When you hear people talking about that “glow from within” look, chances are they’re referring to a good highlighter. And in today’s makeup world, nothing captures that effect quite like the Rare Beauty highlighter. Designed by singer and actress Selena Gomez, Rare Beauty has redefined what it means to glow naturally. The brand celebrates individuality, simplicity, and feeling good in your skin — and their highlighter is a perfect example of that mission.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Rare Beauty highlighter — its texture, performance, shade range, and what makes it different from the rest. If you’ve been wondering whether this cult-favorite product lives up to the hype, keep reading. We promise to keep things clear, simple, and helpful — just like the product itself.
Table of Contents
What Is the Rare Beauty Highlighter?
The Rare Beauty highlighter, officially known as the Positive Light Silky Touch Highlighter, is a soft, powder-cream formula that adds instant radiance to the skin. Unlike traditional highlighters that can look glittery or heavy, this one blends in seamlessly and leaves a smooth, luminous finish. It’s designed to flatter all skin tones and give a glow that looks natural, never overdone.
What’s even better? It’s buildable. That means you can go for a subtle shimmer in the daytime or layer it up for a bold, glowing look at night. It’s that flexible.
A Look at the Texture and Formula
Let’s talk texture — because this is where the Rare Beauty highlighter really shines. The powder is silky smooth and almost feels creamy to the touch. It doesn’t crumble or kick up dust when you use a brush. That’s a big plus because it makes application easier and cleaner.
When applied to the skin, it melts in beautifully. You don’t need to blend too much or worry about harsh lines. Even if you’re new to makeup, this formula is forgiving. It doesn’t sit on the surface or highlight texture, pores, or fine lines, which many other highlighters tend to do. Instead, it smooths everything out and gives that dreamy, lit-from-within look.
Shade Range: Something for Everyone
Rare Beauty believes that makeup should work for all skin tones, and that’s reflected in their shade range. The Rare Beauty highlighter comes in several shades — each one carefully created to complement different complexions.
- Enlighten – a cool-toned champagne for fair to light skin
- Exhilarate – a soft gold that works beautifully on medium skin
- Mesmerize – a rose bronze ideal for medium to deep skin
- Flaunt – a true bronze for deep skin tones
Each shade is pigmented but not overpowering. The color shows up well without looking streaky or too intense. You can wear it on bare skin or on top of foundation, and it blends in seamlessly either way.
Application Tips for Best Results
Using the Rare Beauty highlighter is simple and doesn’t require any fancy tools. Here’s how you can apply it for a perfect glow:
- Use a fan brush or a fluffy highlighting brush. Lightly tap the brush into the pan and apply it to the high points of your face — like the cheekbones, bridge of your nose, brow bones, and Cupid’s bow.
- Use your fingers. For a more intense glow, try tapping the product on with your fingertips. The warmth of your fingers helps the formula melt into your skin even more.
- Mix with foundation or cream blush. If you want an all-over radiant finish, mix a tiny bit of the highlighter with your foundation or cream blush.
No matter how you apply it, the result is a soft, candlelit glow that enhances your features rather than masking them.
Why People Love Rare Beauty Highlighter
Let’s be honest — the beauty world is full of highlighters. So why do people keep raving about this one? It comes down to a few key reasons:
- Natural-looking finish: It looks like skin, not makeup.
- Comfortable wear: No heaviness or greasy feeling.
- Long-lasting glow: It stays in place all day without fading.
- Versatile: Works for both soft everyday looks and dramatic glam.
- Inclusive: Made for all skin tones.
The Rare Beauty highlighter is proof that you don’t need glitter to glow. You just need the right formula.
What Makes Rare Beauty Special?
Rare Beauty as a brand has a unique philosophy. Founded by Selena Gomez, it focuses on mental health, self-love, and breaking down unrealistic beauty standards. The brand donates a portion of all sales to support mental health services. So when you buy a Rare Beauty highlighter, you’re not just investing in a great makeup product — you’re also supporting a positive mission.
Another key point? All Rare Beauty products are vegan, cruelty-free, and made with clean ingredients. That means you can feel good about what you’re putting on your skin.
Real Reviews from Real Users
The internet is full of glowing reviews — literally. Many users say the Rare Beauty highlighter is the best they’ve ever used. Here are a few common praises:
- “It looks like my skin is glowing, not like I put on glitter.”
- “This is the only highlighter I’ve found that doesn’t emphasize my pores.”
- “It’s so easy to use and I get compliments every time I wear it.”
Even professional makeup artists love it for its versatility and camera-ready finish.
How It Compares to Other Highlighters
If you’ve tried highlighters from other popular brands, you might be wondering how Rare Beauty stacks up. Here’s a quick comparison:
- Fenty Beauty Killawatt: Fenty has bolder, more metallic shades, while Rare Beauty offers a softer finish.
- Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector: Becca’s formula is slightly thicker. Rare Beauty feels lighter and smoother.
- Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder: Hourglass is more diffused and subtle. Rare Beauty has a bit more glow without being too much.
Overall, the Rare Beauty highlighter hits a sweet spot — it’s radiant but wearable, noticeable but never loud.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
Absolutely. The Rare Beauty highlighter lives up to its name in every way. It gives you a rare kind of glow — one that looks effortless, healthy, and real. Whether you’re a makeup beginner or a beauty pro, this product adds that perfect touch of light to your look.
It’s easy to use, works for all skin tones, and is kind to your skin and the planet. If you’ve been searching for a highlighter that flatters without overpowering, this one deserves a spot in your makeup routine.
So next time you want your skin to look like it’s glowing from the inside out, reach for the Rare Beauty highlighter. You won’t be disappointed.