Best & Worst of Stila Glitter & Glow Highlighters

Stila Glitter & Glow Highlighter ($30.00 for 0.20 fl. oz.) is supposed to be a “complexion-enhancing formula [that] contains a sheer base with a multicolor mix of pearls and visible flecks of glitter.” It can be used alone or layered over other products. The brand reiterated that the Highlighter formula is “not pigmented” compared to their Glitter & Glow Eye Shadows, which I appreciate. Similarly, the brand clearly stated that these should not be used on the eyes due to sizes of the glitter used in the cheek highlighter. I find this to be an odd product that I expect to work for a few but largely, it didn’t work as described.

The do have sheer bases with light-to-moderate amounts of glitter; some are chocked-full of glitter and others are sparser. The ones with less sparkle and glitter did not work well alone; they looked more like random bits of grit on the face rather than a highlighter as it illuminated nothing. The ones with lots of sparkle and glitter could be used alone. They seemed to be better layered, but the effect that these added was rather minimal.

The more glitter there was, the more prone to migration/traveling, and these absolutely have to go on last and cannot be blended with a brush or else most of it comes off and goes wherever it is destined to go (nose, chin, trapped in one’s brush). The formula was thin and more watery, though it did not take too long to dry down. It was more challenging to apply as the glittery bits tended to adhere a bit too easily to my fingertips while a sponge absorbed the wetness quickly and then the glitter dried more on my sponge than on my skin.

They’re a bit larger (but more expensive) than the Glitter & Glow Eyeshadows, which run $24.00 for 0.15 fl. oz. or $160.00/oz.; the Glitter & Glow Highlighters are $30.00 for 0.20 oz. or $150.00/oz. My advice is to opt for one of the eyeshadows, where some of them are sheerer and often can be sheered out if desired, and could be used on the eyes OR the cheeks as a more glittery highlighter.