Archived Post

Anastasia Gleam Glow Kit Review, Photos, Swatches

Anastasia Gleam Glow Kit
Anastasia Gleam Glow Kit

Anastasia Gleam Glow Kit ($40.00 for 1.04 oz.) includes four highlighters that range from a light champagne to a darker copper. Each shade is 0.26 oz. and can be removed from the palette, if desired, but they are currently only sold together (not sure if they will eventually be available as pans only). Presently, it is exclusive to Macy’s and the brand’s website. According to Anastasia, these are supposed to be “metallic powder highlighters for intense luminosity” that can also be worn on the eyes. They are softer and silkier with a more finely-milled consistency compared to the Illuminators released a couple of months ago. These also have a finer shimmer and overall sheen that is less emphasizing of pores on the skin.

Hard Candy is described as a “mood-changing golden peach with pink pearl.” It’s a light-medium, yellowed peach with an iridescent pink-to-peach shift paired with a soft, frosted finish. It had semi-opaque color payoff with a soft, smooth consistency that blends out well and doesn’t emphasize pores. It wore well for eight hours before fading slightly.
Urban Decay OC (DC, $26.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (95% similar). Dose of Colors Melonade (P, $28.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Anastasia Gumdrop (LE, ) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). Urban Decay Twilight (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, less pigmented (90% similar). Dior Holo Gold (002) (DC, $56.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Urban Decay Fireball (P, $26.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Becca Pink Sapphire (LE, $38.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Pink Glow #4 (LE, $60.00) is lighter, brighter (85% similar). ColourPop Highly Waisted (P, $10.00) is lighter (85% similar). ColourPop Swipe Right (LE, $12.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar). LORAC Dance 'Til Dawn Blush #1 (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (85% similar). Makeup Geek Daybreak (P, $20.00) is more shimmery, lighter (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Mimosa is described as a “radiant golden peach.” It’s a medium, gold-shimmered brown with a smooth, pearly sheen. It had good pigmentation with a very silky texture that diffused easily over the skin. I felt like the reflective quality was high enough that it didn’t emphasize pores or texture, but it is very metallic and is an intense highlight (as described). On me, this is more like a highlighter/blush duo. The color stayed on well for eight hours. Stila Bronze (PiP, $32.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). Viseart Highlight #3 (PiP, ) is darker (95% similar). Persona Del Mar (P, $24.00) is darker (95% similar). MAC Paradise (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (95% similar). Huda Beauty Tahiti (LE, ) is less shimmery, cooler (95% similar). Becca Topaz (P, $38.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar). MAC Gold Deposit (P, $34.00) is warmer (90% similar). MAC Oh, Darling! (P, $42.00) is lighter (90% similar). ColourPop Dew Drop (P, $7.00) is cooler (90% similar). NABLA Cosmetics Lucent Jungle (P, $26.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar). YSL Bronze Gold (P, $42.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). Anastasia Glo Getter (LE, ) is darker (90% similar). Glossier Play Deep Copper (P, $20.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar). Coloured Raine My Day One (Highlighter) (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar). Dose of Colors Sol Mate (LE, $28.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Tarte Candlelight (LE, ) is more shimmery (90% similar). Becca Opal (DC, $38.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). Laura Mercier Luxe (LE, $45.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). MAC Touch My Body (LE, $39.50) is less shimmery, less pigmented (90% similar). NARS Galet (LE, ) is cooler (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Starburst is described as a “rush of cool pink.” It’s a light-medium, peachy-pink with warm undertones and a metallic finish. I don’t get cool pink at all, and I can’t find the cool pink aspect no matter the room or lighting; even in the pan, it is warm-toned. It was intensely pigmented with a lightweight, silky feel that blended out easily on the skin. This one shouldn’t add a lot of color on most skin tones, but it will yield a very strong sheen. It didn’t emphasize pores for me, and the highlighter lasted for eight hours. Sydney Grace Down the Aisle (P, $9.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). LORAC Moonlight (P, $23.00) is cooler (90% similar). NARS Kings Road (LE, $30.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar). OFRA Covent Garden (LE, $29.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). Kosas Longitude Zero (High Intensity) (Highlighter) (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Tarte Worthy (LE, $29.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). Flesh Beauty Certain (P, $28.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar). Jouer Rose Quartz (P, $24.00) is cooler (90% similar). Cover FX Celestial (P, $28.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar). Laura Geller Pixie Pearl (LE, $36.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar). ColourPop Manifest That (LE, $10.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). bareMinerals The Five Star Treatment (LE, $26.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). ColourPop Poker Face (LE, $10.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Becca Acceptance (P, $38.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Tarte Pink Champagne (LE, ) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar). Hourglass Rose Gold Flash (P, $42.00) is darker (90% similar). Dior Pink Delight (008) (LE, $50.00) is cooler (90% similar). ColourPop Upgrade (LE, $12.00) is lighter (90% similar). ColourPop Sugar Trap (P, $7.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). Becca Pure Pearl (LE, $40.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Crushed Pearl is described as a “glimmering pink and silver.” It’s a light champagne with subtle, warm and golden undertones and a metallic finish. This shade slightly emphasize pores, and it was actually the most metallic on the skin. It had good color payoff, though it wasn’t as smooth to work with as the other three shades–slightly powdery. I didn’t have any trouble blending or diffusing it out on the skin, and it didn’t give an ashy or chalky result either. The powder lasted for eight hours. Urban Decay Craze (-, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Cle de Peau Bal Masque (LE, $120.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). Anastasia Starlight (DC, $28.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar). NARS Kings Road (LE, $30.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar). Tarte Worthy (LE, $29.00) is cooler (90% similar). Dior Pink Glow (002) (P, $50.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar). Milani Afterglow (P, $10.00) is warmer (90% similar). Tarte Stunner (P, $28.00) is darker (90% similar). Flesh Beauty Certain (P, $28.00) is darker, more muted (85% similar). Too Faced Satin Sheets (PiP, ) is warmer (85% similar). Makeup Revolution Liquid Starlight (P, $9.00) is darker, cooler (85% similar). Becca Pure Pearl (LE, $40.00) is less shimmery, more muted (85% similar). ColourPop Scrumptious (LE, $8.00) is darker (85% similar). ColourPop Lunch Money (P, $10.00) is darker (90% similar). Make Up For Ever H102 (P, $23.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar). Wet 'n' Wild Desert Explorations (LE, $2.99) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar). Tarte Stunner (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar). Make Up For Ever 2 Pink Beige (P, $24.00) is more shimmery (85% similar). Sephora Dusk (P, $16.00) is less shimmery, darker (80% similar). ColourPop Go Honey (DC, $12.00) is darker, cooler (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

See more photos & swatches!

Anastasia Gleam Glow Kit
Anastasia Gleam Glow Kit

Anastasia Gleam Glow Kit
Anastasia Gleam Glow Kit

Anastasia Gleam Glow Kit
Anastasia Gleam Glow Kit

Anastasia Gleam Glow Kit
Anastasia Gleam Glow Kit

Anastasia Hard Candy Highlighter
Anastasia Hard Candy Highlighter

Anastasia Hard Candy Highlighter
Anastasia Hard Candy Highlighter

Anastasia Hard Candy Highlighter
Anastasia Hard Candy Highlighter

Anastasia Mimosa Highlighter
Anastasia Mimosa Highlighter

Anastasia Mimosa Highlighter
Anastasia Mimosa Highlighter

Anastasia Mimosa Highlighter
Anastasia Mimosa Highlighter

Anastasia Starburst Highlighter
Anastasia Starburst Highlighter

Anastasia Starburst Highlighter
Anastasia Starburst Highlighter

Anastasia Starburst Highlighter
Anastasia Starburst Highlighter

Anastasia Crushed Pearl Highlighter
Anastasia Crushed Pearl Highlighter

Anastasia Crushed Pearl Highlighter
Anastasia Crushed Pearl Highlighter

Anastasia Crushed Pearl Highlighter
Anastasia Crushed Pearl Highlighter

Makeup Look
On face:
  • Make Up For Ever Ultra HD
  • Guerlain Les Voilettes
On eyes:
  • Anastasia Surface of the Sun Eyeshadow
  • Anastasia Wine Eyeshadow
  • Anastasia Truffle Glitter Eyeshadow
  • Anastasia Chocolate Eyeshadow
  • Sephora Blue Suede Shoess Eyeliner
  • Anastasia Icy Eyeshadow
On lips:
  • Tom Ford James Lips & Boys Lipstick

68 Comments

Comments that do not adhere to our comment policy may be removed. Discussion and debate are highly encouraged but we expect community members to participate respectfully. Please keep discussion on-topic, and if you have general feedback, a product review request, an off-topic question, or need technical support, please contact us!

Please help us streamline the comments' section and be more efficient: double-check the post above for more basic information like pricing, availability, and so on to make sure your question wasn't answered already. Comments alerting us to typos or small errors in the post are appreciated (!) but will typically be removed after errors are fixed (unless a response is needed).

We appreciate enthusiasm for new releases but ask readers to please hold questions regarding if/when a review will be posted as we can't commit to or guarantee product reviews. We don't want to set expectations and then disappoint readers as even products that are swatched don't always end up being reviewed due to time constraints and changes in priorities! Thank you for understanding!

Comments on this post are closed.
Julia Avatar

Yay! I was so looking forward to reading this even though I purchased the palette already. They are SO reflective, but very pretty. I found them to emphasize pores a bit (not usually a problem for me), but I think now it may be user error, if i am not buffing in enough or maybe going a bit too low on the cheek? Anyway, great review as always and I am excited to see the review on That Glow, too (which I didn’t get yet). I’ve got highlighter fever, I think!

Julia Avatar

I do still like them… worst case scenario they will be huge eyeshadow pans!

I have been using the Real Techniques setting brush, which seemed fine with my Becca powders but might not be fluffy enough for these. What is your favorite brush for strong highlighters like these?

Fran Avatar

These are very pretty, but too warm and too metallic for me to use as highlighters. I think I would like Crushed Pearl and Starburst as eyeshadows, though. I can see how Starburst is significantly less warm than Hard Candy and Mimomsa, but I’m not seeing it as cool, either. It sometimes seems like cool shades are becoming scarce!

Joy Avatar

How can I pass on these in less than two seconds and still be considering Chanel? Back when the Anastasia site was early releasing their new eyeshadows there only I saw these. I researched them fast as a highlighter addict. They did nothing for me. I just bought eyeshadows. Seeing this I feel good about that. I know the shades I stick to. These are lacking or dupes in a formula I don’t feel drawn to. Don’t get me wrong they are gorgeous! Great quality and price! Palettes make it fun! But they are everywhere now in every color. Some of these look like a few in UD Gwen Stefani Blush Palette. They are also too shiny for me unless accenting which does not need a palette. You look beautiful in all of them! Loving the lips and eyes too. Helpful true review. 🙂

Nancy T Avatar

I was using both constantly, always one or the other until I bought MAC Shaft Of Gold and received (mysteriously!) LM Matte Radiance Highlight 01. Still DO love Highly Waisted and Butterfly Beach, just haven’t been reaching for either as much lately? Highly Waisted just feels more “summer” to me, so that explains that lack of usage, but Butterfly Beach looks more year-round! Hmmm, powder could be a great backup, though!

Katherine T. Avatar

Love the pink-peach duo chrome in Hard Candy! I don’t need 4 more highlighters, wish they sold single compacts so you can just buy that one

Katherine T. Avatar

BTW, Love your eye look! I’m curious about Anastasia shadow in Truffle Glitter – I swatched in store and was blown away by how stunning it was, but I couldn’t tell the quality. The tester had been dropped, so the pigment had shattered and had been pressed back together. If it scores well, I will buy.

Abir Avatar

Starburst is gorgeous!
I’m sad about hard candy. I was hoping it would be a dupe for Tom Ford pink glow highlighter but nope. Nothing comes close.
It’s such a unique yet absolutely gorgeous color. Very hard to find those two together.

Tracey E. Avatar

This is a lovely palette if you’re able to wear a range of highlighters and want intense highlighting. My preference is for more subtle highlighting, so this palette is not for me but I really like the concept.

Cassandra Avatar

I find it interesting that you said Gilded Honey is more shimmery and brighter than Mimosa, but said Mimosa is extremely reflective and metallic, though GH is still a nice, pretty highlighter I find GH to be sort of a muted, soft beige gold not what I would consider super metallic, yet Mimosa is even less shimmery?

JCarbonel Avatar

Just purchased both palette’s this morning! I was only going to go for That Glow, but i couldn’t resist the Gleam set. They’re both beautiful and not as glittery as the individual illuminators are.

Ana Avatar

Hey, I was wondering…how does the texture compare to becca pressed shimmering skin perfectors. I have a few of becca highlighters…the glow kits caught my eye. Are they the same in texture and highlight? Or is one better than the other?

Shiv Avatar

Hi Christine, I had a highlighter related question. Which would be better to get at the moment – anastasia sun dipped glow kit or becca and jacyln champagne pop kit with the prosecco pop? I’m a nc42 skin tone and looking for more everyday then night out highlighter. I’m kind of new to highlighters as well. Was trying to figure out which one was better value for money. Would love to hear your thoughts 🙂

Christine Avatar

Better value? Well, the ABH palette is huge and the pans are easily removed, so you can rearrange at will. If you just want highlighters, the ABH palette has more variety. If you want a blush/highlighter combo, then the Becca palette will make more sense.

We try to approve comments within 24 hours (and reply to them within 72 hours) but can sometimes get behind and appreciate your patience! 🙂 If you have general feedback, product review requests, off-topic questions, or need technical support, please contact us directly. Thank you for your patience!