Illuminator (Polka Dots & Moonbeams)

2 Reviews

1. 

   stressedQuiche6

   Reply

   This is crazy natural looking – I have pale skin with freckles and a yellow undertone, and it is PERFECT.
   So many highlighters are too white or pink on me – this is my skin, but better.
   I also use RMS living luminizer – which pops more than this one. I carry this around with me. I love that it is a stick, and it blends effortlessly.

   This has no silicones -which is mandatory for me now that I have made the switch – but it is smooth and not oily.
   And it has no sparkles – that is also a must for me.

   like living luminizer, I can put this in the inner corners of my eyes (a Kevyn Aucoin trick) without it going crepey.

   I use it on my cheekbones, and I like to put a little bit of Weleda Skin Food on top of it

2. 

   crummySeafowl3

   Reply

   This is a beautiful, natural highlighter that stays put all day. It’s unlike other highlighters/illuminators I’ve used that appear frosty or harsh like Benefit and some Nars tints– I think ILIA’s success is due to the oils in the formula. Very fine, pale-gold shimmer is present, but add the pure, gritless sheen of the rose hip oil and the effect is more dewy and believable than any other highlighter I’ve come across. It looks like I didn’t even try at all!

   I was torn between buying this and the much-hyped RMS Living Luminizer. After lots of research and finally acquiring an RMS tester, I’ve concluded that both are lovely in effect and ingredients. However, I chose Polka Dots & Moonbeams because although I’m pale, ILIA’s gold suits my warm tones better than RMS’ silver (not icy, just silver) and it has impressive staying power for an oil-infused and “natural” product. In fact, it would be impressive if it was neither of those things! My job requires me to be walking outside all day in 80-degree weather (Literally all day: 8am-4:30pm, outside, walking. My feet haven’t adjusted yet.). After a little powder I apply the illuminator to my cheekbones, over my brow, chin, and cupid’s bow before I leave in the morning. I get home at the end of the day and it’s still there– the oil has kept most of its pretty sheen and it hasn’t melted down my face. I’m not sure how it’s done. Another quality that separates this one from the pool of shiny face things I’ve tested is its near-invisibility when no light is hitting it. In indirect light and on overcast days, other formulas tend to display some kind of texture which instantly outs me as a highlighter-wearer, but I only detect ILIA by its shine when light is directed at it. I’m not sure if it’s a big deal to other people, but I think this is an important thing to watch out for if I’m trying to successfully fake a glow.

   My minor complaint that might be worth mentioning is that the formula has to be warmed up to spread easily. I swirl my finger over the top of the stick for a few seconds before patting what I picked up on said finger onto my face or swiping the stick over it. You’ll probably have to do this a few times.

   The minimal packaging is beautiful to look at and the matte texture of the tube feels pretty cool. The cap stays on in my makeup bag but I haven’t tested it out in my purse because I don’t feel like I need to retouch. The twist-up stick is convenient for picking up product or swiping directly onto the skin.

   I highly recommend this illuminator for pretty much everyone who’s been searching in vain for tools that impart carefree, #wokeuplikethis beauty. Sorry, I couldn’t resist. I’ll leave.