Cheeryep Highlighter Review 2026: Worth Your Money?
If you love a glass skin glow, you have probably seen Cheeryep all over TikTok and Instagram lately. This Chinese beauty brand (also known as Qianyan) dropped the Pillow Gem Highlighting Powder in early 2026. It sold out almost instantly.
The brand has earned a cult following for its stunning eyeshadow palettes. Now it wants to own the highlighter space too. The Pillow Gem collection promises a “liquid luminosity” finish with diamond level shine. It comes in a pink satin pillow shaped compact with a gemstone on top.
But does it actually perform well on real skin? Is it worth the price and the hype? We tested all three shades and compared them to popular alternatives.
Key Takeaways
- Cheeryep (Qianyan) is a Chinese makeup brand that has become a global favorite for its color payoff, creative packaging, and affordable pricing. The Pillow Gem Highlighting Powder launched in February 2026 as part of the Year of the Horse limited edition collection.
- Three shades are available: SH01 Treasure Pond (champagne gold diamond shimmer), SH02 Drinking Galaxy (pale pink water glow), and SH03 Cloud Soft (off white matte). Each shade targets a different makeup style and skin concern.
- The formula uses a Warm Cold Extraction 3D Molding Technology that gives the powder a liquid like feel on skin. The texture is finely milled and blends without patchiness. Users report it lasts through a full workday without fading.
- Packaging stands out from the crowd. The pillow shaped compact features embossed winged horse detailing and a gemstone center. It is one of the most collectible compacts in the beauty market right now.
- The price point sits around $21.99 USD per shade, which is competitive against brands like Rare Beauty and Fenty Beauty. The product is cruelty free and contains skin friendly ingredients like squalane and glycerin.
- Availability is limited. The Pillow Gem Highlighting Powder is currently sold through CBeauty Mall and the official Cheeryep website. Some Cheeryep products are available on Amazon through third party sellers.
- Ingredients and Distributor Labeling in English on the package. The product packaging can be updated frequently, the packaging might be slightly different from the picture. Please CHECK before ordering.
- This super fine 24/ 16 color makeup palette allows you enjoy different collections of intense color, multi texture with super fine texture.
Last update on 2026-06-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I only recommend products and services that I believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support!
What Is the Cheeryep Pillow Gem Highlighting Powder?
The Cheeryep Pillow Gem Highlighting Powder is a pressed powder highlighter from the Chinese beauty brand Cheeryep, also known as Qianyan. It launched in February 2026 as part of the brand’s Year of the Horse limited edition collection. The product is available in three shades designed for different skin tones and finish preferences.
Each compact weighs between 4.8g and 6g depending on the shade. The formula contains mica, synthetic fluorophlogopite, squalane, and glycerin. These ingredients create a smooth, skin friendly base that feels lightweight on the face.
The product uses what Cheeryep calls Warm Cold Extraction 3D Molding Technology. This process gives the powder its unique texture. It feels almost liquid on contact but sets as a fine powder on the skin. The result is a glow that looks like it comes from within rather than sitting on top.
The compact itself is shaped like a small pillow with a gemstone embedded in the lid. Inside, you will find an embossed flying horse design pressed into the powder. It is a collectible piece that looks beautiful on any vanity.
Cheeryep Pillow Gem Highlighter Shade Breakdown
Cheeryep offers three distinct shades in the Pillow Gem collection. Each one serves a specific purpose. Here is a closer look at what each shade delivers.
SH01 Treasure Pond is a champagne gold with intense diamond shimmer. This is the most impactful shade in the collection. The particles are extremely fine but catch light aggressively. It is best for evening events, date nights, and photoshoots. Apply it to cheekbones, the nose tip, and the cupid’s bow for maximum effect.
SH02 Drinking Galaxy is a pale pink with a translucent water glow finish. This shade works best for everyday wear and no makeup makeup looks. It does not emphasize pores or texture. The finish is sheer and dewy. Sweep it across the cheekbones, nose bridge, and brow bones for a natural flush of light.
SH03 Cloud Soft is an off white with a matte finish and the tiniest hint of micro shimmer. You cannot see sparkle on the face, but it adds a refined brightness. This shade is ideal for filling in flat areas of the face. It can also help conceal tear troughs and smile lines when patted gently over those areas.
How Does the Cheeryep Highlighter Formula Feel on Skin?
The formula is the real star of this product. Cheeryep created a powder that feels almost liquid the moment it touches your skin. It melts into the face rather than sitting on top like a dry powder would. This gives a glow that mimics healthy, hydrated skin.
The powder is finely milled with pearlized shimmer particles. These particles are small enough that they do not create a chunky or glittery look. Instead, they produce a smooth, glass like sheen. The effect is similar to what you see with high end brands like Hourglass or Pat McGrath, but at a fraction of the price.
Blending is effortless. You can use your fingers, a stippling brush, or a fan brush. The product does not move around once it sets. It stays in place for eight or more hours without significant fading or transfer.
The formula contains squalane and glycerin, both of which help keep the skin hydrated under the powder. This is a nice touch for people with dry skin who struggle with highlighters looking flaky by midday. People with oily skin may want to set their base first before applying this product.
Top 3 Alternatives for Cheeryep Pillow Gem Highlighting Powder
If you cannot find the Cheeryep Pillow Gem in stock or want to compare options, here are three popular highlighters worth considering.
1. Rare Beauty Positive Light Silky Touch Highlighter
Last update on 2026-06-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I only recommend products and services that I believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support!
This powder highlighter from Selena Gomez’s brand gives skin an instant glass like sheen. The formula is talc free, incredibly smooth, and buildable. It comes in several shades and works on all skin tones. The price point is higher than Cheeryep at around $25, but availability is much better.
2. Fenty Beauty Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter
- What it is: A weightless, long-wear, cream-powder hybrid highlighter for the face and eyes in a range of shades, from subtle to supercharged, in solos and expertly-paired duos; Ingredient Callouts: Free of parabens and phthalates; This product is also cruelty-free; What Else You Need to Know: This long-wearing highlighter was born in a lineup of solos and duos for all skin tones; The cream-powder hybrid melts into skin and blends with almost zero effort; Loaded with superfine shimmer for an ultra-smooth, creamy texture, it’s your go-to for highlighting your face, eyes, and collarbone
- A line of weightless, long-wear cream-to-powder hybrid highlighters in solos and expertly paired duos
Last update on 2026-06-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I only recommend products and services that I believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support!
Rihanna’s Killawatt highlighter is a cream powder hybrid that delivers a long wearing glow. It is available in solo and duo options. The shades range from subtle to supercharged. The formula is lightweight and works on both the face and eyes.
3. e.l.f. Halo Glow Silky Powder Highlighter
- SILKY POWDER HIGHLIGHTER: This ultra-silky, soft-touch powder highlighter delivers a gorgeous, luminous finish.
- FINELY MILLED MICRO-SHIMMER: Packed with finely milled micro-shimmer that blends seamlessly into skin for a radiant, lit-from-within look.
Last update on 2026-06-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I only recommend products and services that I believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support!
This budget friendly option delivers a luminous finish with finely milled micro shimmer. It is vegan, cruelty free, and costs under $10. The formula layers well over other products and resists caking. It is a solid choice if you want a great glow without spending much.
Cheeryep Highlighter Packaging and Design
The packaging of the Cheeryep Pillow Gem Highlighting Powder deserves its own section. This is not your average compact. The case is shaped like a small satin pillow with a decorative gemstone centered on the lid. The design draws inspiration from traditional Chinese aesthetics mixed with modern luxury.
Open the compact and you will see an embossed winged horse relief pressed into the powder itself. The sculpting is detailed and dimensional. Light and shadow play across the raised forms, making it look like a small art piece rather than a makeup product.
The compact fits comfortably in one hand. It is sturdy and well constructed despite its decorative exterior. The hinge closes firmly, and the magnetic clasp prevents accidental opening inside a bag. There is no mirror inside, which is a small downside for touch ups on the go.
Many reviewers have called this one of the most “Instagram worthy” compacts of 2026. It is the kind of product that prompts questions from friends and coworkers. If packaging matters to you, this product delivers something special.
Who Should Buy the Cheeryep Highlighter?
This highlighter is a good fit for several types of makeup users. If you love glass skin looks, the SH02 Drinking Galaxy shade gives a natural, dewy glow that does not look overdone. It works perfectly for office wear and casual days.
If you prefer a bold, statement glow, the SH01 Treasure Pond shade has enough shimmer to catch light from across a room. It is ideal for special events, content creation, and night looks. Makeup artists will find this shade useful for editorial and photoshoot work.
If you have concerns about facial flatness or visible tear troughs, the SH03 Cloud Soft shade can help. Its matte finish with subtle micro shimmer brightens flat areas without adding obvious sparkle. It acts more like a brightening powder than a traditional highlighter.
People who enjoy collecting beautiful compacts will also appreciate this product. The Year of the Horse limited edition design makes it a standout vanity piece. The product works well on fair to medium skin tones. Deeper skin tones may prefer the SH01 shade for the most visible payoff.
Is the Cheeryep Highlighter Cruelty Free and Safe?
Cheeryep (Qianyan) positions itself as a vegan and cruelty free brand. The brand does not test on animals. Their eyeshadow palettes on Amazon are listed with vegan and cruelty free labels. The Pillow Gem Highlighting Powder follows the same standard.
The ingredient list includes mica, synthetic fluorophlogopite, silica, squalane, glycerin, and several cosmetic grade colorants. These are all common, well studied ingredients found in many high end highlighters. There are no parabens, sulfates, or heavy fragrances in the formula.
Squalane is a moisturizing ingredient that mimics the skin’s natural oils. It helps keep the powder from drying out the face. Glycerin is a humectant that draws moisture to the skin. Together, they make this highlighter more comfortable for dry skin users.
The brand also uses lauroyl lysine, an amino acid derivative that improves the feel of powders on skin. It gives the product its signature silky texture. If you have sensitive skin, always patch test a new product first. But the ingredient profile of this highlighter is clean and straightforward.
How to Apply the Cheeryep Pillow Gem Highlighter
Getting the best results from this highlighter depends on your application method. The brand recommends using your fingertips or a stippling brush. Both methods work well, but each gives a slightly different finish.
Fingertip application gives the most intense glow. The warmth of your hands helps the powder melt into the skin faster. Tap a small amount onto the high points of your face. Focus on the cheekbones, brow bones, nose bridge, cupid’s bow, and inner corners of the eyes.
Brush application provides a softer, more diffused look. A fan brush or tapered highlighting brush works best. Lightly sweep the product across your cheekbones for a gentle sheen. This method is ideal for the SH03 Cloud Soft shade.
For the SH02 Drinking Galaxy shade, try a stippling brush. Gently bounce the product onto your skin. This builds the water glow effect gradually without overdoing it. You can layer until you reach your desired intensity.
Pro tip: Apply your highlighter after setting your base with powder. This prevents the product from blending into your foundation and losing its impact. If you want a more natural look, apply it before setting powder for a glow that sinks into the skin.
Cheeryep Highlighter Price and Where to Buy
The Cheeryep Pillow Gem Highlighting Powder retails at $21.99 USD per individual shade. The full Pillow Gem gift box collection, which includes eyeshadows and highlighters, is priced at $128.99 USD. This makes the individual highlighter very affordable for a limited edition, collectible product.
You can buy the Pillow Gem Highlighting Powder from CBeauty Mall and the official Cheeryep website (cheeryep.com). Some Cheeryep products are also available on Amazon through third party sellers under the Qianyan or CYAYLM brand names.
- VERSATILE PALETTE: Features 16 stunning shades including romantic pinks, dreamy blues, and shimmering glitters for creating both neutral and glamorous eye looks
- FINISH VARIETY: Combines both matte and glitter finishes in complementary tones, perfect for creating dimensional eye makeup looks
Last update on 2026-06-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I only recommend products and services that I believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support!
Shipping from CBeauty Mall to the United States takes 7 to 15 business days with free shipping on orders over $59.99. International shipping is available to most countries in Europe, Asia, and Oceania. Note that the Pillow Gem collection has been selling out quickly, so check stock before placing your order.
For Amazon shoppers, the Cheeryep 16 Color Eyeshadow Palettes with highlighter shades are a good alternative. They offer shimmer and matte textures that can double as face highlighters in a pinch.
How Does Cheeryep Compare to Rare Beauty and Fenty?
Comparing Cheeryep to Rare Beauty and Fenty Beauty helps put the product in perspective. All three brands offer powder highlighters with good color payoff and lasting power.
Rare Beauty’s Positive Light Silky Touch Highlighter has a silk like texture that melts into skin. It is talc free and buildable. The finish is natural and glass like. It costs around $25 and is widely available at Sephora and Amazon. The shade range is broader than Cheeryep’s current offering.
Fenty Beauty’s Killawatt Highlighter uses a cream powder hybrid formula. It is more intense and metallic than both Cheeryep and Rare Beauty. The duo format gives you two shades in one compact. Prices range from $36 to $40. It is best for people who want a bold, high impact glow.
Cheeryep’s Pillow Gem sits between the two. Its formula feels more liquid than Rare Beauty but less intense than Fenty. The packaging is superior to both competitors. The price is the lowest of the three at $21.99. The main drawback is limited availability outside of specialized C Beauty retailers.
If you value performance and accessibility, Rare Beauty wins. If you want bold shimmer, Fenty wins. If you want a unique formula with stunning packaging at a lower price, Cheeryep is the best choice.
Pros and Cons of the Cheeryep Pillow Gem Highlighter
Every product has strengths and weaknesses. Here is an honest look at both sides of the Cheeryep Pillow Gem Highlighting Powder.
The biggest pros include the formula’s liquid like feel on skin. The powder melts seamlessly and does not emphasize texture or pores. The three shade options cover everyday, glam, and corrective use cases. The packaging is genuinely beautiful and collectible. The price is competitive.
The ingredients are clean and include skin beneficial additions like squalane and glycerin. The product is cruelty free and vegan. Color payoff is strong on fair to medium skin tones. The product lasts eight or more hours without significant fading.
On the downside, the compact does not include a mirror. Availability is limited to C Beauty retailers and the official Cheeryep website. It is not yet sold directly on Amazon. Shipping from CBeauty Mall can take up to three weeks for US orders.
The shade range is also limited to just three options. People with deep skin tones may find that none of the shades show up well without heavy layering. The Year of the Horse design is a limited edition, so it may not be restocked once it sells out.
What Real Users Say About the Cheeryep Highlighter
User feedback on the Cheeryep Pillow Gem Highlighting Powder has been overwhelmingly positive since launch. On TikTok, videos from the brand’s official account have received thousands of likes. Independent beauty creators have also shared glowing reviews.
Many users praise the SH02 Drinking Galaxy shade for its everyday wearability. One reviewer called it “the perfect no makeup makeup highlighter.” Others highlighted the fact that it does not settle into pores, which is a common complaint with powder highlighters.
The SH01 Treasure Pond shade gets love from editorial and content focused users. Multiple makeup artists have featured it in their routines for its strong light catching ability. The champagne gold tone works well for warm toned looks and golden hour photography.
Some users on Reddit’s newinbeauty community compared the Pillow Gem eyeshadows to Tom Ford satin quad shadows. The community gave the product 338 upvotes and praised the formula’s smooth, crease free finish. Comments noted the packaging alone was “worth the purchase.”
A few users mentioned that the matte SH03 Cloud Soft shade took them by surprise. They expected less from a matte highlighter but found it effective for brightening and smoothing the center of the face.
Final Verdict on the Cheeryep Highlighter
The Cheeryep Pillow Gem Highlighting Powder is a strong product that delivers on most of its promises. The formula feels luxurious. The finish looks like a natural, lit from within glow. The packaging is one of the best in the beauty market this year.
At $21.99 per shade, it offers good value compared to similar products from Rare Beauty and Fenty. The three shade range covers most common highlighting needs. The ingredient list is clean and skin friendly.
The main barriers are availability and shipping time. If you do not mind ordering from CBeauty Mall or the official website and waiting a couple of weeks, this highlighter is worth adding to your collection. It is especially good for people who enjoy C Beauty products and love unique, collectible packaging.
If you want a similar glow effect with faster shipping, the Rare Beauty Positive Light Silky Touch Highlighter or the e.l.f. Halo Glow Silky Powder Highlighter are solid alternatives available on Amazon right now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cheeryep a safe brand to use?
Cheeryep (Qianyan) is a Chinese beauty brand that lists its ingredients transparently. The Pillow Gem Highlighting Powder contains common cosmetic ingredients like mica, squalane, and glycerin. The brand markets its products as vegan and cruelty free. If you have sensitive skin, perform a patch test before full face application.
Where can I buy the Cheeryep Pillow Gem Highlighter?
The Pillow Gem Highlighting Powder is available on the official Cheeryep website (cheeryep.com) and CBeauty Mall (cbeautymall.com). Some Cheeryep eyeshadow palettes with highlighter shades are sold on Amazon through third party sellers. The standalone Pillow Gem highlighter is not yet listed directly on Amazon.
How long does the Cheeryep highlighter last on skin?
Users report that the Cheeryep Pillow Gem Highlighting Powder lasts eight or more hours on set skin. The formula resists fading and transfer well. For best results, apply it over a set base and avoid touching the highlighted areas throughout the day.
What skin tones does the Cheeryep highlighter work on?
The three shades work best on fair to medium skin tones. The SH01 Treasure Pond (champagne gold) shade shows up well on medium to tan skin. People with deeper skin tones may need to build up layers for visible payoff. The brand does not currently offer shades specifically formulated for deep skin.
Is the Cheeryep Pillow Gem Highlighter a limited edition?
Yes. The Pillow Gem Highlighting Powder launched as part of the Year of the Horse limited edition collection in February 2026. Once current stock sells out, it may not be restocked. If you are interested, purchase sooner rather than later.
Can I use the Cheeryep highlighter as an eyeshadow?
Yes. The formula is eye safe and works well as a shimmer eyeshadow topper. The SH01 and SH02 shades add a beautiful light to the inner corners and center of the lids. The SH03 shade can serve as a subtle brow bone highlight. Use a small eyeshadow brush for precise application.
Hi, I’m Hazel Claire, the voice behind Modern Lens Blog, where I dive deep into the world of Amazon products across every niche imaginable. As a passionate product reviewer and everyday consumer, I test and evaluate everything from tech gadgets to home essentials, beauty products to fitness gear, bringing you honest, first-person insights that matter.
