February 7, 2012

Benefit Sun Beam Review & Swatches

Just for the record I am a misguided, lonely soul when it comes to highlighter application. I’m not sure if its ok to admit that I own a ton of highlighting products but don’t technically know how to apply them correctly.

Oh the horror!

The woe!

I did give Benefit Sun Beam a try out last week though just so see how much I’ve evolved in my highlighter application.

And its a win!

This is probably the easiest application and success I’ve had with highlighter recently so if you’re a bit of a goof with application do try this out, it’s foolproof.

Unlike Moonbeam, Sun Beam has a more golden touch and will suit olive and tanned skin tones best but no worries, fair and medium skin tones can enjoy it as well.

This is a dirty golden bronze, like warm Summer sunshine bottled up. The shade is rather gorgeous and it imparts a hint of golden sparkle on cheeks and face.

This comes in a Benefit’s traditional bottle with a nail polish-like brush for application. It’s pretty basic to apply and seems to prove fairly easy for me, believe me if I can do it anyone can. Swipe it on cheek bones, brow bone, or down the sides of your nose for just a subtle hint of a golden glow.

It does have a bit of sparkle to it but not a chunky glitter finish more of a golden glow. It wears really well over peach or warmer shades of cream blushes and stains.

I think this one is most wearable for those who tan easily as it really enhances the look of olive or tanned skin (my sister tried it and it casts such a beautiful glow on her darker skin).

If you’re heading away for Spring break or just eager for Summer this sunshine in a bottle will be an essential pick up.

Grab it at www.benefitcosmetics.com

Tried it?

Love it?

Not so much?

Do share!

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

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Comments

  • Mal @ The Chic Geek

    pretty! I like moonbeam a lot, I’ll have to give this one a try too

  • Ashley

    Very pretty. I hadn’t heard of this until now. I find that this type of highlighter (the nail polish-like brush and bottle with very viscous product) is more difficult to apply than a cream/gel, but tends to stay put longer and give more effective light-points. It can work, just more difficult in my opinion.
    I have something similar (Stila brand illuminator). What I do is just hit the very tops of my cheeks with a small dab (less than you’d think you’d need) and the bridge of my nose, then right under the eyebrows using the very tip of the brush. Blend it in immediately with tapping-type movements from your fingertip and it should blend (as opposed to blending with a brush or rubbing in with your fingertips), and the immediate part is important–rather than if you wait (it tends to not budge at all).
    Creme ones tend to work just like creme blushes for me in application (fingertips and rub in on the high points).

  • katrosado

    Pretty! I’ve had this product in the back of my mind to replace the spotlight by Estee Lauder when I run out. This is more of a match for my skin tone I think. I mix a bit of luminizer with my foundations and it keeps my skin from looking as old as I really am haha 🙂

  • diane

    I got this and LOVE it..I actually mix a little bit w/my foundation to look more sun kissed and glowy. Its a dream! One of my fave benefit highlighters for sure.

    • the Muse

      not really stef…this is gold, watt’s up is a champagne beige-y shade.

  • Lauren

    I’ll just wait till it comes in a set. Benefit does AWESOME sets, so I’ll wait till then!

  • Jazz

    Ooh I want to try this! I wonder how it would look on Nw45ish skin … *adds to wishlist on sephora.com*

  • Christina

    I wonder how it compares to the darker shade of Mac’s lustre drops! I own this and love it for summer, especially.. btw I own moonbeam and some other highlighters. application was so so for me with dotting on some product and tapping it in with my fingers. I saw makeupgeek apply it quite differently: She got some out on her hand, tapped a stippling brush (I got a cheap one from her on store) into the product, and then tapped the product on the cheek bone from the outside in. this made me love my liquid highlighters last summer and autumn! I feel a little self conscious wearing bronze highlighter now with pale winter skin..but cant wait for spring 🙂

  • JenJ

    i was tempted to get this when benefit was on hsn showing the new foundation. i have high beam and cha cha tint. i like those and probably give this a go. i’m in a highlighter phase now but i’ve a novice when it comes to application and not looking like a glitter ball.

  • Kim

    I love Benefit’s highlighters and I’ve tried this one in stores. It’s lovely. However, I think I’m going to have to wait on buying this until I get some color as I am so fair right now.