March 9, 2016

Benefit Dandelion Shy Beam Matte Highlighter Review & Swatches

This was provided to me by a brand for review and I receive a small commission if you shop using the links in this post but all opinions are my own.

Dandelion Shy Beam Matte Highlighter

Benefit Dandelion Shy Beam Matte Highlighter ($26) is a new baby pink, shimmer-free highlighter that originally launched in the Benefit Operation Pore-Proof Kit that launched earlier last Fall. I’m so glad this is now permanent and available in a full size as I really loved it when I originally used it.

Haven’t tried it yet?

Check out my thoughts to see if you need it!

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I was shocked and saddened to see so many bad reviews on Benefit Dandelion Shy Beam Matte Highlighter particularly ones that mentioned this being not pigmented! It’s quite pigmented so I was pretty surprised people found it wasn’t. I personally love this stuff!

Benefit Dandelion Shy Beam Matte Highlighter comes housed in pretty little pale pink metallic barrel with an attached brush for application (0.33 oz). It can be used as a contouring tool, highbrow highlighter, or even as an eyeshadow. I really like using Clarins Instant Light Radiance Boosting Complexion Base in Champagne as a contouring cream just under my eyes at the top of my cheeks bones. This adds a certain brightness and lift to my entire eye area. I’m start using Shy Beam in the same way. I dot some on the back of my hand and I use a fluffier eyeshadow blending brush to gently blend it below my eyes just at the top of my cheeks to add brightness to the area.

Benefit Dandelion Shy Beam Matte Highlighter

This is quite a pale pink shade and matte in finish so a little goes a long way in my opinion. Too much can be lead to chalkiness so blend, blend, blend well to get the smoothest, softest finish. I also like using on my highbrow area as it lifts my eyes up wonderfully and also adds a nice highlighting effect when I’m using say a brown eyeshadow on my lid. If I’m feeling like going for a nude eye I can use a very light, sheer buffing of this all over my eyes to create a very natural, nude look.

As I mentioned above I was surprised reviews that said it wasn’t pigmented enough. I find it quite pigmented! It has considerably more pigmented than the new Benefit Dandelion Dew Soft Matte Liquid Blush!

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Benefit Dandelion Shy Beam Matte Highlighter swatches

The only problem I have with it is the fact it isn’t as creamy as I hoped for. The matte finish is fine as it contains zero shimmer or sparkle but that matte finish translates to a difficult to blend formula at times. It kinda drags a bit on my drier skin during application. I find using a bushier blending brush does help to diffuse and thin the formula out so it buffs in a little easier!

Benefit Dandelion Shy Beam Matte Highlighter is a great way to get a brighter, well rested appearance instantly. I really like this formula and find I use it in many different ways.

If you happen to be at Sephora or Ulta I’d recommend swatching it up and trying it for yourself!

Love!

Available now Ulta, Ulta.com, Sephora, Sephora.com, and benefitcosmetics.com.

This was provided to me by a brand for review and I receive a small commission if you shop using the links in this post but all opinions are my own.

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

  • Kayla

    I love this stuff as well! I got a deluxe sample of it from Sephora after lusting over it when I saw your first post about it. I already have a ton of highlighters but had never tried a matte highlighter.
    Like you, I think this is suuuuuuper pigmented. I can’t dot it directly on my cheeks, otherwise it’s just way too much. So I also dab it on my hand and go from there. It gives such a nice glow without being glittery. I love this!

  • Cortney

    Hello! I’ve been reading your blog for about a year, but this is my first time commenting. (I was such a noob at makeup I didn’t feel worthy to interact with experts like you!)

    I got really into makeup about a year ago to the date. I have Crohn’s disease and had the worst flare I’ve ever had around this time last year. Long story short, my dad took my to Sephora to buy contouring makeup to help slim my prednisone-induced chipmunk face, and thus, a makeup junkie was born!

    The exception to my pre-makeup junkie self is Benefit. It was my first “brand,” and I have used high beam and that gal for special occasions since high school. High beam is probably my favorite makeup product ever, let alone my favorite highlighter. If I love it and am looking for a matte formula, is this product worth the splurge?

    I ADORE your blog. I almost never make a purchase without checking to see if you’ve reviewed it!

    • Isabella Muse

      Oh my gosh Cortney thanks girl but I am so not an expert 🙂 but thanks for thinking 😀 Aw your dad sounds like a hero! Mmm I like high beam too but I think Shy Beam is way more pigmented and considerably more difficult to work with as it isn’t a dab and go kinda product. I like it, a lot, but I wouldn’t recommend a blind purchase of it. This one you might wanna head to a store and swatch, play, etc before you decide to buy! aw thank you Cortney! You are too kind! <3! And please don't ever feel unworthy, you are VERY worthy 🙂 and very welcome to comment anytime you want!

  • Jodi

    This formula brings me back to my childhood! ( not so fond ) memories of sleepless nights frantically scratching my mosquito bites – My restlessness waking my parents who would creep into my room with a bottle of Camomile Lotion ! Yes! This stuff reminds me of Camomile & itchy scabs!

  • Teresa

    How does the Shy Beam compare to the Ooh La Lift? I’ve been using the Ooh La Lift, but find it to be too thin, plus it has no staying power. I’m in my 60’s and have no intention of putting shadow insurance under my eyes ( as recommended by the very young sales associate at Ulta) before the highlighter because that would just look cakey and settle into fine lines. I also dislike that I can’t use all the product in the Ooh La Lift tube. Are you able to use all of the Shy Beam??

    • Isabella Muse

      Shy Beam is matte and considerably more pigmented compared to Ooh La Lift which is very sheer and a little moister. You likely won’t be able to use all of the Shy Beam since a little goes a very long way!