Is the Westman Atelier Nectar Highlight Stick Really Worth the Hype?

Ever since I was young, I’ve been fascinated by the 'less is more' approach to beauty. The goal isn't to transform, but to enhance, to achieve that healthy, radiant look that seems to come from within. In the world of effortless chic, makeup artist Gucci Westman is an icon. Her aesthetic, seen on some of the world's most famous faces, is my ultimate beauty inspiration.

So, when her luxurious line, Westman Atelier, landed at MECCA, I was beyond excited. After hearing endless buzz online about the Lit Up Highlight Stick, I knew I had to see if it lived up to its promises. Using my own hard-earned cash, I decided to test the product that everyone was talking about: the Lit Up Highlight Stick in Nectar.

The Short Answer

My Verdict: The Westman Atelier Lit Up Highlight Stick is a truly stunning product for achieving a specific, 'glass-skin' effect. It’s nourishing, beautiful to use, and delivers a dewy, shimmer-free glow that looks like real skin. It’s perfect for the clean beauty lover, but the premium price tag means it’s a considered purchase, not an impulse buy.

What Exactly Is a 'Lit Up' Highlight Stick?

For those who are tired of glittery, powdery highlighters, the Lit Up stick offers a different philosophy. It’s a translucent gel-balm designed to give a dewy, glassy sheen to the skin, rather than a metallic or sparkly finish. By swiping it onto the high points of the face—cheekbones, brow bones, cupid's bow—you create the illusion of hydrated, plump, and luminous skin. It’s less about a visible stripe of makeup and more about creating a radiant clarity that looks like you’ve just had a facial.

Putting It to the Test: My Westman Atelier Nectar Review

My mission is always to find products that deliver a healthy glow without looking like I’ve tried too hard. I want to look fresh and radiant, not glittery. I was intrigued by Nectar's promise of a "glassy golden peach" sheen and couldn't wait to see how it performed on my fair skin (I wear MAC NC15).

The moment I first swiped the Nectar stick, I got it. The texture is what makes it so special—it’s a solid balm that glides on without any stickiness or grease, feeling more like a nourishing skincare step than makeup. It truly just sinks into the skin, leaving behind this beautiful, dewy finish that makes my dry skin look instantly more hydrated and plump.

There’s no shimmer or sparkle, which is exactly what I was hoping for. It just creates this believable, healthy-looking radiance. I apply it directly to my cheekbones, brow bone, and the bridge of my nose, then gently tap to blend with my fingertips. It’s foolproof, melts in seamlessly, and never disrupts the makeup underneath. It’s the epitome of the chic, effortless Gucci Westman aesthetic in one little stick.

What I Genuinely Love About the Lit Up Highlight Stick

• ✓ The 'Glass Skin' Effect: This is its standout feature. It delivers a stunning, dewy glow that looks like naturally luminous skin, completely free of shimmer.
• ✓ The Beautiful Formula: The nourishing balm texture feels incredible. It’s hydrating and comfortable and avoids the tackiness that can ruin other balm highlighters.
• ✓ A Subtle, Healthy Sheen: The Nectar shade gives a gorgeous, warm peachy glow that enlivens the complexion without depositing obvious colour. It looks fresh and authentic.
• ✓ The Luxurious Experience: The packaging is weighty and minimalist, with a satisfying magnetic closure. It feels like a true luxury item from the moment you pick it up.

The Downsides: Who Is This Highlight Stick NOT For?

• ✗ Budget-Conscious Shoppers: Let's be direct—this product is expensive. At $84 AUD for a full-size stick, it's a serious investment, and there are other highlighters that can give you a glow for less.
• ✗ Lovers of a Blinding Highlight: If you’re looking for a dramatic, high-impact highlight that’s intensely pigmented and metallic, this isn’t it. The Lit Up stick is all about subtlety.
• ✗ Those with Very Oily Skin: While the formula isn't greasy, those with very oily skin might find that a dewy balm enhances shine in a way they don't prefer.

Read also: Is the $84 Westman Atelier Contour Stick Worth It? Honest Review >

The Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?

So, is the Westman Atelier Lit Up Highlight Stick worth the splurge? For me, it's a conditional yes.

This has become a go-to product for me on days when I want my skin to look its absolute best—hydrated, healthy, and luminous. It delivers a unique finish that I haven't found elsewhere.

You should buy it if: You are a fan of the "less is more" beauty philosophy, you value high-performing clean ingredients, and you're willing to invest in a luxury product that provides a sophisticated, natural-looking glow.

You should probably skip it if: The high price is a major barrier, or if you prefer a strong, noticeable highlight over a subtle, dewy one.

Your Questions Answered

• Did you pay for the product yourself? Yes, absolutely. This review is not sponsored, and I purchased the product with my own money from MECCA.
• Is Westman Atelier considered a "clean" beauty brand? Yes. The brand focuses on "consciously-crafted beauty," formulating without silicones, parabens, PEGs, and synthetic fragrances. 
• Is there a mini size available? Yes! MECCA stocks a Petite Lit Up Highlight Stick for $45 AUD. It's often sold out online, so keep an eye out. It's the perfect, more budget-friendly way to see if you love the formula before committing to the expensive full size.