Few highlighters have achieved the iconic status of Fenty Beauty Diamond Bomb. Its unique gel-powder texture, glass-like shimmer, and veil-of-diamonds finish made it an instant bestseller the moment Rihanna launched it. Beauty lovers adore how Diamond Bomb melts into the skin, offering a high-impact sparkle that somehow remains elegant, not chunky or glittery. But with its premium price tag, many makeup lovers wonder: Do affordable dupes exist that can deliver a similar wet-shine, crystallized glow?
The good news: yes, absolutely. Several brands — especially drugstore and K-beauty favorites — have created formulas that mimic Diamond Bomb’s glimmering finish without the luxury price. Below, we explore the best-performing dupes that give you the same show-stopping brilliance, whether you want a subtle shimmer or a full “Rihanna stage lights” sparkle.
Why Fenty Diamond Bomb Became a Cult Favorite
Diamond Bomb sits in a league of its own because it doesn’t behave like a traditional highlighter. Instead of metallic shine or chunky glitter, it creates a “crushed-diamond effect” — ultra-fine sparkle suspended in a translucent base that works on every skin tone. The formula is feather-light, buildable, and captures light beautifully whether you’re on stage, under sunlight, or taking selfies.
Its key features include:
- A jelly-to-powder texture that melts instantly into the skin
- Ultra-fine shimmer particles that create a true “wet look” highlight
- A universal shade range, with How Many Carats?! being the most iconic
- High-performance wear that stays reflective without fallout
These qualities make Diamond Bomb one of the most unique illuminators on the market — which is why finding a convincing dupe matters.
What Makes a Good Dupe for Fenty Beauty Diamond Bomb
Diamond Bomb isn’t just another shimmer stick — it set a standard for luminous, blurring sparkle that looks flattering on a wide range of skin tones and can be used in multiple ways. A truly good dupe doesn’t just kind of mimic the look; it delivers a similar experience, finish, and versatility that makes the product feel like a seamless alternative.
At its core, Diamond Bomb is loved for its soft, finely-milled shimmer particles that catch the light without looking chunky, glittery or harsh. Instead of obvious glitter flakes, the finish reads more like a satin-sparkle filter for skin — it enhances rather than overwhelms. A great dupe needs to strike that balance: noticeable glow without a disco-ball effect, soft luminosity instead of texture emphasizing sparkle. That’s especially important for body use on shoulders, collarbones or legs, where large shimmer particles can sometimes look uneven or settle into skin texture.
A second key feature is blendability and comfort. The original Diamond Bomb glides on smoothly, blends without tugging, and layers well if you want more intensity. A strong dupe should match that ease of application — whether you’re using fingertips, a brush, or a sponge — and feel comfortable on the skin rather than dry, sticky, or chalky. Good formulation also means it plays well with other products (body lotions, oils, makeup) so it doesn’t flake or separate when layered.
Another characteristic Fenty fans appreciate is the universal appeal of the shade and shimmer. Diamond Bomb’s undertones are warm but not overly golden, and the sparkle complements a broad range of complexions. A quality dupe should aim for a similarly flattering shimmer colour — something that reads as radiant on both fair and deep skin tones, rather than leaning too pink, too silver, or too bronze. Brands that focus on inclusive shade design tend to create alternatives that feel more like a true dupe rather than a limited-appeal highlighter.
Finally, versatility is a winsome trait. Diamond Bomb can be used not just on the body, but also to highlight cheekbones, eyelids and even decolletage for editorial makeup looks. A good dupe shouldn’t be so one-dimensional that it works only on one area of the body. When a product can transition from everyday glow to special-occasion sheen, it earns its place alongside — or even in place of — the original.
When evaluating dupes, always look beyond packaging and price. The best alternatives capture the essence of what made the original famous: a soft, radiant sheen, smooth blendability, flattering undertone, and multipurpose wear. It’s these attributes — more than brand name — that determine whether a product is just sparkly or truly a Diamond Bomb-style glow dupe.
The Best Dupes for Fenty Diamond Bomb
Below are the closest alternatives that mimic Diamond Bomb’s signature glassy sparkle, silky texture, and weightless finish — at a fraction of the price.
1. Wet n Wild Mega Jelly Highlighter — Bouncy Illuminator Energy
If you’re chasing that jelly-powder texture that Diamond Bomb is famous for, Wet n Wild’s Mega Jelly Highlighter is one of the closest texture dupes available. The formula has the same “bouncy,” cushiony feel when you touch the pan and dries down to a smooth, gleaming finish.
On the skin, the highlight is high-impact, reflective, and noticeably wet-looking, similar to Fenty’s signature crystal sheen. While the shimmer particles can be slightly less fine than Fenty’s, the radiance this gives is shockingly comparable — especially when layered. At drugstore pricing, this is easily one of the best bang-for-your-buck dupes.
2. ColourPop Super Shock Highlighter — Flexitarian / Smoke N Whistles
ColourPop’s Super Shock formula is legendary for its ultra-smooth, mousse-to-powder finish and intense glow. Among all its shades, Flexitarian delivers the closest Diamond Bomb vibe: bright, wet-shine, and ultra-reflective.
While Diamond Bomb leans more sparkle-sheer and ColourPop leans more metallic-glow, the overall effect — luminous, high-shine radiance — is extremely similar on the cheeks. Makeup artists often call ColourPop’s Super Shock range one of the best affordable alternatives for high-end gel-powder formulas. If you love Diamond Bomb’s glow more than its glitter, this is the perfect pick.
3. e.l.f. Glow Gleam Beam Highlighter Palette
e.l.f. has become the queen of dupes, and this palette is one of its most brilliant successes. It delivers a variety of shimmer intensities, from soft pearl to full-on glitter-sheen. When mixed or layered, the top-row shades of Glow Gleam Beam mimic the bright, glassy pop of Diamond Bomb beautifully.
What makes this particularly appealing is its versatility: you can achieve a soft, diffused glimmer for everyday wear or build it into a show-stopping sparkle that mirrors Diamond Bomb’s editorial glow. At its price point, the performance is incredible.
4. Kaja Roller Glow Highlighter
K-beauty brand Kaja specializes in innovative textures, and Roller Glow is stunningly reflective. The formula glides on like silk and leaves a smooth, dewy, glistening finish that resembles Diamond Bomb’s wet-glass shine.
Roller Glow contains ultra-fine micro-pearls that catch light effortlessly, making it perfect for anyone who loves high-impact glow but prefers a slightly smoother, less sparkly finish than Diamond Bomb. It’s fun, effective, and one of the closest luxury-texture dupes on the market.
5. Physicians Formula Butter Buddies Highlighter — You’re Doing Great Sweetie
Physicians Formula creates some of the softest highlighter textures in the drugstore category. This satin-shimmer highlighter offers a radiant, luminous gleam that sits between ColourPop’s metallic glow and Diamond Bomb’s wet sparkle.
The formula is gentle, silky, and flattering on texture-prone skin because it doesn’t exaggerate pores or cling. While it doesn’t have Diamond Bomb’s glass-glitter finish, it nails the “lit from within” brilliance at a much friendlier price — perfect for subtle glam lovers.
6. Essence Pure Nude Highlighter — Ice Ice Baby
Essence proves time and time again that affordability doesn’t mean compromise. Their Pure Nude line produces a gentle, diffused radiance reminiscent of Diamond Bomb’s softer sparkle moments.
The shade Ice Ice Baby is a cool-toned luminous highlight that leans slightly sheer — giving it a glistening transparency similar to Diamond Bomb’s ethereal glow. If you prefer subtle, everyday shimmer without glitter, this dupe is a hidden gem.
How to Apply Dupe Highlighters for a Diamond Bomb-Like Effect
Even the best dupe performs better with the right technique. To replicate Diamond Bomb’s iconic glass-skin glow:
- Use fingers, not brushes
Diamond Bomb’s sparkle disperses best with finger warmth — most dupes behave similarly. - Tap, don’t swipe
Pressing the product onto cheekbones ensures maximum shine with minimal fallout. - Layer strategically
Start sheer, then build intensity for dramatic editorial shine. - Apply on high points + lids + clavicle
Diamond Bomb’s charm is its versatility — use your dupe everywhere light touches.
With the right technique, these dupes can look indistinguishable from the original in photos and real life.
Final Thoughts
Fenty Beauty Diamond Bomb is truly one of the most unique highlighters ever created — but that doesn’t mean you need to splurge to achieve the same dazzling effect. Brands like Wet n Wild, ColourPop, e.l.f., Kaja, and Essence have created exceptionally good alternatives that give you that same reflective, glass-skin radiance for a fraction of the price.
Whether you prefer ethereal shimmer, glassy dew, or full-on sparkle, there’s a Diamond Bomb dupe below $20 that will fit your glow style and your budget.
Because at the end of the day, luxury beauty is about how you look and feel — not how much you pay for the shine.
Disclaimer: All products mentioned on RevealTheDupes.com are shared for informational and editorial purposes only. “Dupes” refer to affordable alternatives that may offer a similar look, feel, or function to higher-priced items, but they are not identical, affiliated with, or endorsed by the original brands. Brand names, trademarks, and logos are the property of their respective owners and are used solely for comparison and identification purposes. Individual results and experiences may vary, and we encourage readers to review ingredients, specifications, and suitability before purchasing.
