Lit from within.
As you would probably know from my prior blog posts, I have been crazy obsessed with illuminated and glowing skin. This inspired me to go to my collection to find products that I rely on to provide me with this all-over-the face or cheekbone glow.
I have limited this post to the following three items (I apologise that they are mainly high end), which I can use as a highlighter or all over. I always use a big fluffy brush (like the Zoeva 106 Powder brush) when I use the product for all over the face, or a simple angled blush brush when I apply it as a highlighter. They are very versatile items and I would recommend each of them.
1. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette
I still remember when this product was released in the USA. I was a bit sad that I wasn't able to obtain it, but when my friend told me he was heading to the States, I immediately requested if he could do me a little favour (thanks E!!) and bring this back. Just a side note, that for those of you in Australia, this product is available at Mecca.
Sephora states that this is "A trio of our best-selling Ambient Lighting Powders. Powders capture, diffuse and soften the way light is reflected on skin, brighten the appearance, and conceal imperfections, pores and wrinkles. Unlike traditional finishing powders that use opaque pigments, Ambient utilizes Photoluminescent Technology—micron-size, soft-focus particles that refract light and create transparent coverage. The powders can be applied individually or layered to imbue skin with a multidimensional glow. Universal powders make them suitable for every skin tone, and they can be worn for day and night."
I do not disagree with their statement as this palette is my favourite out of the three. While it is cheaper (weight vs dollars) to get a single powder, I opted to purchase this trio to sample each colour range. The feel of the product is quite soft and it provides a smooth finish to the face. I've listed our the colours and how I use them below
- Dim Light: A neutral peach beige powder. It is meant to blurs imperfections and also can be used to highlight the skin. It has a balance of warm and cool tones. I use this product all over my face. The finish is beautifully luminous skin that lasts throughout the day. It does not make me look like a glitter ball and it really hides any issues I may be having.
- Incandescent Light: A pearly powder. I use this as a highlighter on my cheekbones, bridge of my nose and on my cupid's bow. This colour is exclusive to the palette and it meant to brightens the complexion.
- Radiant Light: This is the darkest shade and the one I like to use on my cheeks for a golden beige glow. It provides an added touch of warmth to my skin and it perfect for the summer time.
2. Guerlain Meteorites - Teint Beige (Medium)
Guerlain states the following: "This legendary powder offers dreamed-of radiance to every woman. Pink to refresh the complexion, green to diminish redness, white for a brighter complexion, mauve to catch the light, gold and pearl to add a perfect touch of radiance to the face... The alchemy of pearls infuses the skin with new light, translucency and original purity. "
I've reviewed this product on Instagram before, so here is the snippet and my thoughts:
These are silky little balls of powder that provide a beautiful glow to finish off any makeup look. There are several shades of balls within each of the different sets, all of which work together to brighten the complexion and add a touch of radiance to the skin. I use this product all over the face to provide a nice glowing sheen to the skin or on my cheekbones when I want added dimension on the face. Note that the product does not contain much coverage but the end effect does last all day.
The product comes in a SUPER luxurious tubs that look stunning on any vanity (I'm such a sucker for packaging). The box is made of metal, with a fully detachable lid that has beautiful flower print on top. It also comes with a soft powder puff, which to be honest... I don't use. The powder has a delicate floral smell, which I personally love, but if you are sensitive to fragrance keep this in mind.
Another thing to note is that if you don't like tiny hints of shimmer on the skin, this may not be for you as for some, it may accentuate pores. Also, the balls may drive some ppl crazy because they have the tendency to bounce everywhere if they manage to escape! Other than that, I think its a lovely finishing powder that works great on my skin. Would def recommend!
3. Givenchy Prisme Libre Loose Powder #2
This product is amazing for my complexion and I can always depend on it when I want some extra 'oomph' to the skin. The powder certainly mattifies the skin, but at the same time it provides a glow. When you touch the product for the first time, you can immediately tell that it is finely milled and extremely light. After application, your skin will feel very velvety soft. However, I don't use it everyday and when I do apply it, it is purely used for highlighting. Why? I like the effect better, especially because it contains smaller bits of sparkle.
The colour that I purchased does not provide any coverage and also has the least shimmer out of all of them. Upon swatching the others, I noticed that some of them contained a LOT of sparkle that was very evident in the sunlight. Hence, if you are looking to pick one up, please test it out otherwise you may run the risk of looking like a disco ball if you are not careful.
The packaging is also a close contender of the Guerlain meterorites. The Givenchy comes in a square plastic box and has a faux leather cap. Each powder is split up into 4 smaller compartments, which contain the different shades of powder. It is a very compact case that is able to fit into any vanity quite swiftly. There is also a powder puff just under the lid, which is super soft. Like the Guerlain, I don't really use it.
Have I answered all your questions? If not, ask away!
What do you guys think of these products?
Love Cindy (Skindzmakeup)
