Rihanna's Highlighter Gave My Skin an Amazing Glow—Here's Proof

Fenty Beauty launches will always make my eyes twinkle. Dozens of beauty products land on my desk daily, but when Fenty arrives, a drumroll might as well be playing in the background. I mean, when the bad gal of the beauty industry comes out with a new beauty product, you pay attention. Ask Byrdie's senior editor, Lindsey Metrus, what my face looked like when she handed me the Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter ($34) in Diamond Ball-Out. My eyes marveled at first glance of its icy, platinum hue. 

In full transparency, I'm devoted to the OG Fenty highlighter of the bunch, Trophy Wife, so I went into this all the way biased. I love the fact that Rihanna's highlighters are so pigmented yet easily buildable so I can control how sheer or bold I want them to look.

Before the highlighter was even in my hands, I was tuned in to Ri's Instagram when she announced this was a limited-edition platinum shade to benefit the Clara Lionel Foundation. What's even more amazing is that 100 percent of the proceeds of each highlighter sold will be donated to this nonprofit organization, which is dedicated to improving education, health, and emergency response programs around the world. All the claps for Ri for glowing up our summer makeup routine and giving back to those in need. 

Pros + Cons

Pros:

• Rich pigmentation
• 100 percent of proceeds are donated to the Clara Lionel Foundation
• Versatile—can be used as a highlight, eyeshadow, eyeliner, body highlight, etc.

Cons:

• Some users complain about excess glitter and fall out
• Can look ashy on some skin tones
• Limited edition shade

The Bottom Line

The Fenty Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter in the shade Diamond Ball-Out is an instant iconic beauty buy. The unique shade (and charitable contribution) make it worthy of your hard-earned dollars.

Fenty Beauty Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter in Diamond Ball-Out $34.00

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How to Use

Using the highlighter is pretty simple. All you need is a brush and the product. Like I mentioned earlier, you can apply it anywhere you'd like—on your eyes, cheeks, even your shoulders and décolletage.

Fenty Beauty global makeup artist Hector Espinal likes to swipe this on the inner corners of the eyes, too. You know I took that hack and went to town with this.

I used the Fenty Beauty Cheek Hugging Highlighter Brush and swiped it on the back of my hands to diffuse the shade a bit before applying it onto my cheeks and cheekbones, the high points of my face that get the most light.

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Cheek-Hugging Highlight Brush 120 $32.00

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The Results

I was initially slightly intimidated by its shiny, silver hue. I've never worn anything close to silver as a highlighter before, but there's a first time for everything. I applied this on my cheekbones and gradually took it up to my temples. The cream-powder hybrid was surprisingly sheer despite how bold it looks in its packaging, so it left a grown-up glow and sultry sparkle on my cheeks. Then I took the warmth of my ring finger and dabbed a generous amount on my lids. The result: incredibly lit. 

I'm sold on silver highlighter now and will be using this all the time—and everywhere. Why? Because Fenty Beauty global makeup artist Priscilla Ono told me I could. "The Killawatt Freestyle Highlighters are formulated for not only the face and eyes but also look great on the body as well," Ono told Byrdie. "Depending on your sun exposure, you can really use a variety of shades and just dust it on for a sprinkle of shimmer."

The Value

The Diamond Ball-Out highlighter is priced at $34, which, admittedly, is a bit expensive for a single highlighter. However, considering you can use this product all over your body and 100 percent of the money goes towards a good cause, it's a worthy purchase, IMHO.

Similar Products: You Have Options

Ofra x Nikki Tutorials Space Baby Highlighter: This highlighter ($35) has a more lilac, silvery duochrome effect going on, making it the perfect choice for all skin tones (or people who don't want straight-up silver highlight).

Makeup Revolution Glass Illuminator Face & Body Highlighter in Crystal: If you're looking for a true silver tone that's a bit easier on the wallet ($10), this is the choice for you. It's not as glittery as the option from Fenty Beauty either.

Our Verdict

Honestly, the Fenty Beauty Diamond Ball-Out Highlighter is that girl. I didn't think silver would be the color for me, but my mind has definitely been changed. If you're looking for a lit-from-within glow, you have to add it to your collection.