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Anastasia Starlight Illuminator Review, Photos, Swatches

Anastasia Starlight Illuminator
Anastasia Starlight Illuminator

Anastasia Starlight Illuminator ($28.00 for 0.32 oz.) is described as a “sheer, luminescent white.” It’s a light, white gold with warm undertones and a luminous, almost metallic, sheen. MAC Tutu (LE, $42.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). MAC Climax (LE, ) is less shimmery (95% similar). NARS Rivage (LE, ) is cooler (95% similar). Persona Laguna (P, $24.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). MAC Let It Rock (LE, $34.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (95% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Moodlight (Daylight) (LE, ) is less shimmery (95% similar). MAC Born to Dazzle (LE, $26.00) is more shimmery, warmer (95% similar). ColourPop Lunch Money (P, $10.00) is darker (95% similar). NARS Rêve Salé I (LE, ) is less shimmery (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Liquid Sun (LE, $50.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). LORAC Fortune (LE, $23.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). Natasha Denona Light (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar). Chanel Or Blanc (LE, $70.00) is cooler (90% similar). LORAC Starlight (P, $23.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). Kevyn Aucoin Ibiza (Left) (PiP, $44.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). Maybelline Nikkie Tutorials (LE, $9.99) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Anastasia Crushed Pearl (LE, ) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar). NARS Albatross (P, $38.00) is warmer (90% similar). MAC Double-Gleam (P, $42.00) is darker (90% similar). MAC Gleam Sheen (PiP, ) is less shimmery (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Just in time for fall, Anastasia has a powder highlighter available in four shades (I will review all of them). The formula is supposed to “impart a lit-from-within glow,” and they are a pressed, powder highlighter that is similar to products like MAC In Extra Dimension, NARS Dual Intensity Blush, Estee Lauder Gelee, and so forth. Starlight is the lightest of the four, and it is supposed to “flatter all skin tones.” It’s not at all sheer; if you want a truly sheer application, you’ll need to use a light touch and a more feathery brush (like a fan brush), otherwise it will be noticeable and more semi-opaque. It can be buffed and blended out for a less intense sheen, if desired. I think for those who like their highlighters more pearly and frosted, this might be a formula worth checking out, while if you prefer subtle, barely-there highlighters, I think this will be too shimmery and shiny. This particular shade didn’t emphasize pores, and it did work on my medium complexion but would be better paired with a blush or bronzer (I’ll be eager to hear from darker beauties on how it works on theirs). The texture was soft, smooth, and blendable on the skin, and the highlighter wore well for eight hours before fading.

See more photos & swatches!

Anastasia Starlight Illuminator
Anastasia Starlight Illuminator

Anastasia Starlight Illuminator
Anastasia Starlight Illuminator

Anastasia Starlight Illuminator
Anastasia Starlight Illuminator

Anastasia Starlight Illuminator
Anastasia Starlight Illuminator

Anastasia Starlight Illuminator
Anastasia Starlight Illuminator

Anastasia Starlight Illuminator
Anastasia Starlight Illuminator

Anastasia Starlight Illuminator
Anastasia Starlight Illuminator

Anastasia Starlight Illuminator
Anastasia Starlight Illuminator

Anastasia Starlight Illuminator
Anastasia Starlight Illuminator

Makeup Look
On face:
  • Guerlain Parure Gold
  • Urban Decay Naked Loose Setting Powder
On eyes:
  • Sephora Welcome to My Loft Eyeliner
On lips:
  • Charlotte Tilbury Amazing Grace Matte Revolution Lipstick

54 Comments

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Comments on this post are closed.
Katherine T. Avatar

This is too light and shimmery for me, I prefer my highlighters to be light beige/gold, which is closer to my skintone/undertone, with more refined subtle shimmer. But I think this will look great on those with very fair skin, who probably find other highlighters too dark or warm

Nicole Avatar

From the swatch, this looks like It may be too white-ish for me. But, it looks good on you and since my skin tone is similar to yours, this may work. For some reason, I either will love a bright highlighter like this or hate it. So, I probably will want to check this out in stores.
I hope to see that lipstick reviewed. it is very pretty! Charlotte came out with some pretty shades for certain. I had to wait though with since Miss Kennsington flopped.
Did Sephora come out with some new liners? I feel like I’m seeing some new ones lately in the eye looks.

Nancy T Avatar

Oooh, I really like it! It’s not too OTT, or barely visible either. It looks just right! I do already have Elf Gotta Glow which is a dead-on dupe for Nars Albatross, so for now, I’m good, I guess. Although for reasons I cannot explain, I still feel drawn to getting Lunch Money or this? Weird!!!

Raeanne Avatar

It looks pretty – but way too cool toned/light for my medium/warm skin. I can’t wait to see the other shades… compared to some mid-range and high-end highlighers, the price point isn’t too bad on these!

Allison Avatar

I want this SO BAD but I do not want to go through Macy’s to get it. They charge crazy shipping on their site (at least from my casual browsing for shipping costs – $9.95??) and I just would prefer to buy in store to swatch it. I don’t understand why they’re not releasing these at other retailers!! Am I mistaken? Sorry for the rant here!! It looks gorgeous and I’ve been looking for a light powder highlight for a long time!! This one looks perfect for my fair skin! Thanks for the review!!

El Avatar

Pretty. I love the pattern embossed onto the powder (not that that’s relevant to its performance, lol). I actually have a very similar powder highlighter – standard type powder – that’s a cheapie drugstore brand here, MUA. I think it cost me £4.

Grace Avatar

Funny enough, Anastasia’s daughter, Claudia, said on her snapchat that she chose the art deco design over some other designs because it gave the best color payoff.

El Avatar

I stand corrected! That’s cool, that the payoff actually played a part in the design choice. I do wonder sometimes if beauty companies consider that when they make the finished product “look pretty”. (I hate overspray.)

Helen Avatar

I always come here to look at swatches. You’re the best at reviewing products!

The highlighter looks gorgeous! I can’t decide between So Hollywood and Starlight for my fair skintone (Mac NC15). I own the Mary Lou Manizer and Becca Champagne Pop, which are a bit more gold toned and I like the “warm” glow they give. Do you think Starlight will become very white on pale skin and is So Hollywood very similar to Champagne Pop and Mary Lou?

TousledElegance Avatar

Oooh, this might be pretty close to what I’m looking for! Mary Lou, Albatross and Moonstone were a bit too gold for my taste. I am extremely fair and I prefer silvery/white highlighters (and perhaps even with a touch of blue, green or lavender) that are usually too ‘disco ball’ for others. If you have any other suggestions along these lines, throw em out here! 🙂

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