MissLJBeauty

If you're anything like me, you're always on the lookout for the perfect highlighter, one that gives that natural, lit-from-within glow instead of an intense, glittery finish.

Enter Benefit Dandelion Twinkle, a soft, champagne-pink highlighter that has been a beauty community favourite for a while.  I was travelling to Canada and I needed a more compact highlighter option. I had to find a highlighter that was good and small and I discovered this one. I am not really into blush products so I expect a lot from my highlighter and I am very picky. I am just not a cheek product like gal but who knows that might one day change. So I gave this a little swatch in the airport and threw it in my basket. I was a little torn as I could have liked to but the hoola lite and dandelion twinkle combo but they were out of stock so this was the only option. 

But does it live up to the hype? After testing it out for months, I’m sharing my thoughts on everything from the packaging to its staying power to whether it’s worth the price.

What is Benefit Dandelion Twinkle?

Benefit describes Dandelion Twinkle as a "delicate highlighting powder" designed to add a subtle glow to the skin. It’s part of the Dandelion blush family but infused with ultra-fine, light-reflecting particles to give a more radiant complexion. Unlike some of Benefit’s other powder products, like the original Hoola bronzer or Benefit Hoola Lite, this one is all about delivering a soft, diffused glow rather than sculpting or warming up the skin. It feels like Benefit are trying to do a two-in-one with this one and I am not mad at it. 

Why is it Popular in the Beauty Community?

One of the reasons Dandelion Twinkle has become a cult favourite is its ability to work on fair skin tones without looking too yellow or too dark. Many highlighters can be too stark or metallic, but this one is lighter-toned and sheer, making it a great choice for those who love a natural makeup look like me. It’s been compared to Benefit’s High Beam in powder form, a subtle glow rather than an intense shimmer. I loved that product back in the day. 

Packaging and First Impressions

How Does the Packaging Stand Out?

Like all Benefit makeup products, Dandelion Twinkle comes in their signature cardboard box packaging, which some people love and others don’t. Personally, I think it’s cute and compact, but I do worry about durability if I throw it in my makeup bag too often. So this made it perfect for travelling. 

What Ingredients are Used in Benefit Dandelion Twinkle?

The formula features light-reflecting pigments that give a sheer, buildable glow. It’s not an intense highlighter, so if you’re looking for a blinding shine, this might not be for you. This is more subtle and buildable. It is more of a wash of gorgeous glitter pigment. 

How Does the Texture Feel on the Skin?

One thing I absolutely love is how buttery the powder feels. It blends easily and doesn’t sit on top of the skin like some chalky highlighters do. It is really soft and easy to work with. It swatches really nicely and this is what drew me in. 

Is It Suitable for All Skin Types?

I’d say this works best on normal to dry skin types. I have combination and it works for me but If you have oily skin, you might find it doesn’t have the best-staying power unless you set your makeup well.

Application and Wear Test

How to Apply Benefit Dandelion Twinkle for Best Results?

For a soft glow, I like to apply it with a light hand using a fluffy highlighter brush. You can build it up if you want a more intense glow, but I think it looks best when it’s just lightly dusted over the cheekbones, cupid’s bow, and brow bone. I also like to use my fingers if I want a more intense glow. 

How Long Does the Glow Last?

On me, it lasts about 5-6 hours before I feel the need to touch up. It does fade a bit throughout the day, so if you’re after an all-day glow, you might need a setting spray. 

Does It Work Well with Other Makeup Products?

Yes! It layers beautifully over Benefit Hoola Lite and Dandelion blush, giving a seamless, champagne effect. It also works as a shimmer eyeshadow for an effortless everyday makeup look. It is just a perfect champagne shade. 

Comparisons with Similar Products

How Does It Compare to Other Highlighters?

If you’re a fan of highlighters like Becca’s Champagne Pop or Fenty’s Killawatt, you might find this one too subtle. But if you love a natural glow, it’s a winner. I find i reach for this one on a more everyday look than a full glam. 

Is It a Better Choice Than Its Competitors?

I’d say it depends on what you’re looking for. It’s lighter than the original Hoola bronzer and Hoola Lite, and less pink than Dandelion blush. If you want an everyday, effortless glow, this is a solid choice.

Price and Value for Money

Is the Price Justified by the Benefits?

At around £27 for the full size and £17 for the mini, it’s not the cheapest highlighter, but it’s also not the most expensive. You’re paying for Benefit’s branding and quality. I will say I have had this a long time and it hardly looks used so I think it will last forever. 

Are There More Affordable Alternatives to Benefit twinkle?

If you’re looking for a drugstore dupe, try e.l.f. Baked Highlighter in Moonlight Pearls or Revolution’s Radiance Highlighter both give a similar effect for a fraction of the price. 

My Review of Benefits Dandelion 

For me, I was excited when I swatched this product. It is the right amount of colour with a healthy amount of glow. It adds that youthful skin glistens that we all crave.

I love its yellow-pink glow. It works with my skin tone but I am not sure how it would work for others. I have a yellow undertone to my skin. I wear a natural makeup look every day and more glam at events or nights out.  It applies really nicely and it blends with ease its one that is just so effortless to use. benefit's dandelion will be staying in my make-up bag and that speaks volumes to me. 

 I find it lasts me all day and no matter what I throw at it from rain to humidity it seems to hold up. Believe me, it got put to the test on my trip. I have used it as eye shadow too and I have to say it does cake a little bit if I do this but nothing a spirit of setting spray can't fix. I also like using it on my legs when I have a tan. I can't smell anything on my skin once it's applied for a minute. I do have a very over sensitive nose and when I made my husband smell this product for this review. Yes, I di that he said he couldn't smell anything from the product. I'd much rather there was no scent but it isn't a deal breaker. 

For me, it's a good product that I reach for time and time again. I am happy I bought the mini version of this as this product has lasted me ages so I would recommend if you are buying it start there as it's priced better than the full size. 

 I wish I had been able to grab the combo of the Hoola lite and Dandelion Twinkle launched. I would order it now but I just don't want to waste money on having the same highlighter twice but the convenience of travelling dandelion twinkle and hoola lite in one place is very very tempting. But in this world of beauty and products, I am not going to be buying endless amounts of things I can't use up. 

Are There Any Common Complaints or Praise?

Some people don't like that this is fragranced with a dandelion scent. I am on the fence I don't mind the scent but I also don't see the need for it in a face product but that is just me. Im happy with the fact the scent doesn't last on your face as that would annoy me but it fades away really quickly. 

I bought the mini which doesn't come with the standard strand benefit brush which some people say is scratchy. I haven't actually ever used the ones that come with their products. 

What are the Benefits Dandelion Twinkle Pros and Cons?

Pros:

• Gorgeous champagne-pink glow

• Buildable and blendable

• Works beautifully for fair skin tones

Cons:

• Not very intense if you love blinding highlighters, this won’t be your fave

• Cardboard packaging might not be for everyone

• Light floral scent (subtle, not overwhelming but still there) 

Who Would Benefit Most from this Product?

If you have fair to light skin, love a soft glow, and prefer a natural, everyday highlighter, you’ll love it.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

I actually think this is a great everyday highlighter, especially for those who love Benefit’s aesthetic. Which I am a huge fan of. Dont get me wrong not all benefit products are a hit but this one is lovely and easy to apply. 

It’s perfect for a subtle glow and pairs beautifully with other Benefit makeup products. If you want an intense highlight, you might need to look elsewhere. But if you love a delicate, champagne-pink sheen, you’ll be love with this one! Don't forget to check out all my other beauty reviews.