Merit Day Glow Highlighting Balm dupes
highlighter
By Viktoria @vioda.makeup · Published · Updated
My top pick to replace the $30 Merit Day Glow Highlighting Balm is e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter at $14 — an 88% match that saves you $16. The most popular dupe for Merit Day Glow — and for good reason. The luminous, skin-enhancing effect is nearly identical. The main difference is format: liquid dropper vs solid balm. 2 more tested alternatives are compared below.
You're overpaying $16 every time you buy the original.
Switch to the top dupe and save. If you buy 3 a year, that's $48 back in your pocket.
The original: Merit Day Glow Highlighting Balm
Merit Day Glow Highlighting Balm
$30
Creamy, buildable highlighting balm that melts into skin for a natural, lit-from-within glow without visible shimmer or glitter.
Best Merit Day Glow Highlighting Balm dupes
e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter
Save 53%$14
"The most popular dupe for Merit Day Glow — and for good reason. The luminous, skin-enhancing effect is nearly identical. The main difference is format: liquid dropper vs solid balm."
Best for: Everyday glow, mixing into foundation, liquid product lovers
- + Similar luminous, skin-like glow
- + Can be used alone, under, or over makeup
- + Lightweight and buildable
- + Multiple shade options
- − Liquid vs balm texture (less portable)
- − Slightly more visible shimmer than Merit
e.l.f. Halo Glow Beauty Wand
Save 70%$9
"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."
Best for: Budget shoppers, natural highlight lovers, everyday glow
- + Similar liquid-highlight format
- + Natural, non-glittery glow
- + Easy cushion-tip applicator
- + Under $10
- − Slightly more shimmer than Merit
- − Less sophisticated cream-to-powder transition
- − Can look shinier on oily skin
Rare Beauty Positive Light Liquid Luminizer
Save 17%$25
"A mid-price alternative that delivers the same 'glow from within' effect Merit is known for. The formula is more liquid but the finish on the skin is almost identical."
Best for: Those willing to spend a bit more for beautiful packaging and formula, makeup enthusiasts
- + Beautiful natural-looking glow
- + Extremely blendable
- + Buildable from subtle to noticeable
- + Gorgeous shade options
- − Still not drugstore-priced
- − Very liquid — needs careful application
Side-by-side comparison
| Product | Price | Match | Best for | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Merit Day Glow Highlighting Balm | $30 | Original | — | — |
| e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter | $14 | 88% | Everyday glow, mixing into foundation, liquid product lovers | Save 53% |
| e.l.f. Halo Glow Beauty Wand | $9 | 87% | Budget shoppers, natural highlight lovers, everyday glow | Save 70% |
| Rare Beauty Positive Light Liquid Luminizer | $25 | 85% | Those willing to spend a bit more for beautiful packaging and formula, makeup enthusiasts | Save 17% |
How the dupes compare
Merit Day Glow is beloved for its clean, no-shimmer glow that looks like naturally radiant skin rather than visible highlighter. These dupes aim for the same barely-there luminosity.
Full comparison
Merit built its brand on minimalism, and Day Glow is the perfect expression of that — a highlighting balm that doesn't look like highlighter at all, just impossibly healthy, glowing skin. The balm format is portable and foolproof. e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter went viral as the affordable alternative and delivers a remarkably similar effect: that same filtered, luminous look that enhances skin without screaming 'highlighter.' It's a liquid rather than a balm, so application is slightly different (dropper vs stick), but the result on the skin is nearly interchangeable. Rare Beauty Positive Light Liquid Luminizer is a mid-tier option that matches the natural radiance but with a more luxe formula feel. It's also a liquid, buildable from barely-there to more noticeable, and the shade range is gorgeous. Both dupes achieve the core promise — glow that looks like skin, not product.
How long each one lasts
Merit Day Glow lasts 6–8 hours as a balm format. e.l.f. Halo Glow wears about 5–7 hours and may need a midday refresh on oily skin. Rare Beauty Luminizer lasts 6–8 hours and layers beautifully over setting spray.
Frequently asked questions
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