Laura Mercier Face Illuminator in Spellbound



I can always be tempted by a pretty highlighter and if they have a gelee like formula sign me up for two!
If you are in the market for a new powder highlighting product then I urge you to try out Laura Mercier Face Illuminator in Spellbound before it sells out as the both the formula and colour pay off are second to none.

Laura Mercier Face Illuminator in Spellbound
Laura Mercier Face Illuminator in Spellbound
I want to say the design of the Spellbound Face Illuminator is pretty but I can't all I see is crumpled flesh and flashbacks of Silence of the Lambs. Intricate yes and a step out from the norm but not something my twisted little mind can fully get on board with. I had the same problem with the MSF's from the MAC Champagne collection back in 2010...weirdo. That aside the packaging is sturdy and robust (albeit a little chunky) despite being plastic and features a good sized mirror.

Laura Mercier Face Illuminator in Spellbound
Laura Mercier Face Illuminator in Spellbound
Laura Mercier Face Illuminator in Spellbound

Spellbound is listed as a “soft rose gold" and I agree but it certainly leans more golden than it does warm pink, however depending on the lighting it can appear slightly more golden and dare I say it orange tinged. This is one of those products that the end colour will be fully dependant on the users skin tone but as it has a yellow undertone it should be suitable for most complexions. In terms of a dupe I draw a blank but it is somewhat similar to NARS Luster blush albeit a lot less glitter based. Spellbound offers great colour pay off without the need for a heavy hand but can easily be built up for a more intense finish or buffed out for a more diffused effect.

Laura Mercier Face Illuminator in Spellbound
Laura Mercier Face Illuminator in Spellbound

As a huge fan of gelee formulas such as Estee Lauder's Pure Colour Illuminating Powder Gelee's and MAC's In Extra Dimension MSF's the texture of this powder is right up my alley. Best described such powders are firm to the touch yet somewhat melt and become almost liquid like when applied to the skin. I often find that they cool the skin as they go all the while dispensing a light touch of radiance to the skin. The beauty of such gelee formulas are that they don't tend to contain glitter in any form nor do the feature large chunks of shimmer particles so the end result is subtle, think Jennifer Lopez's infamous glow in powder form and you have hit the nail on the head. In my opinion they deliver a soft metallic sheen which can be built up in layers should you wish without looking heavy or caking on the skin. Like I said the effect is refined and wonderful for those like myself who enjoy adding a little dimension and radiance to the skin without the worry of drawing attention to their enlarged pores. In terms of wear we are talking up to 10 hours when used with primer, without it is around the 8 hour mark but do keep in mind I have oily skin to contend with.

Dear brands stop making formulas like Laura Mercier Face Illuminator in Spellbound limited edition, I beg of you!

Laura Mercier Face Illuminator in Spellbound* £31/10g via House of Fraser - link
* PR sample sent for consideration of review.