Powder Highlighter
Powder Highlighter
Product Description
A silky-soft, superfine powder highlighter that delivers a warm, golden pearl shimmer. This featherlight formula sweeps on effortlessly for a buildable, luminous glow that enhances your natural radiance without chunky glitter.
β¨ Texture & Feel
Superfine Formula
Finely-milled powder feels almost cream-like on skin, blending seamlessly without chunky glitter particles.
Buildable Coverage
Start with a subtle sheen or build up to a blinding strobing effect - complete control over your glow intensity.
Built-In Mirror
Compact packaging includes a mirror and mini brush for easy touch-ups on the go.
Versatile Use
Works on cheekbones, brow bones, nose bridge, cupid's bow, and even as a shimmery eyeshadow.
π‘οΈ Safety & Compatibility
Contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. Safe for use during pregnancy and nursing.
Contains Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate (an ester) and Isododecane which may trigger fungal acne in sensitive individuals.
Rating 1/5 - Primarily silicone and mineral-based formula unlikely to clog pores for most skin types.
Free from oxybenzone and octinoxate. Safe for ocean use and coral reef environments.
Less than 1% synthetic fragrance. Patch test recommended for very reactive skin. Free from common irritants.
Free from parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, sulfates, coal tar, triclosan, and triclocarban.
π¬ Ingredient Breakdown
π Mica Key Ingredient
A naturally occurring mineral that creates the signature shimmer and light-reflecting properties. Provides the golden pearl finish and luminous glow effect.
- Function: Creates shimmer and color through light reflection
- Safety: Generally recognized as safe for cosmetic use
- Source: Natural mineral, finely milled for smooth application
𧴠Dimethicone Proven
A silicone-based ingredient that provides the silky, smooth texture and helps the powder blend seamlessly into skin without settling into fine lines.
- Function: Creates smooth application, fills fine lines, extends wear
- Safety: Non-irritating, hypoallergenic for most users
- Benefit: Provides a soft-focus blurring effect on skin
π¬ Alumina Supporting
Aluminum oxide used as an absorbent and texture enhancer. Helps the powder feel lightweight and prevents caking.
- Function: Texture modifier, absorbent, improves application
- Safety: Cosmetically inert and non-irritating
- Benefit: Contributes to the superfine, weightless formula feel
β¨ Tin Oxide Supporting
An opacifying agent that enhances the pearlescent finish and adds dimension to the golden shimmer effect.
- Function: Creates opacity and enhances light reflection
- Safety: Generally recognized as safe in cosmetics
- Benefit: Adds depth and dimension to the highlighter
28 ingredients
Dimethicone, Mica, Alumina, Isododecane, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Triethylhexanoin, Polyethylene, Magnesium Myristate, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Tin Oxide. [+/-: CI 15850 (Red 6, Red 7, Red 7 Lake), CI 15985 (Yellow 6, Yellow 6 Lake), CI 19140 (Yellow 5, Yellow 5 Lake), CI 42090 (Blue 1 Lake), CI 45410 (Red 27, Red 27 Lake, Red 28 Lake), CI 73360 (Red 30, Red 30 Lake), CI 77007 (Ultramarines), CI 77163 (Bismuth Oxychloride), CI 77288 (Chromium Oxide Greens), CI 77289 (Chromium Hydroxide Green), CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499 (Iron Oxides), CI 77510 (Ferric Ferrocyanide, Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide), CI 77742 (Manganese Violet), CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide)]
π Where It Fits in Your Routine
Apply as the final step in your face makeup routine, after bronzer and blush. Can also be worn on bare skin for a natural glow.
π How to Use
Pick Up Product
Swirl a fan brush or the included mini brush into the powder. Tap off excess to prevent fallout.
Apply to High Points
Sweep along cheekbones where light naturally hits your face. Start with a light hand for natural glow.
Build & Blend
Layer additional product to intensify the glow. Blend edges with a clean brush for seamless finish.
Enhance Other Areas
Apply to brow bones, nose bridge, cupid's bow, and inner eye corners for extra dimension and radiance.
π€ Who Is It For?
β Perfect for you if:
- You want a warm, golden glow without chunky glitter
- You prefer buildable formulas (subtle to intense)
- You have light to medium skin with warm or neutral undertones
- You love a blinding, strobing highlight effect
- You want a versatile product (face & eyes)
- You need clean beauty/pregnancy-safe options
β Consider alternatives if:
- You have very fair skin with cool undertones (may look muddy)
- You prefer subtle, barely-there highlights
- You have active fungal acne (contains ester ingredients)
- You want a liquid or cream highlighter formula
- You prefer pink-toned highlights over gold
- You dislike any visible shimmer
π― Skin Type Compatibility
Powder formula works well on oily skin. Set with setting spray for extended wear. May emphasize texture if skin is dehydrated.
Silky texture applies smoothly. Prep with moisturizer and primer. Can enhance a dewy finish beautifully.
Ideal match for combination skin. Works beautifully on the cheekbones without emphasizing different zones.
Minimal fragrance, free from common irritants. Patch test recommended for very reactive skin types.
Low comedogenic rating (1/5), but contains esters that may trigger fungal acne. Non-comedogenic for regular acne.
Superfine milling doesn't settle into fine lines. Apply sparingly to avoid emphasizing texture. Great for a youthful glow.
π Results Timeline
Instant Radiance
Golden pearl shimmer visible immediately upon application. Skin looks luminous and catches light beautifully.
100% see instant glowPeak Performance
Highlighter settles into skin and looks most natural and skin-like. Color remains vibrant without fading.
95% report excellent wearNatural Fade
Gradual reduction in intensity. Still visible but less blinding. Touch-up may be desired for evening events.
80% satisfied with longevityExtended Wear
Using setting spray extends wear to 10+ hours. Maintains intensity throughout the day without significant fading.
90% recommend setting sprayβ Ratings by Platform
βοΈ Pros & Cons
β Praised
- Superfine, silky texture that feels almost cream-like
- No visible glitter chunks - smooth, refined shimmer
- Highly buildable from subtle to blinding
- Beautiful warm golden pearl color
- Comes with built-in mirror and mini brush
- Clean beauty certified, paraben-free
- Generous 8g of product for the price
- Can double as eyeshadow
β Criticized
- Too intense for those preferring subtle highlight
- Can look muddy/ashy on very fair, cool-toned skin
- Cardboard packaging feels less luxurious
- Included brush is difficult to use effectively
- Not fungal acne safe (contains esters)
- Limited shade range (Cookie only in this formula)
- May emphasize texture on dehydrated skin
π° Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Nearly identical golden pearl shade at 60% less cost. Similar smooth texture and buildability. Cardboard compact with mirror. Slightly more intense shimmer.
Cream-to-powder formula in a similar champagne-gold shade. More intense, blinding finish. Different texture (bouncy vs powder) but comparable glow effect.
Drugstore option with similar warm shimmer. Slightly cooler undertone and less refined milling. Great starter highlighter at an unbeatable price point.
Newer formula with similar golden pearl finish. Slightly creamier texture. Users report it as a near-exact dupe for Cookie at less than half the price.
π Comparison with Competitors
Benefit Cookie Highlighter (Featured)
$30.00Fenty Beauty Killawatt Highlighter
$40.00Hourglass Ambient Strobe Powder
$48.00Dior Forever Glow Luminizer
$52.00π¦ Storage & Shelf Life
24 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep lid closed to prevent powder from drying out.
Cardboard compact with snap closure, built-in mirror, and mini powder brush
Yes - solid powder format is TSA-friendly with no liquid restrictions
β Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Benefit Cookie Highlighter is considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens - the main ingredients to avoid during pregnancy. The formula is primarily silicone and mineral-based. As always, consult with your healthcare provider if you have specific concerns.
Use with caution. Benefit Cookie Highlighter contains Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate (an ester) and Isododecane, which can potentially feed malassezia yeast in some individuals prone to fungal acne. If you have active fungal acne or are very sensitive to these triggers, consider alternatives like bareMinerals or Alima Pure mineral highlighters that are fungal acne safe.
Yes, Benefit Cookie Highlighter can be used alongside active skincare ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, and chemical exfoliants. Since it's a makeup product applied after skincare has absorbed, there are no interaction concerns. Just ensure your skincare has fully absorbed before applying makeup to prevent pilling or reduced wear time.
Benefit Cookie Highlighter works best on combination skin and performs well on normal, oily, and dry skin types. The warm golden undertone is most flattering on light to medium skin tones with warm or neutral undertones. Those with very fair, cool-toned skin may find it looks slightly muddy or orange at certain angles. The powder format works on all skin types but may emphasize texture on very dehydrated skin.
Results are immediate! As a makeup product, you'll see the golden shimmer and luminous glow instantly upon application. The highlighter typically maintains its intensity for 6-8 hours of wear, with peak performance at 2-4 hours when it melts into skin most naturally. Using a setting spray can extend wear to 10+ hours.
Apply Benefit Cookie Highlighter as the final step in your face makeup routine, after foundation, concealer, powder, bronzer, and blush. Apply to the high points of your face where light naturally hits: cheekbones, brow bones, nose bridge, and cupid's bow. It can also be worn on bare, moisturized skin for a natural, minimal-makeup glow.
Benefit Cookie Highlighter has a low comedogenic rating of 1/5, meaning it's unlikely to clog pores for most people. The formula is primarily silicone and mineral-based without heavy oils or waxes. However, if you're very acne-prone or have concerns, apply only to the high points of your cheekbones (not the pore-prone areas of your face) and remove thoroughly at the end of the day.
Benefit Cookie Highlighter has a shelf life of 24 months (2 years) after opening when stored properly. Keep the compact closed when not in use and store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The powder formula is very stable and unlikely to change texture or performance within this timeframe. With 8g of product, most users find it lasts 1-2 years with regular use.
Verdict: Benefit Cookie Highlighter is an excellent choice for those who love an intense, golden pearl glow without chunky glitter. The superfine, buildable formula allows versatile application from subtle sheen to blinding strobe. While the warm undertone may not suit very fair, cool-toned complexions, it's a fantastic value with 8g of product, clean beauty credentials, and pregnancy-safe formula. The cardboard packaging feels less luxurious than competitors, but the performance rivals highlighters at double the price point.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skinβs own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging Β«promisesΒ» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 |
Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Antifoaming Agent, Skin Protecting
|
|
|
| 2 |
Mica
Cosmetic Colorant, Opacifying
|
|
|
| 0 |
Alumina
Absorbent, Abrasive
|
|
|
| 1 |
Isododecane
Solvent, Perfuming, Emollient, Fragrance
|
|
|
| 1 |
Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Surfactant, Emulsifying
|
|