Makeup Review

H&M Highlighter v. Lancôme Serum of Light

Ever since summer started, I've wanted something to highlight my cheekbones in the (mostly nonexistent) Midwestern sun. I had my eye on a Nars one, a Benefit liquid one, and powder or liquid Nyx ones. I was even ready to spend a little money on a combined bronzer pallet like Urban Decay Flushed or Stila All Over Shimmer duo. But those would have been a bad use of my money, since I'd never even tried a highlighter before--what if it looked bad, and I had wasted my money? 

Then I found a few that were bargains, so I gave those a try. In the end, I'm happy to say I found my highlighting soul mate!

I came into possession of these two highlighters by chance, in fact. The Lancôme one was in a box of free cosmetics given to me about a year ago, but long forgotten at the bottom of the pile since I had much oilier skin back then. I found it again in May when I finally decided it was time to clean out my excess makeup, and I'm really glad I did.

Lancôme Éclat Miracle Serum of Light

Though it's not my absolute favorite highlighter (the liquid ones make me nervous to apply, and they don't show up as well since they have to go underneath my powder), I love the amount of shimmer in this one. Plus, the liquid is easy to blend, despite my paranoia about looking streaky. That's just me being weird. In fact, this highlight gives an even more natural appearance than a powder, in my opinion, since it forces blending into the skin more than a powder does. I used this underneath my powder for a solid two months, and I loved the way it looked.

All that being said, I decided I needed to try something even more luminous for the peak of summer. Back to the drawing board for me! I contemplated the Stila pallet again, since the shimmers enticed me. Ultimately, though, I felt better about getting a cheaper product to try and then eventually graduating to a more expensive product once I figured out what I liked. That sent me back to the Nyx Illuminator in Ritualistic, a great light shade that would do exactly what I wanted for under $10. 

But then I started looking on hm.com for a makeup bag, as I'm still in the organization process that started back in May. (I'm a horrible procrastinator, I know. I also just have a ton of makeup.) Whilst there, I saw a picture of a compact powder highlighter that was only $6--$3 less than the Nyx one! That was insane. I knew I had to have it. 

H&M Highlighter Powder

I already own three H&M nail lacquers, which I adore, so I figured trying an actual cosmetic item would be the same. It was, and more. I fell in love instantly with the shimmer this gave me, the effortless blending with my Zoeva blush brush, and the versatility to put it on my cheeks, on my brow bone, or in the corners of my eyes. Liquid highlighters definitely can't do that! I'm so pleased with this compact that I've been inspired to go back to H&M to try more of their products. First on my list is their liquid eyeliner, lip tint, and eyeshadow pencil. 

The Lancôme one is obviously more expensive than the Nyx Born to Glow liquid illuminator, so try that one if budget is an issue. Liquid highlights work best for someone who doesn't use powder over their concealer or foundation, as I do. If powder is your thing, I would definitely encourage trying the H&M highlighter! I've used it every day since I purchased it and couldn't be happier with the results.