?Have you ever felt like a beauty archaeologist, sifting through bargain bins to find the perfect highlighter that mimics an expensive cult favorite without making your bank account cry?
My love affair with Fenty Killawatt — and why I started looking for dupes
I have to confess: I bought my first Fenty Killawatt because of an Instagram close-up that made skin look like it had been lit from within by a tiny, tender sun. I wore it to three social events and a dentist appointment, and each time someone asked what I was wearing, I felt the same quiet thrill.
But I also have rent, a predilection for takeout, and a cat who believes every item I own should be tested for nap-suitability. I started hunting for dupes because I wanted that same glow without the same price tag—or the same amount of possessive fretting any time I packed a makeup bag.
What the Fenty Killawatt is (in plain language)
Fenty Killawatt is a hybrid highlighter that blends creamy and powdery textures in a single pan, designed to produce a reflective, sometimes metallic finish. It comes in single sticks, duos, and pressed powders with shades that lean from icy pearlescent to molten gold and rosy champagne.
The thing that sets Killawatt apart is the way it reads in photographs and in person: not flat shimmer, but an almost wet luminosity that catches light without looking like glitter exploded on your cheekbones.
Why a dupe can be perfectly acceptable — and sometimes preferable
I believe in spending on what matters to me, which sometimes means a handbag, sometimes a haircut, and occasionally a highlighter that will survive my tendency to accidentally nap face-first into my throw pillow. A dupe can deliver the look you want for a fraction of the cost, and it can also introduce you to formulas you might come to prefer.
Also, testing a dupe can be a low-stakes way to figure out your favorite finish without committing to a product that will haunt your memory as “the one that got away” should it be discontinued.
How I judge a dupe: the checklist I constantly consult
When I evaluate whether a product is a true dupe, I look at finish (metallic, pearlescent, sheer), texture (cream, powder, cream-to-powder), payoff (subtle or intense), blendability, longevity, and how it photographs. I also consider price and shade range because a “near match” is useless if it only comes in one shade that leans clownish on me.
I do at least one person-to-person test: I apply the dupe beside the original and then sit under a lamp for half an hour like a mad jeweler inspecting a gemstone, trying not to embarrass myself in my living room.
Quick note on shades — what I mean when I say “gold,” “champagne,” “opal”
When I mention “gold,” I mean warm, almost bronzy tones that read sun-kissed. “Champagne” refers to soft beige-to-pale-gold neutrals. “Opal” or “ice” means cool, pearly, or slightly iridescent tones that can read white or pink in different lights.
These distinctions matter because the Fenty Killawatt line has iconic shades across all these families, and a dupe for Trophy Wife is not necessarily a dupe for Lightning Dust.
Table: Mapping Fenty Killawatt shade families to dupe candidates
This table gives a practical overview of shade categories and affordable alternatives I tested or researched. I recommend reading each product description—for texture and application—after you skim the table.
| Fenty Shade Family | Fenty Example(s) | Affordable Dupe Candidates | Why they work |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold / Warm Metallic | Trophy Wife; Mean Money/Hu$tla Baby | Maybelline Master Chrome (Molten Gold), Milani Strobe Highlighter (Gold), Makeup Revolution Vivid Baked Highlighter | Metallic, high-shine finish; similar warmth and reflectivity |
| Champagne / Neutral | Mean Money; Hustla Baby | Wet n Wild MegaGlo, e.l.f. Halo Glow, NYX Born To Glow | Smooth powder formula with a champagne sheen and easy blending |
| Opal / Icy / Duo-Chrome | Lightning Dust/Fire Crystal | ColourPop Super Shock Highlighter (Flexitarian family), Makeup Geek or Makeup Revolution duo-chrome pans | Sheer-white to pink shift, available in creamier textures |
| Rose / Pink Glow | Who’s That Chick? (examples vary) | Milani Strobe Light Rose, Wet n Wild Crown of My Canopy equivalents | Soft rosy sheen that shows up without needing to be sanded down into oblivion |
My top picks: individual dupe breakdowns and how they compare
I tried to be scientific about this, but my method mostly involved applying products and then making faces in the mirror. Below are the products that, in my experience, come closest in various ways to different Killawatt shades.
Maybelline Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter — “Molten Gold” family
Maybelline’s Master Chrome line is glossy, reflective, and unabashedly metallic. I find “Molten Gold” behaves like a demure cousin of Trophy Wife: it gives serious shine without feeling like I’m wearing a metal plate on my cheek.
The texture is buttery and dense, so you get intense payoff with a light touch. For people who like their highlighter to read on camera, this is a wallet-friendly option that performs well.
Wet n Wild MegaGlo Highlighter — various shades
Wet n Wild’s MegaGlo is a frequent drugstore hero because it blends nicely and doesn’t crumble into glitter confetti by noon. I have a soft spot for the shades that read champagne or warm gold; they’re subtle enough for daytime but layerable for night.
The finish can be slightly more powdered than Fenty’s creamier Killa formulations, but a damp brush or gentle finger application closes that gap remarkably well.
Milani Strobelight Instant Glow Powder
Milani’s Strobe Light range gave me the kind of champagne-rosé glow that makes you look like you didn’t just nap on a Friday afternoon with a face full of sticky highlighter. The pigments are rich and reflective, and the powders are finely milled.
If you’re after a luxe finish without the luxe price, Milani is consistently a strong contender—especially in their warmer or rosier shades.
ColourPop Super Shock / Highlighter formulas (flexible recommendations)
ColourPop isn’t a drugstore brand, but it’s beloved for good reason: the Super Shock texture sits halfway between cream and powder and yields an almost wet sheen. I found several ColourPop shades that mimic Killawatt opals and icy finishes.
They tend to photograph beautifully and offer a variety of tones, which is handy if you like to collect your armful of options like a raccoon gathers shiny objects.
e.l.f. Halo Glow and e.l.f. Liquid Highlighters
e.l.f. has a way of appearing outside my budget and then apologizing for itself by being excellent. The Halo Glow pressed powders and liquid highlighters are smooth and luminous, giving a natural-looking highlight that can be built up for more drama.
For someone who wants subtle daytime glow or a cruelty-free, cheap option to experiment with, e.l.f. tends to be the only brand my thriftier self trusts wholeheartedly.
Table: Side-by-side comparison of texture, finish, and price
If you’re the kind of person who likes a visual breakdown before you commit to the emotional labor of shopping, here’s a table that summarizes the practical differences.
| Product | Texture | Finish | Price Range (USD) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fenty Killawatt | Cream-to-powder / pressed | Metallic / wet-luxe | $34 | Intense metallic duo; photogenic |
| Maybelline Master Chrome | Dense powder | High metallic shine | $6–9 | Trophy Wife-like metallic gold |
| Wet n Wild MegaGlo | Pressed powder | Satin to luminous | $3–6 | Everyday champagne/neutral highlight |
| Milani Strobelight | Pressed powder | Luminous / glow | $8–12 | Warm/rose gold sheen |
| ColourPop Super Shock | Cream-to-powder | Soft luminous / sometimes iridescent | $8–12 | Icy/duochrome finishes |
| e.l.f. Halo Glow | Pressed powder | Soft radiance | $4–10 | Budget everyday glow |
How to get a Fenty-like finish using drugstore products
The secret isn’t always the product—it’s the technique. Fenty’s glow often reads luminous because of layered textures: cream or liquid base with a light dusting of powder. I’ve found that starting with a creamy product and layering a reflective powder hones the “lit from within” look.
If you’re using a powder dupe, spritzing your brush very lightly with a setting spray before dipping it into the pan heightens the metallic payoff and helps the highlight melt into the skin rather than sit on it like sequined confetti.
My step-by-step application routine
I always begin with skincare, because nothing kills highlighter like dry, flaking skin that has decided tonight is the night to be dramatic. I apply my usual moisturizer and a touch of liquid or cream base where I plan to highlight.
Then I press a cream or liquid highlighter into the skin with my ring finger (gentle pressure is key), and set it with a powdered dupe using a small, fluffy brush for edges and a denser brush or tap with my finger on the high point for intensity.
Shade-matching tips so your dupe doesn’t look wrong-headed
I learned the hard way that “gold” is a traitor concept—there are warm golds that read bronzy, and there are cool golds that look like antique coins. If you have cool undertones, aim for champagne or opal shades. If you have warm undertones, choose golden or peachy highlights.
Try swatching on your cheekbone while outdoors or under natural light if possible. Bathroom mirrors are overly sentimental and fluorescent lights are carnival lights; both will mislead you.
The surprising role of undertone and skin texture
Undertone affects whether a highlight looks like “your glow” or “a glued-on disco ball.” I have neutral-warm skin with a tendency to overmap my cheeks with highlight, and when I pick the right undertone, the result looks like sunlight and not a theatrical spotlight.
Texture matters too: if your skin is textured, super-reflective products can emphasize bumps. In that case, pick a softer sheen or use sparingly.
Wear and longevity — what I noticed across dupes
I have worn all the budget alternatives on errands, dates, and the single time I was called in to be a character witness for a neighbor’s cat, and most lasted through the evening if I started with a bit of cream under the powder. Some powdered formulas fade to a subtle sheen after a few hours, while metallics like Master Chrome stay bold longer.
If you have oily skin, set your T-zone and lightly dust translucent powder in the areas that threaten to steal your highlight from you; this will keep it localized and intact.
DIY mixing guide: how to mix and match products to recreate Killawatt shades
One small joy of cheap products is that they are often so inexpensive I feel permitted to play chemist. To replicate Fenty’s famous duos, I often mix a warm powder (like Milani Gold) with a cooler opal or pearl pressed into the center. The result reads like a high-end duo.
Another trick is to use a pearlescent eyeshadow patted on top of a gold powder for a multidimensional sheen. It feels fiddly but is satisfying in the way kneading dough is satisfying.
Recipes for three iconic finishes
- Trophy Wife-like gold: apply a warm cream or liquid highlighter, then pat Maybelline Master Chrome “Molten Gold” on the center of the cheek with a finger. Set edges with a softer gold pressed powder.
- Lightning Dust / Opal shift: layer a sheer white cream highlight under a powder that has a pink or peacock sheen, or use ColourPop’s more duochrome pieces over a white base.
- Champagne-neutral: sweep a champagne Wet n Wild or e.l.f. over a cream base for a soft radiance that doesn’t scream for attention.
Table: DIY mix recipes and tools
For people who like exact recipes, this table is my paint-by-numbers.
| Desired Finish | Base | Powder Topper | Tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Molten gold metallic | cream/liquid warm gold | Maybelline Master Chrome | fingertip + dense brush |
| Icy opal shift | white-pearlescent cream | ColourPop duochrome powder | fingertip + small dense buffing brush |
| Subtle champagne | tinted moisturizer or cream | Wet n Wild MegaGlo | fluffy brush for diffusing |
On photography: how these dupes behave in pictures
I once took a photo with every highlighter I owned and then posted them to my phone to study the differences under close magnification. The most reflective products read like they had been lit by a ring light, even in ambient lighting. The softer powders gave a more natural sheen in photos but less sparkle.
If you plan on taking selfies or getting photographed, choose a product with reflective pigments and consider midday touch-ups; phones are ruthless and highlight is forgiving to none of us.
Benefit Precisely My Brow dupe — why the detail in your brows matters
I realize this article was supposed to be about highlighter dupes, and yet I’d be remiss not to address brows because a good highlight can be undone by sloppy brows in 0.4 seconds. Benefit Precisely My Brow is a micro-fine pencil loved for its precise tip and natural hair-like strokes. I use a similar pencil almost daily because a little definition frames the face and makes my carefully applied highlight look deliberate.
I tested and researched the most commonly recommended dupes, and the good news is you can get a similar effect for less.
Top affordable dupe candidates for Benefit Precisely My Brow
- NYX Micro Brow Pencil: It has a similar ultra-fine tip and a respectable shade range. The formula is slightly waxier, which can be a blessing if your brows are stubborn.
- L’Oréal Brow Stylist Definer: This is a mechanical pencil with a thin tip and a smooth glide. It wears consistently and is usually available in drugstores.
- e.l.f. Ultra Precise Brow Pencil: Very affordable, with a fine tip and decent color selection. It’s not perfect, but it does the job for most brow routines.
Table: Brow pencil comparison
Here is a side-by-side to help you decide which economical pencil suits your needs.
| Product | Tip Width | Color Range | Texture | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benefit Precisely My Brow | 0.3 mm | 14 shades | Very fine, natural wax | $24 |
| NYX Micro Brow Pencil | ~0.5 mm | 12 shades | Waxier, pigmented | $7–9 |
| L’Oréal Brow Stylist Definer | ~0.5 mm | 6–7 shades | Smooth, precise | $7–10 |
| e.l.f. Ultra Precise | ~0.5 mm | 6-8 shades | Slightly dry, precise | $3–5 |
How I use dupes in my everyday routine (confessions of a lazy glamper)
I have a routine I consider both efficient and mildly indulgent. On a good day: skincare, a touch of foundation (or not), a brow pencil to frame things, a sweep of cream highlight where the sun would naturally hit, and then whatever pressed dupe is handy to make it sing. On a bad day: concealer, brow pencil hurriedly applied with one hand while brushing my teeth with the other, and a torch-faint sweep of whatever highlighter is closest.
The goal for me is to look like I chose my look intentionally, rather than like I lost a bet with a makeup brush.
Pros and cons of buying a dupe versus buying the original
Pros: price, experimentation, less anxiety when you inevitably sit on your makeup bag. Cons: some dupes lack the exact texture or shade finesse, and if you’re a collector of rituals, the packaging and product story matter. I sometimes buy the original as a treat and then purchase a dupe for daily use; it’s an arrangement that saves me from feeling guilty and keeps my makeup drawer versatile.
If you’re motivated by performance alone, many dupes will satisfy you. If you’re a devotee of brand philosophy, ingredients, or packaging, the original might still be the emotional purchase you want.
Cruelty-free, vegan, and ingredient considerations
If cruelty-free is part of your buying criteria, e.l.f., ColourPop, and Wet n Wild have options that align with those values. I pay attention to ingredients if I have skin reactions, but mostly I tolerate products unless my face starts to behave like a startled toad.
If you have sensitive skin, I recommend patch-testing new highlighters on your jawline for a few days before wearing them to events that matter.
Cost-per-use math – because I am the sort of person who calculates this
I like to make a spreadsheet about vanity choices, and when you spread the cost of a $6 highlighter over eight months of near-daily use, it becomes a modest luxury. A $34 highlighter can still be cost-effective if it’s your one-and-only and you use it religiously, but if you like options, dupes let you play without remorse.
Ultimately, the right call depends on your relationship with makeup: is it a hobby, a craft, or a necessary camouflage? I oscillate between all three.
Packaging and environmental thoughts — does it matter to the glow?
Packaging can be surprisingly persuasive. Fenty’s sleek, compact cases have a specific heavyweight confidence to them. Drugstore brands often use lighter plastics, which makes me feel like their highlighters are small, portable promises rather than heirlooms.
If you’re concerned about waste, look for brands with refill systems or recyclable packaging. I once purchased an absurdly pretty compact and then cried over its single-use plastic interior, so consider packaging as part of your beauty conscience.
Final verdict: my preferred dupes and how to decide based on your priorities
If you want the truest metallic gold for a fraction of the price, Maybelline Master Chrome wins my heart. For soft, buildable champagne that looks natural in daylight, Wet n Wild MegaGlo or e.l.f. Halo Glow is my pick. For opal or duo-chrome finishes, ColourPop often offers the best array at a reasonable price. My personal purse strings favor a rotation: a single high-quality original for sentiment and several drugstore options for daily life.
If you also want a brow product similar to Benefit Precisely My Brow, NYX Micro Brow Pencil or L’Oréal Brow Stylist Definer are my consistent go-tos. I keep an e.l.f. pencil as a sacrificial backup in travel bags.
Frequently asked questions (short, useful answers)
Q: Will a dupe photograph the same as Fenty Killawatt?
A: Sometimes. Highly reflective dupes photograph well, but subtle sheen powders may read less intense in photos. Layering a cream base helps.
Q: Can I use eyeshadow as a highlight to mimic Killawatt?
A: Yes, in a pinch. Use finely milled, reflective eyeshadows and press them onto a cream base.
Q: Are drugstore dupes safe for sensitive skin?
A: Many are, but patch-test to be safe. Ingredients vary; if you react, stop immediately.
Q: What’s the easiest way to maintain highlight intensity throughout the day?
A: Start with cream, set with powder, and touch up modestly with a fingertip. A tiny spray of setting spray will meld layers.
Closing thoughts — a modest, possibly obsessional plea
I am well aware that my relationship with makeup oscillates between pragmatic and melodramatic. I enjoy finding dupes because it allows me to be both frugal and adventurous, to treat makeup as an instrument rather than an instrument of guilt. If a drugstore compact gives me a moment of surprised delight when the sunlight catches it just right, then it has done its job.
So if you want the Killawatt glow without the accompanying rent-sweat, try one of the affordable picks I mentioned, experiment with layering, and forgive yourself if you end up with more options than you know what to do with. I certainly did, and my cat has claimed at least three of my highlighter pans as future napping platforms—so it was a shared success.