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We've played out most of the ways highlighter can be fresh. Blue, gold, liquid, loose powder—each new iteration that landed in stores, I was happy to welcome into my makeup bag with open arms. Even the avant-garde, out-there ones, like Fenty's pigmented silver Diamond Ball highlighter, found their way onto my face. And then, right when I didn't think there was anything out there that could surprise me, what looked like an empty pan came into my life, and I felt a love that was brand new.
My interest was piqued by Instagram (isn't that always the case). I was scrolling along when I saw it: models with skin so smooth, poreless, and reflective that they looked like an ad for "glass skin," the kind you allegedly get from a meticulous, 10-step Korean skin care routine. The models' skin glowed as they posed for the videos, their skin bouncing off light with the kind of sheen you usually see only in well-lit studios. They probably were, but still—I wanted that product on my face.
Just recently launched, Danessa Myricks' Dew Wet Balm was the glass-skin maker behind the shots I'd spotted on Instagram, but in person it looks like you've received a starkly empty metal pan. Flip the top open, and the balm reflects its presence. It's a clear, hybrid highlighter and moisturizing balm that gets its power from jojoba oil and vitamin E.
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Rub a finger in it and pat it on your cheekbone, and your skin takes on this subtle, glassy quality. It's not totally unprecedented. Aquaphor is basically a thicker version of the same product. But if you're not trying to reach quite that level of moist, the Wet Balm gives you the glowy look without the sticky finish, while reading more dewy than a shimmery highlighter. There are three shades: pearly Morning Dew, lightly copper Hot Water, and Clear. If you want glass skin without the intensive upkeep, it doesn't get easier.
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Danessa Myricks Beauty Dew Wet Balm, $22, danessamyricksbeauty.com
