Product Info
Product Name: Espoir Strobing Highlighter
Shade: Galaxy
Price: 30,000 KRW (≈ $23 USD)
What I Paid: 21,000 KRW (≈ $16 USD)
Why I Bought It
When K-beauty Youtuber Minsco introduced this Strobing Highlighter, I instantly thought “That’s insane! It’s so pretty!”
However, the Galaxy shade wasn’t released during the September Olive Young sale in 2025.
I just couldn't wait for it to be released, so I considered getting another shade, like Lemon Beam. However, I couldn’t stop thinking about the Galaxy shade, so I kept checking the Espoir official website until it finally launched.
After the Olive Young sale, reviews for the Espoir highlighter started appearing, and most people said it wasn’t particularly impressive. Even so, the color was just too beautiful for me to resist, so I decided to buy it anyway.
Packaging
Compared to the other shades, the packaging of Galaxy looks slightly cheaper. Even more, the compact doesn't have a built-in mirror and it makes it feel cost-cut.
Color
Another name for Galaxy is Blue Beam, but it’s actually closer to a lavender-pink tone than blue. It’s a mix of lavender and pink with a soft cyber-like glow, and every time I look at it, I’m amazed by how pretty it is.
The color was completely my style. It reminds me of my favorite Clio Hannam Atelier eyeshadow palette, and I love every shade in it.
Application & Feel
Espoir describes the Strobing Highlighter as a "dough-type highlighter", which means it is not powdery and has a slightly moist texture, often referred to as a Vaseline-glow type. I like this texture.
Like Vaseline, it sticks to your skin and it doesn’t smudge or scatter outside the applied area, which I appreciated.
But I was surpirsed by so many reviews said it was too much for daily use. I strongly believe that if you’re someone who loves strong highlighters, this might not meet your expectations.
When I wore it out, a friend asked, “What’s that white stuff on your face?” It did look a bit like white powder under certain lighting, which made me a little embarrassed.
Still, I can’t give it up. The lavender-pink glow is just too pretty to let go.
Longevity
Since my skin is combination-dehydrated, the highlighter doesn't last long. When applied over a dewy foundation, it fades so quickly.
To improve longevity, I found that a matte foundation + powder + setting spray combination worked best.
Final Thoughts
My first impression was honestly disappointing. The glow and longevity were weaker than I expected.
However, it barely emphasizes pores and gives a soft, natural highlight, which I liked.
Even if pores might show a bit on camera, they don’t look noticeable in real life.
Although its lasting power and brightness are a little lacking, the color is so much my style that I keep reaching for it. I definitely fell for the Galaxy shade.