Is Back (And This New £9 e.l.f. Cosmetics Buy Is Responsible)
Powder highlighters are officially having a moment again - and we've got e.l.f. Cosmetics' new Halo Glow Silky Powder Highlighter to thank.
I bought my first ever highlighter in 2012. I remember it vividly: compact in hand, brush at the ready, and a hopeful sweep across the cheekbones that would quickly turn me into a human disco-ball. Back then, powder highlighters were a little clunky, often a touch too glittery, but we didn’t care - we adored them anyway. It was glow in its earliest, most earnest form.
Since then, bar a few (very expensive) standouts, creams, balms and sticks have relegated powders to the bottom of my makeup bag. I’ve come to prefer formulas that melt into my skin, as I join in the collective pursuit of achieving a “real” glassy glow. But e.l.f. Cosmetics’ new Halo Glow Silky Powder Highlighter is here to reclaim the powder crown – and prove me wrong in the process.
What makes it different?
Firstly, let me say, this is nothing like 99% of the powders I’ve used previously. The Halo Glow Silky Powder Highlighter offers an ultra-fine milled, almost cloud-like texture that, when applied with the complimentary brush, glides onto skin with the lightest touch.
Final verdict
The finish? Radiant, luminous, mega-watt cheekbones that instantly grab the light. It's just unbelievably pretty - definitely on the glassy side, and not remotely cakey. Most importantly for me, it also has proper staying power (something stick highlighters still can’t seem to fully get right IMO).
Coming in at just £9, the Halo Glow highlighter also happens to be about a quarter of the price of the luxury powder highlighters that I've tried over the years, making it super easy to get a Hollywood glow without the Hollywood price tag. Available in five shades designed to dial up your wattage, there’s something for every mood and undertone. My favourite? Blush Money - a warm, pinky-rose gold that mimics the natural flush of my holiday skin at golden hour.
But let’s be clear, e.l.f Cosmetics isn't a one-trick pony when it comes to glow-getting products. Its entire Halo Glow offering has quite the reputation, especially the cult-loved Halo Glow Liquid Filter which continues to rival far pricier versions. Keep scrolling to shop my top beauty picks from the collection - along with its cult new highlighter.
The best affordable glow-getting products from e.l.f Cosmetics
e.l.f. Cosmetics
Halo Glow Liquid Filter
£16.00
The original glow-giver. Worn alone, under or over makeup, it delivers that soft-focus, lit-from-within finish that’s become the range’s signature. I've tested more expensive versions and I truly can't see the difference.
e.l.f. Cosmetics
Halo Glow Skin Tint SPF 50
£18.00
Summer's coming, and that means foundation is out the window. In it's place - the humble skin tint. Lightweight, breathable and quietly hardworking, this hydrating, serum-like skin tint also boasts mineral SPF 50 protection but will feel like you're wearing nothing at all.
e.l.f. Cosmetics
Halo Glow Setting Powder
£9.00
There's a big difference between glow and shine. This silky, weightless loose powder tackles the latter, blurring pores and fine lines while locking makeup in place, leaving behind an airbrushed finish without making you matte.
e.l.f. Cosmetics
Halo Glow Silky Powder Highlighter
£9.00
How many of the Silky Powder Highlighters is too many? I'm thinking of picking up this champagne gold shade to ramp up my holiday tan. So gorgeous.
e.l.f. Cosmetics
Halo Glow Highlight Beauty Wand
£10.00
Can't convince you to give the powder a go? Don't fret - e.l.f. Cosmetics' Beauty Wand is also iconic for those who simply prefer this application method. Cushion-tip colour that blends in seconds, leaving cheeks looking fresh, dewy and just the right side of flushed.
e.l.f. Cosmetics
Halo Glow Contour Beauty Wand
£10.00
What's highlight without a little contrast? Skin should look luminous and sculpted, and this blendable liquid formula is so effective for creating natural definition with a subtle glow rather than harsh lines.