As a beauty writer, my makeup bag has seen it all, including a wealth of concealers – yet I've never been able to stray too far from my trusty Glossier formula. That was set to change, however, when a cult favourite landed on my desk: Rodial's Banana Lowlighter.
For those not in the know, Rodial is a female-founded beauty brand known for its high-performance skincare-meets-makeup hybrids. Its Dragon Blood range in particular has a loyal following of beauty editors and A-Listers alike, with alleged fans such as Lady Gaga and Dita Von Teese.
But it's the Banana Lowlighter that has been stealing the spotlight recently. Frequently popping up in beauty roundups, it's praised for its brightening properties, working as a natural highlighter that disguises dark circles and fatigue. It's one of Rodial's bestsellers, and after being wowed by the brand's sell-out Glass Powder, I was eager to put it to the test myself.
I started my usual routine with Medik8's Vitamin C Tetra Serum, followed by my recent go-to, Laura Mercier's Tinted Moisturiser, before applying the lowlighter. The cream-based formula comes in a sleek, expensive-looking tube with a precise wand applicator, making it easy to target specific areas.
At first, I was hesitant about the soft yellow undertone of the product, worried it might look too light against my skin. But once applied, it blended seamlessly, offering just the right amount of brightness to disguise my tired under-eyes. Those with darker skin tones will likely prefer the Latte Lowlighter, £25, which offers a caramel-toned tint.
I also dotted the Banana Lowlighter on my chin to tone down redness and along my upper cheekbones for some subtle definition. I used a concealer brush for precision blending, then tapped it in with my fingertips to ensure a smooth, natural finish.
The texture impressed me most: lightweight yet buildable, meaning I could layer up more coverage without it ever looking cakey. The result was a fresher, more awake complexion that didn't feel heavy or overdone - just radiant and polished.
The Banana Lowlighter lasted for hours without creasing or fading. That said, I still like to keep it in my handbag for the occasional top-up if I'm heading out in the evening.
Of course, the Lowlighter isn't the only concealer that has impressed me over the years. As mentioned, I've been using Glossier's Stretch Balm Concealer , £16, for a while now - the creamy formula has never let me down.
Otherwise, MAC's Studio Fix 24-Hour Smooth Wear Concealer , £25, is another favourite. The liquid concealer offers a natural matte finish that keeps me looking fabulous for hours.
I'm not the only one impressed with the Banana Lowlighter. One shopper via Rodial's website said: "Gorgeous texture and goes on like silk, can't even tell you're wearing it, lovely match. One of my new favourite products, I recommend to everyone. Great quality and lovely service, worth every penny."
A second chimed in: "I wore it for a summer wedding and it lasted all day and no pilling. It was excellent at covering and brightening. I would definitely buy again. It is a little pricy, however, but it works."
But it isn't all good news, as a user thought it was cakey. They said: "Arrived quickly, but the product gives very little coverage and is cakey. Not for me and very overpriced for what it is."
But another Banana Lowlighter fan piped up: "A couple of dabs under my eyes and I look refreshed and renewed. I also suffer from rosacea, and this helps cover it up well, sometimes so much so that I don't use foundation."
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