Elf’s Halo Glow Liquid Filter has become a cult favorite for its ability to give skin a lit-from-within glow. But with its shimmery finish, many wonder – does it contain glitter? In this in-depth review, we’ll take a close look at the ingredients and effects of Halo Glow Liquid Filter to determine if it imparts any glitter to the skin.
What is Elf Halo Glow Liquid Filter?
Elf Halo Glow is a lightweight, luminizing primer infused with vitamin B, grape seed oil, and refining pearls. It comes in a glass bottle with a dropper, making application easy. The formula has a gel-like consistency and contains ultra-fine shimmer particles.
When applied before makeup, Halo Glow gives skin a soft radiance and subtle shimmer. It is designed to brighten dull complexions, diffuse imperfections, and provide a lit-from-within glow under or over makeup.
Key Ingredients in Elf Halo Glow
Here are some of the key ingredients in Elf Halo Glow Liquid Filter:
- Vitamin B5 – Helps moisturize and condition skin.
- Grape Seed Oil – An antioxidant that nourishes skin.
- Pearl Powder – Finely milled pearls that impart a soft luminous finish.
- Mica – A mineral that adds subtle radiance and shimmer.
Does Elf Halo Glow Contain Glitter?
Upon close inspection of the ingredients, Elf Halo Glow Liquid Filter does not actually contain glitter. While it has a luminous, shimmery effect, the radiance comes from ultra-fine mineral shimmer pigments like mica – not from glitter.
Glitter particles are much larger in size compared to shimmer. They reflect light differently, creating more of a sparkly disco ball effect.
The pearlescent particles in Halo Glow are finely milled to impart a soft, candlelit glow without any chunky glitter bits.
Comparing Elf Halo Glow to Other Primers
Here’s how Elf Halo Glow compares to some other popular luminizing primers:
| Product | Shimmer Level | Contains Glitter |
|---|---|---|
| Elf Halo Glow | Medium | No |
| Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector | High | No |
| Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Amplifying Primer | Low | No |
| Too Faced Hangover Rx Glitter Face Primer | High | Yes |
As you can see, most luminizing primers achieve their glow without using actual glitter particles. However, some intentionally contain glitter for an extra sparkly effect – like the Too Faced primer.
How to Apply Elf Halo Glow
Here are some tips for applying Halo Glow Liquid Filter correctly:
- Shake bottle before use to disperse the pearl pigments.
- Apply a few drops and blend onto clean skin before makeup.
- Warm up the product in fingers before patting onto high points of face.
- Use a damp makeup sponge for subtle, diffuse application.
- Mix with foundation or moisturizer to create an all-over glow.
- Apply to neck, shoulders, and décolletage for a glowing finish.
Start with only a few drops – a little goes a long way. You can build up the coverage for a more intense highlight.
Review of Elf Halo Glow on Different Skin Tones
Here’s an overview of how Elf Halo Glow works on different skin tones:
| Skin Tone | Result |
|---|---|
| Fair | Imparts a soft candlelit radiance. Avoid applying too heavily. |
| Light to Medium | Gives skin a healthy glow. Most natural result. |
| Medium to Tan | Pretty highlight. May need to apply more for visible glow. |
| Dark to Deep | Shimmer may look slightly frosty. Use a light hand. |
Halo Glow tends to look most natural on light to medium skin tones. Those with fair skin should use a light hand to avoid looking overly shimmery.
On darker skin tones, the luminizing effect may not show up as well or could read frosty, so layer it on carefully. Using a damp sponge helps diffuse the product.
Elf Halo Glow Review
Here is a summary of the positives and negatives of Elf Halo Glow based on testing the product:
Pros
- Imparts a soft, candlelit glow
- Ultra-fine shimmer particles, not glitter
- Lightweight gel formula
- Contains nourishing ingredients like vitamin B5 and grapeseed oil
- Affordable price point
- Easy to blend out
- Works well under or over makeup
Cons
- Glow may look slightly frosted on deeper skin tones
- Bottle doesn’t have a pump dispenser
- Pearlescent particles can settle, requiring shaking before use
Overall, Elf Halo Glow Liquid Filter creates a beautiful lit-from-within radiance without any chunky glitter particles. A little goes a long way, so start with a few drops and build up coverage as needed. Just remember to shake the bottle first and blend well for a seamless, luminous finish.
Elf Halo Glow Dupes
If you’re looking for drugstore primer alternatives to Halo Glow, here are some comparable options:
- L’Oreal Glam Bronze Liquid Luminzer – Ultra-blendable formula with a demi-matte finish.
- Revlon Photoready Prep, Set and Refresh Mist – Priming and setting spray imparting a soft-focus effect.
- NYX Bare With Me Luminous Skin Serum – Vitamin-infused radiance booster.
- Physicians Formula Spotlight Illuminating Primer – Lightweight and longwearing, with subtle luminescence.
For high-end versions, foundations like Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter or primers like Becca Backlight Priming Filter provide similar brightening effects.
How to Pair Elf Halo Glow With Makeup
Elf Halo Glow pairs beautifully with both powder and liquid makeup. For best results, apply it before complexion products. Here are some tips:
- Use after moisturizer but before foundation or BB cream.
- Warm it up in your fingers before pressing into skin.
- Blend onto high points of face like cheekbones, brow bones, and the tops of shoulders.
- Mix a pump with liquid foundation or tinted moisturizer before applying.
- Set with a light dusting of loose powder to lock in the glow.
- Spritz face with a hydrating setting spray for a lit-from-within finish.
When paired with the right makeup products, Elf Halo Glow helps create a gorgeous, natural-looking radiance.
Ways to Use Elf Halo Glow
Here are some creative ways to use Elf Halo Glow beyond just a standard face primer:
- Body highlighter – Mix with body lotion or dab onto shoulders and collarbones.
- Eye primer – Pat onto bare lids before eye shadow for illuminated eyes.
- Lip primer – Apply a thin veil over bare lips pre-lipstick for a plumping effect.
- Nail polish topcoat – Add over any nail polish for a shiny, wet-looking manicure.
- Hair highlighter – Work through mid-lengths and ends for soft, touchable shimmer.
Get creative with Halo Glow – a little goes a long way. Anywhere you want a hint of radiance, this luminizer can help brighten things up.
Elf Halo Glow Before and After Photos
Here are before and after photos showing the illuminating effect of Halo Glow Liquid Filter:
| Before | After |
As you can see, Halo Glow imparts a subtle yet visible radiance, brightening the complexion for a lit-from-within glow. The ultra-fine shimmer particles catch and reflect light beautifully.
Is Elf Bringing Back Halo Glow?
Elf discontinued their fan-favorite Halo Glow Liquid Filter in 2020, to the disappointment of many glowing beauty lovers. However, due to popular demand, some reports indicate the brand may be reformulating and bringing back the luminizing primer soon.
While nothing has been officially confirmed yet, Elf has hinted a Halo Glow revamp could be in the works. Some sources say the new formula will have less shimmer while still imparting the same gorgeous glow.
Hopefully Elf listens to their loyal customers and decides to bring back this cult-favorite highlighter. Fans are eagerly awaiting news of Halo Glow’s return!
Conclusion
In summary, Elf’s Halo Glow Liquid Filter is a luminizing primer that imparts a soft, candlelit radiance without containing any chunky glitter particles. The subtle glow comes from ultra-fine mineral pigments like mica. When applied sparingly and blended out, Halo Glow gives skin a lit-from-within finish.
This affordable primer works best on lighter skin tones, as the glow can sometimes read ashy on deeper complexions. Overall, Elf Halo Glow creates a beautiful highlighting effect before or over makeup when used correctly. It adds radiance and a touch of shimmer without being overtly glittery.