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Dior Cosmopolite Illuminating Face Powder Review, Photos, Swatches

Dior Cosmopolite Illuminating Face Powder
Dior Cosmopolite Illuminating Face Powder

Dior Cosmopolite Illuminating Face Powder ($45.00 for 0.24 oz.) is described as a “universal powder” that gives a “glowy finish.” It’s a light, gold-shimmered beige with a soft sheen. Too Faced Pop of Light (PiP, ) is more shimmery, darker (95% similar). Dior Luxurious Beige (LE, $82.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). Laura Mercier Highlight 01 (P, ) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar). Too Faced Flush (LE, ) is more shimmery (90% similar). Hourglass Surreal Light (LE, $48.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). Sephora Light Beam (02) (P, $14.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty The Afternooner (Highlighter) (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker (85% similar). Hourglass Euphoric Strobe Light (LE, $40.00) is more shimmery, darker (85% similar). MAC Sparkling Rose (LE, $26.00) is more shimmery, darker (85% similar). Tarte Highlight (Tarteist) (LE, ) is lighter, cooler (85% similar). Kevyn Aucoin Candlelight (P, $44.00) is lighter, cooler (85% similar). MAC Coupe d'Chic (LE, $26.00) is darker, cooler (80% similar). Urban Decay Aura (P, $30.00) is darker (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

I’m not sure about this shade being universally applicable (it’s rare for a product like this to work across all skin tones), as I could see the base color possibly becoming chalky on darker skin tones, so you might want to check it out on-counter if you can. On very fair skin tones, it may add slight warmth and color, while fair to medium-dark will likely see more of a golden sheen without much color. On my medium skin tone, I get a golden glow that makes my cheekbones pop without any noticeable color. It’s a very fine shimmer, so it doesn’t emphasize pores, and the powder’s texture was soft without being powdery. It was one of the better Dior face powders I’ve tested in the last couple of years, so it was a pleasant surprise to try. The highlighter wore well for eight hours on me before fading.

See more photos & swatches!

Dior Cosmopolite Illuminating Face Powder
Dior Cosmopolite Illuminating Face Powder

Dior Cosmopolite Illuminating Face Powder
Dior Cosmopolite Illuminating Face Powder

Dior Cosmopolite Illuminating Face Powder
Dior Cosmopolite Illuminating Face Powder

Dior Cosmopolite Illuminating Face Powder
Dior Cosmopolite Illuminating Face Powder

Dior Cosmopolite Illuminating Face Powder
Dior Cosmopolite Illuminating Face Powder

Dior Cosmopolite Illuminating Face Powder
Dior Cosmopolite Illuminating Face Powder

Dior Cosmopolite Illuminating Face Powder
Dior Cosmopolite Illuminating Face Powder

Dior Cosmopolite Illuminating Face Powder
Dior Cosmopolite Illuminating Face Powder

Makeup Look
On face:
  • Marc Jacobs Re(marc)able
  • Urban Decay Naked Loose Setting Powder
On lips:
  • OCC Memento

30 Comments

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Nicole Avatar

That’s probably a good thing. It saved me from impulse ordering it,lol! I think it’s gorgeous. But, I think I need to look at it at the counter or order it from Sephora or Nordstrom where it could be returned if I’m not happy because the rating is lower than I’d like at this price.

Katherine T. Avatar

Wow, I wasn’t interested in this, but after looking at the swatch, it really reminds me of the Wet N Wild Reserve Your Cabana, except this has some shimmer. When I first swatched Wet N Wild, I wasn’t that impressed, but on the face, wow! I’m going to have to swatch this in store. Strange, the Dior one has 4 different ingredient lists on its box –one of the lists has alcohol but the others don’t. Are there different lists for different countries?

A Avatar

I really wish companies would stop touting products as “universal”, as I can’t really think of a single product I’d call universal, and the products that are supposed to be often forget that people who aren’t white exist.
Even for non-colour products, products work differently based on skin type (like dry/oily) and other variables.

Attika Avatar

I love this powder! It’s my favorite day-time highlighter. I’m NC30. My sister (NC 40) accidentally wore this powder all over her face (she’s really new to makeup and thought this was just a pressed powder), it looked nice! The glow was a soft one, even though the shimmer particles were visible up close.

Nancy T Avatar

Not bad! But so terribly dupable, it would seem. And the chalky base scares me away because I have a feeling it would give me an odd whitish cast. However, I am LOVIN’ that WnW Reserve Your Cabana as an allover powder to set my foundation! No white cast, no muting of my foundation shade or skintone, perfect.

Laurissa Avatar

I own this and it’s not chalky on me, not at all. It just looks like soft light. I wouldn’t wear this all over, but down the center of my face and maybe even on my cheeks if I wanted a more subtle highlight. It’s REALLY beautiful in person! With my tan, I currently wear Hourglass Immaculate Foundation in Chestnut and YSL Fusion Ink Foundation in Mocha B70. Hope this helps any darker ladies/gents eyeing this.

I’ve seen comments about the letters on other sites, but I think it’s fun 🙂

Bonnie Avatar

Alright alright alright Dior! Way to go (finally) on a quality product!!! It’s been a while! Lol I’ll definitely pick this up. I have a soft spot for Dior, as I peddled their wares for a couple years. I wish it wasn’t LE! Their best stuff always is!!!

Amalia Avatar

The lipstick ( OCC Memento ) is so beautiful on you! Is there any possibility for a review / swatches / comparison of Tom Ford lipstick #01 Spanish Pink? Thank you for your time!

We try to approve comments within 24 hours (and reply to them within 72 hours) but can sometimes get behind and appreciate your patience! 🙂 If you have general feedback, product review requests, off-topic questions, or need technical support, please contact us directly. Thank you for your patience!