Highlighters give this dark-skinned girl anxiety. There was the $75 Dior highlighter I bought after a boozy brunch (zero makeup inhibitions at that moment) that turned out too ashy. Boy – that hurt the wallet and the soul. There was the liquid highlighter that despite master blending, refused to blend leaving me looking like a streaky C-3PO. I loved Fenty Beauty’s Trophy Wife Highlighter, but I don’t have Pat McGrath-level makeup artistry skills to apply it properly. It’s now relegated to an inner eye highlight only.
Thankfully, I found Becca’s Topaz and Chocolate Geode highlighters which are perfect, but they cost almost $50 each. As I don’t wear highlighters too often, I wanted something that had more bang for the buck, but still made a ton of impact. That’s where Maybelline’s Master Chrome and Holographic Highlighters come in…thank goodness.
After being shocked at the high pigmentation of the Trophy Wife Highlighter, I grabbed a fan brush to apply the 100 Molten Gold colour. I didn’t know quite what to expect, but after a light application, I was pleasantly surprised! It gave me a beautiful highlight that boosted my summer skin that is a few shades darker than normal. It also gave me a really nice blurred, dewy effect that I love. The 050 Molten Rose Gold colour is also perfect for boosting a sunny glow with a hint of pink warmth.
Maybelline’s Master Holographic Prismatic Highlighter is a serious favourite. At first glance, it’s a bright white, opalescent powder. Look closely and you’ll pick up hints of rose gold, blue and green shimmer. I had initially written it off as being too light for my skin, but it’s seriously perfect. I apply it to my upper cheek area for a subtle opalescent shine. The rose gold sparkles really pop and look great! I have nothing like this in my collection and I didn’t think I’d reach for it this much! This shade also looks lovely as a browbone highlighter and dabbed over lipgloss.
Those who prefer more impact should grab a dense stippling, foundation or fluffy blush brush for serious impact. And pro tip: these metallic highlighters look fabulous on shoulders and decolleté in the summer. Think extra beautiful skin for all of those off-the-shoulder tops and dresses.
For those not too interested in laying down major bucks for a highlighter, the Maybelline Master Chrome collection is my top suggestion for you. At $13.99 CAD, it performs just as well as the pricier ones.
Have you tried Maybelline Master Chrome and Master Holographic Highlighters? Which one is your fave?
*A big thank you to Maybelline for sponsoring this post.
Dominique is a Canadian-based fashion and beauty influencer with a strong voice in Ottawa’s black community. Since launching her blog Style Domination in 2015, she has amassed a global fanbase. Dominique shares her life through beautiful imagery and compelling story-telling that speaks to her fans on a personal level. She’s been featured in The Guardian, Flare, The Kit and Cityline. She also hosts events for Dress for Success, the Gem Conference, and has been named a United Way Person 2 Know for the past three years.
Thanks for the awesome advice Dom. I am going to look for this over the weekend. Enjoy the long weekend!
Author
Hey Carmen! Oooh! I hope you like them! I personally think they are stellar, especially for such a low price point! Remember, I would use a fan brush or a light touch to achieve a nice glow suitable for normal human beings! LOL!
First of all, your skin looks amazing!!! Secondly, thanks for this tip. I don’t wear a lot of make-up – so I am also looking for a great product, with a lower price. I’m going to check them out during my next Target run!
Author
Thank you soooo much, Tara! Skincare is my primary love! You totally should check them out. The glory of Target is at least you can return it if you don’t like them!!
It looks so pretty! You have amazing skin BTW, what products do you use?
Author
Hi Lauren! A huge thank you! I swear by the French skincare line, Darphin. I use SkinMedica Gel Cleanser, Bioderma Micellar Water to remove any leftover traces of makeup after washing, Darphin Exquisage facial moisturizer, Darphin 8-Flower Nectar Oil on my forehead which always seems a tad dry, and I drink of ton of water and try to get as much sleep as possible. That last one is usually a major fail!! xo
Thank you for the advice. Next time I need makeup, I’m definitely going to try these out.
Author
Treat yo’self!
This product looks beautiful on your skin, I love how the highlighters just give you a natural glow but are not sparkly, I will have to try these!
~xo Sheree
poshclassymom.com
Author
Hi Sheree! That is what I thought when I first tried them! Subtle and classy! But you can go heavy for a super dramatic too for those who do like super shine and sparkle…
It looks lovely on you! Highlighters are so hard to find when your dark, I know. So I must try this out!
Author
Caroline!!! The struggle! Girllll – I tell ya. It took me forever just to discover the Becca ones (I feel like I was the last person on Earth to know about those)! Try the Maybelline ones out and let me know what you think!
I have heard so many great things about this highlighter. I’m partially biased to the NYX duo chromatic illuminating powder but I’m just extra lol. Thanks for sharing. I will definitely check it out
Author
Oooh Sandy! I’ll have to check out that one by Nyx!!! Thanks for the heads up!
I’ve also been guilty of the post-brunch bad shopping decisions lol! I’ve been looking for some cheap highlighters too for a nice everyday glow. I’ll give these a shot! It looks amazing on you. xx
Author
Thanks, Belle! I love them and love that they come in a good range of colours. Remember to use a light hand if you want a nice, day look!
your makeup looks gorgeous!
http://www.layersofchic.com
Author
Thanks, Mary!!! So nice!
Wow your skin is sooo glowy! I’ve never tried this product but I’m all for drugstore products that work as well as high end! Thanks for sharing! xo, Brittany Nicole