The beauty industry is constantly evolving, introducing a plethora of trends, yet some trends establish themselves as enduring favorites. One such trend that has gained immense popularity is highlighting and strobing, leading virtually every makeup brand to include a highlighter in its product lineup. Highlighters now come in various formulations, including powder, cream, and liquid. In this piece, I’ll focus on the beloved Benefit Watt’s Up Cream Highlighter.
Benefit has made a name for itself with an impressive array of products, including the renowned Hoola Bronzing Powder. The Watt’s Up highlighter is equally impressive. Its name cleverly plays on the terms ‘watt’—a unit of power—and ‘watts,’ referring to the energy emitted by a light bulb, reflecting its ability to deliver a stunning glow. This cream-to-powder highlighter features a champagne shade that complements most skin tones. It boasts an incredibly smooth application and a blendable formula, complete with a sponge that ensures seamless blending.
The highlighter comes packaged in a cardboard casing that reveals a tube containing 9.4 grams of product, which is ample and likely to last a considerable time. A protective plastic lid shields the tube, and on the opposite end, there’s a small sponge for application, also housed in a plastic cover.
The champagne tone is universally flattering, offering a radiant finish without any overpowering glitter or shimmer. Whether used alone or layered over makeup, it achieves a breathtaking look. The finish is soft and natural, with the ability to be intensified for a more dramatic glow.
Benefit’s Watt’s Up also performs exceptionally well in flash photography, making it a great option for highlighting areas like the collarbone, shoulders, and neck, enhancing your overall appearance. You can effectively apply it along the cheekbones, the bridge of the nose, the cupid’s bow, as a brow highlighter, or even on the eyelids.
While many cream highlighters can struggle with oily or combination skin types, Benefit’s Watt’s Up transitions seamlessly from cream to powder. It doesn’t accentuate pores or create a sweaty appearance. Thanks to its lightweight formula and dreamy blendability, it’s beginner-friendly and provides a long-lasting finish without becoming chalky.
For application, you can use the tube directly on your skin and blend with the sponge; however, I prefer applying it to my finger first and then using a separate makeup sponge for hygienic reasons. This highlighter is effective for both warm and cool skin tones and across various skin types, making it one of the top choices available. The only potential drawback is its premium price tag, retailing at around $30.
What is your go-to highlighter? Share your favorites in the comments below!
