When it comes to makeup, there’s one product I can’t do without, a good highlighter. Even on days when I skip foundation or blush, I always find myself reaching for that touch of glow. It lifts the face, adds just the right amount of dimension, and gives you that healthy, lit look that even the best skincare routine can’t always deliver.
I’ve never been one for full glam every day, but a swipe of highlighter on the high points of my face instantly makes me feel put together. Over the past year, I’ve consistently used two of the most raved-about highlighters in the beauty world, Fenty Beauty’s Trophy Wife and Rare Beauty’s Mesmerize. Both come from cult-favourite brands and have very different vibes, but promise that same glow.
So, after months of wearing them in every kind of setting, casual brunches, festive nights, and everything in between, here’s a breakdown of how they compare and which one might just win the glow game.
Fenty Beauty Trophy Wife vs Rare Beauty Mesmerize
Both Fenty Beauty’s Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter in Trophy Wife and Rare Beauty’s Positive Light Silky Touch Highlighter in Mesmerize bring their own glow game to the table. Fenty’s version is a weightless, cream-powder hybrid that’s intensely pigmented, packed with superfine shimmer, and perfect for when you want your highlight to pop. It’s long-wearing and versatile, great for the cheeks, eyes, and even collarbones, and delivers a high-impact golden shine that flatters deeper skin tones beautifully but can be built up on fairer ones too.
On the other hand, Rare Beauty’s Mesmerize has a softer, glass-like finish that gives you that lit-from-within radiance without being too loud. It’s unexpectedly smooth, talc-free, and infused with micro-shimmers that melt into the skin for a more refined, almost dewy glow. It’s also transfer-proof, smudge-proof, and water-resistant, perfect for humid days or long wear.
View this post on Instagram
For some background, I have normal, fair skin with neutral undertones, and I typically apply both of these highlighters not just on my cheekbones but also across my eyelids and collarbones, depending on the occasion. After using both for over a year now, I’ve found that, especially in Delhi’s current hot and humid weather, the Rare Beauty highlighter wears more comfortably. It feels lighter on the skin, doesn’t shift throughout the day, and gives that elegant glow without looking heavy or overly metallic, making it my current go-to. I usually reach for Fenty only when I’m heading out for night weddings or parties, when I want that extra drama and bold, attention-grabbing shine.
Feature |
Fenty Beauty- Trophy Wife |
Rare Beauty- Mesmerize |
Texture |
Cream-powder hybrid |
Ultra-smooth, silky pressed powder |
Pigmentation |
Intense, supercharged shimmer |
Buildable, subtle radiance |
Best For |
Night events, weddings, parties |
Daily wear, hot/humid weather |
Shade Tone |
Warm, yellow-gold |
Rosy, soft pink with a luminous touch |
Water Resistance |
Long-wearing, slight transfer possible |
Smudge-proof, transfer-proof, water-resistant |
Where To Apply |
Cheeks, eyes, collarbones (for glam looks) |
Cheeks, eyes, collarbones (everyday glow) |
Personal Preference |
Use for bold evening or festive looks |
Go-to for daily use, especially in Delhi’s humid weather |
Fenty Beauty Trophy Wife vs Rare Beauty Mesmerize: Price And Where To Buy
Fenty Beauty’s Trophy Wife is priced around ₹4,100 to ₹4,200 in India and is available on Nykaa, Sephora India, and Ubuy. Rare Beauty’s Mesmerize costs between ₹3,200 to ₹4,100 and is easier to find on Sephora India and Kosmetista. Rare Beauty is slightly more affordable and accessible for everyday use, while Fenty is better for bold, night-out looks.
Don't Miss:Dot & Key Vs The Derma Co: Which Face Wash Is Better For Dry Skin | HZ Tried & Tested
Fenty Beauty Trophy Wife vs Rare Beauty Mesmerize: HZ Rating
I’d rate Rare Beauty Mesmerize a solid 5 out of 5 for its everyday wearability, lightweight texture, and how well it holds up in humid weather like Delhi’s. It gives a soft, natural glow that works effortlessly for daily use. Fenty Beauty Trophy Wife, on the other hand, gets a 4 out of 5. While the pigment and shimmer are unmatched for night-outs or weddings, it’s too bold and intense for regular daytime wear, making it less versatile overall.
View this post on Instagram
Fenty Beauty Trophy Wife vs Rare Beauty Mesmerize: Final Verdict
If you're looking for a highlighter that you can wear daily, especially in hot and humid weather, Rare Beauty Mesmerize is the clear winner; it’s subtle, buildable, and easy to wear without feeling heavy. It suits a wide range of skin tones and is perfect for a natural, radiant glow.
Fenty Beauty Trophy Wife, while stunning, is best reserved for special occasions or night events. Its bold pigment and shimmer make it ideal for glam looks, but it’s not as versatile for everyday use. So, if you want one highlighter to do it all, Rare Beauty takes the lead.
Keep reading Herzindagi for more such stories.
Credits: Fenty Beauty/Rare Beauty/ Kelly Stanton Instagram
Take charge of your wellness journey—download the HerZindagi app for daily updates on fitness, beauty, and a healthy lifestyle!
Comments
All Comments (0)
Join the conversation