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Kevyn Aucoin Sunlight The Celestial Skin Liquid Illuminating Emulsion Review, Photos, Swatches

Kevyn Aucoin Sunlight The Celestial Illuminating Emulsion
Kevyn Aucoin Sunlight The Celestial Illuminating Emulsion

Kevyn Aucoin Sunlight The Celestial Illuminating Emulsion ($52.00 for 1.0 fl. oz.) is a medium-dark brown with warm, golden pearl. Tower 28 Gold Coast (P, $20.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). CoverGirl Bronze (200) (DC, $9.99) is more shimmery (95% similar). Becca Topaz (P, $38.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). Tarte Park Ave Princess (PiP, ) is more shimmery (95% similar). Kevyn Aucoin Sunlight (P, $44.00) is more shimmery, cooler (95% similar). Fenty Beauty Brown Sugar (LE, $60.00) is less pigmented (90% similar). Cover FX Candlelight (P, $42.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). elf Sun Chaser (P, $7.00) is darker (90% similar). elf Summer Fridays (P, $7.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). Wet 'n' Wild Go With the Glow (P, $5.99) is darker (90% similar). Becca Strength (P, $38.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). Anastasia Iced Out (P, $34.00) is lighter, less pigmented, cooler (90% similar). Makeup Geek Sunlight (LE, $20.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar). Milk Makeup Glazed (P, $28.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar). Fenty Beauty Afternoon Snack (PiP, $36.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar). Charlotte Tilbury Tan/Dark (6) (P, $44.00) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar). NARS Laguna (P, $38.00) is lighter (90% similar). Auric Citrine (P, $45.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (80% similar). Auric Goldstone (P, $45.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (80% similar). Dior Tan Bronze (LE, ) is more shimmery, cooler (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

The Celestial Skin Liquid Illuminating Emulsion is supposed to be a “weightless highlighter” that “stays put for “12 hours” that can be used as a “primer, foundation, or even a highlighter.” It has a thin, liquid-like consistency that’s more watery than it is substantial, so it mixes well with a variety of products without adding heaviness. I’m a big fan of using this type of product mixed with moisturizer or liquid foundations for an all-over glow. Of the three shades available, Sunlight is the shade that adds the most noticeable color when applied to the skin, so those with lighter complexions may want to experiment and use a bit less if they want to retain the subtle effect of the other two shades when mixing in for all-over use. Those with deeper skin tones may find this works better than the other two shades for all-over. It can still be used as a subtle highlighter on its own, especially as the thinner consistency makes it very spreadable (but harder to leave in place, as it will take forever to dry down in a thick layer!). It gave my skin a soft, golden sheen that’s slightly dewy (but not oily or shiny) and a touch of warmth. When I tried it as a primer, it added an hour or so of wear to my base products, and when I wore it alone as a highlighter on cheeks (over bare skin), it lasted for eight and a half hours. This shade is very similar to its powder version.

Kevyn Aucoin Sunlight The Celestial Illuminating Emulsion
Kevyn Aucoin Sunlight The Celestial Illuminating Emulsion

Kevyn Aucoin Sunlight The Celestial Illuminating Emulsion
Kevyn Aucoin Sunlight The Celestial Illuminating Emulsion

Kevyn Aucoin Sunlight The Celestial Illuminating Emulsion
Kevyn Aucoin Sunlight The Celestial Illuminating Emulsion

Kevyn Aucoin Sunlight The Celestial Illuminating Emulsion
Kevyn Aucoin Sunlight The Celestial Illuminating Emulsion

Kevyn Aucoin Sunlight The Celestial Illuminating Emulsion
Kevyn Aucoin Sunlight The Celestial Illuminating Emulsion

Makeup Look
On face:
  • Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Foundation
  • Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder
On eyes:
  • Chantecaille Eye Colors (Seashell
  • Triton
  • Starfish
  • Lagoon)
On lips:
  • NARS Apoline Audacious Lipstick

18 Comments

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kjh Avatar

In the copy, you mention different manners of use. I assume that the photo is as a highlighter, over foundation. Right? Very natural, subtle, and lovely on you. I thought it would be much more intense. This formula is more versatile than many.

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