Merit Day Glow Highlighting Balm vs e.l.f. Halo Glow Beauty Wand
highlighter
Original
Merit Day Glow Highlighting Balm
$30
Sheer, buildable cream-to-powder highlighter that gives a natural, lit-from-within glow without visible shimmer particles.
Dupe
e.l.f. Halo Glow Beauty Wand
$9
Save $21 (Save 70%)
"e.l.f. Halo Glow Beauty Wand is the best affordable alternative to Merit Day Glow. Both create a natural, non-glittery luminosity. e.l.f. is slightly more shimmery — Merit's glow is more subtle and diffused. But at $9 vs $30, the difference isn't worth the premium for most people."
My verdict
e.l.f. Halo Glow Beauty Wand is the best affordable match for Merit Day Glow. Both create a natural, non-glittery luminosity that looks like genuinely great skin rather than visible highlight. e.l.f. has slightly more shimmer — there's a faint sparkle that Merit doesn't have — but the overall effect on the cheekbones is very similar. Merit's cream-to-powder transition is more refined, and the glow is slightly more 'from within.' But at $9 versus $30, e.l.f. delivers 85% of the result for 70% less money. For everyday natural highlight, it's the clear value pick.