3 Editors Put Patrick Ta's Highlighter Duos to the Test

"Next to blush, a highlighter is probably my next favorite cheek product. As much fun as the over-the-top 2016 highlighter era was, it's not one that I want to go back to. Still, I love a glowy cheek — albeit slightly more subdued, these days — so when I saw that Patrick Ta's new highlighters featured both a balm and powder, I immediately knew I had to try them.

I knew the bronzy and champagne shades would work for my skin tone, but I was more interested in seeing how the lighter shades worked for me. Too often, brands try to relegate deep skin tones to one super bronze shade that can sometimes be way too dark to highlight any area of the face, leaving us with options that are either too ashy or more like bronzer-toppers than highlighters.

I went for the pink shade, Baby, and I'm pleased to share that it was absolutely beautiful on. The powder is made of multi-colored shimmers that shift a bit more pinky-red than an ashy, cool-toned shade, making the powder a beautiful standalone product. Still, when I added the balm on top, it took it to the next level and gave me the most delicious glass cheeks that scream summer. I've even used this on my chest and love the results. This one is worth all the hype and is staying within arm's reach for the next few months." — Ariel Baker, associate editor, beauty

Rating: ★★★★★

"I used to be a highlighter everyday kind of gal, but recently, I've stopped using it in favor of fewer steps in my routine. Plus, it's currently very (very, very, very) hot where I live, and I have enough shine from the sweat on my face. That said, after one swipe of the Patrick Ta Major Glow Crème & Powder Highlighter Duo in the shade Sugar, my mind was changed. The two-in-one palette has a standard powder on one side and a reflective, mirror-like glossy balm on the other, wrapping up all of your highlighting needs in one convenient package. I used the balm on the high points of my face first — on my cheekbones, under my brow bone, on my cupid's bow, and on the bridge of my nose. After being impressed by the dewiness it left behind, I decided to layer the powder on top just on my cheeks and found that it gave my skin a radiant finish without being glittery. If you're looking for a highlighter that'll give you the most bang for your buck, this is it." — Jessica Harrington, senior editor, beauty

Rating:★★★★☆

"In all honesty, I'm not typically a huge fan of highlighter. I'm a no-makeup makeup girlie through and through, and I don't usually like to layer on unnecessary products if I don't have to. However, when I heard that Patrick Ta was coming out with a highlighter, I knew I needed to rethink my position on the matter. I tested out the shade Baby, which is a soft pink with a little sparkle, and I was immediately in love. It gave me the most perfect toned-down glow when I applied it down the bridge of my nose and the high corners of my cheeks and forehead. It's not too shimmery or glittery, but instead gives the exact level of intensity I've been looking for." — Renee Rodriguez, staff writer and social producer

Rating: ★★★★☆

Ariel Baker is the associate editor for PS Beauty. Her areas of expertise include celebrity news, beauty trends, and product reviews. She has additional bylines with Essence and Forbes Vetted.